Used 2008 BMW 1 Series Convertible Consumer Reviews
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1st 1,000 miles
1st convertible bot, 01/24/2009
2008 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
All around solid, stays on road. Engine has a "low throaty" sound that sets off other car alarms - too cool! Small size is very convenient, fun and adds to the great acceleration. Quiet interior with top up, car suspension handles train track crossings and bumps with ease. In rain, excellent perf both from a handling, sound & water management. I have to admit, it is expensive and very unpractical, BUT it is a kick in the pants to drive and makes my commute fun! To hell with the economy and my crappy 401K perf - let's go for a drive!
Screamin'
rEddie2, 08/27/2010
2008 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
My wife always wanted a BMW Convertible. We assumed the lease on this one from the original owner. We absolutely love the performance of this car, but have been a little disappointed with the quality. The tail-light assemblies have been replaced 3 times, the third brake light lens just shattered while driving down the road. Those were replaced under warranty, but it is disappointing considering.
2008 BMW 1 Series for sale near you
Showing 3 of 49 listings
- 135i ConvertibleMSRP: $11,38833 mi away
- 128i ConvertibleMSRP: $5,500257 mi away
- 128i ConvertibleMSRP: $8,500512 mi away
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135i not a 3 series
LovenMyBMW , 02/28/2010
2008 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
Ok lets start out by saying that we all have a opion. This is a 1 series not a 3. So with that said. Understand its smaller. Yes the interior is almost the same. Back and front seats. And head room. Just the body. With the 1 having less weight than the 3. The little beemer is amazing. Is faster than a Cayman, Niss 370, Mustang, and Camaro. Now its not a drag car. Its a sports car with style. Some parts seem cheap but what car under 60k don't. This little car with a back seat that can be used for kids and luggage, small bags and other items is perfect for a person not wanting a big car. If you want big buy a 7 series or a SUV. All said if you are thinking about it. DO IT
Great drive, good looks, high maintenance
darthbimmer, 08/25/2012
2008 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
When it was time to sell my beloved '98 M3 convertible I looked at the 2012 3s. Too big and bloated and cluttered with expensive, distracting technology. The 1 series is the spiritual successor to the older 3. Slightly smaller back seat and trunk, but closer in size and with a clean, driving-focused dashboard. We picked one up used with low miles and original warranty still remaining-- a good thing because we have had to use it a lot! We test drove a 128 but felt it was underpowered. The 135 was obviously more expensive but we fell in love the first time we pressed the pedal to the carpet. This car is stupid fast. In a dark color and especially with the top down it looks great.
LOVE my 135I...but
di4uk, 04/19/2011
2008 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
I've had my 135I convertible since 6/2008. It drives great and I love the car but I've had to take it back to the dealership SIX times because the convertible top continues to leak. Today makes the second time I've filed the Lemon Law on the car. And, to make matters worse, the dealership has a totally rude attitude about trying to fix the car.
What a Car!
Richard, 08/20/2010
2008 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I took this car over on Swap-A-Lease with 10 months left and lots of miles. I get to drive a $45,000 car (which is way out of my league) less than $7000 with maintenance included. My biggest complaint were the front run-flats which succumbed to a double blow out on a New Jersey pothole. Replaced with Sumitomos at half the cost. Car rides smoother and handles just as well. Car is so heavily optioned I have not explored them all. There is no dip stick. When oil light comes on you press some buttons and its sensor told me it needed one quart. BMW told me to come in and they would add it gratis! Service is very addicting.
Great Value
C. Moore, 05/17/2019
2008 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 128i convertible at the end of 2018 used by a single owner with very low milage. After 1 year and 26k miles I'm still completely in love. It's got the perfect amount of power and handles like a dream, the interior quality is absolutely superb even for an 11 year old car and the noise levels are lower in my convertible than they were in my hardtop Mercedes C230. My 128 is everything I loved about my 2002 330ci convertible but with just a hint more sophistication and flare. Before purchasing the car I was somewhat skeptical due to all of the 135 reliability horror stories and the fact that my first BMW left me high and dry a few times! But my car has required nothing but routine maintenance, still runs like new!!
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- Performance
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- Value
135i is Fun to Driive but needs rear tires annually
eric146, 01/21/2013
2008 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
This car is a true joy to drive but, the need for Z rated tires and the cost makes this car impractical to be your only vehicle. This vehicle has needed new front tires every two years (25000 miles) and needed rear tires about every year (12000 miles). I finally had enough of the tires wearing out and I choose another vehicle. If you want a fun car, this is it, but beware you will be spending between $375 for Hankooks or $1000 for Run Flats every year. Then do not forget about the Premium Unleaded fuel requirement.
