Vehicle: 2008 BMW 128i Convertible with 6-speed Steptronic w/paddle shifters, Sports Pkg and Premium Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$48400

Performance: Just like the 1-Series coupe, its convertible silibing is powered by similar powertrains. We were impressed enough with its twin-turbo straight-6 in 135i coupe. Because we tend to enjoy convertible in lesser power, we have chosen the 128i as the highlight of this review. Just like 328i and 528i, 128i is powered by the equally potent 230hp 3.0 liter straight-6 DOHC 24-valve with BMW’s advanced Valvetronic and Double VANOS technologies. 230hp certainly not shabby even if the convertible weights in at 3571 lb, which is a pig consider 128i’s compact size. However, its acceleration and responsiveness are enough to compensate through 200 lb/ft of torque. Despite 200 lb/ft of torque is nothing outstanding for a 3.0 liter straight-6, it arrives at low 2750 rpm which helps matters a lot. Add to the adaptive 6-speed Steptronic, which have the optional paddle shifters, that encourages manual shifting on the steering wheel. The gear ratios matched with the engine decently. Helping the matters is the paddle shifters that make it feels a lot more when going for it. Without the paddle shifters, this 1 doesn’t have as much going.

Handling: Since BMW has engineered the 1-Series convertible at the same time as its coupe, both have the same integrity and rigidty. Its completely free of any cowl shakes when pushed through railroad tracks or on twisties. The handling is as impressive as its coupe silibings, with razor-sharp steering that provide excellent precision and feedback. With the optional sports package, this 128i comes with optional 18″ wheels which really have gripping the road surface. On the other hand, the ride is firm without being harsh. That’s extremely important for convertible’s cruising ability. Its DSC-3 is as uninstrusive as in any Bimmers.

Interior: Because of 1-Series’s miniature size, BMW has decided to go with soft-top instead of 3-Series’s hardtop variety. That helps its cargo space. With the top up, this 128i is capable to haul 305 liters of luggages. Volume aside, the amount of space inside the trunk is as tiny as its coupe silibings.

The amount of space inside this convertible is about as cramped as in the coupe. You can hardly called the back a proper backseat. Those are best describe as dog seats. With the top down, of course, headroom isn’t an issue. With the top down, those backseat passengers are better only for short trip. Punishment is the best word to desribe the experience in any 1-Series’s backseat, regardless of a hatchback or coupe or convertible.

Conclusion: Interior space aside, this 128i is a welcome addition to BMW’s convertible family. Its performance and driving experience are worthy enough to wear the propeller emblem, its also the most attractively priced 1-Series in the entire range. Its biggest hurdle will be the redesigned Mini Cooper S convertible coming this fall.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 BMW 128i Convertible
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 1/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5