CAR ARTICLES

2011 BMW 1-Series 128I Coupe Edition Review

Overview
Inspired by the iconic BMW 2002 of yore, the BMW 1 Series made what was once quirky and styled it into a modern day performance coupe. The smallest vehicle BMW offers in the U.S., the 1 Series gives you everything the 3 Series does, but in a smaller, tidier package.

The sporty, nimble 1 Series is a perfect getaway vehicle for two. There is a back seat, but it is best suited to storage room and not passengers -- especially for a long haul. When the seatback of the front seat almost touches the seat cushion of the rear, you know room is limited.

Unlike most of its BMW kin, the 1 Series remains a simple vehicle with few variants and only two engine options, both of which are 3.0-liter inline sixes, one fitted with a turbo. For 2011, 1 Series buyers now have the option of one more transmission option -- BMW's coveted seven-speed DCT dual-clutch automated manual. There is only one thing we are still waiting for BMW to give us with the 1 Series -- an M version -- which is in the offing.

The Range
Bodystyles: Coupe, convertible
Engines: 3.0 L I-6, 3.0L turbocharged I-6
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual
Models: 128i, 128i convertible, 135i, 135i convertible

What's New
There are two big changes in the 1 Series for 2011. BMW has dropped the dual turbocharger; in its place is a single twin-scroll unit. Engine power remains the same at 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, but it now reaches peak torque at 1200 rpm. Second is the addition of BMW's coveted 7-speed DCT transmission which is available for the first time in the 135i.

Exterior
The 1 Series styling features short overhangs in addition to a squared-off nose and rear end. While some laud it an interesting modern day interpretation of a classic BMW design, others find it frumpy.

Interior
The 1 Series is available with a choice of two upholstery options -- leatherette or rich Boston Leather. A 60/40 split rear seat is standard. The optional Sport Package includes sports bucket seats with enhanced side support.
Performance & Handling
For the first time since its introduction, the 1 Series gets BMW's dual-clutch automated 7-speed DCT transmission. Based off the 3 Series, only shorter, the 1 Series has almost go-cart handling characteristics without the teeth-rattling ride. Having equal power, lighter weight and costing a few dollars less than said 3 Series makes for a serious performance machine.
Safety
Driver and passenger front airbags are standard, along with side impact thorax bags and front and rear head curtain bags. OnStar Automatic Crash Response is also standard. Dynamic safety devices include standard traction control and stability control.
EPA Fuel Economy
128i manual: 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway
128i manual cabrio: 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway
128i automatic/DCT: 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway
128i automatic/DCT cabrio: 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway
135i manual: 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway
135i DCT: 18 mpg city/25 mp

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2011/bmw/1_series/128i_coupe/2974/review/index.html#ixzz1BclZO3g3

2011 BMW 1-Series 128I Coupe Edition Specification :
Performance :
* Engine: 3.0L in-line 6 double overhead cam with VVT ( 10.7 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
* Fuel: premium unleaded ( 91 octane)
* Fuel consumption: city= 18 (mpg); highway= 28 (mpg); combined= 22 (mpg); vehicle range: 308 miles
* Multi-point injection fuel system
* 14.0 gallon fuel tank
* Power: 230 HP ( 172 kW) @ 6,500 rpm; 200 ft lb of torque ( 271 Nm) @ 2,750 rpm

Handling :
* ABS
* Brake assist system
* Cornering brake control
* Four disc brakes including four ventilated discs
* Electronic brake distribution
* Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
* Immobilizer
* Stability control
* Strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs, multi-link rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs

Exterior :
* Painted front and rear bumpers
* Day time running lights
* Driver power heated painted door mirrors, passenger power heated painted door mirrors with automatic
* External dimensions: overall length (inches): 172.2, overall width (inches): 68.8, overall height (inches): 56.0, wheelbase (inches): 104.7, front track (inches): 58.3, rear track (inches): 59.6 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 35.1
* Front fog lights
* Complex surface lens halogen bulb headlights
* Luxury trim alloy & leather on gearknob, piano black on doors and piano black on dashboard
* Black paint
* Fixed rear window with defogger
* Weights: curb weight (lbs) 3,252
* Windshield wipers with automatic intermittent wipe and rain sensor

Interior :
* 12v power outlet: front
* Air conditioning with fully automated climate control 2 and auto
* Diversity antenna
* Front ashtray
* Manufacturer's own RDS audio system with digital radio and CD player CD player reads MP3
* Cargo capacity: all seats in place (cu ft): 10.0
* Front seats cigar lighter
* Clock
* Computer with average speed, average fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel consumption and range for remaining fuel
* Floor console
* Delayed/fade courtesy lights
* Cruise control
* Front seats cup holders
* External temperature
* Driver front airbag with multi-stage deployment, passenger front airbag with occupant sensors, occupant switch off and multi-stage deployment
* Bucket driver and passenger seat with height adjustment manual
* 3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners
* Front seat center armrest
* Two height adjustable head restraints on front seats and rear seats
* Headlight control with dusk sensor
* Heated washer
* Internal dimensions: front headroom (inches): 37.9, rear headroom (inches): 37.1, front leg room (inches): 41.4, rear leg room (inches): 32.0, front shoulder room (inches): 54.0 and rear shoulder room (inches): 53.4
* Low tire pressure indicator
* Remote power locks includes trunk/hatch, includes power windows and speed sensing
* Power steering
* Front power windows with two one-touch
* Front reading lights
* 3-point reel rear seat belts on driver side and passenger side
* Two asymmetrical bench/sports front facing rear seats with zero adjustments
* Rear view mirror
* Steering wheel mounted remote audio controls
* Remote control remote trunk/hatch release
* Front and rear side curtain airbag
* Vinyl seat upholstery with additional vinyl
* Seating: four seats
* Service interval indicator
* Front side airbag
* Ten speaker(s)
* Alloy & leather steering wheel with tilt adjustment and telescopic adjustment
* Tachometer
* Driver and passenger vanity mirror
* Ventilation system with micro filter, automatic recirculation and active carbon filter

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2011/bmw/1_series/128i_coupe/2974/specifications/handling_brakes_suspension.html#ixzz1BcqgZscG