REVIEW: Spies Get An Exclusive First Drive In The New BMW 1-Series Convertible- Game Breaker?

I know what you're all thinking...Man these guys are living large flying all over the world testing cars, staying at the finest places, seeing amazing sites and enjoying the finest food and drink .

That IS all true.

But always first and foremost, it's all about the ride and giving you the best access to these amazing vehicles first.

Case in point, the new BMW 1-Series convertible.

The Spies were some of the lucky few to be selected to drive the new car first, in beautiful Valencia, Spain last week.

And the new 1-Series did not disappoint us.

As we said many months ago when we first broke the news of the 128i and 135i Coupes, this baby is a game breaker, a paradigm shifter, a change agent...insert your favorite witty line here.

We got to drive the European 125i (With my bud from KBB, Micah) that BMW PR tells us is the virtual equivalent of the 128i that will be sold here.

Ours was Tahiti Green and it looked really sharp.

And it's everything you'd expect in a BMW.

Fast, taught and best of breed handling characteristics.

The 125 although not the explosive power of the 135i is definitely NOT underpowered, so we can highly recommend the 128i when it hits the shores here.

So don't think if you can't afford the 135i, you will be disappointed.

You won't.

Plus, this thing got GREAT gas mileage...we'll guess low 30's highway in the USA manual version of the 128i.

What about interior space you ask?

Even though it's a little smaller inside (mostly in the back seat area) than a 3-Series, the 1-Series still has plenty of front seat room (see pic of how much headroom I had) and is comfortable for even guys of my stature (6'5").

The ergonomics are typical BMW. Absolutely perfect for my taste.

And the more I drive the manual transmission BMW's, the more I like them.

I love the shifter handle feel and the way it glides through the gate when pushed hard.

A wonderful piece of machinery to say the least.

The new 128i and 135i's might end up being the perfect convertible on the market when they land at USA dealers right after Memorial Day.

An ideal combination of performance with great bang for the buck.

Anything we didn't like about it?

1. The exterior design is polarizing. I liked it and so did many of the others who drove it but just as many did not think it was an attractive car. So, this is definitely a personal preference issue which we can't decide for you.

2. We wish they could have priced it a little lower...say $5k lower.

But that said, no one can argue if BMW knows its market and what things will sell for, so we'll trust them that it will sell well at the price.

BMW will be in the unique position of position of advantage for the next couple years, as the competitors try to answer back to a question they didn't know they needed to be answered.

But now that it's here, watch them all scramble to be the first out of the blocks with something in this segment.

What segment you ask?

The entry level luxury/sport premium car with all the power of its expensive brethren segment.

Brought to you for the first time in the USA by BMW.

Check out the amazing photo gallery below of the new Convertible and the sights in Valencia, Spain.

jgf330xi - 1/26/2008 10:25:19 PM

+3 Boost

Is that LEMON interior?

When will the 135i VERT be available in the USA? I am patiently waiting....

Here is the questions.. Fully optioned 335i and 135i and given discounts available on the 335i now.. say $3000 off.. Would you get a 335i For $55,000 OR a 135i for $49K? Is the 335i worth $6 more than a 135i?

jgf330xi - 1/27/2008 7:37:36 AM

0 Boost

Base MSRP $49,100
Montego Blue Metallic $475
Saddle Brown/Black Dakota Leather $0
Dark Burl Walnut wood trim $0
Cold Weather Package $750
Premium Package $1,550
Sport Package $1,300
Comfort Access with Comfort Loading and Open $500
Navigation system $2,100
iPod and USB adapter $400
Satellite radio $595
Park Distance Control (rear only) $350
Destination & Handling: $775
Total MSRP as Built $57,895

_______________________________
135i (COUPE..)
ADD $5000 for 'Vert...

My 135i Coupe
3.0-liter, turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine
Rear-wheel drive
See all standard features
Base MSRP $34,900
Montego Blue Metallic $475
Black Boston Leather $0
Gray Poplar wood trim $0
Cold Weather Package $600
Premium Package $3,300
Sport Package $1,000
Comfort Access system $500
Navigation system $2,100
iPod and USB adapter $400
Satellite radio $595
Park Distance Control (rear only) $350
Destination & Handling: $775
Total MSRP as Built $44,995

SO $50K for a 135i Cab or $58K for 335i then take $3000 off (they are on dealer lots, look at www.bmwstore,com they have several 2007 and 2008 335i cabs..)

Is the retracting hardtop, HIFI Audio, worth an extra $5000?

A4ORCE - 1/27/2008 3:25:29 PM

+3 Boost

Jeez, those options are murder on the wallet...

NorCalBMW - 1/27/2008 3:49:59 PM

+4 Boost

The 335i CV isn't being discounted $3k, I know that for a fact cuz I sell them. $500-1k off for Previous/Haggle customers and $200-1500 off for SoCal buyers. This might change later, but def not anytime soon, as we are still short on cars.

The 1 Series is a completely different story, as they will almost always be sold out due to the fact that BMW will not be building that many of them because they don't want to cut into MINI sales.

