You might want to call the new BMW 128i a “baby Beemer” and with good cause. This is the smallest, and most affordable, BMW currently offered. And, in our opinion, one of the best.
BMW goes to great lengths to over engineer its vehicles with techno gadgets most drivers will never understand or use. A perfect example is the iDrive system, which is optional in the 128i. If you opt for the navigation system, you get iDrive. Buy a Garmin or other aftermarket GPS system if you don’t know where you’re going and avoid the headache of trying to figure out how to use the iDrive programs.
Available as a coupe or convertible, the 128i is comfortable, quiet and like all BMWs, a lot of fun on the open road.
If you want, you can step up to the 335i, which comes with a twin-turbo, in-line six cylinder with 300 horsepower. But for most drivers, the 230-horsepower, straight six in the 128i should be more than enough. Fuel mileage for both powerplants is in the 18-28 range.
Both models are built on the same platform and are direct ancestors of the classic BMW 2002 coupe.
We had the fun of driving the convertible with the auto/manual transmission and a host of goodies such as cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, tilt-telescoping steering wheel and upgraded climate control. The seats are covered with a special leather that reflects sunlight that BMW says reduces seat temperatures up to 20 degrees. Even the power, folding top is unique with shiny, metallic fibers that emit a silvery appearance in the sun or under a full moon.
Other standard features include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, and front seat side airbags that extend higher in the convertible model for added protection. The convertible also has pop-up hoops behind the rear seats in the unlikely event of a roll over.
The interior is well designed with high quality fit and finish. There are two cupholders, one on the passenger side of the center console and the other in the console, but between the front seats.
The back seat is useable for two adults but not for long trips.
Even with the top folded, there’s a surprising amount of room in the trunk but you have to fit items in carefully to fit under the roof storage area.
It’s always a treat to test a BMW. We had occasion to run up to Lookout Mountain near Cloudland State Park during our test drive time. The winding roads going up the mountain were a pure joy in the BMW. The little car had plenty of power and hugged the corners as if on rails.
While we weren’t provided a window sticker with our test model, a visit to the BMW website gave us an approximate cost of $42,000 for the model we tested. Nix the navigation (and iDrive) package and you can have a Beemer for less than $40,000. Not bad.

Ryan’s Ride –
I won’t bad mouth iDrive any further in this column. The ability to eliminate it is one reason I’ve always favored the 3 Series BMWs. Now, with the 1 Series, you can get away from it too.
The 128i is about nine inches shorter than a 3 Series and slightly narrower. But you really don’t feel that much difference when you’re behind the wheel.
The front cabin is very roomy and comfortable for both the driver and passenger. My one minor complaint is that the cup holder juts out of the console and looks out of place. But in the compact cabin there isn’t anywhere else for it to go.
I love the auto/manual transmission. In auto mode, you just cruise along. In manual, you can use the paddle shifters on the steering wheel to control the shifting. Even in auto, there’s a good amount of acceleration off the line. And the braking is incredible.
As the BMW vehicle lineup has grown in size and price, an almost entry-level model is welcome news. The 1 Series fills the niche very, very nicely.

Marilyn’s Moment –
Finally, a BMW that I felt totally comfortable driving. Although it’s kinda small, the 128i was great to drive.
I even enjoyed part of the ride to Cloudland with the top down. I’m not normally a convertible person, but this BMW made it fun.
There are all kinds of storage nooks and crannies throughout the front cabin. Even the doors have spaces for odd-shaped items. And the trunk has plenty of space for most daily uses as well.
As a sporty car, the BMW with the auto/manual transmission allowed me to drive in auto mode at my pleasure. I leave the manual shifting stuff to Ryan.
The exterior is a combination of sculpted bulges and ridges that seem to work in harmony. With the top up or down, the car is very attractive. And, speaking about the top, a push of the button opens and closes the top in about 30 seconds.
Now, I’ll get my dig in about iDrive. It’s something to be avoided at all cost. And, with the 1 Series, you can do without the navigation system and not get iDrive.
While I’m not in the market for a car, if I wanted something sporty and fun to drive for less than $40,000, the 1 Series would be on my radar.