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USCar Trader import service
Choose a specific vehicle. Where data is available, its detail page shows the import cost calculation. We assess any possible duty benefit with you before purchase.
Important: A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact us before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support through the process. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
CarHub · BMW
The BMW 1 Series sold in the United States is a different animal from the hatchback Europeans know.
Model profile
The first-generation 1 Series (E8x) reached the US as a 2008 model. The relevant body styles are the E82 two-door coupe and the E88 convertible. Trim names were 128i and 135i, and a small number of hardcore 1M Coupes arrived for 2011.
Powertrain and equipment
The 128i used the naturally aspirated 3.0-litre N52 straight-six with roughly 230 hp — smooth, reliable and light over the front axle.
Choose between the E82 coupe, the more relaxed E88 soft-top convertible, or the collector-grade 1M. US cars often carry the Premium and Sport packages, heated seats, Xenon lighting and, on some, the navigation system. The 135i frequently came with upgraded brakes and the M Sport aesthetic.
Vehicle selection
Supply is strongest for 2008–2013 128i and 135i coupes, with convertibles more seasonal. Manual-gearbox 135i cars are prized and move quickly.
This is a car for the driver who wants an honest, compact rear-drive BMW coupe with a tunable six-cylinder engine — a shrinking breed.
Vehicle data
| Body styles | E82 coupe, E88 convertible, 1M coupe |
|---|---|
| Length | approx. 4.36 m |
| Wheelbase | approx. 2.66 m |
| Kerb weight | roughly 1,450–1,570 kg |
| Seats | 4 |
| 128i engine | 3.0 N52 inline-6, ~230 hp |
|---|---|
| 135i engine | 3.0 twin-turbo N54 / turbo N55, ~300 hp |
| 1M engine | 3.0 N54, ~340 hp |
| Transmissions | 6-speed manual, 6-speed auto, 7-speed DCT (135i) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Fuel | Petrol (premium) |
| US model years | 2008–2013 |
|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h (135i) | roughly 5.0–5.3 s |
| Boot (coupe) | approx. 370 l |
| Build country | Germany (Leipzig/Regensburg) |
Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.
Pre-purchase review
The N54 is thrilling but has documented BMW 1 Series common problems: high-pressure fuel pump failures, wastegate rattle, injector and carbon build-up on the intake valves. The later N55 improved on some of these but can still suffer valve cover and oil filter housing gasket leaks.
Germany and Europe
US-market headlights use the FMVSS/SAE beam pattern, which differs from the ECE pattern required in the EU, so they may need adjustment or replacement with ECE-compliant units for registration.
Typical changes are headlight conversion, fitting a rear fog lamp, verifying the odometer, and presenting the US title.
USCar Trader services
As a buyer based in Germany, you do not have to inspect the vehicle yourself in the United States or Canada. Within the agreed scope, USCar Trader can coordinate document review, a separately commissioned on-site inspection and purchase processing.
Covered inspection points are agreed in advance. An on-site inspection records condition at the appointment and is not a guarantee.
Next step: Before commissioning, USCar Trader and the customer agree which document, history, inspection and transaction checks suit the vehicle and are included in the service. This records what was actually checked.
Import process
The assessment depends on the specific vehicle and the circumstances of the transaction. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review any possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are considered separately.
Questions and answers
Only the E82 coupe and E88 convertible (128i, 135i and the 1M), 2008–2013 — no hatchback or sedan.
No, not automatically. A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
For many enthusiasts, yes — the turbocharged six and rear-drive layout are hard to find locally in this size.
The 128i (N52) is the reliability pick; the 135i is stronger but needs fuel-system and cooling attention.
Import VAT and other taxes or costs are assessed separately under the applicable rules and the circumstances of the individual case. A blanket answer for every vehicle would not be reliable.
Yes, US manual cars are available and popular; we can target them specifically.
Yes, though rare and sought-after; provenance and originality checks are essential.
No — these share mechanicals with widely sold BMWs, so parts and service are readily available.
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