Used 2012 BMW 1 Series Consumer 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.
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.
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Too much fun
twhflorida, 09/11/2010
2011 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Looked at an m3 and Audi S5 and this little beast is the ticket. ran at sebring racetrack with my buddies who had an 911 and nissan gtr and totally held my own. the m sport package is great.
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Rockin'!
SehrGut!, 01/22/2016
2012 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Bought my '12 128i coupe three months ago, and its everything I expected! Acceleration and road handling are superb! This is definitely a driver's car, and is comfortable for longer trips. An excellent choice!
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VROOM! VROOM! Better than zoom zoom
emm386, 06/16/2018
updated 12/20/2021
2011 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I looked at a lot of convertibles and very glad I took my time and didn't settle. I wanted either a Mercedes Benz or BMW. Cost, age, use, and mileage all played a part in my decision. The 2011 BMW 128i convertible is an excellent combination of all that and then some. Could I have done better? Perhaps, but it would have cost more and I didn't want to spend too much money on something that was to be used on a part time basis. Driving this beauty is like having a dream so good you just don't want to wake up. This will be a keeper. UPDATE: It's been over a year and so far my thoughts on the 128i has not changed. It's still fun to drive. Having an open top does make a difference than just having a sunroof and I'm not even a "sun" type of person. The open air when driving with your tunes is great therapy. UPDATE: Found out car had major oil sludge due to bad maintence from previous owner. Traded car.
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Great so far
syd53, 10/13/2010
2011 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
After 12 years driving a Beetle, tried a Z4 on dealer lot. Loved it but could not see driving it in winter. Ordered a 128i which has same engine and manual transmission, just a few less hp, and all of the convenience features I liked on the Z4. Of course it was also a lot less money. It is just as much fun to drive, though not as pretty.