BMW 1 Series Convertible (2008 – 2014) Review

BMW 1 Series Convertible (2008 – 2014) At A Glance

4/5

+Neat folding lightweight fabric top, high quality interior, impressive handling even with the roof down, great diesel engines.

-Not the best looking convertible around, limited rear seat room.

Insurance Groups are between 23–38
On average it achieves 80% of the official MPG figure

BMW 1 Series Convertible (2008 – 2014) models and specs

Dimensions
Length 4360 mm
Width 1748–1919 mm
Height 1392–1423 mm
Wheelbase 2660 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1395–1675 kg
Boot Space 260–370 L
Warranty 3 years
Servicing 18000 miles
Costs
List Price £23,300–£37,790
Insurance Groups 23–38
Road Tax Bands C–K
Official MPG 30.1–62.8 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall -

On sale until October 2017

Cabriolet
Version List Price MPG 0-62
118d 2.0 ES 2dr £26,050 58.9 mpg 9.5 s
118d 2.0 ES Auto 2dr £27,685 51.4 mpg 9.6 s
118d 2.0 Exclusive Edition 2dr £26,550 58.9 mpg 9.5 s
118d 2.0 Exclusive Edition Auto 2dr £28,185 51.4 mpg 9.6 s
118d 2.0 M Sport 2dr £28,780 58.9 mpg 9.5 s
118d 2.0 M Sport Auto 2dr £30,415 51.4 mpg 9.6 s
118d 2.0 SE 2dr £27,070 58.9 mpg 9.5 s
118d 2.0 SE Auto 2dr £28,705 51.4 mpg 9.6 s
118d 2.0 Sport Plus Edition 2dr £29,280 58.9 mpg 9.5 s
118d 2.0 Sport Plus Edition Auto 2dr £30,915 51.4 mpg 9.6 s
118i 2.0 ES 2dr £24,945 43.5 mpg 9.3 s
118i 2.0 ES Auto 2dr £26,435 40.9 mpg 10.1 s
118i 2.0 Exclusive Edition 2dr £25,445 43.5 mpg 9.3 s
118i 2.0 Exclusive Edition Auto 2dr £26,935 40.9 mpg 10.1 s
118i 2.0 M Sport 2dr £27,675 43.5 mpg 9.3 s
118i 2.0 M Sport Auto 2dr £29,165 40.9 mpg 10.1 s
118i 2.0 SE 2dr £25,965 43.5 mpg 9.3 s
118i 2.0 SE Auto 2dr £27,455 40.9 mpg 10.1 s
118i 2.0 Sport Plus Edition 2dr £28,175 43.5 mpg 9.3 s
118i 2.0 Sport Plus Edition Auto 2dr £29,665 40.9 mpg 10.1 s
120d 2.0 Exclusive Edition 2dr £28,200 56.5 mpg 8.1 s
120d 2.0 Exclusive Edition Auto 2dr £29,795 51.4 mpg 8.2 s
120d 2.0 M Sport 2dr £30,360 56.5 mpg 8.1 s
120d 2.0 M Sport Auto 2dr £31,955 51.4 mpg 8.2 s
120d 2.0 SE 2dr £28,720 56.5 mpg 8.1 s
120d 2.0 SE Auto 2dr £30,315 51.4 mpg 8.2 s
120d 2.0 Sport Plus Edition 2dr £30,860 56.5 mpg 8.1 s
120d 2.0 Sport Plus Edition Auto 2dr £32,455 51.4 mpg 8.2 s
120i 2.0 Exclusive Edition 2dr £27,255 41.5 mpg 8.4 s
120i 2.0 Exclusive Edition Auto 2dr £28,835 40.4 mpg 9.0 s
120i 2.0 M Sport 2dr £29,415 41.5 mpg 8.4 s
120i 2.0 M Sport Auto 2dr £30,995 40.4 mpg 9.0 s
120i 2.0 SE 2dr £27,775 41.5 mpg 8.4 s
120i 2.0 SE Auto 2dr £29,355 40.4 mpg 9.0 s
120i 2.0 Sport Plus Edition 2dr £29,915 41.5 mpg 8.4 s
120i 2.0 Sport Plus Edition Auto 2dr £31,495 40.4 mpg 9.0 s
123d 2.0 M Sport 2dr £32,085 53.3 mpg 7.5 s
123d 2.0 M Sport Auto 2dr £33,680 49.6 mpg 7.6 s
123d 2.0 Sport Plus Edition 2dr £32,585 53.3 mpg 7.5 s
123d 2.0 Sport Plus Edition Auto 2dr £34,180 49.6 mpg 7.6 s
125i 3.0 M Sport 2dr £30,930 34.0 mpg 6.8 s
125i 3.0 M Sport Auto 2dr £32,510 34.0 mpg 7.4 s
125i 3.0 Sport Plus Edition 2dr £31,430 34.0 mpg 6.8 s
125i 3.0 Sport Plus Edition Auto 2dr £33,010 34.0 mpg 7.4 s
135i 3.0 M Sport 2dr £35,665 32.8 mpg 5.6 s
135i 3.0 M Sport DCT 2dr £37,290 32.8 mpg 5.5 s
135i 3.0 Sport Plus Edition 2dr £36,165 32.8 mpg 5.6 s
135i 3.0 Sport Plus Edition DCT 2dr £37,790 32.8 mpg 5.5 s

