2009 BMW 1 Series 128i Convertible

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

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

Pros

Amazing smooth ride, cushy seats, great roof, power

Cons

Drink holder under armrest

Purchased As New

I have had mine for a year and about 12,000 miles now. I've taken road trips and around the town. The car has the best tuned suspension of any BMW I've driven (I've had 7). It is a comfy cruiser which tightens up when you need it. I recommend against sport package unless you love a stiff ride or get the 135. The roof is quick and easy with good sound dampening. The trunk is reasonable with a pass through for extra space. It is the smallest BMW. The leather seats are soft and comfy and the sunscreen on them works great. It is a great road trip and just fun, sunny day, or summer night car. I get thumbs up from others on the road all the time. Power is plenty in the base model for regular driving. For me, this has been the most satisfying of all BMW's I've driven because it does just what I hoped flawlessly. I have also had zero maintenance problems or defects on mine, a first year model. It's not cheap but it is less than other premium convertibles and it has the same engine and guts as the 3-series (bigger trunk than 3-conv.) vehicles. I think its a great value and cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone thinking of one of these. Go test one out for yourself then let the fun begin!...read morehide

Pros

Too many to list, great car

Cons

none

Purchased As New

Was looking at a used 325 or 330. Saw this and want to test drive it. THAT WAS IT!! after the test drive I was in love with it and my husband and I ordered one. Have owned it for about three months and love it. Quick, responsive and cute.

Pros

Worth the price

Cons

No good in bad weather

Purchased As New

I have a 2008 128 convertible. Oh what fun it is to drive! Sharp looking, dependable and perfect handling. Clutch was a bit tight to start, but after about 9000 mi it feels like a comfortable friend. The only beef I have are the tires. For as much as they cost and for as fast as they wear out the car should handle better in unsavory weather conditions. Also, had a problem with the stitching on my seat, but BMW fixed that pronto. The car is the perfect 47 year old female midlife crisis mobile. If only I were single!...read morehide

Pros

Nimble, quick, sporty yet classic feel.

Cons

Price schedule is expensive - everything is optional.

Purchased As New

It took a little getting used to the size and design style. But like all bimmers, I grew to like it more each day and now appreciate what I have. It's a sporty yet stylish little sports car and the convertible makes all the more fun. It's got a nice little rumble in the exhaust. Seats in the back are basically for children. Adults can sit but not for long trips. If I can do it over, might chop an arm off pay to get the 135i convertible for more horsepower, premium package, comfort access, and navi options....read morehide