120i M Sport 2dr Open Car

Solid, well built, great fun to drive

Being both a SAAB and a convertible fan, over the past 25 years I had previously owned 6 SAABs, 4 of them convertibles. I had always shied away from BMW as although I acknowledged them as well built cars I haven't always been keen on their styling or image.

However, on the instigation of my wife, we test drove a 120i M sport and were both immediately hooked and subsequently bought a very low mileage, 1 year old, well spec'd car previously registered to BMW UK.

Although on the firm side with the M Sport suspension and run flat tyres, the handling is superb, especially for a convertible, which can be prone to scuttle shake.. This car feels like a go cart - I'd love to get my hands on the 135i. As it is, if I feel like being a bit of a hooligan, my nerve gives out long before I reach the limit of the car's handling

The seats are very comfortable, though its not the easiest car to get in and out of , being so low and small. Attention to detail is excellent - all the controls have a solid, quality feel to them. Sound quality from the standard fit single slot CD player is also very good. The hood mechanism is clever - there are no clasps or handles requiring manual movement at the start or end of operation. Noise levels at motoway speeds with the hood up are very satisfactory and with the hood down and the wind deflector in place, you can enjoy comfortable open top motoring with very little buffeting.

At 170 bhp, fuel economy is better than the 185bhp SAAB turbo that this car replaced. The car alsocost less to insure, is also in a lower VED band and has a longer service interval.

My only gripe is that the 2 litre petrol engine has at times felt a bit 'flat' and hesitant. I've had the car back to the dealer who could find no fault, so perhaps it is my imagination.

Practicality wasn't high on our list of priorities, but this car will seat four adults, although access to the rear seats isn't particularly easy.

Dealer experience to date has been very positive.

Overall I'm delighted with this car and wish I'd bought a BMW years ago.

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