Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: No
Fashion Victims: Yes
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: No
Tuner Crowd: No
Hairdressers: Yes
Penny Pinchers: No
Euro Snobs: Yes
Working Stiffs: No
Technogeeks: Yes
Poseurs: Yes
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: No
Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Also Consider:
• VW Eos
• Mini Cooper S Convertible
• Mazda MX-5
• Volvo C70
• A well-sorted 1992 325i convertible with Eibach springs and shocks, Yokohama AVS Intermediates, AP Racing brakes, a K&N filter, Borla exhaust, performance chip, a sweet 5-speed manual and performance driving lessons.

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: BMW
• Model year: 2008
• Base Price: $33,100
• Price as Tested: $33,100 plus a Suzuki ($47,395)
• Engine type: 3.0-Liter DOHC I6
• Horsepower: 230 @ 6,500 RPM
• Torque: 200 @ 2,750 RPM
• Transmission: 6-Speed STEPTRONIC Automatic Transmission
• Curb Weight: 3,571 lbs
• LxWxH: 171.7" x 68.8" x 58.0"
• Wheelbase: 104.7"
• Tires: P205/55R17
• 0 - 60 mph: 7.0 Seconds
• EPA Fuel economy city/highway: 18/27 MPG
• NHTSA crash test rating: NA

Also see:

• 2008 BMW 128i Convertible, Part One
• 2008 BMW 128i Convertible, Part Two

Acceleration: ***
In the sportiest of modes, which requires nudging the shifter to the left and pushing the button on the dash, the heavy convertible manages to trot to 60 mph in a reasonable 7.0 seconds, slightly faster than the 328i Convertible. Unfortunately, the whole process is, and I feel strange saying this about a car, a bit mechanical. There's no rush of speed, no woosh of sound, just a car competently completing the task it's presented with.

Braking: ***
The one place where the BMW doesn't feel as heavy as it is, is when it comes to stopping. There are a variety of electronics involved, including automatic Brake Fade Compensation, but in this instance there's no loss of feel. Step on the brakes and all that heft comes to a fulfilling stop.

Ride: **
If you were to drive the BMW 128i along a straight, bumpy road you'd be excited. All that jostling must indicate there's some sort of highly tweaked and insanely fun suspension lurking beneath you. The problem is, there's not.

Handling: ***
What initially feels like a responsive rear wheel drive chassis turns out to be disappointingly underwhelming. Switch the plethora of electronic nannies off and all you get is a soft, unpredictable, unsporty drive. Still, it's competent and capable of a somewhat satisfying turn of speed, just not the responsive, lithe revelation we'd hoped for.

Gearbox: **
Err... which mode? There's the regular, boring hands-off automatic six-speed that's too slow or the thumb paddle-interfaced version that's too confusing. The sport option is the best choice for those, like me, always in a hurry to get where they're going.

Audio: ****
Maybe it's because of the lo-fi music I listen to, but the 10-speaker stereo managed to keep me in tunes through the noisy top-down conditions. Even better, the satellite radio is easier to navigate with the newer iDrive system, meaning that I can swap between Grandmaster Flash and Cat Power without having to complete any post-graduate programming classes. The BMW also features an adjustable audio auxiliary port for my iPod.

Toys: ****
When configuring this particular press fleet vehicle, the folks at BMW must have gone on a box-checking spree. Xenon headlights? Check. Comfort access. Check. USB-port? Check. Voice dialing? Check. Automatic dimmers? Check. Mirrors that bend downward when parallel parking? Check. Navigation with traffic updates? Check. And as much as people like to criticize the iDrive system, after a few minutes I found this version to be fairly easy to use. But, we'd trade it all for less weight, more communication and a better drive.

Value: *
At approximately $33,100, a base-priced 128i comes in $10,100 below the larger 328i despite sharing the same engine and basically the same chassis. That would be good deal as the extra room you get in the back of the 3-Series isn't $10,000 worth of space. Unfortunately, to get a fully loaded baby Bimmer you're going to be out $47,395. Even with our current currency issues our money goes a little further than that.

Overall: **
Underwhelmingly adequate isn't a phrase normally associated with BMW's products, nor one that we want to use to describe them. Unfortunately, the 2008 BMW 128i suffers too much from its own hype. There are those that may argue it should be judged in a vacuum, avoiding comparisons to either the older E30 3-Series or even older 2002. But that's what BMW promised and then failed to deliver. At the end of the day, it's a three star car with four star ambitions at a five star price, which means giving it more than two stars would be overly generous.

