Interior

The 128i'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 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 128i 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.

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    Automatic-Transmission
    Switching off the engine 1. Engage transmission position P with the vehicle stopped. 2. Press the Start/Stop button. The engine is switched off. The radio ready state is switched on. 3. Set th ...

    Display
    ▷ Lines, arrow 1: the system is activated. ▷ Arrows, arrow 2: at least one lane marking was detected and warnings can be issued. ...

    Front fog lamps
    The parking lamps or low beams must be switched on. Press the button. The green indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up. If the automatic headlamp control, is activated, the low b ...