Video: The BMW 128i convertible gets put to the test

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Growing up in Northern Minnesota in the 70s, we didn't see a lot foreign cars other than VW Beetles. Because of this I distinctly remember seeing my first BMW, a 2002. While my dad's Oldsmobiles, Buicks and Pontiacs were big and swoopy, the small squared-off coupe was curiously upright and cubic. As a caddy at Northland Country Club, I had just carried the clubs of the Bimmer's owner for 18 holes. Sensing my curiosity, he graciously offered me a ride home. It was on that day that I realized that big is not always better and that precise cornering can be more fun than brute horsepower. And as I watched him drive away, one more thing became clear: I had left my bike back at the golf course.

The 2002 wasn't cheap but its replacement, the 320i, made it seem so. Gone were the days of the budget Bimmer. For years enthusiasts have pined for a low-cost basic BMW in the vein of the classic 2002. Some will argue that the MINI is that car but with front-wheel drive, I disagree. Now the boys from Bavaria have brought a lower priced Bimmer to American roads, the 1 Series. It's around 9 inches shorter and an inch and a half narrower than big brother 3 series. Choose between a hardtop coupe and softtop convertible. Both models are available as a 128i or the uber powerful 135i. I'm driving the 128i convertible.

Since the 1 is smaller, it's reasonable to assume that the small 128i would have a reasonable price. This particular car I'm driving is bumping up against $47,000. This is not a typo. To be fair this is a fully loaded car. Base 128i convertibles that start at around 34 grand do without luxuries like heated seats, 6-speed auto tranny and my favorite option, keyless ignition. My tester also has satellite navigation with a nifty tilt screen and the improved but still awkward iDrive interface that comes along with it. Sure the 1 Series is priced around 5 grand less than a 3 Series and that's not chump change, but those hoping that the 1 Series would be priced like a Volkswagen GTI or MAZDASPEED3 are out of luck. 

BMW gets a lot right with the 1 though. Unlike the VW and Mazda, the 1 has rear wheel drive and a nearly perfect weight distribution between the front and rear axels. That means the balanced 128 is great entertainment when the turns get tight and twisty. Since the wheelbase is shorter than the 3 Series, ride quality feels a little choppy on rough roads, not as refined as big brother. The chassis is very rigid with no squeaks or rattles anywhere. Overall the 1 is fun and flingable and takes me back to that first BMW ride years ago.  

Choose between a 6-speed manual transmission and a $1,325 6-speed automatic with a sport mode and steering wheel paddle shifters. 128s use the same velvety 3.0-liter engine as the bigger 328; a premium-drinking 230 horsepower inline 6-cylinder. With 300 fewer pounds to lug around, 0-60 runs are a tick faster at 7 seconds flat (BMW claims 7.2 for the 328i). With the automatic gear box the EPA rates fuel economy at 18 city, 27 highway, the same as the 328i convertible.

In style the 1's lines are more 3 modern than 2002 retro. I find the ragtop more attractive than the droopy shape of the coupe. The smaller stubbier appearance carries over to the cabin which is like a 9/10th 3 Series cockpit. I prefer smaller cars and the interior feels custom tailored to my average sized frame. Larger folks buying sight unseen at eBay Motors might want to check this space out first before purchasing. For comfort there's automatic dual zone climate control. The seats, with adjustable thigh support, have all-day comfort and hug passengers nicely during hard cornering. A console mounted cup holder is straight from the 6 Series and works a whole lot better than the second one near the armrest, which needs to be pushed out of the way to place a beverage there. The safety minded will enjoy their sunny days even more knowing about the army of airbags, rollover protection and terrific anti-lock brakes. 

If you're going to haul passengers in the back, they'll be happier if they're kid sized. Part of the problem is the side wall angles inward and crowds the passenger. There's not much leg room either, especially for adults.

Push just one button and the high quality top will open or close while waiting at a stoplight. I time it at 25 seconds. The rear window is glass and it's nicely trimmed and insulated. To give the 1 Series a fighting chance in the Costco Toilet Paper Trunk Test this critical measurement is being performed with the top up. Three suitcase sized bales of bath tissue fit. When dropping the fabric top a guard needs to click into place and that shrinks the cargo area by a third. This is the same usable space found in the larger 328i convertible.

Obviously my biggest gripe is price. Again, this loaded 128i is just under 47 large. For those considering such a vehicle, consider aiming higher with a 328i convertible. Smart buyers with some restraint can eliminate a few options like the iDrive navigation to get a nicely appointed 3 with more room, comfort and the secure hardtop roof for around 48K. Obviously if you do the same with the 1 you can lower the price dramatically.    

A hardtop coupe 128i starts at just under $30,000. Those looking for a small rear drive performance car will find precious little competition here. The only one that springs to mind is the 3 Series-sized Mercedes C300 sedan which is around 2K more than a comparable equipped 1 Series coupe. After that a buyer is back to front drive vehicles (which have their advantages in wet and snowy climates). The 128i certainly keeps BMW's legendary fun-to-drive reputation intact, it just doesn't dramatically lower the price of admission for the masses.