Also see:

• 2008 BMW 128i Convertible, Part One
• 2008 BMW 128i Convertible, Part Three

Alas, this isn't that car. Meaning I look ridiculous only for the amusement of Mark. The new 1-Series, at least in 128i trim, is only going to fulfill the desire of a trophy wife lusting after a toy taken from the profits of her hubby's burgeoning orthodontic practice, or perhaps for old men who find the Z4 too two-seatery. BMW is lucky in that, as niches go, that one is large enough to require a specific model. The enthusiast community is the loser here. This new Bimmer is just too heavy, too complicated and too expensive to be mentioned in the same breathe as the much-loved E30.

It isn't obvious by looking at the 128i standing by itself that the smallest BMW is such a porker. BMW's flame surfacing is toned down to Zippo level with only the straight crease across the beltline and the curved line running wheel to wheel as indicators that this is part of the company's Bangleized look. Unlike the coupe version, there's no too-tall greenhouse to distort proportions. In fact, its large eyes and kidney grille entice the driver to hop in and enjoy a bit of fast, topless fun. But once you do get in, that desire quickly turns into annoyance and then boredom.

Before you can even turn the key you... well, you can't even turn the key. You have to push the start button (as nightmares of Vista dance in your head). Then interface with the iDrive system to select the navigation screen, but only after you agree that using a GPS system while driving is bad and subsequently relinquish your ability to sue BMW for directing you into a ditch. Then click the iDrive a few more times to select a radio station and poke at the multiple switches to adjust the sport seats into a comfortable position. All this involves more button pushes and time than it takes me to transfer funds, check balances and otherwise completely reorganize my meager finances at an ATM.

Once you actually start moving even more obstacles appear between you and an ideal driving experience. The six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission our car came with offers a variety of ways not to enjoy the engine's potential power. Assuming you want to do none of the shifting yourself you have the choice between the painfully slow standard mode, which makes quick shifts way earlier than you'd want them, or the sportier mode, which lets you enjoy those precious lower gears slightly longer. Assuming you prefer the hands-on approach, you can bounce the shifter up and down or blip one of the two thumb paddles located behind the steering wheel. Of all the options I preferred the sport setup with the occasional nudge, usually in the wrong direction, of the shifter. The 1-series uses BMW ridiculously unintuitive new paddle set up, both the left and right move forward and back instead of the traditional right for up, left for down. It doesn't sound that bad, but if you've ever driven another paddle-equipped vehicle you'll end up up shifting every time you go to shift either way.

The 128i's normally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six is zippy if not particularly powerful, providing 230 horsepower and 200 ft.-lbs of torque. Whatever oomph is there is, unfortunately, is misused by the transmission. Driving fast, in a straight-line, you find yourself a gear ahead of where you'd like to be, grasping for the 7,000 RPM redline which remains nothing but a red-painted promise. It should be no shock then that the 0-60 time for the automatic is 0.6 seconds slower (at 7.0) than the same car equipped with a manual transmission. There's a finely tuned rumble to the i6, but it's merely a tease the transmission can't fulfill.

And speaking of being unfulfilled, the handling is anything but enjoyable. Mark and I randomly met up with a gentleman driver more familiar with the lay-of-the-land who was piloting a radar detector-equipped BMW Z3 and offered to lead us on a drive through some of the twistier roadways of the suburbs. It required a serious effort to keep up with him as the little Bimmer's suspension (borrowed mostly from the 3-Series) fought against the rapid changes in direction. Considering the car weighs in at 3,494 pounds, not even 300 pounds lighter than the much roomier 328i Convertible, there's not the light-and-easy toss-ability you'd hope would be present. The stiff suspension keeps the hefty cabriolet relatively flat when it starts to accrue G's, but at the price of a bumpy ride over less-than-perfect roads.

