Looking at ordering a 128i conv.

[XenaBimmer]

I drive a Cayman S and my wife drives the '11 X3, but I'm now looking to add a third car to the mix for the wifey. I'm looking into smaller convertibles that preferably have some sort of a back seat, more for throwing bags, etc in than occupants. So far I've reviewed the 128i convertible and the Mini Cooper S convertible. I have yet to test drive either, but from the reviews I'm betting that the 128i would be more suitable for my wife as she doesn't like "bumpy" riding cars (I make her live with the Porsche ). Surprisingly, even though the 128i I have optioned out is almost $7,000 more than the Cooper S I would option out, they both lease about the same; I'm guessing BMW offers better money factor rates and residuals for the 128.

Are these two models commonly cross-shopped? Any other makes/models you would recommend looking into?

[Pangloss]

That was how I viewed the back seat as a place to throw stuff), coming from a roadster myself. I don't lease so I can't address that point, but the 128 is a perfect cruiser. A Cooper is too small, IMO.

Yes, there is a lot of Cooper discussion here. God only knows why, but I guess it's because BMW sells them. Kinda like Cadillac owners talking about buying a Chevy for the kids. But hey, to each his own.

[alvitdk]

Perfect car for your wife, IF you stay away from the sport package. Don't get me wrong, I love the sport, but everytime wy wife takes my car, she complains about the bumpy and hard ride, at least compared to her Golf TDI, which also has a sports package, but it does drives smoother. Either way, I love my 128 convertible and ride open air until it goes down in the mid 40's.

[Pangloss]

On the other hand, the seats in the non-sport 128 were poor -- not supportive enough under the thighs, IMO. The sport seats have a slick adjustable section under the thighs, and more support on the sides of the thighs. But I'm kinda wide in girth, so you really have to try it for yourself. We do see a lot of complaints here about bumpiness in the 128-sport & 135. I'm sure she'll find the sport ride far smoother than your Cayman, though.

[Tom K.]

128i is a great idea for your wife. I suggest she test drive both sport and non sport versions for both ride and seat comfort.

Tom

[SaY]

I just recently traded Mini Cooper S for a 128i convertible non-sport. HUGE ride quality difference!

[singular]

Originally Posted by alvitdk

Perfect car for your wife, IF you stay away from the sport package. Don't get me wrong, I love the sport, but everytime wy wife takes my car, she complains about the bumpy and hard ride, at least compared to her Golf TDI, which also has a sports package, but it does drives smoother. Either way, I love my 128 convertible and ride open air until it goes down in the mid 40's.

I would suggest keeping the sports package and dumping the run-flats. The ride on my car improved tremendously when I moved to performance tires.

[Prof T]

The 1 series conv. is a great DD. Back seat is good for bags and such and in a pinch will hold two people. Wifey will love it (less bumps if you lose the RFT's).

[Somebuddy]

Wife and I find the 128i has lots of space for two. We were going to go with the roadster but the wife likes to shop when on holidays.

[RoundelM3]

My wife loves her 128i M-Sport convertible with 6MT. I replaced the stock M-Sport 17" wheels and runflats wit 18" Alufelgen CSL style wheels and Bridgestone non-runflat tires (225/40-18 F, 245/35-18 R) and also added a BMW Performance exhaust and a few other cosmetic items (grilles, short antenna, etc.). It's her "sports car", it rides and handles well and sounds great with the top down. Check my "garage" for pictures.

Mini wasn't even a consideration, as it's front-wheel-drive, and we really wanted another BMW. If you don't take all the "packages" and pick items from them like heated/power seats and leave off the $1K xenon headlights and $1K upgraded sound system, you can get away for low $40K price range. We leased it and will buy it when the lease is up.

[JimD]

I really like my 128i with sport. Only options I got in 2009 was sport and walnut trim. Price was well under 40. None of the ladies that have ridden in it commented negatively on the car or the ride (I get only favorable comments, in other words). You will need the windscreen, however. It's pricey but really helps them with their hair. With the screen there is no need to put the hair up or wear a ball cap. The windscreen turns the back seat into a storage shelf, however.

Back seat requires cooperation between front and back passengers but I fit my 5'9" daughter behind my 6'4" son sometimes. Usually we just take the SUV.

I like the trunk. Room for 2 rolling bags and some small bags and the top will still go down. 3 series will not do this. Folding hard top takes up TOO MUCH SPACE.

If you keep the rpm up, the 128i is pretty quick. You can be lazy with a 135 and just mash the throttle, with the 128 you have to know how to drive but if you do, you can keep up with most cars. There is a post in the technical section of a 128 auto that did the quarter in the mid 14s. I don't think you will see a mini doing that, even the S.

Jim

[XenaBimmer]

Thanks for all the good info everyone!

I'm looking at crimson red w/ red leather interior, and possibly the gray wood trim. I would also look at the aluminum trim, but don't want to get the whole M sport package just for that trim. What do you all think of that color combo?

[RoundelM3]

What color top are you considering? We got the "moonlight black" top with the silver theads in the fabric - it looks metallic in the sun. Red over red sounds nice, although it's a bit "loud" for my tastes. The oyster interior might soften that a little. You might like the gloss black trim with the red/black interior (or oyster/black) more so than the gray poplar.

[XenaBimmer]

Originally Posted by roundel335

What color top are you considering? We got the "moonlight black" top with the silver theads in the fabric - it looks metallic in the sun. Red over red sounds nice, although it's a bit "loud" for my tastes. The oyster interior might soften that a little. You might like the gloss black trim with the red/black interior (or oyster/black) more so than the gray poplar.

Thank you for the suggestions. Do you have pics of your top?

[RoundelM3]

Yes...hope you can see the metallic effect in these pictures:

[XenaBimmer]

I placed the order last week, she should arrive at the end of March! I went with the 128i conv., crimson red w/ coral red interior, gray poplar trim. I loaded her up with basically every option but the sport or M sport package.
Looking forward to its arrival!

[JimD]

Are you going to do performance center delivery? It does not cost extra. You have to get yourself to Greenville, SC. BMW puts you up at the Marriott the night before, gives you dinner and breakfast there and lunch at the performance center. You spend the morning driving their vehicles around their track and get your car after lunch. It's a fun time (for two).

Jim

[NorthernDancer]

And just as a point of interest, my wife is 59 years old and loves my 128 with the sport pkg. She doesn't find it too harsh.

[tccox]

Just traded a 2011 Mini Cooper S with JCW kit for a 2012 128 coupe with sport package. The ride in the 128 is 1000 times better than the mini. The Mini would knock the fillings out of your teeth going over bumps.

[XenaBimmer]

Just notified that the new ride is out of production and ready to ship to the US!

[RUN52]

Great choice! I also have a 128i conv. in crimson red w/coral red. Its a great color combo congratulations & don't forget to post picd when it comes in.

[ejm3]

Originally Posted by XenaBimmer

Just notified that the new ride is out of production and ready to ship to the US!

Mine is off the train and sitting on the docks waiting for a boat to take it to the US! Probably right next to yours!