You should not look at which of these cars based soley on the price, but what they are meant to be and what you will be using it for.

BMW4me4ever - 1/28/2008 12:45:20 PM

+1 Boost

you are also forgetting that the 135 comes with a aero kit standard. That is a $2100 option for the 335 conv or the 335 coupe.

I also sell BMW's, which I have mentioned many times on here. In the midwest 335 conv's are NOT being sold for a $3k savings. Finding one on a dealers lot is pretty hard. Spring is around the corner and demand for us will get even higher. The 1-series conv will be a hot seller. We see most people getting a 135 conv for the performance aspect and the 128 as a entry level sort of car, not quite as loaded up. Either way it is about a $7k to $8k savings compared the the 3-series conv.

I cant wait til my 135 coupe arrives ...

Carboy - 1/26/2008 10:34:20 PM

+4 Boost

Wow, I am more impressed with BMW as time goes.

"The Ultimate Driving Machine"

nybimmer - 1/26/2008 10:34:51 PM

+2 Boost

Great vehicle and great review..

001..how big is the trunk and how big is the back seat? Backseat looks as roomy as 328/335i cab. Trunk has got to be bigger than the 3-series.

Agent001 - 1/26/2008 11:29:08 PM

+1 Boost

Back seat is definitely tighter...trunk might be slightly larger due to the fact of the retractable roof.

001

atomicbri - 1/26/2008 11:21:51 PM

+1 Boost

I think this will be a great small car, however I noticed that the gauge cluster is quite cheap... not temp gauge??? Unless there is some digital readout I dunno about there.... Otherwise seems nice. Can't wait to try one out myself. I own a 3 Series currently and I feel it has grown quite large. I don't have a family so space in the rear is something I don't care about. However this little gem seems to deserve a look when I get in thre market for a new BMW.

ICON - 1/26/2008 11:23:06 PM

+2 Boost

Great article....I think BMW has nailed this one. Nice Auto.

_43LE - 1/26/2008 11:31:15 PM

+1 Boost

I thought that the 1 was going to be my next car but then I sat in it and realized that it was too small for what I need (sniff sniff...). It was honestly cramped. Maybe I'll wait for the next gen 3.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/27/2008 11:37:29 AM

+3 Boost

What's wrong with the current 3? The E92 is beautiful.

_43LE - 1/27/2008 11:45:20 AM

0 Boost

The coupe is very nice, but the interior quality is not the greatest and on my list that is important. Even my TSX has a better quality interior. The A5 did impress me though, much more than the G37.

TURACO - 1/28/2008 5:36:07 PM

+1 Boost

The TSX definetely does not have a better quality interior than the 1/3 series.

KZ258 - 1/26/2008 11:44:22 PM

+1 Boost

agentoo1, i need your kind of job btw

rspect - 1/27/2008 1:05:51 AM

-1 Boost

that chick at the health club is hot! tell me she knows who agent 001 is and that you tapped that!

Agent001 - 1/27/2008 8:10:22 PM

0 Boost

We have a strict 'No kiss and tell' policy for all 00's.

enthusiastx11 - 1/27/2008 1:27:21 AM

+7 Boost

BMW is on an amazing roll....

1-series coupes
M3 sedan and coupe
1-series convertibles
X6
and then an M3 convertible.

WOW.

Agent001 - 1/27/2008 2:02:04 AM

+7 Boost

CS, X6/X5M's, New 7 and New 5 all coming soon as well

001

TimE - 1/27/2008 4:10:46 PM

+3 Boost

Also: new Z4, X1 SAV, F5 PAS.

TauronB2G - 1/27/2008 10:58:26 AM

-7 Boost

You'd be a complete idiot to pay 49K for that or 58K for a 335. Maybe BMW has just gotten much too pricey for me. The 135 convertible should only cost about 35 fully optioned. I wouldn't pay darn near 60 grand for anything but an M3 convertible and that would be a hard sell. Maybe I'm cheap, maybe I just don't like BMW's anymore but there is no way.

T

S4cabriofoxone - 1/27/2008 11:39:53 AM

0 Boost

You payed well over $60,000 for a convertible based on the last-generation Mercedes C-Class.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/27/2008 11:40:13 AM

0 Boost

*Paid.

There is a difference...

TauronB2G - 1/27/2008 5:39:39 PM

-1 Boost

There he is Mrknowitall again. I knew you couldn't resist having something to say. Yes I paid quite a bit of money for my Mercedes and so what if its based on the last C Class...its bigger it has a V8 and its a convertible Plus it will leave your audi at the light. You paid 60K for something based on a damn vw golf.
T

S4cabriofoxone - 1/27/2008 11:06:40 PM

-1 Boost

Jealous much?

You drive a major chick car.

LOL, couldn't resist. Whenever I think of the click, I think of women. My wife ADORES your car. Congrats!

TauronB2G - 1/28/2008 8:28:41 AM

-1 Boost

You mean your husband don't you?
t

vman1013 - 1/28/2008 11:49:49 AM

+3 Boost

Don't evwn mention the CLK in the same breath as any twin turbo BMW! The CLK 550 is the mistresses car. The wife gets the SL and the young mistress gets the CLK!