If you press the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) button on the dash, things get slightly better. Power comes a bit quicker and, when pushing the car to its limits, there's a little less insistence from the BMW that it knows more than you about driving. But push too hard while cornering and the power suddenly vanishes. It's not so much a nanny preventing you from having fun as it is an electronic compensation for an inherently un-exploitable chassis

This doesn't mean I couldn't enjoy driving people around in the 128i with the top down. The next day I found myself cruising around the smooth roads encircling Wisconsin's Lake Geneva with my lady friend, blasting old school hip hop through the sound system, which made me feel less like a douche and more like a poser, but a content poser. The car is still a BMW convertible and therefore is a stylish and comfortable way to slowly cruise by jealous onlookers. Though perhaps they wouldn't be jealous if they knew how much it costs. This one's got more options than any one person could possibly use, driving the suggested base from $33,100 up to $47,395, a sum King Solomon himself would blink at.

Leaving the Lake Geneva area I defied the GPS and chose a path that would give me a bit more time to experience the car on some unrestricted back roads. Unfortunately, the 128i isn't as refined as the price might suggest. There's so much wind and noise intrusion, even with the windows up, that when we reached higher speeds my passenger pleaded with me to switch to top-up driving so that we could hear our own thoughts and each other. I happily complied because she was both nice to look at and interact with. I wish I could say the little BMW boasted the same characteristics.

Also see:

• 2008 BMW 128i Convertible, Part Three
• 2008 BMW 128i Convertible, Part Two

Your wheel choices are the HARTGE Classic 2 or the HARTGE Classic 2, with a wide range of Pirelli and Continental tires including a 9x19" 255/30ZR 19/8 x19" 225/35ZR rear/front setup. [Source: HARTGE]

The other mini Bavarian cruiser will come in at just under $30,000 with a price of $29,375 (including destination) for the regular inline-six-powered 128i. If you want more power, the 135i features the 300 horsepower twin-turbo six and can be had for the reasonable price of $35,675. [Kicking Tires]

THE NEW BMW 1 SERIES COUPE: BMW's 128i and 135i Coupes Come to America in 2008

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - June 30, 2007, 6PM EDT... BMW will introduce a modern and authentic performance coupe that draws inspiration from its iconic 2002 models of some 40 years ago. The next BMW legend, the 1 Series Coupe, represents the core BMW philosophies of pure performance and premium design. By combining sporty rear-wheel-drive dynamics, agile handling, powerful engines and seating for four, the 1 Series Coupe will reinvent the niche that the legendary BMW 2002 created.
On sale in the spring of 2008, the 1 Series Coupe will be available in two versions; the 128i and the 135i. Powered by a 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline 6-cyinder engine that generates 200 lb-ft of torque, the 128i Coupe will feature Valvetronic valvetrain management and aluminum/magnesium contruction-core elements of BMW's EfficientDynamics. The powerful 135i Coupe features BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and an incredible 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 intercooling, optimum performance and economy is achieved with no loss in engine response. For the 135i Coupe, acceleration from 0-62 mph is accomplished in 5.3 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 output.

Handsome looks with sporting intentions
The new 1 Series Coupe combines unique, dynamic and unmistakable design elements with a powerful and muscular body. The greenhouse with its characteristic "Hofmeister kink" is moved rearward and offers a particularly nimble look with its long hood. The short overhangs, long wheelbase and large frameless doors sit on a body with a striking shoulder line for a modern interpretation of BMW's characteristic look. On the 135i Coupe, an M Aerodynamic Kit is standard.

The 1 Series boasts aggressive rear end styling. The trunklid has an integrated spoiler chiselled into the rear end of the car to accentuate the short rear section. On the 135i, an additional lip spoiler provides greater downforce on the rear end at high speeds.

The individual sections within the L-shaped rear taillights give the vehicle a lower, sportier look. Horizontal lights integrated in the rear light clusters offer a homogeneous lighting effect with the help of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This light design, as found on other BMW models, makes the BMW 1 Series Coupe stand out at night. Also, the Adaptive Brakelights operating in two stages in relation to brake application force are yet another feature typical of BMW, with the additional benefit of extra safety on the road.

The standard Adaptive Xenon headlights (optional on the 128i) complete with integrated Cornering Lights make driving in the dark safer than ever. The daytime headlight function in typical BMW style with two corona rings on each headlight unit enhances the perception of the car under normal and "murky" light conditions.

