Review: BMW E82 1-Series coupe (2008-13)

Review: BMW E82.I 1-Series coupe (2008-11)

Overview

Released in May 2008, the BMW E82 Mk.I (E82.I) 1-Series was a small, two-door coupe. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive E82 1-Series coupe range initially consisted of two models: the 125i and 135i (the latter solely available as a ‘Sport’ variant). In November 2009, the range was expanded with the introduction of the 123d.

In May 2010, the 135i model was revised and fitted with a single turbo 3.0-litre six cylinder engine and available with a seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT); even so, peak power and torque outputs remained the same. In April 2011, the range was expanded as the 120i was released. The full range is given in the table below.

Compared to the E87 1-Series hatch on which it was based, the E82 1-Series Coupe was 133 mm longer (at 4360 mm), 3 mm narrower (1748 mm) and 7 mm lower (1423 mm), though wheelbase length was unchanged (2660 mm). Furthermore, the 1-Series coupe had double-pivot front suspension with MacPherson struts and independent, five-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, corner braking control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Features

Standard features for the 120i included 17-inch alloy wheels with runflat tyres, a six speaker stereo with CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB), air conditioning, leather seats and steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, front fog lamps, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, 12 volt power outlet, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, tyre pressure monitoring, trip computer and immobiliser. The 123d and 125i were further equipped with dual-zone climate control air conditioning, rear parking sensors and driver memory settings (seat and mirror positions).

Automatic models were also fitted with gearshift paddles behind the steering-wheel. The 123d also featured BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies such as ‘Auto Start-Stop’ (i.e. engine shutdown when stationary), electric power steering, Brake Energy Regeneration (controlling alternator output to recharge the battery when braking or coasting) and a gearshift indicator light. The 125i was also fitted with electric power steering and Brake Energy Regeneration.

Compared to the 123d and 125i, the 135i added 18-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension and upgraded brakes (with six piston front and two piston rear brake calipers), power adjustable front seats, bi-xenon headlights and ‘M’ aerodynamics package. The 135i was also fitted with an electronic differential lock which enabled the inside rear wheel to be slowed for improved traction.

Related links

• Press Kit: BMW E82.I 1-Series Coupe (June 2007)

Review: BMW E82.II 1-Series coupe (2011-13)

Overview

Released in August 2011, the E82 Mk.II (E82.II) 1-Series coupe introduced an expanded range with the introduction of the M Coupe, while the petrol models (i.e. the 120i, 125i and 135i) were fitted with idle-stop for improved fuel consumption.

Visually, the E82.II 1-Series coupe could be identified by its redesigned headlights which had an ‘accent line’ running along the top of the cluster and narrow front air intakes which directed air over the front wheels. Inside, the E82.II 1-Series coupe was also fitted with 60/40 split and folding rear seats.

Features

Compared to their E82.I predecessors, standard features for the E82.II 1-Series range were largely unchanged.

1-Series M Coupe

The 1-Series M Coupe was powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shift action and dry-sump lubrication. The 1-Series M Coupe was fitted with a variable M differential lock, upgraded suspension (additional front bracing and rear longitudinal sturts), wider track and more powerful brakes (360 mm ventilated and cross-drilled front discs and 350 mm rear discs). The 1-Series M Coupe also had conventional hydraulic power-assisted steering – rather than electric steering – for improved steering wheel.

Compared to the 135i, the 1-Series M Coupe featured 19-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker Harman Kardon sound system with hard-drive for music storage, Boston leather upholstery with Alcantara trim, satellite navigation with an 8.8-inch LCD, voice recognition, directional headlights, power folding mirrors and an alarm.

February 2013: High-Line editions

In February 2013, limited-run High-Line editions of the 120i, 125i and 123d models were released. The High-Line editions were distinguished by their 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, BMW’s ‘Business’ Navigation system, brown Boston leather upholstery with Platinum contrast stitching, bi-xenon headlights (with high-beam assist), ‘Edition’ door sill trims and anthracite roof liner. Visually, the High-Line editions could be identified by their chrome-faced kidney grille (with white sides on the vertical bars), chrome exterior trim and dark chrome exhaust trims; available paint finishes for the High-Line editions consisted of Space Grey, Black Sapphire and Mineral White.

Related links

• Press Kit: BMW E82.II 1-Series M Coupe (December 2010)
• Specifications: BMW E82.II 1-Series M Coupe (January 2012)
• Specifications: BMW E82.II 1-Series Coupe (February 2013)