On sale until April 2014

Convertible
Version List Price MPG 0-62
118d ES 2dr £26,050 58.9 mpg 9.5 s
118d ES Auto 2dr £27,540 51.4 mpg 9.6 s
118d Exclusive Edition 2dr £26,550 58.9 mpg 9.5 s
118d Exclusive Edition Auto 2dr £28,040 51.4 mpg 9.6 s
118d M Sport 2dr £28,780 58.9 mpg 9.5 s
118d M Sport Auto 2dr £30,270 51.4 mpg 9.6 s
118d SE 2dr £27,070 58.9 mpg 9.5 s
118d SE Auto 2dr £28,560 51.4 mpg 9.6 s
118d Sport Plus Edition 2dr £29,280 58.9 mpg 9.5 s
118d Sport Plus Edition Auto 2dr £30,770 51.4 mpg 9.6 s
118i ES 2dr £24,935 43.5 mpg 9.3 s
118i ES Auto 2dr £26,425 40.9 mpg 10.1 s
118i Exclusive Edition 2dr £25,435 43.5 mpg 9.3 s
118i Exclusive Edition Auto 2dr £26,925 40.9 mpg 10.1 s
118i M Sport 2dr £27,665 43.5 mpg 9.3 s
118i M Sport Auto 2dr £29,155 40.9 mpg 10.1 s
118i SE 2dr £25,955 43.5 mpg 9.3 s
118i SE Auto 2dr £27,445 40.9 mpg 10.1 s
118i Sport Plus Edition 2dr £28,165 43.5 mpg 9.3 s
118i Sport Plus Edition Auto 2dr £29,655 40.9 mpg 10.1 s
120d Exclusive Edition 2dr £28,195 56.5 mpg 8.1 s
120d Exclusive Edition Auto 2dr £29,775 51.4 mpg 8.2 s
120d M Sport 2dr £30,355 56.5 mpg 8.1 s
120d M Sport Auto 2dr £31,935 51.4 mpg 8.2 s
120d SE 2dr £28,715 56.5 mpg 8.1 s
120d SE Auto 2dr £30,295 51.4 mpg 8.2 s
120d Sport Plus Edition 2dr £30,855 56.5 mpg 8.1 s
120d Sport Plus Edition Auto 2dr £32,435 51.4 mpg 8.2 s
120i Exclusive Edition 2dr £27,245 41.5 mpg 8.4 s
120i Exclusive Edition Auto 2dr £28,825 40.4 mpg 9.0 s
120i M Sport 2dr £29,405 41.5 mpg 8.4 s
120i M Sport Auto 2dr £30,985 40.4 mpg 9.0 s
120i SE 2dr £27,765 41.5 mpg 8.4 s
120i SE Auto 2dr £29,345 40.4 mpg 9.0 s
120i Sport Plus Edition 2dr £29,905 41.5 mpg 8.4 s
120i Sport Plus Edition Auto 2dr £31,485 40.4 mpg 9.0 s
123d M Sport 2dr £32,080 53.3 mpg 7.5 s
123d M Sport Auto 2dr £33,660 49.6 mpg 7.6 s
123d Sport Plus Edition 2dr £32,580 53.3 mpg 7.5 s
123d Sport Plus Edition Auto 2dr £34,160 49.6 mpg 7.6 s
125i M Sport 2dr £30,905 34.0 mpg 6.8 s
125i M Sport Auto 2dr £32,485 34.0 mpg 7.4 s
125i Sport Plus Edition 2dr £31,405 34.0 mpg 6.8 s
125i Sport Plus Edition Auto 2dr £32,985 34.0 mpg 7.4 s
135i M Sport 2dr £35,640 32.8 mpg 5.6 s
135i M Sport Auto 2dr £37,265 32.8 mpg 5.5 s
135i Sport Plus Edition 2dr £36,140 32.8 mpg 5.6 s
135i Sport Plus Edition Auto 2dr £37,765 32.8 mpg 5.5 s
Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
118d M Sport 2dr £25,600 62.8 mpg 9.0 s
118d M Sport Auto 2dr £27,090 53.3 mpg 9.1 s
118d SE Auto 2dr £25,405 53.3 mpg 9.1 s
120d SE 2dr £25,460 60.1 mpg 7.6 s
120d SE Auto 2dr £27,040 53.3 mpg 7.8 s

