2009 BMW 1 Series User Reviews

Pros

It handles great, Fast and responsive. Great sporty look!!!!

Cons

Extras add up.

Purchased As New

I had mind special ordered, it took two months to get. But, boy was it worth the wait. It's the funnest car I have ever owned, in the past I leased Audi TT and Lexus IS 250 they don't come closed to this little car. If you get one adding the sports package is worth it. I also decided to get it with the red intirior and every one loves it. It's a purchase you won't regret....read morehide

Pros

Sun-reflective leather interior, fun to drive, comfortable.

Cons

Blind spot with top up, small gas tank.

Purchased As New

I've owned my 128i convertible since Aug. 2009. It's White w/ Savanna Beige/Black boston leather interior & a Black top. It has the Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, iPod/USB adaptor & 6-spd Auto transmission. I did several months of research before buying this car, and after a few months of ownership, here's my opinion: -- I had the dealer leave two convertible tops down for 1/2 hour on a 90 degree day... one w/ leather & the other w/ leatherette. I highly recommend leather over leatherette mainly because leatherette was blazing hot w/ the top down. The leather has sun-reflective technology, enabling it to deflect the sun and remain cooler to the touch. The leather seats are supple & super comfortable.
-- I love the Premium Package mainly because of the Bluetooth. No need for a cellphone headset, just unlock the door & your connected. You listen through the car radio speakers & just speak. I've had no problem using it w/ the top down. (I don't believe you can order Bluetooth as a stand alone option.) Nevertheless, all of the other Prem. Package features like the auto-dimming rearview mirror, power searts, lumbar support & ambiance light package are nice to have too.

-- The Cold Weather package. The heated steering wheel barely gets warm, but the heated seats are nice on those cool nights w/ the top down.

-- The iPod/USB adapter is sweet. No need to scroll through your handheld iPod via an aux. jack. You will see all songs as layed out on your iPod directly on the dashboard radio.

-- The 6-speed Steptronic Auto transmission is nice, but it cannot be compared to a stick shift. I could not find a dealer in the tri-state area with a 128i on the lot that had standard transmisson... ALL were automatic. I suggest you order the car from scratch if you want a stick, because I assure you they are hard to find on dealer lots.

-- This is my third BMW. I've owned the 2003 & 2006 3 series. By comparison, this 128i is my favorite of the three. The top is quick and effortless with the push of a button. There is however a nasty blind spot btw the passenger door and rear window w/ the top up. I've taken a few long road trips & several short drives. The 128i has the best suspension of any BMW I've owned. It's a relaxing cruiser with lots of power and unbelievable handling. One negative is that the gas tank is much smaller than my 3-series... about 100 miles smaller on a full tank! The trunk is decent for a convertible, and the rear seats are only good for kids. Regardless, buy this car if you love to drive, if you don't mind getting looks and you love the sun & wind. This is a great car!...read morehide

Pros

EVERYTHING

Cons

NOTHING

Purchased As New

I HAVE NOT HANDLED THIS VEHICLE IN SNOW BUT I HOPE FOR THE BEST. ANYWAY, THIS IS A FINE PHENOMENAL PIECE OF MACHINERY. I LOVE THE WAY IT TAKES OFF, FAST AND FURIOUS. FEELS LIKE YOU ARE GLIDING ON AIR, IT IS THAT SMOOTH. FEELS LITE AND EASY TO HANDLE. AND, ONE MORE THING: "HE'S GOT THE LOOKS" HAS HEADS TURNING EVERYWHERE I GO. AMAZING. GREAT JOB BMW....read morehide

Pros

Fun to drive. Throaty growl on the turbo. More power than should be legal. Great looking car.

Cons

Pricier than listed here, but after comparing other convertibles, nothing came close.

Purchased As New

Wanted a smaller convertible. Ruled out Minis, VWs - saw an ad on TV for this car and that was pretty much it. Mine is a bright blue with the Moonlight (kind of black) retractable roof and tons of upgrades: heated seats (surprised they aren't standard), upgraded sound system, M Package, navigation, back up alert system. Before I bought, I researched this car on all kinds of car web sites and the only real negative mentioned was some didn't like the look of the car.

For me, I like the way this car looks - I also like that there aren't tons of them on the road. I'm hoping this is a car I can take care of and keep as a collectible for many, many years.

Also, the warranty is complete: 4 years/50K miles (oil changes, even).

I think the trunk space is workable. Back seat small, but not too bad (think: smallish friends) and this car is a little rocket.

No road noise. Visibility okay, even top up.