Fun, but ...
jim bruemmer, 08/11/2010
2008 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
7 of 10 people found this review helpful
I bought it without ever driving one based upon early reviews which described it as a car that strongly appeals to those of us 'seasoned' enough to appreciate the joys (and some sorrows) of early sports cars. I've owned MGTCs, 356 Speedsters, early SLs, and 911s. The 135i ragtop is a great modern compromise for a geezer who still loves the open road. It is pure joy to drive it, especially on a recent top-down tour through the Colorado Rockies. Power, responsiveness and handling do not disappoint!
BMW 128i Cabrio - WOW!
German Frau, 06/29/2008
2008 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I considered the 3series convertible before purchasing my Mini Cooper S convertible in 2005. I loved driving it in town but it was stiff riding and uncomfortable on the highway. One day, one of my students brought in a 1 series brochure. I loved the car from the minute I saw it. Immediately I scheduled a test drive and ordered the car in April. After returning from Germany on June 20th, my BMW was waiting for me. I own the car for 9 days now. The car really drives well and I just love it. It performs well and is smooth riding on the highway. My husband liked the Mini Cooper S conv. a lot but after driving/riding the BMW conv. he changed his mind. I'm/we are sold on the new 1 series.
Blast Your Socks Off
LovenMyBMW , 07/03/2009
2008 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought mine as a leftover 08. Got a great deal. Idrive, Nav, Cold Weather Pack, Sport Susp, Convert, Sport Seats, Active Steer, and whatever else they can add. Owned 3 weeks, rear quarter window switch went out. Replaced w/o a problem. Dealership is excellent! Gas mileage is a little poor. But I can't keep my foot out of it. This is a great little car for fun. Works well as an everyday driver. This car is amazing. Speed, handling are crazy. Do yourself a favor. Drive one and you will be SOLD. And resale is great.
1 Series...dynamite
Bob, 08/15/2009
2008 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Exceptional performance, fun and reliability. Purchased my 135i convertible in Dec 2008 (good time to buy, great deal, low 0.9 financing). Must say we are a BMW family, and also own a 535i, and previously owned a 330i and Z3 (3.0) so we are biased to the exceptional service, warranty, and purchase experience at BMW. Have put 24K miles on it in 9 months with no problems. Very comfortable for one or two people, excellent seats and ergonomics. Purchased this as a replacement to a 2001 Z3 3.0 with 200K miles, so I view the small back seat as extended cargo space. Smooth, for it's class, on the highway and exceptional on back roads and acceleration. A true wolf in sheep's clothing.
A thorough review after roadtrip
Beemerhead, 05/27/2008
2008 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just finished an 800 mile roadtrip across NM and CO. What a treat! I bought it as a roadtrip car to keep forever, so no turbos or nav/iDrive. I have an automatic with premium and cold weather pkg. The car was comfortable and smooth. The unexpected highlights were a roof that had amazing sound dampening, plenty of engine power even at 10000+ feet and a final gas mileage of 32.2mpg across central Colorado (avg speed 54.5mph). The car was FANTASTIC, everything I hoped for and more when I decided to buy it. I researched many other vehicles from an Eos to a MB CLK350 before getting this. As a first year model I thought it might be valuable one day, too.
