DecodedCars2013 BMW 1 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 128i 2dr Coupe RWD, 135i 2dr Coupe RWD, Cabriolet 128i 2dr Conv RWD, Cabriolet 135i 2dr Conv RWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 172 in
- Curb weight
- 3,208–3,660 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 BMW 1 Series is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 172 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,208 lb (128i 2dr Coupe RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 5% better than the 2013 subcompact car average of 22 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2013
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 1 Series — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 1 Series →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 128i 2dr Coupe RWD | 172 in | 68.9 in | 55.5 in | 104.7 in | 57.5 / 58.3 in | 3,208 lb | 52/48 |
| 135i 2dr Coupe RWD | 172 in | 68.9 in | 55.5 in | 104.7 in | 57.5 / 58.3 in | 3,373 lb | 52/48 |
| Cabriolet 128i 2dr Conv RWD | 172 in | 68.9 in | 55.5 in | 104.7 in | 57.9 / 58.7 in | 3,494 lb | 52/48 |
| Cabriolet 135i 2dr Conv RWD | 172 in | 68.9 in | 55.5 in | 104.7 in | 57.9 / 58.7 in | 3,660 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 135i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +5% | $3,550 | 387 |
| 135i Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | 0% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 128i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | 0% | $3,750 | 407 |
| 128ci Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | 0% | $3,750 | 407 |
| 128i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 414 |
| 128ci Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 427 |
| 135i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -9% | $4,100 | 432 |
| 135i Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -9% | $4,100 | 433 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 BMW 1 Series.
Similar 2013 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 BMW 1 Series (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2013 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 BMW X1 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Lexus CT | 42 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Acura ILX | 38 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2013 Volvo C70 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Jan 15, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V017000 · 59,965 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V071000 · 840,000 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2013 BMW 1 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 BMW 1 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 3 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 1,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 BMW 1 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 1 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 1 Series | 23 | 172 in | Not rated | 4 | 0 |
| 2011 1 Series | 23 | 172 in | Not rated | 5 | 27 |
| 2010 1 Series | 22 | 172 in | Not rated | 4 | 5 |
| 2009 1 Series | 22 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 14 |
| 2008 1 Series | 22 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 13 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →