Interior

The 135i's interior design is fairly traditional, with more upright shapes than sweeping contours. Dual-zone climate controls sit below the center air vents and optional navigation system, with BMW's latest-generation iDrive knob controller ahead of the center console. The system can now read text messages aloud or stream songs off a paired BlackBerry smartphone.

BMW says the cabin controls boast "a more refined look and feel" for 2012, though the layout is hard to distinguish from 2011's. In contrast to the seat belts that motor forward for easier reach in the 3 Series coupe, the 1 Series' belts are fixed onto the B-pillars.

On 135i coupes, the two-position backseat folds in a standard 60/40 split. The convertible offers only a center pass-through. Vinyl seats are standard, with leather optional. The M Sport Package adds unique headliner materials, an M-branded steering wheel and shifter, and sport seats with more aggressive side bolstering.

    See also:

    The concept
    After the mobile phone is paired once with the vehicle, the mobile phone can be operated via iDrive, the steering wheel buttons and via voiceactivated command. A paired mobile phone is automati ...

    Starting destination guidance
    1. "Navigation" 2. Make a destination entry. 3. "Accept destination" 4. "Start guidance" The route is shown on the Control Display. The distance to the destinati ...

    Displays in the instrument cluster
    Selected program The selected program is displayed in the tachometer. Program selection Pressing the button displays a list of the selectable programs. Display on the Control Display Prog ...