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Used 2012 BMW 1 Series Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
49 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 1 Series, so we've included reviews for other years of the 1 Series since its last redesign.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Love IT

ososdeoro, 03/16/2011
2011 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

It's great that the "starter" car is truly a BMW, not just a chintzed out shell of the more expensive versions. Leased a 128i and the engine and steering are exquisite. And while the Edmunds review suggests that one needs the sports seats for comfort, the regular ones with leather are much, much more comfortable than the ones on my previous car, an Audi A3 with the sports pkg. Three years ago BMW navigation had a poor reputation, but the one on this car is great - just as good as Audi's. Standard stereo is fine. Cabin noise is nice and low, with the exception of the supersonic window defroster.

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5 out of 5 stars

First BMW

RoyalFlush, 08/20/2010
2011 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

After so much waiting and trying to trade in my previous car, I have to say that I am completely happy with this 2011 128i. It is my first BMW, and this car is just great. I love how it drives, and I love the noise of the engine. I love all the little extras it has. I would recommend this car to anyone who doesn't really care about owning a coupe. A lot of people complain that it's a coupe and that you have to help the people in the back get inside, but after all it is a coupe!! and that's why I got it. Its something different, and Its a really unique car. It's fast, and it accelerates quick and you won't regret owning one.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car for the Driving Enthusiast!

GUNDY70, 11/02/2010
2011 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I test drove the 128i coupe about a month and a half ago and I loved it from the moment I took my place behind the wheel and could not resist the temptation that I ordered one, which arrived 3 days ago. Essentially, this vehicle is a 328i with less weight, 50/50 balance, and a new frame. From a driver's perspective the car is amazing - responsive steering, grippy brakes and handling, and a luxurious. I have the M sports package which gives it better handling and acceleration. Truly UDMachine!

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5 out of 5 stars

This is my 2nd 128i convertible

OM76RPH, 10/17/2010
2011 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

There is no other vehicle with this combination of fun and convenience. I previously had two Z4's and loved them but this car provides the fun with a back seat and room for two sets of golf clubs in the trunk with the top down. For the money there is no rival. A comparable Audi is $10,000 more and you still cannot get a 6 cylinder. One negative is the satellite radio. There is a software problem that causes problems with acquiring stations. Two years and still not fixed. Shame on you BMW.

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4 out of 5 stars

Still best handling 4-seat convertible available!

TNTennisPlayer, 06/27/2018
updated 07/08/2022
2012 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Upgraded from a 2010 Mazda Miata GT hardtop to my 2012 BMW 135i M Sport Convertible about 4 months ago, due to need for small back seat for kiddos and desire for a bit more hp and refinement than the Miata could provide. What a difference! Double the hp + tighter suspension equaled serious handling upgrade and BMW options/refinement make the car much more daily driver user friendly. Surprisingly, the soft top is as quite as my SUV on the hwy and ten times quieter than the Miata's hardtop. Tiny backseats are perfect for my small kids but are barely useable for normal adults. Truck is more than adequate for grocery runs and can hold full size suitcases in a pinch. Outward visibility is great, top up or down. Exhaust sounds awesome under acceleration but is quiet at cruising speeds. M Sport package gives the car an aggressive appearance. I do miss shifting the gears myself with the 6 spd. manual of the Miata but the DCT transmission of the BMW is a close approximation and is more wife/valet friendly. Serious upgrade in costs for maintenance and repairs compared to the Miata, as well---not so thrilled about that! Shopped around and compared a lot of cars but nothing combined the small car feel/driving experience with 4 person seating as this 1 series convertible. Acceleration is sooooo strong and the connected feel of the steering is the best! The surround sound stereo is the nicest I've heard in any of my previous autos, too--that alone is worth a lot. Happy with my purchase and would highly recommend checking one out if you have similar needs for speed/space/refinement----and can stomach the (unavoidable) repair/upkeep costs! UPDATE: DCT Transmission failure at 62K miles! After dumping $4k into attempted repairs, had to cut the cord and move on. Makes me wish I would have held out for a manual transmission (again) but hind sight is always 20/20 right?! Looking for a replacement but wary of issue again. Update: Bought replacement 2013 135i convertible since I missed it so much...this time a 2013 with 29k miles in perfect shape! Runs great and no transmission issues (yet?!!) Last year/car with BMW's hydraulic steering and it is great. Newer cars may be 'faster' but none feel as good as this one does. Still highly recommend if you want the best open top 4-seat fun out there! Update: Hydroplaned in rain and totaled my car last week...since last update had to spend another $1900 in repairs for plugs/coils that burned up due to a low-pressure fuel pump failure (common issue with this car). Overall, I loved the car but can't deny the poor reliability of this engine. Would probably recommend looking at a M235i or M240i convertible (with manual transmission) and improved engine, but I am taking a break from BMW, myself, and have replaced my wrecked car with a 2017 Audi S3.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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