Exterior

With standard visual cues that come only with the 128i's optional M Sport Package, the 135i has an aggressive front bumper with three large air inlets. Xenon headlights are standard, and they carry a white bordering up top for 2012, mirroring the headlight treatment across most other BMWs. These lights include a string of LEDs embedded in the caps, a visual cue used in the automaker's redesigned 6 Series.

Rather than the 3 Series convertible's folding metal hardtop, the 135i convertible has a fabric soft-top that can open or close in 22 seconds, BMW says. It operates at speeds up to 25 mph.

The 1 Series remains a small car overall, about 2 inches shorter and narrower than a Scion tC. The popular 3 Series coupe, in comparison, measures about 10 inches longer.

    See also:

    Initiating an Emergency Request
    1. Press the cover briefly to open it. 2. Press the SOS button until the LED in the button lights up. The LED lights up: an Emergency Request was initiated. If the situation allows, wait ...

    After a power failure
    Only put the parking brake into operation after a power failure The parking brake should only be put into operation again if it was manually released due to an interruption in the supply of el ...

    Use coasting conditions
    When approaching a red light, take your foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to a halt. On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle roll. The flo ...