2028 DETROIT AUTO SHOW: BMW Announces 1-Series Pricing

Those whose definition of pure driving pleasure includes wind in the face and sunshine above now have even more to smile about, as pricing was announced today for the new BMW 1 Series Convertible during its world debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The vehicle, which goes on sale in time for summer, will start at $33,875 for the 128i model and $39,875 for the 135i model. The 1 Series Coupe arrives in dealerships in March.
The 1 Series Convertible and the 1 Series Coupe follow the tradition established by the iconic BMW 2002 sport sedan. The essence of such driving purity - a responsive six-cylinder engine positioned within a rear-drive chassis to provide balanced, sporty dynamics - is at the heart of this compact four-place coupe and convertible.

The 128i Convertible will be powered by BMW's 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline six-cylinder engine generating 200 lb-ft of torque. Like its fixed-roof stablemate, the 128i Convertible will feature Valvetronic valvetrain management and aluminum/magnesium cylinder block construction-core elements of BMW's EfficientDynamics.

The 135i Convertible features BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. With its direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooler, optimum performance and economy is achieved with no loss in engine response. For the 135i Convertible, acceleration from 0-62 mph is accomplished in 5.4 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Both engines feature on-demand engine coolant pumps that improve fuel economy and reduce parasitic losses for increased efficiency.

Additionally, in a mere 22 seconds-even on the move at speeds up to 25 miles per hour-the occupants within the 1 Series Convertible can go from encapsulated comfort to top-down exhilaration. If conditions dictate, the electro-hydraulically-operated softtop can be raised within the same 22 seconds, producing a distinctive silhouette enhanced by long frameless doors. The characteristic features of the BMW kidney-shaped grill, front skirt, door sills and rear skirt are identical to those of the 1 Series Coupe.

pacotacolol - 1/13/2008 6:39:02 PM

+4 Boost

Thats a little stiff, is it not?

i could get a
Mercedes C-class or a Mitsubishi Lancer X gsr for $39,000.

But none of those are Convertibles

S4cabriofoxone - 1/13/2008 6:47:55 PM

+4 Boost

$40K for a 1 Series--BASE!

This is a little appalling! It's only $3K less than the 328i convertible!

_43LE - 1/13/2008 7:20:27 PM

+1 Boost

Yes, but I am one of those people who would prefer this over the 3. 40K is for the 135i, not the base.

enthusiastx11 - 1/13/2008 9:08:55 PM

+1 Boost

it's exactly a $10,000 difference between either the 128 and 328 or the 135 and 335.

sounds about right no?

Anthony - 1/13/2008 7:11:51 PM

+1 Boost

I think BMW wants us North Americans to understand: the 1-Series is no "economy" car.

I am not sure how much luck BMW will have in convincing most North American buyers though. I have a feeling that this car was more targeted at the BMW purists who reminisce in the days of small cars like the 2002, before it swelled into the current 3-Series.

All that aside, the price should still reflect the size and feature content somewhat.

t_bone - 1/13/2008 7:21:08 PM

+1 Boost

I usually don't like green, but that green cabrio is HOT!

As to the $40K...well that is just too close to Boxster territory. I suspect they will sell pretty well anyway, though.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/13/2008 10:12:59 PM

+3 Boost

You're right! I forgot about the Z4! They're the same price!

enthusiastx11 - 1/13/2008 9:10:12 PM

-1 Boost

at these prices, they'll sell out without a problem.

enthusiastx11 - 1/14/2008 12:47:31 AM

-2 Boost

they will sell out...

enthusiastx11 - 1/14/2008 12:20:49 PM

+1 Boost

keep deboosting. lol. won't change reality! sell baby sell.

lewishamiltonpimp - 1/14/2008 7:45:24 AM

+1 Boost

WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG! Agent 09 you are WRONG!

The 128 starts at $28600. The 135 starts at $34900. Pricing on these has been out for ages - this isn't even a story. These cars are on the US BMW web site with pricing so where you get your numbers from is beyond me.

Can you please submit an article that is accurate.. Just once?

Kinger - 1/14/2008 9:04:14 AM

+4 Boost

This is the pricing for the cabriolets not the coupe's.

SHOWTIME - 1/14/2008 9:59:47 AM

0 Boost

easy lewis! Actually, you're wrong!

Carboy - 1/14/2008 10:03:57 AM

+3 Boost

"2028 DETROIT AUTO SHOW" LOL

Bmw8ter - 1/14/2008 3:26:32 PM

+1 Boost

these cars seem a little ancient for this show

BMW995 - 1/14/2008 1:26:05 PM

+1 Boost

These imported convertibles are so damned expensive. Years ago the price differential between the coupes and convertibles for the same make/model were not nearly as large as they are today. This is not just a BMW problem.

noname00 - 1/14/2008 7:27:34 PM

+1 Boost

I would choose the 135i only for its soft top. I hate the metal roof of the 335. I could be the only one.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/15/2008 6:57:08 PM

+1 Boost

"For $22,000 US, you can get an MX-5 that handles better and is just as fast."

I respect the MX-5, but please, don't compare them lest you make yourself look like more of a fool.

#1: The 128i is far quicker.
#2: Hasn't it become obvious by now that the 1 Series has flawless handling? There won't be much of a difference between the two in this regard.

"Are BMW buyers this incredibly stupid? Then again, BMW hasn't gone bankrupt yet, so that pretty much answers that question."

I take it you've never driven a BMW. If you drive any of them, except the X3, you will be impressed. Do yourself a favor.

"The 1-series has "I had to settle" written all over it."

Really? To me, it says that someone wanted a car that was stylish, comfortable, great to drive, fuel efficient and less expensive than most other luxury cars.