UPDATE: 16 Years
Mark Sweeney, 08/23/2019
updated 09/30/2024
2008 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
UPDATE4: Just turned 200k miles. Short story, still runs great with only normal wear and tear maintenance costs (getting new plugs/ oil change/ inspection today). The visceral driving experience for me has never diminished over time, which is confirmed whenever I get into a newer car. Fun fact-You do not rotate or balance the tires on this staggered setup. Did stays smooth and wear is even for the life of the tires (have used Bridgestone and more recently Michelin PS4S). UPDATE3: 196k miles and no issues (other than a seat belt tensioner I need to get replaced for the airbag dash lights to go off). Never fails to put a smile on my face. I don't track it, but it is a daily spirited driver. It does now split time with a 2020 SQ5 for use when it rains or is too cold (below 30). I am at the point where I am wondering how long keeping the car can be economically practical. Am I one catastrophic engine failure away from having a 3600 pound paperweight? In my head this car can go 250k mi, so we will see. UPDATE2: Approaching 15 years, 192k miles. Still my daily driver although I now use our 13-year-old MDX if it's raining. Finally had the annoying leaking oil pan and valve cover gaskets replaced. Everything still works and I look forward to driving it every day. The one issue I would point out is that the soft tops do not last as long as I would have hoped. Not so much the visible exterior fabric, but the inner layers and the myriad of "tethers" that manage the top movement. They deteriorate over time due to the heat. I should also mention that I put the top up & down all the time (conservatively 400 cycles a year, for 15 years) and mechanically the top works great. When I bought the car, I wondered if anything would make the car special in the future (given the 1 series was an "entry level car".). Its turning out to be the things that attracted me to the car in the first place, simplicity, real gauges, steering/ braking/ shifting feel, and size. Oh, and that N54 motor (with a stage 1 Dinan tune), so satisfying! Approaching 14 years,185k miles, no issues (other than general maintenance). Had an 8k mile oil change and was only down a half quart. Original clutch. UPDATE: 181,000 miles. Missed driving this car daily during Covid. Daily driving is what likely is keeping everything mechanically running as well as it does. As one would expect after this much time, I do have some fluid "seals" that need replacing (oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, rear pinion seal), but otherwise no issues. I prefer to have the work done at the dealership (mine offers 15% discount for work on cars 10+ years old) but it is still a costly investment I plan on making to continue to enjoy this vehicle. There are still used 135's out there at reasonable prices (maybe not so many with 6M) with far less mileage than mine. Just be sure to get a maintenance history if you do consider getting in on the fun. If you are looking for a small, quick, 4(ish) passenger soft top convertible with great steering, brakes, transmission (6M) and seating/ ergonomics (sport package) then you will be very happy with this car. I have driven it nearly 165k miles, and have zero regrets. Average 23+ mpg, and motor is still strong. Added a Stage 1 Dinan Tune about 2 years ago, and it is the best $600 aftermarket upgrade you can spend on this car. When things do “wear out”, it is a bit expensive to repair. If you like to drive, this car is worth considering. UPDATE: Only added a few thousand additional miles (168k miles) given the current environment. All is well. Had a Ceramic Coat finish applied that has made the paint look and feel like new again.
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2022 just bought one with 100,000 miles
Dal, 04/22/2022
2008 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great car and almost 15 years old. If you bought it from someone who actually maintained it well this car will serve you well! It's 2022 and bought one with 100,000! What a car! Those Germans really know how to build a vehicle
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- Technology
- Performance
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- Comfort
- Reliability
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My 128i Ragtop
Rocky, 06/14/2008
2008 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had a Z4 previously and loved it, but overall I like the 1er better. Meets or exceeds every one of my expectation. The 128i is plenty fast and is more practical than the 135i. The 135i is almost stupid fast and very few drivers will be able to get more than 30% out of what the car is capable of.
Great Convertible
BMW128iOwner, 06/22/2008
2008 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is both comfortable and very fun to drive. Being six feet tall, I thought the back seat would be a little tight for me, however when I have sat in the back it is more than enough room and also very comfortable. The materials and interior design are very excellently crafted, as well as the beautiful exterior. Automatic roof works great and car is amazing with the top down. The engine sounds powerful and exhilarating, and yet the ride is very quiet. The premium Hi-Fi sound system sounds great with the top up or down. iPhone compatibility is great and sounds great on both sides of the phone, even with the top down and strong winds.
Glad I bought it
Happy Camper, 08/01/2008
2008 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Z4 lease was up and after research on edmunds, I decided to test this car. I liked the seats, soft top and price better than the 3 series. I am enjoying the additional room this car offers, the better ride and the performance. The 4/50k service is a real plus. I really love this car.
Year One of the 1
pstevenson32, 11/21/2008
2008 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my 128. It is great fun to drive. It has more than enough power for a casual driver such as me. With its 6-speed transmission, it generally gets around 24-26 mpg in the city. I have always liked the looks of BMW. Now I get the look at a fairly decent price. The 128 is a luxury car without many frills. The interior has been pared of luxury to make space for roominess. Well for the people in front, anyway. It's still pretty much a 2-seater. Oddly, for a BMW, the interior is without many standards items I have grown used to over the years. Example: The 128 is curiously without a functional cupholder. The only working cupholder is directly behind the shifter. I still love it.
