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.

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    Reading aloud
    Text messages, emails, appointments, tasks, and notes can be read aloud. 1.  Select the desired message, appointment, task, or note. 2.  Select the symbol. While the message is being rea ...

    Locking and unlocking
    Press the button in the vehicle. The doors and the tailgate are locked or unlocked when the front doors are closed, but they are not secured against theft. The fuel filler flap remains unlock ...

    Roadside parking lamps
    The vehicle can be illuminated on one side. Switching on With the ignition switched off, press the lever either up or down past the resistance point for approx. 2 seconds. Switching off Briefl ...