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:

    Visual warning
    The approach of the vehicle to an object can be shown on the Control Display. When the distance to an object is small, a red bar is shown in front of the vehicle, as it is in the PDC display. ...

    Interior motion sensor
    For the sensor to function properly, the windows and glass sunroof/panoramic glass sunroof must be closed. ...

    The concept
    The system is functional at speeds beginning at approx. 20 mph/30 km/h. It maintains the speed that was set using the control elements on the steering wheel. The system brakes on downhill gradie ...