Luxurious interior appointments with today's technology
The innovative interior design incorporates high-quality and sophisticated trim elements with luxurious upholstery and color choices. A 60/40 split rear seat is standard. The control console for the entertainment and air conditioning functions is integrated smoothly and harmoniously into the dashboard through its soft radii and flowing surfaces. The controller featured in the iDrive system with the optional Navigation system is integrated in the center console, again following BMW's characteristic philosophy. Galvanized pearl gloss surfaces adorn the interior door handles, the glove compartment handle, the radio's rotary knobs, the knobs of the automatic air conditioning system, the iDrive Controller, and the ornamental trim strips featured on the sports steering wheel.

The BMW 1 Series Coupe is available with a choice of two upholstery options-sporty and comfortable Leatherette or rich Boston Leather. Boston Leather upholstery adds further style to the high-quality impression of the interior. And as a practical feature, map pockets are integrated in the lower part of the doors. The optional Sport Package includes sports buckets seats with enhanced side support and are finished in highly distinctive leatherette materials or Boston leather.

Enhanced iDrive and integration of an external MP3 player
BMW's iDrive is included with the optional navigation system. It enables the driver to control all secondary and comfort functions such as communication, air conditioning, entertainment and navigation functions easily and conveniently.

This latest version of iDrive is equipped with six Programmable Memory Keys that allow the driver to program functions that are used particularly often such as navigation destinations, radio stations or specific telephone numbers. Touch-sensative sensors on these buttons preview the function on the iDrive screen before the button is depressed. This allows the driver to choose the stored function safely and conveniently, keeping his or her eyes on the road in the process.

A wide choice of audio and communication are also available, never before seen in the compact performance market. These features include SIRIUS satellite radio, HD radio, Premium Sound system and Bluetooth interface. For simple and straightforward connection of an MP3 player, an Auxiliary input jack is standard, and a USB port for direct control of an Apple iPod or iPhone media player is available as an option.

High-tech suspension with newly-developed differential
In typical BMW style, the new BMW 1 Series Coupe transmits the power of the engine to the rear wheels. This design concept and configuration - engine at the front, drive wheels at the rear - guarantees optimum traction, good weight distribution front-to-rear, excellent directional stability, and predictable handling.

The new 1 Series Coupe has a sophisticated suspension system with an aluminium double-pivot front suspension and a five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel. BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) also includes a Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function that provides electronic intervention to prevent loss of vehicle control, but at a higher threshold before activation. This allows the driver to experience more spirited driving on dry roads and offers more flexibility when driving in more challenging conditions such as in the snow. If the driver desires, both DSC and DTC can be disabled entirely. Active Steering, a variable ratio steering system exclusive to BMW, is available as an option. The DSC system on the 135i Coupe is designed specifically for performance-oriented driving. For instance, the accelerator pedal has a quicker response rate and electronic rear brake management is used to simulate a differential lock for stronger acceleration in turns.

The rear differential on the 1 Series comes from a new generation of final drives optimized for running smoothness. Featuring double-helical ball bearings for the first time, the differential runs at an even lower operating temperature reached more quickly than before thanks to the reduction of fluid required in the differential.

The front suspension on the BMW 1 Series is also built to a standard quite unique to its competitive group. The double-pivot spring and strut front suspension with its anti-roll bar, is made largely of aluminium and offers an optimum combination of stiffness and low weight. The very stable track control arms and thrust rods, as well as exact wheel guidance, make an important contribution to the car's driving dynamics.

High safety standards exceed international requirements
No less than six airbags come standard within the new BMW 1 Series Coupe for optimum protection of the car's occupants. The advanced frontal airbags are activated in stages in relation to impact severity while the side airbags integrated into the sides of the front seat backrests reduce the risk of injury at chest and hip levels in side impact situations. HPS (Head Protection System) side curtain airbags fitted in the roof lining protect both the occupants on the front seats and the passengers at the rear. The new BMW 1 Series Coupe also comes with crash-optimized seats with specially padded headrests and backrests significantly reducing the risk of injury in an impact from the rear.

All seats within the 1 Series Coupe are fitted with three-point inertia-reel seat belts and headrests, with the front seat belts fastened on the frames of the driver's and front passenger's seats, keeping the belt in an optimum position around the occupant's hips regardless of seat height or for-aft seat adjustment.

Also, the driver's pedals move back automatically with a predetermined amount of deformation in the event of a frontal collision so that the risk of driver foot injury is reduced. And last but not least, the rear seats come standard with LATCH attachments for child seats.

