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

Car seat chooser

Child seats that fit a BMW 1 Series Convertible (2008 – 2014)

Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.

Which car seat will suit you?

Real MPG average for a BMW 1 Series Convertible (2008 – 2014)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

80%

Real MPG

20–58 mpg

MPGs submitted

307

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

Satisfaction Index What is your car like to live with?

We need your help with our latest Satisfaction Index, so that we can help others make a smarter car buying decision. What's it like to live with your car? Love it? Loath it? We want to know. Let us know about your car - it will only take a few minutes and you could be helping thousands of others.

Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index now

Ask Honest John

Which are the best convertible cars?

"Which car is better to own and drive - a 2009 BMW 1 Series Convertible diesel auto or an Audi A3 2.1-litre TDI Cabriolet?"
It really depends on the condition of either car as to which is better to own, but the 1 Series Convertible offers a sharper and more fun driving experience. The Audi isn't as nice to drive and a bit more wobbly over bumps, but it has more space for passengers and a higher quality interior.
Answered by Lawrence Allan

What larger, used car could you suggest to replace my BMW 1 Series Convertible?

"I drive a BMW 1 Series Convertible but I've got a baby now and looking for something bigger. Not sure what to get but I can't afford brand new."
More crucial than anything else is to avoid back injuries from lifting the child in and out, so a five door MPV makes the most sense and a five door SUV next best sense. Colossal choice out there, but BMW makes the 2 Series Active Tourer and has done for several years so used examples are available. Try to go for petrol, but that's not easy because 95 per cent of them are diesel.
Answered by Honest John

Buying a practical but sporty convertible for £15k

"I am after a sporty but practical convertible. I need room for four people (but can be two-door door), reasonable boot (for sports kit and odd bag), good build quality and efficient fuel consumption. My budget is £15,000-£20,000 and I was thinking about a BMW 120. Any recommendations?"
Yes, okay. Same class as an Audi A3 cabrio and Golf Mk VI cabrio. Some engine problems with all of these. Check them out in http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycer
Answered by Honest John

Buying a used convertible - what would you recommend?

"Now that I have retired, I want to buy a fun convertible to keep a long time and hopefully see me out. I will only do about five thousand miles per year, but need a automatic with good all round reliability. What Should I buy for £14,000? I quite like the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3. "
BMW 1 Series Cabrio, because it has a torque converter auto, not a dual clutch auto, and torque converters are much more reliable.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

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