On sale until February 2012

Open Car
Version List Price MPG 0-62
118d Sport 2dr £25,360 58.9 mpg 9.5 s
118d Sport Auto 2dr £26,850 51.4 mpg 9.6 s
118i Sport 2dr £24,255 43.5 mpg 9.3 s
118i Sport Auto 2dr £25,745 40.9 mpg 10.1 s
120d Sport 2dr £26,970 56.5 mpg 8.1 s
120d Sport Auto 2dr £28,550 51.4 mpg 8.2 s
120i Sport 2dr £26,035 41.5 mpg 8.4 s
120i Sport Auto 2dr £27,615 40.4 mpg 9.0 s

On sale until November 2010

Open Car
Version List Price MPG 0-62
118d ES Auto 2dr £25,850 51.4 mpg 9.6 s
118d M Sport Auto 2dr £28,525 51.4 mpg 9.6 s
118d SE Auto 2dr £26,850 51.4 mpg 9.6 s
118d Sport 2dr £24,390 57.6 mpg 9.5 s
118d Sport Auto 2dr £25,850 51.4 mpg 9.6 s
118i ES 2dr £23,300 42.8 mpg 9.3 s
118i ES Auto 2dr £24,760 40.4 mpg 10.1 s
118i M Sport 2dr £25,975 42.8 mpg 9.3 s
118i M Sport Auto 2dr £27,435 40.4 mpg 10.1 s
118i SE 2dr £24,300 42.8 mpg 9.3 s
118i SE Auto 2dr £25,760 40.4 mpg 10.1 s
118i Sport 2dr £23,300 42.8 mpg 9.3 s
118i Sport Auto 2dr £24,760 40.4 mpg 10.1 s
120d M Sport 2dr £28,570 56.5 mpg 8.1 s
120d M Sport Auto 2dr £30,030 51.4 mpg 8.2 s
120d SE 2dr £26,965 56.5 mpg 8.1 s
120d SE Auto 2dr £28,425 51.4 mpg 8.2 s
120d Sport 2dr £25,965 56.5 mpg 8.1 s
120d Sport Auto 2dr £27,425 51.4 mpg 8.2 s
120i M Sport 2dr £27,650 41.5 mpg 8.4 s
120i M Sport Auto 2dr £29,110 40.4 mpg 9.0 s
120i SE 2dr £26,045 41.5 mpg 8.4 s
120i SE Auto 2dr £27,505 40.4 mpg 9.0 s
120i Sport 2dr £25,045 41.5 mpg 8.4 s
120i Sport Auto 2dr £26,505 40.4 mpg 9.0 s
123d M Sport Auto 2dr £31,770 49.6 mpg 7.6 s
125i M Sport 2dr £29,170 33.6 mpg 6.8 s
125i M Sport Auto 2dr £30,715 33.6 mpg 7.4 s
135i M Sport 2dr £33,670 32.8 mpg 5.6 s
135i M Sport Auto 2dr £35,260 32.8 mpg 5.5 s

On sale until January 2010

Open Car
Version List Price MPG 0-62
125i SE £27,110 33.6 mpg 6.8 s
125i SE Auto £27,110 - -

On sale until May 2009

Open Car
Version List Price MPG 0-62
120d ES £25,090 55.4 mpg 8.1 s
120d ES Auto £25,090 - -
120i ES £24,185 42.8 mpg 8.4 s
120i ES Auto £24,185 - -
135i SE £31,655 30.1 mpg 5.6 s
135i SE Auto £31,655 - -

Model History

October 2007

1 Series Convertible revealed

Engines up to 306hp twin-turbo petrol. EfficientDynamics cuts emissions and improves economy. Innovative SunReflective Leather Technology offered. On sale in UK from 05-04-08.

