Choosing which options to take with your new car can be almost as daunting as choosing the car itself. We sifted through the BMW online configurator to see what options you would be presented with when ordering a new BMW 1 Series. Some of them are cosmetic, some are safety and others are convenience related. Either which way, they are sure to improve your ownership experience and help you extract the most from your new purchase.
It's worth noting that some of these options and extras may not be available for the model you have chosen either because they're only available for the M Sport version or because they're standard fitment on the M135i.
Related: BMW M135i xDrive (2020) Video Review - Breaking Tradition
1. 19-inch M 552 Alloy Wheels
Fair enough, a set of wheels isn't going to make your life any easier or your drive more enjoyable, but every time you walk up to or away from your new BMW 1 Series, you'll know that you're making a statement.
These rather large 19-inch wheels will fill up the arches and create the impression of sportiness and class. The wider tyres will also provide a bit of additional stability as you drive.
We think they complement a light-coloured car brilliantly, so if you're looking at a white or silver machine, it's worth considering these wheels.
2. Adaptive LED headlights
While the standard lights will do you just fine, BMW's Adaptive LED units offer unrivalled illumination of the road ahead. LED lights have a longer lifespan than traditional, expensive HID bulbs and the LED elements should never need replacing. The Adaptive LED headlights use LEDs for both the dipped and high-beam lights and will adjust according to road conditions, ambient light and vehicle speed.
In conjunction with the LED headlights, you will also get the automatic high-beam function that allows you to drive with your brights one and not blind oncoming traffic. The LED headlights will create a darker spot around the vehicle that is either in front of you or approaching.
3. Seat Heating
Perfect for those chilly winter mornings, seat heating allows you to switch on elements in the seat to raise the temperature. Anyone who has driven in a car with leather seats will know that they tend to be rather hot in summer and freezing cold in winter. Dodge that bullet with the seat heater functionality for both the driver and the passenger with individual controls for each, allowing a choice of three settings.
4. Live Cockpit Professional
Get the most out of the time you spend in your new BMW 1 Series with the Live Cockpit Professional. This addition sees the infotainment and driver display switched out to include two 12.3-inch screens with one ahead of the driver and one for the infotainment system. This will allow you to customise your own display and present your preferred information in the driver display.
Included in the package is connectivity to allow for Real-Time Traffic Information (RTTI) with the ability to locate services such as petrol stations and parking.
5. Comfort Access
It's the small things that make the biggest difference and Comfort Access is just that. It will allow you to unlock and open the doors of the car by simply touching the door handle - provided the key is close enough to register. This eliminates the need to fumble and search for the key as you make your way to the car. You can leave you key in your pocket and still enter the vehicle.
Comfort Access also includes push-button start so that you never have to take the key out of your pocket, even to start the car. This sort of convenience is one of those small luxuries that you never knew you needed.
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