My one year review of my 135i Vert
Katera, 05/22/2009
2008 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Awesome...just awesome. My wife and I bought our Baby B a year ago for our 20th anniversary. We bought it specifically as a weekend car, hence the low miles. Our car is loaded with every option possible except for heated seats which we don't need in Houston. The car is stupidly fast, handles incredibly well and is built SOLID. I never really noticed a difference in build quality before with my American or Japanese cars...until I bought my first BMW. Tight is the only word that comes to mind. Since the 1 is still somewhat rare I get head turns everywhere I drive her. It really is an amazing car. p.s. We got a stick :p
128i Convertible
Mike N., 05/23/2009
2008 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I went from a Z4 to the 128i convertible and from manual to automatic transmission so there was an adjustment in expectations. Overall, I have been very happy with the 128. The build quality is outstanding. The handling is exceptional and the motor has plenty of punch, especially in manual shift mode. I love the way the car learns your driving style. The only negative is the standard sound system (not the premium pkg). Speaker placement makes it virtually inaudible with the top down at freeway speeds. The Z4 was better probably because the speakers were directly behind the seat.
My 2008 128i Convertible
DTMEDIC, 07/25/2009
2008 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought a NEW 2008 model from the showroom floor. It's loaded with every conceivable option; but I got the car nearly $6,000 off invoice. Still pricey... but definitely worth it! I can't say enough about this little gem! It is the MOST fun I've ever had driving! I wake up every morning and cannot WAIT to drive my car to work! I love the top down fun with my iPod tunes blasting. The iDrive is a little quirky, but once you figure it out, it's fine. The ride is superb, the fit and finish is all BMW... the drive and handling is exactly what you would expect... perfection. Love it, love it, love it... you will NOT be sorry you bought this car! Just do it!
fun!
fs, 09/30/2009
2008 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Can't say enough how much fun is to drive this car. love it. If y're in the market for a new car, give yourself a favor to test drive the 1 series. Purchased my 135i convertible in 02.2009 with $6k below msrp including the $750 leasing incentive. Most fun car I have ever driven.
Great little German "Pony Car"
Shawnski, 12/08/2009
2008 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had to have this when it first came out. And have not disappointed in over 19 months of ownership. Sensible, sporty, fast, and great fuel economy. Not a sports car, but has a great ride. Small size, but surprisingly practical. Lost of easy torque, and terrific average fuel economy - 25 MPG. It is the perfect marriage of German engineering, and American style muscle car attributes (2 doors, a trunk and fast), all in a size that makes other cars seem fat. Only reason I did not give a 10 for performance was my decision to go with Steptronic 6A v. 6M. However, it is a superior slush box, that shifts very fast and is always in the right gear. IMO no one refines drivetrains better than BMW.
Performance Meets Luxury!
Scribe23, 05/06/2008
2008 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's always a challenge to find a sporty performance car that is also luxurious, comfy and practical enough to be a primary vehicle. Simply put, this is the coolest, most fun, best equipped car I've ever driven.
Superb Performance, Stumbles a Bit
Maximus, 05/18/2008
2008 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car rates as high as one can on the performance and fun-to-drive categories. The power is everything the reviews say as well as the handling. Where the car fails is in the details. For the money I would expect better standard features or cheaper upgrades.
Satisfying that need for fun!
TinasBimmer, 05/29/2008
2008 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife and I test drove many new convertibles and decided to purchase the 128i convertible. I'm 6'2" and discovered I don't fit comfortably in most 2-seaters out there. We are very happy with our car and would highly recommend it for many reasons. The car handles like no other car I've ever driven, probably due to the sports package. It is very comfortable with the leather power seats and we were actually able to fit our two teenaged sons in the back, a bit snug but do able. Acceleration is very smooth and the 6- speed automatic transmission shifts just right, in fully auto or manual modes. We also like the zero-maintenance cost feature that covers everything except tires for 4 yrs
Great car
onefan, 05/29/2008
2008 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded in my Z4 for the 128. I like the comfort of the interior and the addtional room of this car. It is responsive and the braking is excellent. The 128 doesn't deliver the same level of power as the 135, but I drive in heavy traffic and the six cyl. is more than adequate. I really love this car.
Fun, fun, fun 2nd car to drive
LB, 09/26/2008
2008 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for over a month now and I am having so much fun with it. I have a big SUV to haul my 4 kids around so when I climb into my 135 convertible, it's a pleasure to drive. Recently, I had something in one of my tires and the lights came on to alert me. I took it in to BMW service dept. and sure enough I had a nail in the tire. Not cheap tires to replace though! I have the sport package and it has run-flat tires on it. Where ever I go, I get people coming up and asking me about this car.
Yikes! It's fabulous
mr. rogers, 04/22/2008
2008 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Picked up a new 128i. Fun to drive, easy to park, brakes fabulously, accelerates like a rocket - sure not like the 135i but close enough. Great car, great ride, great BMW feel.