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For A twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine gives sensational performance. The M Sport makeover gives the car sharp looks and handling to match. Standard kit is lavish and the engine is smooth.

Against The sky-high price is the main issue, especially when the bigger, better 3 Series Convertible doesn't cost much more. The ride is firm (unless you specify the regular suspension) and a couple of the cabin plastics are a little disappointing.

BMW 1 Series Convertible

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

View this is an 'M1 Convertible' in all but name and the jaw-dropping price tag might seem acceptable. But it isn't – it's just a very expensive (albeit mightily entertaining) version of the 1 Series.

What Car? readers say

4.75


Key facts

0–60mph
5.6 secs
Top speed
155 mph
Average mpg
32.8
Tank range
380 miles
See all running costs

Features

See all equipment

Size

schematic See all measurements

View the whole BMW 1 Series Convertible range

Cheaper

More expensive

Read in full

The full BMW 1 Series review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The BMW 1 Series Convertible has a range of engines to suit every budget and taste. For us, the 120d supplies the best balance between pace and running costs. The smaller petrol engines are rather short on grunt, while the higher powered petrol and diesel models push the price too high.

Entry-level ES trim supplies all the basics, but stepping up to SE adds the kind of luxuries that many buyers will expect of a premium badge. M Sport adds a fetching bodykit, but it also has firmer suspension settings that make the ride even less forgiving.

Running costs for the diesel models are low, and the petrol versions are cleaner and more frugal than many rivals. By any standards, though, the 135i is unnecessarily pricey to buy and run. BMW offers three- or five-year fixed price servicing packages that can be sold on to future owners.

Reader test team says:

BMW 1 Series Convertible 120i SE 2dr

Bought a 120i SE, having previously owned a 320d coupe (2005 model) and tested the new Audi A3 Cabriolet. The drive, handling and overall feel is…

Susan Woollatt

5 out of 5 stars

BMW 1 Series Convertible 120i M Sport 2dr

Test driven this car as an automatic with and for my mother who is in the market for a soft top. Performance is decent even with the auto and will be…

Adrian Hilder

5 out of 5 stars

BMW 1 Series Convertible 118i SE 2dr

I have test drove this car for a day, having had bmw 318 & 325 coupes before, I wanted to go back to a BMW after moving to Saab 18 months ago and…

david kendall

4 out of 5 stars

BMW 1 Series Convertible 120d SE 2dr

I test drove this vehicle a few weeks ago and loved it from the moment I got in! Very comfortable and visibility is fantastic - front and back. It's a…

Victoria Scott

5 out of 5 stars
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1 Series rivals

1 Series used rivals