Grassroots Motorsports

Subscribe get a full year for only $19.95 Sample get a free issue—no strings attached

New car reviews » 2008 BMW 128i Convertible

• 
• 

Better than: Z3
But not as good as: 1-series tii
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 70.24  

We’ve had a string of lovely BMWs travel through the office this the past summer. While we fell head over heels for the M3 and were ready to marry the 335i, we were surprised that we didn’t enjoy the 135i a bit more. Not that it wasn’t an exhilarating ride, but it was a little harsh when pushed. We loved the car, but we believe the 1-series chassis would benefit from a less-is-more approach: Less money, less weight (by a little, at least) and less power. It’s a good chassis, but there’s simply too much stuck to it.

What we need is an entry-level car with entry-level features. Enter the 128i.

The amenities are all BMW, so most of it feels a lot like the 335i in our project car fleet. Despite the absence of an iDrive interface, controls were easy to find and operate. The car didn’t hold too many surprises, but we were impressed with the smooth power convertible top. There was enough room to squeeze a couple of kids or smaller adults in the back, but you’ll never confuse it with a people hauler.

With a base price of $33,100, the 128i saves some coin compared to its siblings. However, premium options like the sport and luxury packages brought the bottom line of our test car to an eyebrow-raising $43,900.

Other staff views:

David S. Wallens Editorial Director:

This car provided more questions than answers. I know that we gave the 135i a real track workout, but what about a 128i coupe? It was hard to get any real performance impressions from this one thanks to the automatic and convertible top.

Some people have called the 135i the spiritual successor to the 2002. I think the 128i coupe might be the spiritual successor to the E36-chassis M3. On paper, the cars are really close.

Tom Heath Marketing / Club Coordinator:

Just the right size for a day at the beach for our family of four, we loved the 128i Convertible. I seemed to mind this automatic much less than most, and the superb convertible top was the best I’ve ever used. The 128i doesn’t have an abundance of power, but never felt lacking either. I’d be happy to own one if I find one at a half-off sale; my only complaint is that it’s a bit too pricey for an entry-level car.

Reader comments:

1. confuZion3: — Jul 29, 2008 3:42 p.m.
   

   I liked the 128 convertible that I drove a few months back. It had a manual transmission which felt smooth and had logical gear progressions. The engine didn’t seem to have the torque that I was expecting, but I imagine that void is more than filled by the 135i.
   

   As for the top: it’s nice to approach a car on a hot day and have it put the top down for you while you’re still 20 feet away. And I never get over how beautiful the whole ordeal of putting a top down is in a complex convertible like the 128 or the 350Z. I also appreciate that they kept the 1 series simple with the fabric top, instead of moving to the more complex and expensive folding hardtop.

---