Drive one. You won't be sorry....read morehide

Pros

Handling, Steering, acceleration....drivers dream

Cons

not made for rough roads

Purchased As New

Purchased mine in germany and picked up there and after test driving i knew i was hooked. If you have ever wanted a car that u enjoy getting into every day this is it. Hugs all the corners and accelerates when needed on the autobahn especially. Braking is wonderful and cruising at 100mph feels like going 70 in other cars...smooth as butter.

Options i picked on mine was the USB. IF you got this for ur ipod ur gonna need another cord to purchase from BMW. USB drives are plug and play which is fantastic. Throw on the mp3s and go. Heated seats...nuff said. Neon lights...these bad boys light up the road...amazingly clear and can see everything and they turn when u turn the wheel. Got the sports package so i could get the speed limiter taken off and the more sporty feel. Can't say i'm not happy about that. One of my fav is the keyless entry and keyless start. If you haven't seen this go and check it out at the dealership. U put ur fingers on the handle and if the keys are in range it opens the door. So now you have no worries about scratches and can leave ur keys in ur pocket. Push button ignition...and u lift up on the trunk and it opens like the door. To lock you just push down on the top with ur thumb.

One thing i haven't used as much and probably won't get again but others may is the rear parking assist.

Overall a great machine that wants to be driven...i have yet to find many issue with it...well my back seat passengers would disagree...not much room back there. Big boxes/packages u will need another car. They just don't fit as this isn't a big haul car but fits my needs for shopping for daily stuff.

This car is fun...i'm going to hate going back to 70 mph speed limits but i guess it will be ok. The price usually scares people off but once u drive it u will understand. Oh and the 135 is worth it if you have the extra money. I just didn't need that much power....read morehide

Pros

So much acceleration, even my die hard Audi lover friends are in love with my car, unique appearance

Cons

The second cup holder is hard to get to but still usable

Purchased As New

First, the gas mileage improves after the first 2500miles. I am heavy on the gas and get over 28.5mpg consistently on the highway with plenty of accelerations!
Second, the drive and feel of the car is incredible. I have driven so many different fast cars and this car would hold its own in acceleration and handling against the best of them. No car under at this price point or below would be able to outrun you; throw in some curves, and the other car might as well not even try. 0-60 is easy 4.7 sec or faster and the real speed comes at about 3500rpm in 3rd all the way through 6th gear. The car just pulls forever!
Sexy exterior, and for a totally non luxury, sports coupe, the interior is more than good enough.
Upgraded sound system rocks; M package is a must!

This car has some of the best looking wheels, calipers, and brakes of any factory set I have seen (minus like a Ferrari, Porsche or Lambo but it would again, stand along with them!)

You gotta test drive this car, and if you can, test one with the upgraded exhaust (which I have). The sound is phenomenal!...read morehide

Pros

Amazing car for the money - acceleration comparable to the M3 - smooth ride - best car ever!

Cons

none

Purchased As New

I have had this car for almost a year. It is by far the best car I could imagine. It is a 300 HP twin turbo - it's acceleration is comparable to the M3. I plan to keep this car for a long, long time.

Pros

Excellent drive, BMW power, rear seats are actually very comy and roomy. I' 6'1

Cons

The price for the options

Purchased As New

I bought this car a week ago. I have never felt so driving and being driven in a car this amazing. This is my first BMW and I see why people never buy anything other thatn BMW's after their first one. The car is small. The rear seats are so comfortable and roomy that it blows my mind. The 3-series convertible was way more cramped and this one has more leg room in the back than my Cadillac CTS. It's a very powerful car and has excellent acceleration because it is light and has 230hp.For an extra $5k you can get a 135i at 300hp but it's already expensive enough. The price is it's only drawback. A must get though....read morehide

Pros

The joy of driving is back!

Cons

A little pricey, small back seat (but that's not what the car is about!), run flat tires.

Purchased As New

Bought one on the first day it was available in the US. I look forward to driving the car every day. No regrets - zippo!

Great handling, great accelaration, decent noise level's considering this is a convertable. Fit's my needs for a run about perfectly.

Pros

Excellent style, fun to drive, Bluetooth and voice command

Cons

cup holder under arm rest, keyless entry range, no factory alarm and Nav interface

Purchased As New

By far the best car I have ever owned. A custom order, my 128i is equipped with every option except the cold weather package and paddle shifters. One year old, this month, it drives like the day I drove it off the show room floor.
Overall, the preformance of this car exceeds any expecations I had for such a small convertible. It's peppy, often admired and has room for friends in the back seat.
I highly recommed taking one for a test drive. Once you do, you will buy it!...read morehide