2008 BMW 1 Series: One Love

If you thought that BMW's 3 Series hearkened back to the original 1600 and 2002 offerings of 40 years ago, you're not alone. But the 3 has grown in size and price over those years, so according to BMW, the 1 Series is now the car line that recalls the old models that gave the brand its jump start in the United States.

The 1 Series has been available in Europe in hatchback form with diesel power, but we won't see those versions very soon.

The new 128i coupe is nearly 10 inches shorter than the comparable 328i model, but its wheelbase is shrunk by just four inches, giving the car a more athletic posture with shorter overhangs. It's also a bit taller and wider than the 3 coupe.

I'm not sure if all these attributes make the new 1 Series more spiritual, or if the 100-pound lighter weight is a game-changer, but the new coupe and convertible models should bring a few new buyers to BMW. The cars feel nimble and quick, especially with the standard six-speed manual transmission connecting the smooth inline engine to the rear wheels.

For those who desire an automatic, BMW's `Steptronic' is available for an additional $1,275.

The standard, non-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine delivers a nice balance of power and fuel economy along with a nearly $7,000 sticker advantage. For those who wish for more, the 135i is quite quick, with 0-to-60 sprints occurring in just 5.1-seconds. And it does this with twin-turbocharging efficiency, giving up only one MPG to the less powerful engine.

The 135i model incorporates functional front air vents like the M-Series cars to cool the brakes and has to leave off the fog lights to accommodate the added air. I don't know about you, but the thought of a few less drivers with fog lamps lit on a clear night is quite pleasing to this motorist.

It's too soon to tell if BMW has a solid hit on its hands, but I wouldn't bet against this car's success. Small is the big new thing these days and the 1 Series has all the ingredients that have kept BMW the target of every sports coupe or sedan builder. The weight distribution is perfect, styling dead on and if you watch the options, the price is reasonable.

Indeed, the model has created a bit of a buzz in the automotive press. Edmunds.com recently commented, "As a compact premium rear-drive coupe or convertible, the 2008 BMW 1 Series is in a class by itself. It's a class we'd like to enroll in, though..." In addition, Edmunds proclaimed that the 1 Series offers the "BMW driving experience at its purest," commenting particularly on the 1 Series' powerful and efficient engines, its high-quality interior and the usual array of goodies and add-ons. Those goodies and options include (some of these are standard, some are add-on options): a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, xenon adaptive headlights, automatic climate control, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, upgraded interior trim, mood lighting, BMW Assist, Bluetooth, leather upholstery and power front seats with driver memory.

Ultimately, as Edmunds.com mused, the compact size may not appeal to everyone, so, the BMW 1 Series may have a limited audience. However, "it'll reward that audience with brilliant engines and sublime handling that hearken back to Bimmers of yore."

EPA fuel economy: City: 22, Highway: 28