BMW 1 Series Convertible (2008 – 2014) Review
BMW 1 Series Convertible (2008 – 2014) At A Glance
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.
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.Real MPG average for a BMW 1 Series Convertible (2008 – 2014)

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
291
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
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 nowReviews for BMW 1 Series Convertible (2008 – 2014)'s top 3 rivals
Ask Honest John
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
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 | - | - |
Good
- 19-07-2013: Voted most reliable used Sports car in 2013 'Which? survey
- For servicing and repairs: Independent BMW Specialists Register
What to watch out for
For full list of problems see BMW 1 Series E81/E87
22-01-11: Repeated coil and injector problems on 4-cylinder petrol engines from 2007.
12-6-2016: 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.
7-12-2016: 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.
8-9-2018: Report of all four ABS sensors of 2010 BMW E83 125i M Sport convertible failing before car reached 30,000 miles.
29-5-2019: 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.
Recalls
30-06-2009 R/2009/065 BMW1 Series & 3 Series front side airbag or seat belt tensioner may not operate correctly build dates 23-05-2008 to 21-07-2008
15-4-2014: Worldwide recall of 489,000 cars with six-cylinder petrol engines of which less than 3,000 are in the UK. These are , N51 (1991-1995), N52 (from 2005) and the N55 6-cylinder petrol turbo (from 2009). The screws for the housing of the adjustment unit of the variable camshaft timing (Vanos) for the intake and exhaust camshafts could potentially become loose or break. An engine warning lamp ‘should ’ appear in such circumstances, but if drivers experience any loss of power they should contact their BMW dealer immediately.
28-7-2014: R/2014/068 BMW 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, X1, X3, X5, Z4 Build Dates 1-9-2009 to 30-11-2011: Concern : ENGINE EMERGENCY MODE MAY BE ACTIVATED DURING DRIVING Description : The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle, on N55 engine it will display immediately. Remedial Action : Replace bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit.
9-4-2015: BMW has initiated a 'quality enhancement recall' on 2.0 litre N47 diesel engines. They are currently working their way through cars manufactured in 2007 and 2008, but owners need to contact their dealer themselves to request the work. Reader's 123d currently in for the work which at minimum involves replacing the timing chain, guide and tensioners.
4-8-2016: Report of free ‘vacuum brake diagnostic’ as part of a ‘quality enhancement’ TSB for an 2010 E82 120i M-Sport coupe when in for an oil and brake fluid service.
10-4-2017: R/2017/114: BMW 1-Series; 3-Series; Z4 and X1. PLUG-IN CONTACT CABLE MAY MALFUNCTION. It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat, which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally, this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However, it is possible that this could, in extreme cases, occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be made aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not, then the engine could cut-out without warning. Fix: Recall all affected vehicles with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item. Build dates 1-12-2009 to 13-10-2011. VINS: WBAUK32040VM42810 to WBAUK32000VN64340 ; WBAUC72010VF19818 to WBAUC12040VP60153 ; WBALM32080E356745 to WBALM32030E841522 ; WBAVL32030VN78119 to WBAVL32000VP91626 ;
WBAUE52050E026025 to WBAUH32020E758124 ; WBAUM12040VL29423 to WBAUM12090VP59495 ;
WBSWD920X0P389326 to WBSKG92090E886918 ; WBAWA72020P340865 to WBAKD920X0E637721 ;
WBAWL72080PZ85479 to WBADV52000E756778 ; WBAUS92040A537099 to WBAUT72050FJ88197 ;
WBSPM92030E198072 to WBSPM92020E625953 ; WBAPG32040A393064 to WBAPF52070A922683
WBSWL92090P371502 to WBSDX92040E803792.
9-5-2018: Recall because wiring configuration means that vehicle vibrations could potentially cause frictional corrosion on the plug of the power distributor causing the car's engine to cut out. Affects BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, Z4 and X1 petrol and diesel models produced between March 2007 and August 2011.
Model History
- October 2007: 1 Series Convertible revealed
- December 2007: Prices announced
- December 2010
- BMW 1 Series Convertible
- January 2013
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.
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.