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.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
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.