BMW 1-Series Convertible coming to U.S. in April for $40k

"Why someone would pay $40,000 for a compact convertible when they can go for the larger 3-Series Sedan or Coupe"

um, maybe because they want a CONVERTIBLE.

But you could get a 3-series for the same price... 40K is really up there for just a convertible

no, a 3-series convertible is $60,000 with the twin turbo.

Man! You really haven't priced 3-Series lately have you?

Here in the south-west, they're commanding insane prices, and idiots are paying them!

In 5 years, you wont be able to get a stripped 3 series for under 40k. It will continue to move upmarket, here's the proof.

In 5 years, you wont be able to get a stripped 3 series for under 40k. It will continue to move upmarket, here's the proof.

40K for a mini convertible is crazy

just curious what convertible with a 300hp engine you would buy instead for the same price?

enthusiast, I'm pretty sure it's the 128i cabrio that will start at $40K, not the 135i.

dollar -vs- Euro

Add a few options tax and lic. and this puppy is in the 46k bracket. You people thought wow a BMW

(I will complete the thought don't know what happen) anyhow it ain't going to 25 to 30k so a whole lot of people will be daydreaming and not driving this now over price 1 series, blame the Fed Reserve gang you wanted lower rates you get higher prices?

I'm surprised no one has pointed out the fact that a 3-series convertible starts at $43K for the 328i, once you actually start getting the standard things (like door locks), it'll put you up quite near $50K, $56K+ for the 335i.

That being said, the 1-series will still be almost $10K less. That's a significant difference.

if the 1-series started at 30k, they had a great chance. but 40k upwards...seriously, thats just plain ridiculous!

badge pricing at its best...for 40k i'd rather something bigger --

350z conv
A4 conv
BMW z4
9-3(beautiful vehicle)
volvo c70 (hardtop)

You're lucky if you can find a Volvo C70 for $40k....I've never seen them MSRP for less than $50k.

The new C70 is such a waste....ungodly overpriced for what little power it offers.

a 350z or Z4 qualify as "something bigger" how exactly?

Yep, big difference. Hell, I'll take an S2000 and save probably 15k and do just fine against the 1 Series. You got it, badge pricing at its best, but hey, if BMW can find enough suckers to pay it, more power to them. Plus, they'll probably throw out a ridiculous lease anyway and sell a boatload.

the c70 is sucha nice-looking design but as you stated the power just doesnt back it up. it needed the R package to make it a true competitor.

the s2000, even a few years old is still a very appealing vehicle. its been pushed up in price due to its popularity but it is such an exciting vehicle to take thru the twisties.

as for the 350z and z4, i would count them as "something bigger". you may think small due to having only 2 seats but in regards to overall size and comfort, they are considered bigger.

besides the 350z is another vehicle thats a blast to drive. i just hate the interior design, all that orange-lighting has to go. if the interior had some design cues from the new g37...the Z would be such a GREAT overall car.

Or a Porsche Boxster in the low $40. The article didn't say the 135i convertible will start in the low $40 grand. It stated that the 1 series convertible will start in the low $40 grand. That means the 128 convertible will be in the same range as a Porsche convertible. What an outrageously ridiculous thought? What possibly could BMW be thinking? A quick buck? There will be people buying the BMW 128 convertible at $40 grand only because they probably don't know that they can have a Porsche for the same price, and a whole lot of other options within that price range (not to mention a whole lot more of a car than the BMW 1 series).

the boxster STARTS at $46k, the S at $56k. and everything is optional. with a basic amount of options (leather seats, power amenities, a decent stereo, metallic paint, 18"wheels, etc.) the base boxster runs about $60k--the same price as a 335i convertible, one of it's core competitors.

so the 135i is basically $15-20k less.

No, not with options.

And, enthusiast, I repeat: THIS IS THE 128i. The 135i will probably be $45K, which is too close to the $50K 335i convertible!

I actually thought a bit of this vehicle until now...

It's little more than an excuse to continue to price-gouge the great-driving but deformed looking 3-Series.

Screw BMW, my current are my last!

Err... they've lost me. For a bit more money I could have the bigger, better-looking 328i convertible, or the 335i as a stretch. Or a 335i coupe at the same price!

A 128i for $40K... and people were saying the A3 3.2 is overpriced?

its abit overpriced but dont forget the difference in currency. All the euro brands are suffering because of it and they have to increase their prices.