Used 2012 BMW 1 Series Consumer Reviews
Used 1 Series for sale
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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.
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.
So connected
cvandenhaute, 02/02/2011
2011 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I was on the market for a RWD coupe with at least a small back seat. My benchmark has always been a Miata and the 128i is the most fun car I could find giving me the same real world pleasure as my former 2007 Miata (but with a back seat). I like the smoothness and the character of the 6 in line and the perfect balance of the car. Everything works together : steering is pefect, shifter is smooth and direct with a nice mechanical feel, clutch is light and precise. Despite its true sport car handling, the 128i is still very comfortable for my commute and longer journeys. Even the trunk is very usable. I cross shopped it with more powerful car but this was the most fun to drive.
2012 BMW 1 Series for sale near you
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128i vs 135i
goldmund52, 12/21/2010
2011 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
47 of 80 people found this review helpful
If youre torn between the 128i versus 135i, here is my opinion. Over the years Ive most enjoyed driving smaller cars with sporty suspensions and revvy engines with well-mated manual transmissions--- Volkswagen Rabbit, Acura Integra, Toyota MR2. Then in the early 90s I bought a Nissan 300ZX twin turbo. I learned two things from that car. One, a car that is overpowered for daily driving is not that much fun. Two, turbo lag always feels unnatural. The 128i is a fast car, more that powerful enough for fun street and mountain road driving, the gear ratios are fabulous and the throttle response is wonderful. Unless 0-60 is your first priority the 128i is the better sports car.
First BMW I've owned
David M, 06/13/2019
2011 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Purchased with 70,000 miles on it from a small used auto lot as a 50th birthday gift for myself. Meant to use it as a second car for weekends and fun, but I keep driving it daily because it makes me smile just that much. I generally just drive it on nice days. With the run flat summer tires, it does not go in the snow. It is a a Black 135 convertible with sports package, red leather interior and a manual transmission. When I bought it, it had (3) oil leaks common with the N55 engine. I've fixed one at the oil filter that is a potential engine killer. The valve cover leak will wait till this winter, and the oil pan leak is going to wait further as the fix will require a lot of work that I don't have the tools to do myself. So far the leaks don't amount to a drop on the floor in the garage. So far i'm getting a 24mpg average. I would say it's driven by an adult, but not adult driven.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Exactly what I have been looking for!
bwschubert, 02/20/2013
2011 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have been searching for a RWD convertible with a manual transmission for some time now and while test driving all the usual suspects in the same price range (new and used) my 128i was the obvious choice. I wouldn't mind a 135 for the significantly increased grunt, but there was no such car available- either new and too expensive or used and too old and out of warranty. Nevertheless the linearity of the naturally aspirated I-6 makes running up to the 7000rpm redline a pleasure, especially with the top down. While true value is debatable (I don't know if I could ever justify the full sticker price of a new one) the build quality, ergonomics and all around driving experience is worth it to me