Car Auto Magazine

This is the second generation of BMW’s direct injection which plays a key role to reduce fuel consumption and to offer excellent power at the same time. The injectors are positioned directly next to the spark plug, which allows a very precise metering of the injected fuel. A little indicator in the instrument cluster suggests which gear you should be in to maximize your fuel economy, which should come in slightly better than the 335i’s respectable 17/26 city/highway EPA mileage numbers.

Of course, the 128i and 135i will also be available with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Similar to the automatics found in the 3-series, it will use an innovative torque converter complete with an integrated torsion damper in order to reduce energy losses and shorten the reaction time for changing gears. Naturally, a manumatic function as well as paddle shifters (in the 135i) will be included.

So, if the 135i isn't quite at an M-car level of entertainment, what about an M version of the 1-series? “There always must be space for improvement,” is the only answer we could coax from 1-series project leader Gerd Schuster about the probability of a high-performance version of the 1-series. But we have reason to believe an M1 is in the works with a twin-turbo four-cylinder. It won’t necessarily have more horsepower than the 135i, but with sharper reactions and a lighter body and engine, the M1 would clearly be king of the compact-car segment.