BMW4me4ever - 1/28/2008 12:51:46 PM

+2 Boost

Tauron .. the 335 conv will dust your clk 430 conv. I dont understand what you are griping about. It is noones fault that you paid $60k for a smallish mercedes conv that isnt very fast for what one could get nowadays. The $50k for a 135 is with every option that is available. Go price out a CLK 350 conv sometime and see what that comes to, about $64k. huh? The M3 conv will be pushing the $70k plus full loaded which makes it light years less expensive that a $94k CLK 63 AMG conv. I just delievered a CLK63 AMG conv and it retails for $94k. At that price doesnt even come with a bluetooth device as standard, that is an additional $450 known as " the puck ".

S4cabriofoxone - 1/28/2008 9:01:13 PM

+1 Boost

I'm sorry, I got all riled up from yesterday. Immature.

I call a truce.

I do like your car. Maybe not as much as the previous-gen, but it's a nice car nonetheless. Would I buy one? Probably not. But I can see why you would.

TauronB2G - 1/27/2008 10:58:27 AM

-5 Boost

S4cabriofoxone - 1/27/2008 11:39:24 AM

+1 Boost

Wow. If ever there was a car that looked good in turquoise...

And that interior looks MUCH better in your shots than on the BMW site. I'm impressed!

Of course, the performance is a given.

TauronB2G - 1/27/2008 5:41:08 PM

+2 Boost

You seem like the kind of guy that would drive a turqouise car.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/27/2008 11:08:05 PM

+1 Boost

You said this:

"You'd be a complete idiot to pay 49K for that or 58K for a 335."

And I said this:

"You payed well over $60,000 for a convertible based on the last-generation Mercedes C-Class."

And now you're all angry. Is it that time of the month?

Rupert - 1/27/2008 12:04:58 PM

+1 Boost

Valencia is such a nice are of Spain - I have a house a bit further south.
I really like this car, I want one.

Rupert - 1/27/2008 12:06:34 PM

+1 Boost

Do you know the name of any of the towns you went through Agent001?

Agent001 - 1/27/2008 4:47:42 PM

+1 Boost

Rupert,

See the drive map in the photo gallery to see the routes we drove...

001

Rupert - 1/27/2008 6:31:02 PM

+1 Boost

My house is exactly halfway between Alicante and Valencia, and they're both great cities. Valencia is more sophisticated though.
It is a beautiful area, I love it there, and I should be going in summer. I'm going to try to spend some more time in Valencia though, I like it so much. The weather's great, and while the Spaniards aren't as bad as the Italians...they're still pretty cocky!!

Thanks Agent001. Xativa is about 30 miles from my house! And you know that map is sideways? Tilt it 90 degrees to the left to see how it really looks.

Rupert - 1/27/2008 12:08:06 PM

+1 Boost

If anyone's wondering, most of that graffiti is saying that the Valencians want independence and recognition of their own language, Valeniciano.

SixxFive - 1/27/2008 1:23:41 PM

+1 Boost

Very nice car - especially the one pictured in silver w/ the black top. I almost prefer this design over the 3 cabrio - the 1 series looks more agressive and less rounded than the 3.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/27/2008 11:09:24 PM

-1 Boost

If anything, it will make the A3 more successful, because that market is so small right now but the BMW will give it more visibility.

TauronB2G - 1/27/2008 10:46:27 PM

0 Boost

I agree with you 100% dude. You make a great point. THe car is just tooo expensive.
T

ghosthunter - 1/28/2008 2:39:02 AM

+3 Boost

does BMW really have a 3.5 liter turbocharged gas engine?

Rupert - 1/28/2008 9:31:50 AM

+3 Boost

No it's a 3.0 twin turbo, badged 135i

AgentX - 1/27/2008 6:50:21 PM

+1 Boost

"We wish they could have priced it a little lower...say $5k lower."

Exactly, I really liked the idea of the 1-series till I saw the price. For not much more you can pick up a 3 series where there is more inventory and margin to deal with.

TURACO - 1/28/2008 5:44:29 PM

+1 Boost

X, I totally agree with you. I was actually quite excited about this vehicle until I saw the price. However, if they offer good lease deals on the 128 I might still give it a go. This car is too amazing to pass

Anthony - 1/28/2008 7:06:09 PM

+1 Boost

This really makes the 335i look like a great deal.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/28/2008 9:05:06 PM

+1 Boost

"If you ask me, if you want the coupe get the 135i, if you need four doors get the 335i."

If you ask me, the E92 335i is the best combination of both.

Sorry fastone, but I have to disagree here. It's the style of the E92 that just grabs me like a 1 Series or a 3 Series sedan never could.

bmwfan1513 - 1/29/2008 3:45:41 PM

+1 Boost

I would rather have the coupe.

jahrha - 2/1/2008 11:41:27 AM

+1 Boost

is there even anyone taking this car serious? im definitely not!