History
BMW launched the latest addition to the 1 Series line-up, the 1 Series Coupé (E82) in 2007. The car went on sale on 24 November 2007. The flagship of the range will be the 135i with a 3-litre twin-turbo petrol engine, generating 306 bhp with its six cylinders. This model also comes with a modified M sports package as standard.
On June 27, 2007, BMW released official information about the new upcoming 1-series Coupé. In Europe, the Coupé would be available fall 2007 in 3 engine specifications: the known 120d and the new 204 bhp 123d and 306 bhp 135i, both twin-turbo engines.On 30 June 2007, BMW of North America officially announced the 1-Series Coupé as a 2008 model (code named E82) and that will be the first 1 Series to go on sale in the USA. Two models are initially to be offered: the 128i and the 135i. The 128i will be powered by a 3.0 liter, 230 horsepower inline six cylinder engine. The 135i Coupé will be propelled by a 300 horsepower, twin turbocharged 3.0 liter inline six cylinder engine. Both engines are shared with 3-series models 328i and 335i.
Specifications
Like the three- and five-door BMW 1 Series models, the E82 also features various BMW EfficientDynamics components to reduce fuel consumption. The Coupé is 133 mm longer than the hatch, creating 20 litres of extra boot space. It is 220 mm shorter than 3-series Coupé (E92). 120d, 123d and 135i Coupés' announced unladen weights (EU) are 1450, 1495, and 1,560 kg (3,400 lb), respectively (corresponding to approx. 3,285 lb (1,490 kg) curb weight for the 135i - a 90 lb (41 kg) reduction from the 335i Coupé).
In July 2007, BMW announced they would be exporting the 128i and 135i Coupés to the United States in Spring 2008. The 135i is priced about $6,000 less than the 335i Coupé .
It has been said that the BMW 1 envokes memories of the E36 BMW, as stated in both Road and Track and Car and Driver Magazines.
The E88 1 Series Convertible
The 1 Series convertible (E88) officially debuted on September 29, 2007. The new 1-Series Cabriolet offers four petrol models ranging from the 118i's 143 bhp 2.0-litre unit to the 306 bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder 135i, while a 177 bhp four-cylinder turbodiesel is available now too.
The convertible is available with a fabric top, to differentiate it further from the now steel-roofed 3-series convertible E93. It is now in size and spirit very close to the original 3-series convertible.