M-inspired performance for the 135i Coupe
The 135i Coupe offers more performance and a striking look thanks to M-inspired components. Features include an Aero kit for additional downforce at speed, better brake cooling and enhanced aesthetics while the Sports Suspension offers higher traction and reduced body roll with 18-inch wheels and performance tires. The Sports Suspension also includes with a high-performance brake system incorporating six-piston fixed calipers on the front and two-piston fixed calipers at the rear.

BMW Ultimate ServiceTM:
Providing owners with incredible value and peace of mind
The BMW 1 Series Coupe will feature BMW Ultimate ServiceTM, a suite of services that includes the BMW Maintenance Program (formerly called Full Maintenance), Roadside Assistance and the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. BMW AssistTM with TeleService is part of the optional Premium Package or can be ordered separately as a stand-along option.

BMW Ultimate ServiceTM includes:
The BMW Maintenance Program is the only no-cost maintenance program in the industry that covers wear and tear items like brake pads and rotors for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. BMW owners pay nothing for all scheduled inspections, oil changes, brake pads, wiper blade inserts and other wear-and-tear items.

BMW Roadside Assistance is one of the industry's most comprehensive plans available. Not only is it no-charge for the first 4 years, but there is no mileage limit. BMW drivers enjoy the assurance of on-the-road help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. This includes everything from flat tire changes, emergency gasoline and lock-out assistance, to towing, alternative transportation and even trip-interruption benefits. This service also includes valuable trip routing advice.

BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty: All 2008 BMW passenger vehicles are covered by BMW's excellent Limited Warranty, which includes:
• New-vehicle warranty - 4-year/50,000-mile coverage of the vehicle.
• Rust-perforation warranty - 12-year/unlimited-mileage coverage.

BMW AssistTM provides the driver with services that enhance on-the-road security and convenience, for added peace of mind. It is a part of the optional Premium package and can also be ordered separately as a stand-alone option. BMW is the only vehicle manufacturer that offers this service for 4 years at no additional cost. Most other manufacturers cover only the first year of service.

The in-vehicle equipment for BMW AssistTM includes GPS technology and hands-free communication functions accessed via buttons in the overhead or center console. Vehicle occupants may request emergency or other services simply by pressing a button; the BMW AssistTM system then transmits the location and vehicle information to the BMW AssistTM Response Center. A response specialist will then speak with the occupants to coordinate dispatch, notify emergency contacts on file, and link BMW Roadside Assistance or emergency services as needed and requested. A severe accident automatically activates the BMW AssistTM call as well. The BMW AssistTM Safety Plan also includes Remote Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery services, which can save the owner time and money.

TeleService automatically notifies the BMW center when a vehicle will need service. This feature allows the Service Advisor to proactively set up a customer appointment and have the needed parts ready.

BMW AssistTM subscribers can also enroll in the BMW AssistTM Convenience Plan (available at an additional cost of $199 per year) to avail themselves to many BMW AssistTM Concierge services, from travel planning to dining reservations, shopping assistance and event tickets, as well as receive directions, and traffic and weather information. A selected destination and its phone number can be sent directly to the on-board navigation system and Bluetooth®-linked mobile phone, after a push of the new Concierge button. The Convenience Plan also includes Critical Calling, a new service that connects the driver in case their mobile phone is not in the vehicle or its battery is discharged. After pushing the SOS button, a BMW AssistTM response specialist will link the driver to his requested party for up to five minutes and for up to four events per year.

As before, the BMW AssistTM system includes Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity with hands-free phonebook access and dialing by name or number via the steering wheel controls. Use of this feature requires a customer-provided compatible Bluetooth® mobile phone.

Performance with a conscience
BMW strives to produce its motor vehicles and other products with the utmost attention to environmental compatibility and protection. Integrated into the design and development of BMW automobiles are such criteria as resource efficiency and emission control in production; environmentally responsible selection of materials; recyclability during production and within the vehicle; elimination of CFCs and hazardous materials in production; and continuing research into environmentally friendly automotive power sources. Tangible results of these efforts include the recycling of bumper cladding into other vehicle components; water-based paint color coats and powder clear coats; near-future availability of hydrogen-powered models; and various design and engineering elements that help make BMWs easier to dismantle at the end of their service life.

BMW Group in America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car centers, 334 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 80 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.