BMW->ke178 is set to unveil the facelift version of the 1 Series->ke313, both coupe and convertible, at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, but before the drapes fall, BMW has decided to offer the first details on the new models just a few weeks earlier.

For the 2012 model year, the 1 Series has received carefully selected design modifications, optimized aerodynamics, and attractive equipment features. What we don't know about yet is the engine lineup, but we assume that it will be coming in the same setup as before. The only modifications that may be made are for the 135i, which will see its 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine dropped in favor of a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine.

For the interior, the standard version now includes a wide range of features that further reinforce the strong sense of quality and refinement. The interior trim strip range has been revised and now includes an Alpine White version.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 - 2013 BMW 1 Series

2012 - 2013 BMW 1 Series

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 - 2013 BMW 1 Series
  • Engine/Motor: inline-6
  • Horsepower: 230 @ 6500
  • Torque: 200 @ 2750
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Exterior and Interior

For the exterior, the 1-Series Coupe receives a restyled front apron, a black trim strip enhancing the central under-bumper air intake, apron-integrated fog-lamps, and new vertical air intakes. Resized vertical ventilation slits in the front apron channel air into the wheel arches.

The most important changes on the exterior, however, are the restyled and more attractive headlights and rear lights. The L-shaped rear light cluster now features a new, all-red housing, while xenon headlights receive integrated LED accent lights.

Also, new for the 2012 model year are two new exterior colors: Vermilion Red and Marrakesh Brown. The exterior changes are rounded off with new 17-inch alloy wheels in star-spoke and Streamline styling, and 18-inch V-spoke alloy wheels with mixed tires.

The interior gets a sports leather steering wheel with shift paddles and an M leather steering wheel plus a new range of seat upholstery and decorative trim.

2011 Model Year Standard Features

-Leatherette

-Power, heated mirrors

-Power windows and door locks

-Cruise control

-Dual-zone climate control

-Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob

-10-speaker audio system

-17-inch alloy wheels

-Run-flat tires

2012 Model Year Standard Features

-All 2011 model year features, plus:

-Bluetooth wireless connection

Engine

The 2012 1 Series comes in only two formats: 128i and 135i. The former gets a 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine that produces 230 horsepower. This engine hooks up to a six-speed manual transmission standard, but you can opt for a six-speed automatic transmission. With the manual transmission, the 128i hits 60 mph in 5.9 seconds in coupe form and the convertible hits 60 in 6.7 seconds.

The 2012 135i receives TwinPower Turbo Technology to tune the 3.0-liter engine to 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual and the optional transmission is a seven-speed automated manual, dubbed the DCT. The manual-equipped 135i hits 60 mph in 5 seconds and the DCT takes 6.2 seconds to hit 60 in coupe form. The convertible model with a manual hits 60 mph in 5.5 seconds.

In 2013, the 135is took the place of the 1M with its 3.0-liter engine tuned to 320 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. In coupe form, the 135is hits 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with a manual transmission – the standard transmission – and the seven-speed automatic transmission does the same in 4.8 seconds. The convertible version hits 60 mph in 5.2 seconds with the manual transmission and 5.1 seconds with the automatic.

2012 – 2013 Drivetrain Specifications

Model

Engine

Horsepower @ RPM

Torque @ RPM

0-to-60 (Sec)

Fuel Economy (city/hwy/)

128i Coupe

3.0-Liter I-6

230 @ 6,500

200 @ 2,750

Manual: 6.1 Automatic: 6.7

Manual: 19/28 Automatic: 18/28

128i Convertible

3.0-Liter I-6

230 @ 6,500

200 @ 2,750

Manual: 6.4 Automatic: 7.0

Manual: 19/28 Automatic: 18/28

135i Coupe

TwinPower Turbo 3.0-Liter I-6

300 @ 5,800

300 @ 1,300

Manual: 5.1 Automatic: 5.0

Manual: 20/28 Automatic: 18/25

135i Convertible

TwinPower Turbo 3.0-Liter I-6

300 @ 5,800

300 @ 1,300

Manual: 5.4 Automatic: 5.3

Manual: 19/28 Automatic: 18/25

135is Coupe

TwinPower Turbo 3.0-Liter I-6

320 @ 5,800

317 @ 1,300

Manual: 4.9 Automatic: 4.8

Manual: 20/28 Automatic: 18/25

135is Convertible

TwinPower Turbo 3.0-Liter I-6

320 @ 5,800

317 @ 1,300

Manual: 5.2 Automatic: 5.1

Manual: 19/28 Automatic: 18/25


Pricing

2012 - 2013 Model Year Pricing

Model

2012 MSRP

2013 MSRP

128i Coupe

$31,200

$31,200

128i Convertible

$36,900

$36,900

135i Coupe

$39,300

$39,300

135i Convertible

$44,100

$44,100

135is Coupe

N/A

$43,250

135is Convertible

N/A

$47,950


Competition

The new BMW 1-Series joins some stiff competition on the market with the Audi TT->ke1081 - also offered in both coupe and convertible - and the Infiniti G37->ke2402 offered in two distinctive versions.

While the Infiniti G is mostly offered for customers looking for luxury, the real battle will be between the 1-Series and the TT. Both models are sporty and offer the same amount of interior convenience. However, the TT is considered a girly car, while the 1-Series looks much more aggressive. We guess it comes down to customer preference.