Unfortunately, counter to its simplified mantra, BMW will not offer a manual transmission on the 128ti, instead the only option is the Aisin eight-speed torque converter as in the M135i.

The 'F40' 1 Series' predecessors were based on rear-wheel drive (RWD) platforms, as was every other model in BMW's long history – to that point. Ironically, though, the F40 1 Series' performance ...

The 'F40' 1 Series' predecessors were based on rear-wheel drive (RWD) platforms, as was every other model in BMW's long history – to that point. Ironically, though, the F40 1 Series' performance ...

Sadly, this US enthusiasm came to nothing when BMW decided not to introduce the new 128ti to the US market. This left American enthusiasts to yearn for what could have been quite a formidable ...

The BMW 128ti was a front-wheel-drive hot hatch rival to the Golf GTI, praised for its handling but limited in sales but unavailable in the U.S. marke ...