2008 BMW 1 Series 128i Convertible

Pros

Great looks, smooth Steptronic automatic transmission, powerful engine

Cons

I-Pod is temperamental, no other cons

My wife and I picked up the car in Munich in June taking advantage of the European Delivery Program, a very pleasant experience, well oranized and highly recommendable if you plan on traveling through Europe. And it saves $4,500 off the MSRP. We drove the car over 11 Alpine passes in Austria, Italy, France and Switzerland in two weeks (1,750 miles). The most thrilling experience was the drive up the Stilfser Joch in northern Italy with its 48 hairpin curves. The car's handling was just outstanding and the Steptronic feature performed flawlessly. The engine's power was more than ample, zooming by other cars and busses on steep mountain roads even in 10,000 ft. altitude , or on the Autobahn at 130mph.
With the top down the trunkspace was OK for one big suitcase and smaller bags for camera etc . A second suitcase was stored on the backseat with the backrest in the down position to protect the leather seat. When we parked in questionable urban areas, we closed the top in 22 seconds and put the second suitcase also in the trunk. No big deal.
We dropped off the car in Zurich and received it in Chicago 5-1/2 weeks later.
The car's mileage is now 8,000 and except for a new I-Pod module I experienced no other trouble and enjoy driving this car every day.
This is my fifth BMW and replaces a 1998 convertible 328i, which I drove without major repairs for 120,000 miles.
After a great summer, too bad winter is coming to Chicago....read morehide

Pros

Reasonably priced, fun to drive, high ride quality, somewhat luxurious

Cons

Could be faster, more expensive than the Audi A3, where's the power?

Like many cars, the BMW 128i convertible has its ups and downs. Although it's not a super exotic race car, a 230 horsepower V6 engine under the hood gets the car to 60mph in a decent 7.3 seconds. What was more impressive than the 0 to 60mph run, however, was the backroad bombing. It's easy to make this car go pretty quick along highways or windy canyon roads, and with the top down, it's guarenteed to be a pretty entertaining convertible. The 08 128i convertible is neither expensive nor inexpensive for what it actually is. It starts at about $32,000 for 2008, which is more expensive than the Pontiac Solstice convertible and Audi A3, but considering what a fun little car it is, the 128i is worth the money, but not by much. Standard luxury features include power front seats, premium surround sound, leather-wrapped steering wheel, satellite radio, cruise control, and 6-disc CD changer. So it isn't a real elegant car, though for normal people, there are enough amenities to keep the driver happy and relaxed. So overall, I'd rate the 128i at an 86%, a B. It's a somewhat luxurious convertible that has high ride quality and is quite fun to drive, though the price isn't real low, and power and performance are limited. If you want more of everything, try the BMW 135i convertible....read morehide

Pros

Love the look, the handling is pure BMW, good brakes, good cabrio top insulation

Cons

Pretty rough ride, really bad on gas for this size car, reliability is hit or miss, expensive as 328

Basically I fell in love the moment I saw the car and knew I had to have it.

The ride is fairly rough but thats why it handles good.

The interior is a bit cheap and low quality.

The gas mileage is really bad. I need to fill it up 2 times a week. I drive a lot for work and this is my only car. Bad choice. I get 14/19 city highway miles. Much lower than EPA ratings.

If you read all the "most helpful" reviews in this Yahoo section you will know more about it. I suggest clicking above on "most helpful" and read those reviews. They cover it better...read morehide

Pros

Gas Mileage Incredible.

Cons

Nothing yet.

I haven't driven anything like this in my life. The smooth slick conture and the quick response results on the road make this "simply the best". Technically this car is superior and BMW got the price right.

I LOVE IT

Pros

Very Nice

Cons

No complains

Very Nice car. No complains at all. We had good experience while on test drive. Car is Smooth & silent

Pros

Smooth Handling

Cons

Pricey

Love my 2008 BMW 1 Series. Handling and acceleration is great. Compact enough to fit 4 ppl. Gotta test drive one yourself to feel the "driving machine"

Pros

Performance, ride, value. Just plain Fun!

