The sporty two-doors had a controversial exterior design with inspiration drew from the iconic BMW 2002, with sculpted sporty lines and dominating panels.
Sharing most of its mechanical components with the 3-Series, that Series 1 offered a precise handling and great ride comfort.

The Series 1 coupe was available in two trim levels, the 128i and the 135i.

Standard equipment offered with the 128i included 17-inch alloys, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a 10-speaker audio system.

The 128i equipped with Series 1 with a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine that produced 230 hp and 200 pound-feet of torque.

Stepping up to the 135i trim level, the standard equipment included a tweaked suspension, 18-inch alloys, a sunroof, xenon headlights and automatic climate control, besides the features of the 128i.

Numerous optional packages were available for both trim levels, adding sport seats, a sport suspension, upgraded interior trim, mood lighting, Bluetooth connectivity, leather upholstery, a navigation system, a premium audio system, rear parking assist and heated front seats.

The 135i trim level offered a more powerful unit, a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder that cranked out 300 hp and 300 lb.-ft of torque.

Safety wise, standard equipment included antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

After years of hesitations and “not now” moments, BMW took the gamble and launched a smaller coupe than the 3-Series.
And the result was a pocket-rocket rear-wheel-drive.

The 1 Series hatchback was on the market since 2004 and, when the BMW decided to launch the 3-door and the coupe in 2007, it was based on the 5-door success. But it was just a few months before the world economic crisis. But considering that the 1 Series accounted for about 20% of the BMW global sales in 2008.

The unusual shape of the vehicle was designed by Chris Bangle, the same designer that made the ugliest 7-Series ever. But for the size of the 1-Series, its theories worked just fine and the 1 Series Coupe was a good looking car for its era. Even though it had some unusual shape for the headlights for a BMW, the overall shape was right and the proportions were according to the 1970s BMW 1600.

Inside, the dashboard was simple and it had a retractable screen for the i-Drive infotainment system that could have been controlled via a rotary knob on the central console.

A wide range of engines was available for the 1 Series coupe. The standard transmission was a 6-speed manual, while a 6-speed automatic was offered as an option.