2008 BMW 1-Series Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Owner Pros and Cons by spri

Exterior styling

Looks cast from metal; rich paint; classy when top up or down. Side, front, back views match BMW ideal. Might be best achieved of the Chris Bangle designed bimmers.

Handling

Very "throw-it-around-safely" feel; excellent pick-up with light weight for 128 engine make for lively car.

Powertrain performance

Light weight helps powerful engine give real sense of quickness and ability to cruise.

Materials & workmanship

For a small car looking back to earlier 2001iix ideal, very solid and timeless look to interior. Nicely designed dash,

Brand reputation & image

The inclusion of 4-year repairs very attractive; car engineered to need little routine servicing.

Rear seat room & comfort

Either young children for longer drives or most adults for trips below 30-40 miles each way. Just a "small car" (though with more rear-room that Lexus 250-350 4-door series!).

Price or payments

Pricey, especially for convertible compared to coupe. Cost of auto-transmission silly compared to manuals -- and other autos. Early examples not offered with much discount from MSRP.

Cargo capacity

Trunk not the smallest, but taken with rear seat room, this is not a large storage capacity. Has some, little towing capacity.

Ride smoothness

Compared to 3-series, the 1-series lets you feel most bumps and any major potholes. Less weight than 3-series, more impact from bumps.

Depreciation

Costly.