Four- and six-cylinder engines, from 143hp 118i Convertible to 306hp 135i.

BMW 118i Convertible 143ps, 190Nm, 0-60 9.0, 130mph,

BMW 120i Convertible 170ps, 210Nm, 0-60 8.1, 137mph, 42.8mpg com, 158g/km CO2

BMW 120d Convertible 177ps, 350Nm, 0-60 7.8, 138mph,

BMW 125i Convertible 218ps, 270Nm, 0-60 6.6, 148mph, 34.9mpg com, 195g/km, CO2

BMW 135i Convertible 306ps, 400Nm, 0-60 5.4, 155mph limited.

December 2007

Prices announced

BMW 120i ES Convertible £24,055

BMW 120i SE Convertible £25,205

BMW 125i SE Convertible £26,195

Two of BMW’s most popular diesel engines are now available in the 1 Series Convertible. BMW’s most economical four-cylinder diesel engine ever and the award-winning twin–turbocharged unit are a timely introduction for new car buyers seeking open-air motoring but are worried about rising fuel costs.

The 118d Convertible is powered by a 1,995cc single turbocharged engine producing 143hp and 300Nm of torque. This results in a zero to 62mph time of 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 129mph. Most impressive though is the 118d Convertible’s ability to record a combined consumption figure of 57.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 129g/km. This means the vehicle, courtesy of BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies, is the most economical and least polluting convertible car in its class.

For those customers demanding greater performance the 123d Convertible comes with a 1,995cc twin-turbocharged engine producing 204hp and 400Nm of torque. This propels the 123d Convertible from zero to 62mph in 7.5 seconds before going on to a top speed of 143mph. It too comes with all the facets of EfficientDynamics and thus records a combined consumption figure of 52.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 144g/km – again the lowest compared to any competitor product.

Both models come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. The BMW 118d Convertible is priced from £23,660 OTR, while the BMW 123d Convertible starts at £28,105 OTR.

December 2010

BMW 1 Series Coupé and Convertible ranges received a number significant modifications and upgrades that make them more desirable and efficient. Both models differentiate themselves from previous incarnations by way of a new front bumper with redesigned fog lights and redesigned Halogen headlights with an ‘eyebrow’ element. When Xenon headlights are specified this ‘eyebrow element features an LED illuminated light bar. At the rear the headlights have also been changed with a more detailed appearance.

However, the greatest change to ES, SE and Sport models is that they now come fitted with an Aero Curtain – a feature that channels the airflow around the front of the car to reduce aerodynamic drag, thereby increasing efficiency. Wheel arches are one of the main areas of aerodynamic drag and the Aero Curtain is BMW’s innovative solution to reduce this inefficiency. Derived from race technology, air is routed into two ducts in the front apron which then flows out of a narrow opening at high speed in the wheelarch. This jet of air effectively covers the side of the front wheels like a curtain and thus reduces turbulence.

As a result, emissions have been lowered throughout the range, with the 118d now rated at only 118g/km, while all 2.0-litre petrol versions have emissions of 155g/km or below.

As with all BMWs, the 1 Series Coupé and Convertible also come with a raft of other EfficientDynamics measures: Auto Start-Stop is fitted to all petrol and diesel models (excluding versions with automatic transmission), while Diesel Particulate Filters, Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering (excluding 135i), Intelligent Alternator Control and Optimum Shift Indicator for manual models are all standard throughout the range.

All BMW 1 Series Coupé and Convertible ES models come as standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, Dynamic Stability Control, Halogen headlights, MP3 playback capability and rear seat easy access system. Sport models have as standard 17-inch star-spoke alloy wheels, Sport multi-function leather steering wheel and front Sport seats – almost £1,200 worth of equipment that is currently offered for no additional cost over an ES model. SE models get rear Park Distance Control (PDC), front fog lights and automatic air conditioning with two-zone control.

All M Sport models, in addition to SE models, come with 17-inch light double-spoke style alloy wheels, door sill finishers with M designation, chrome front exterior trim, high-gloss Shadowline window surrounds, M aerodynamic bodystyling, M Sport suspension, Run-flat tyres, Sport seats and M Sport multi-function leather steering wheel.

