There Can Only Be 1

2012 BMW 135i Convertible

Say hello to the all new 1 Series from BMW. From the face of it, it doesn't look all that different. But, if you look closely, you can see that there are new LED light brows on top of the famous BMW light rings. The rear lights are much different as well.

Rear Lights

These LED taillights are now curved resembling that of the 5 series. Other than that, it's your same old 1 series. Under the hood of the 135i is BMW's new N55 3.0-liter Twin-Scroll Turbocharged Inline-6 engine producing 300 horsepower. This engine can be connected to a regular 6-speed manual shifter or BMW's new 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission. The results: 0 to 60 in 5 seconds with the DCT and 5.1 seconds with the regular manual. Whichever transmission you choose though, you will still reach a limited top speed of 155 MPH. The 128i still harnesses the 3.0-liter Naturally-Aspirated Inline-6 engine producing 230 horsepower. 0 to 60 is reached in 6.5 seconds with a limited top speed of 130 MPH. Whichever model you choose, these are both very fast little cars. The price for all this goodness: just a smudge under $30,000, which is actually good value for a car that's small and handles as well as an E46 M3. The new 1 Series will be making headway into showrooms next spring.