DecodedCars2008 BMW 1 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 128i 2dr Coupe RWD, 135i 2dr Coupe RWD, Cabriolet 128i 2dr Conv RWD, Cabriolet 135i 2dr Conv RWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 171.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,250–3,380 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 BMW 1 Series is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 172 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,258 lb (128i 2dr Coupe RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 28 highway), 4% better than the 2008 subcompact car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 128i 2dr Coupe RWD | 171.7 in | 68.9 in | 55.5 in | 104.7 in | 57.5 / 58.3 in | 3,258 lb | |
| 135i 2dr Coupe RWD | 171.7 in | 68.9 in | 55.5 in | 104.7 in | 57.5 / 58.3 in | 3,380 lb | |
| Cabriolet 128i 2dr Conv RWD | 171.7 in | 68.9 in | 55.5 in | 104.7 in | 57.9 / 58.7 in | 3,250 lb | |
| Cabriolet 135i 2dr Conv RWD | 171.7 in | 68.9 in | 55.5 in | 104.7 in | 57.9 / 58.7 in | 3,250 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 128i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | +4% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 128i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | 0% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 128i Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | 0% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 128i Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | 0% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 135i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | 0% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 135i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 135i Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 135i Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
Spend $6,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.1 MPG2008 Subcompact Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 BMW 1 Series under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 BMW 1 Series (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 BMW 3 Series | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2008 Audi A4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Volvo S60 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Audi S4 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (3)
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Jan 15, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V017000 · 59,965 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V071000 · 840,000 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor · Jun 10, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V254000 · 31,935 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 1-SERIES VEHICLES. IN A CRASH OF SUFFICIENT SEVERITY, DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PRE-TENSIONER AND LOAD-LIMITER OCCURS.
- Risk
- THE INSULATION AROUND THE PRE-TENSIONER COULD IGNITE.
- Fix
- VEHICLES PRODUCED UP THROUGH DECEMBER 2009 WILL RECEIVE NEW FRONT SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR UNITS AND A MODIFICATION TO THE SOUND INSULATION NEAR THE UNITS, WHILE VEHICLES PRODUCED BETWEEN JANUARY 2010 AND MAY 2010 WILL RECEIVE A MODIFICATION TO THE SOUND INSULATION NEAR THE UNITS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2008 BMW 1 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
13Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
93,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 BMW 1 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 6 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Seats — 3 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Exterior Lighting — 3 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 93,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 BMW 1 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 1 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 1 Series | 23 | 172 in | Not rated | 2 | 3 |
| 2012 1 Series | 23 | 172 in | Not rated | 4 | 0 |
| 2011 1 Series | 23 | 172 in | Not rated | 5 | 27 |
| 2010 1 Series | 22 | 172 in | Not rated | 4 | 5 |
| 2009 1 Series | 22 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 14 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →