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BMW 1-Series Convertible (2008-2015)

The E88 first generation BMW 1-Series Convertible marked a return to smaller BMW convertibles as the 3 and 4 Series gets ever larger. Unlike its bigger brother, it has a fabric folding roof which maximises the luggage space and gives the car attractive proportions. Quality, equipment and performance are as you would expect from BMW. The original two engine options for the launch model have increased to included a base model 118 and range-topping 135, while a diesel option, 120i and 125i joined later. The 135 promises M-Sport-like performance with a 0-62mph time of just 5.6 seconds.

BMW 1-Series Convertible Details

Production Dates2008-2015
Luggage Capacity 370 litres / 13.07 cu ft
Fuel Tank Capacity 53 litres / 14 US gal
Warranty 3 years or unlimited miles
Service Intervals Variable miles

BMW 1-Series 118i Convertible

BMW 118i Convertible has enough power to make for an enjoyable drive without getting you into mischief or costing you the earth in fuel. While it doesn't sound as good as the 6 cylinder options it is smooth, quiet and a pleasure to drive if not all that exciting.

Specifications

Fuel type Unleaded Petrol
Engine type Straight 4
Engine Capacity 1995 cc
Power 143@6000 bhp
Torque 140@4250 lb.ft
Transmission type 6-spd manual / 6-spd auto
UK Retail Price from £24,935
UK Insurance Group 13/24

Performance

Max speed (manual) 130 mph / 209 kph
Max speed (auto) 129 mph / 208 kph
0-60mph (manual) - seconds
0-60mph (auto) - seconds
0-100kmph (manual) 9.3 seconds
0-100kmph (auto) 10.1 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 43.5 mpg / 6.5 L/100km
EU Combined Fuel Economy (auto) 40.9 mpg / 6.9 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 152 g/km
CO2 Emissions (auto) 162 g/km

BMW 1-Series 120i Convertible

Specifications

Fuel type Unleaded Petrol
Engine type Straight 4
Engine Capacity 1995 cc
Power 170@6700 bhp
Torque 155@4250 lb.ft
Transmission type 6-spd manual / 6-spd auto
UK Retail Price from £27,245
UK Insurance Group 14/27

Performance

Max speed (manual) 137 mph / 220 kph
Max speed (auto) 135 mph / 217 kph
0-100kmph (manual) 8.4 seconds
0-100kmph (auto) 9 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 41.5 mpg / 6.8 L/100km
EU Combined Fuel Economy (auto) 40.4 mpg / 7 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 158 g/km
CO2 Emissions (auto) 163 g/km

BMW 1-Series 125i Convertible

The BMW 125i Convertible is unsurprisingly a popular choice. The upgrade to the 3 litre 6-cylinder engine over the 120i's four-pot adds a great soundtrack and plenty of silky smooth power. It may be a little more thirsty but BMWs Efficient Dynamics system keeps economy under control.

Specifications

Fuel type Unleaded Petrol
Engine type Straight 6
Engine Capacity 2996 cc
Power 218@6100 bhp
Torque 199@2400 lb.ft
Transmission type 6-spd manual / 6-spd auto
UK Retail Price from £30,905
UK Insurance Group 17/33

Performance

Max speed (manual) 148 mph / 238 kph
Max speed (auto) 147 mph / 237 kph
0-100kmph (manual) 6.8 seconds
0-100kmph (auto) 7.4 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 34 mpg / 8.3 L/100km
EU Combined Fuel Economy (auto) 34 mpg / 8.3 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 194 g/km
CO2 Emissions (auto) 194 g/km

BMW 1-Series 135i Convertible

The BMW 135i Convertible is an impressive performer unmatched in the compact convertible car market. The twin turbo 3 litre inline-six provides smooth power and the competent chassis deals with it admirably. It is well balanced and is more fun to drive than some convertibles that cost twice the price.

Specifications

Fuel type Unleaded Petrol
Engine type Straight 6
Engine Capacity 2979 cc
Power 306@5800 bhp
Torque 295@1300 lb.ft
Transmission type 6-spd manual / 6-spd auto
UK Retail Price from £35,640
UK Insurance Group 18/36

Performance

Max speed (manual) 155 mph / 249 kph
Max speed (auto) 155 mph / 249 kph
0-100kmph (manual) 5.6 seconds
0-100kmph (auto) 5.5 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 32.8 mpg / 8.6 L/100km
EU Combined Fuel Economy (auto) 32.8 mpg / 8.6 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 200 g/km
CO2 Emissions (auto) 200 g/km

BMW 1-Series 118d Convertible

The BMW 118d Convertible is the most efficient drop-top in the 1-Series range with an impressive fuel economy figure close to 59mpg. It is great for soaking up the miles and while it isn't a sports model it remains enjoyable to drive thanks to the stiff, well-balanced chassis.

Specifications

Fuel typeDiesel
Engine type Straight 4
Engine Capacity 1995 cc
Power 143@4000 bhp
Torque 221@1750-2500 lb.ft
Transmission type 6-spd manual / 6-spd auto
UK Retail Price from £26,050
UK Insurance Group 13/23

Performance

Max speed (manual) 129 mph / 208 kph
Max speed (auto) 129 mph / 208 kph
0-100kmph (manual) 9.5 seconds
0-100kmph (auto) 9.6 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 58.9 mpg / 4.8 L/100km
EU Combined Fuel Economy (auto) 51.4 mpg / 5.5 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 127 g/km
CO2 Emissions (auto) 145 g/km

BMW 1-Series 120d Convertible

Combining punchy performance with great economy, the BMW 120d Convertible is a great choice. The 2-litre turbo diesel engine is refined, with a good spread of power throughout the rev range. Enthusiastic drivers may also want to consider the more powerful 123d.

Specifications

Fuel type Diesel
Engine type Straight 4
Engine Capacity 1995 cc
Power 177@4000 bhp
Torque 258@1750 lb.ft
Transmission type 6-spd manual / 6-spd auto
UK Retail Price from £28,195
UK Insurance Group 15/28

Performance

Max speed (manual) 138 mph / 222 kph
Max speed (auto) 137 mph / 220 kph
0-100kmph (manual) 8.1 seconds
0-100kmph (auto) 8.2 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 56.5 mpg / 5 L/100km
EU Combined Fuel Economy (auto) 51.4 mpg / 5.5 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 132 g/km
CO2 Emissions (auto) 145 g/km

BMW 1-Series 123d Convertible

The twin-turbo 2 litre BMW 123d Convertible is the clever choice in the range. Combining serious performance with forgiving economy, it is hard to fault. It pulls well from low in the rev range and doesn't have the clattering soundtrack often associated this diesel engines. While it isn't a match in performance for the 135i it is a far more economical car to use every day.

Specifications

Fuel type Diesel
Engine type Straight 4
Engine Capacity 1995 cc
Power 204@4400 bhp
Torque 295@2000-2200 lb.ft
Transmission type 6-spd manual / 6-spd auto
UK Retail Price from £32,080
UK Insurance Group 17/32

Performance

Max speed (manual) 143 mph / 230 kph
Max speed (auto) 143 mph / 230 kph
0-100kmph (manual) 7.5 seconds
0-100kmph (auto) 7.6 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 53.3 mpg / 5.3 L/100km
EU Combined Fuel Economy (auto) 49.6 mpg / 5.7 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 139 g/km
CO2 Emissions (auto) 149 g/km

Information last updated

4 Owner Reviews

Do you drive a BMW 1-Series Convertible? Would you recommend it to others? Join the conversation and let us know what you think of the car. This BMW currently has 4 owner reviews.

  1. Avatar for alvin alvin says:

    With its attractive exterior styling, spacious interior design, well-planned proportions, and decent performance stats, the new BMW 1-Series convertible is clearly one of the best choices for a luxury small convertible on the present market.

  2. Avatar for Rat Rat says:

    Bought mine just 10 days ago and I’m in love…. the 3 litre is juicy but soo much fun – 35mpg is achievable but if that’s your concern then don’t buy that engine buy a diesel…#shudder…. sorry feels dirty just saying the word!

  3. Avatar for Lorne Sinclair Lorne Sinclair says:

    Pure driving pleasure unless you live where there is snow. Put it in the garage in winter season and enjoy the rest of the year.

  4. Avatar for dave dave says:

    nice car

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