Roadshow editors pick the products and services we write about. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission.

Photos: 2008 BMW 135i Coupe

Although we have some minor criticisms, the 2008 BMW 135i is, overall, an excellent car to drive every day or take out on the track. It scores big in both performance and cabin tech.

CNET Reviews staff headshot
CNET Reviews staff
1 of 19
CNET Networks
After a couple of years of production in Europe, BMW brings its new 1 series to the U.S. The car comes with two engine choices and two body styles. The 128i comes with a straight 3-liter six cylinder engine, while the 135i gets the same engine with twin turbochargers. Both versions can be had as a coupe or a convertible.
View Local Inventory
Read Full Review
2 of 19
CNET Networks
Although the 1 series is BMW's smallest car, the front retains the looks of the larger cars.
View Local Inventory
Read Full Review
3 of 19
CNET Networks
BMW stuffs a lot of engine under this hood. The 3-liter twin-turbo six cylinder is the same engine used in the 335i and the 535i. It produces 300 horsepower and 300 foot-pounds of torque.
View Local Inventory
Read Full Review
4 of 19
CNET Networks
We aren't crazy about the odd curves on the sides of the 135i. It appears to bow out along the running board, yet becomes concave in the door.
View Local Inventory
Read Full Review
5 of 19
CNET Networks
The back of the 135i looks abruptly cut off, with a quick drop of the cabin toward the rear. However, the rear seats aren't unusable. We found adequate legroom, as long as both front and rear occupants are shorter than six feet tall.
View Local Inventory
Read Full Review
6 of 19
CNET Networks
Because of the 135i's engine power, BMW fits the front wheels with six piston brake calipers, providing extra stopping power. While driving, we found that the brakes felt more road-tuned than track-tuned.
View Local Inventory
Read Full Review
7 of 19
CNET Networks
Luggage space is reasonable. The trunk isn't cavernous, but you could easily fit bags for two people.
View Local Inventory
Read Full Review
8 of 19
CNET Networks
The interior fit and finish is good, comporting with BMW's general quality. If this car were equipped with navigation, an LCD would pop up from the center of the dashboard.
View Local Inventory
Read Full Review
9 of 19
CNET Networks
The tight handling of the BMW is enhanced by this M steering wheel, an option on the 135i. It provides a good, thick grip for tackling the corners.
View Local Inventory
Read Full Review
10 of 19
CNET Networks
With the automatic transmission and M steering wheel, we also got paddle shifters. This was our least favorite part of the car, as the paddles are chunky, and mounted to the steering wheel.
View Local Inventory
Read Full Review
11 of 19
CNET Networks
BMW keeps a classic watch dial look for the instruments, reserving the center LED for trip computer information.
View Local Inventory
Read Full Review
12 of 19
CNET Networks
We had the six speed automatic transmission in our car. Its Sport mode downshifts fairly aggressively when you tap the brakes before a corner, and it has a manual mode. However, the base six speed manual would have been our preference.
View Local Inventory
Read Full Review
13 of 19
CNET Networks
Our 135i came optioned up with a USB/iPod connector and HD radio, along with the standard MP3-capable CD player.
View Local Inventory
Read Full Review
14 of 19
CNET Networks
The USB port sits under the console. There is also an iPod cable for it, but we found it works just fine with a standard USB thumbdrive.
View Local Inventory
Read Full Review
15 of 19
CNET Networks
Although the radio display provides minimal real estate, BMW does a good job of showing buttons for artist, album, and genre selection.
View Local Inventory
Read Full Review
16 of 19
CNET Networks
In testing out the HD radio, we found the quality improvement over standard radio to be subtle, but there.
View Local Inventory
Read Full Review
17 of 19
CNET Networks
The radio display makes it possible to see a list of folders on an MP3 CD.
View Local Inventory
Read Full Review
18 of 19
CNET Networks
The base audio system in our 135i was powerful, but not too impressive. There is a premium audio system upgrade available that includes two subwoofers.
View Local Inventory
Read Full Review
19 of 19
CNET Networks
Bluetooth cell phone integration with voice command comes standard. The cell phone integration is excellent, as it downloads your contact list and makes it accessible on the radio display.
View Local Inventory
Read Full Review
2021 Ford F-150 brings PowerBoost hybrid tech, OTA smarts

2021 Ford F-150 brings PowerBoost hybrid tech, OTA smarts

41 Photos
Toyota's RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid SUV really wows

Toyota's RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid SUV really wows

66 Photos
Check out the 2021 Ford F-150's gigantic touchscreen

Check out the 2021 Ford F-150's gigantic touchscreen

5 Photos
2021 Audi Q5 can be had one of three ways

2021 Audi Q5 can be had one of three ways

14 Photos
2021 Kia K5 aims for optimum sport without Optima

2021 Kia K5 aims for optimum sport without Optima

58 Photos
2022 VW Tiguan is a little sleeker, a little techier

2022 VW Tiguan is a little sleeker, a little techier

30 Photos
2021 Ford Bronco teasers slowly start to show the SUV

2021 Ford Bronco teasers slowly start to show the SUV

4 Photos