Hoping to recreate the buzz that the legendary 2002 built for BMW some 40 years ago, designers created a new, small Beemer. The 1 series. Early on, there were a few skeptics who said the car was too expensive to be a modern 2002. As reviewers began driving the car though, we began to hear rave reviews. Some even thought the car eclipsed the big brother 3 series when it came to fun factor. Here in The Garage, we remained somewhat skeptical. Until that is, we drove a 135is.
Attractive in a modern BMW sort of way, comfortable, responsive and fast as hell, the 1 Series has raised the bar for small performance cars. It even has a back seat the kids won’t squawk about.
Enough reading, let’s get on with the video. After the break of course!
Autocross at IMPA 08 from Scott Simmons on Vimeo.
So how does the 135 stack up to say the Infiniti G35 or 36?
Another 2 door coupe I lust over.
A.
You know, I love driving the first gen G. The back seat is snug but usable enough for a couple of little guys, probably more so than in the 1. As a driver though, I think the 1 comes out on top.
I have the G37 in February I think, so we’ll see how it fares soon.
I saw one with a baby seat in parked beside my Mazda the other day, first thought there is hope, but the 2nd was god I hope the kid can climb in them-self because there is no way I’d lift him in without taking out my back.
Still love the sound the 35 makes, I guess I’ll have to reserve myself to a 3 series. Darn.