BMW 135i M Sport versions add twin black-chrome exhaust tailpipes, a unique M aerodynamic package, M Sport suspension with 135i-specific calibration, hydraulic power-assisted steering, rear spoiler and up-rated high-performance braking system. The new BMW 1 Series Coupé and Convertible go on sale March 2011, with prices starting from £24,245 for the 118i ES Convertible.

January 0001

BMW 1 Series Convertible

Model Power
Hp
Torque Nm Zero – 62mph Seconds Top Speed Mph Combined
Mpg
CO 2
Emissions g/km
BMW 118i Convertible 143 190 9.3 (10.1) 130 (129) 43.5 (40.9) 152 (162)
BMW 120i Convertible 170 210 8.4 (9.0) 137 (135) 41.5 (40.4) 158 (163)
BMW 125i Convertible 218 270 6.8 (7.4) 148 (147) 34.0 194
BMW 135i Convertible 306 400 5.6 (5.5) 155 32.8 200
BMW 118d Convertible 143 300 9.5 (9.6) 129 58.9 (51.4) 127 (145)
BMW 120d Convertible 177 350 8.1 (8.2) 138 (137) 56.5 (51.4) 132 (145)
BMW 123d Convertible 204 400 7.5 (7.6) 143 53.3 (49.6) 139 (145)

January 2013

BMW 1 Series Coupé and Convertible: Pure Design Package. The BMW 1 Series Coupé and Convertible will see the introduction of the new Pure Design package on M Sport models from March 2013. A suite of exterior and interior features emphasise the sophisticated aesthetics of both models.

The Pure Design package is available with Mineral White metallic paint, Mocha leather upholstery with contrast white stitching, Fine-wood trim and a Mocha with metallic Silver fleck soft-top roof (for Convertible models only). These unique elements are enhanced with the inclusion of 18-inch M Double-spoke alloy wheels, Chromeline exterior trim, white and chrome kidney grille and heated front seats.

Alternatively Carbon Black or Space Grey paint is available at no additional cost, as is High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim. This package costs £1,750 on the Coupé and £1,800 on the Convertible,representing a customer saving of more than £600.

The latest generation of the BMW Professional Navigation System capable of locating 7 digit UK postcodes works even faster thanks to an extremely powerful processor, offering additional route display functions and sharp 3D graphics for all menus. From Spring 2013 this system will be available in all BMW 6 Series models, the new BMW 1 Series and in the BMW X3.

What to watch out for

01-01-0001:

22-01-2011:

Repeated coil and injector problems on 4-cylinder petrol engines from 2007.

12-06-2016:

Report of new timing chain needed on 2008 BMW 120d N47 M Sport convertible at 42k miles. Too old for free replacement, but BMW reduced the £2,500 cost to £1,300.

07-12-2016:

2008 BMW 118i convertible with 17k miles left standing in a garage for a year after which it required four new injectors at £250 each, plus a new ECU at £900. Dealer told customer its diagnostics could not determine which injector was faulty or even if the faut was with the ECU.

08-09-2018:

Report of all four ABS sensors of 2010 BMW E83 125i M Sport convertible failing before car reached 30,000 miles.

29-05-2019:

Report of series of problems with 2013 BMW 118i cabrio bought from an independent dealer in July 2018. Has the N43 2.0L engine and autobox and had 28K miles up when purchased. Full BMW SH and one owner. AA certified used programme. She purchased a 3-year WMS warranty as well. Within a week of purchase it needed a new cam sensor, which was covered under the warranty. In late August 2018 it went in to a BMW dealer with warning msg re brakes. A new brake servo was diagnosed at a cost of £1,035 but reduced to £850. WMS would only cover £554 but in the end the original supplying dealer paid the bill in full. On 27th November, 2018 the same warning msg came up and the local BMW dealer first of all said that it needed a new engine, but then concluded that it required a new vacuum pump. The BMW dealer said they had taken the oil filter out and found metallic contamination but didn't change the oil or the filter. The cost of the vacuum pump is unknown but BMW covered the replacement in full. Then on 18th April 2019 at 34k miles, a low oil pressure warning came up on the dash. BMW dealer prescribed a new engine which is currently being fitted and the warranty company will pay £9,200 of the £10,500 bill, the difference being due to BMW's high labour rates compared to the average that WMS will cover.

What does the BMW 1 Series Convertible (2008 – 2014) cost?