Cons

RF tires. cupholders.

I live in Germany. My wife and I picked the 128i Convertible after driving the Volvo C70 and the 328i Convertible. Bottomline: It performs and handles like a BMW should. It's $10k and 8.4 inches shorter than the 328i. A lot more fun to drive than the Volvo.
On my wife's test drive, my head hit the headrest twice, in an automatic? The accelerator is that sensitive. It was quick, smooth, and quiet to a 100 MPH. Didn't really see the need for twin turbos in this Convertible. We bought a convert. to enjoy the drive, not play with the electronics or be amazed at the top speed. Not the car for those who, "must go faster," and pass everybody on the Autobahn. Gas mileage is function of acceleration.
Either you like the sheet metal or not. We liked it.
We got the Performance and Sport pkgs with auto. Only way to get the Sport seats was with the Sport package. Which means paddle shifters (auto) too.
Back seat is not for long trips. It is only acceptable to take folks to lunch or luggage for two..
Get the European Delivery discount, it will cover your airfare to Germany and you'll be able to cruise the Autobahn in style. Enjoy....read morehide

Pros

Roof, handling, fuel economy, comfort

Cons

Monochromatic interior, tad pricey

I just finished an 800 mile road trip across NM and CO and thought I'd write a real review. Many of the reviews here are junk and I suspect fakes. I bought the 128Ci after testing and reviewing many cars from a VW Eos to a MB CLK 350. The final choice was between the BMW 328 and 128. The 328 has an impossibly small trunk w/top down and costs $10 more with no better ride or handling. I was looking for a good comfortable car to own forever and to use on roadtrips across the country so I avoided turbos and the more complicated I-drive/Nav system. My car was 328Ci w/automatic, premium and cold weather packages for your evaluation. Final price was $38.8k w/discount. I and my girlfriend drove this car over desert, mountains, winding roads, open roads and over 11000 foot altitudes in good weather. The car is FANTASTIC! Here are the high points: 1. The roof has amazing sound dampening qualities for a soft top. This was an unexpected pleasant surprise compared to 3 other conv's I've owned. The top is quick and tight. Did not leak in car washes either. 2. The basic sound system is quite good and has a nice aux/Ipod attachement conveniently located in the middle console. 4. Seats are very comfortable and supportive. 5. Handling is true beemer even in a basic model with no sport suspension. 6. My girlfriend was driving w/a big smile and concentrating hard when I pointed out we were doing over 100mph and she was shocked and said she "couldn't feel it" because it was so smooth. 7. Automatic shifts are smooth and the manual mode was useful in the mts. 8. Vision is terrific, the best of any conv. I've had. 9. Cool little features like one button for all windows, folding mirrors, and rear seat pass through and more. 10. Break in mileage averaged 25.5 mpg early on and later...11. You won't believe it but on the last leg of the trip today, from Ridgeway, CO to Pueblo up and over the central highlands of CO over winding roads and mountain passes the car averaged 32.2mpg at avg speed of 54.5mph. I checked by hand and got 32.7mpg. Amazing! Your driving style will make a difference but this was great. Power was fine all around, but you can get the 135 if you want the real sports car. 12. Car handled bumps and potholes just fine with run flats and normal suspension. Smooth ride all around. 13. Air conditioning system works great with top up or down in cold or heat. Has sensors that actually adjust to sunshine and other factors. The bottom line is that the 128 convertible seems to be everything I hoped for in a roadtrip car with a nice balance of power, gas mileage, comfort and handling. The back seats are not bad either. Remember this is the smallest BMW made except for Mini's and unless you're really long legged you should be able to accomodate rear passengers. This car is also a first year model and is badged around the start button and might be valuable. Based on history, the resale value will be tops, too. If you're in the market for a sporty classy convertible, start with this one. It's been a gem for me. Hope this review helps some of you make your decision....read morehide