Wow, what a great little convertible. I was amazed by how quiet this BMW 128i was with the top down at speeds up to 80 mph. It handled the wind noise much better than the new BMW Z4 roadster we recently sampled. Although the Z4 featured BMW's twin-turbo I-6, I had a lot more fun in the 128i.
The cloth top is simple and almost feels old fashioned these days, much like the normally aspirated engine. There are plenty of faster convertibles on the market (including the BMW 135i), but this 128i feels like the perfect mix of practicality, speed, and price. Yes, it's expensive, but that awesome BMW-ness is worth the cash for those who like to drive. If you're just looking to cruise with the top down, there are cheaper alternatives.
This 128i rode surprisingly well for a car equipped with BMW's notorious sport package. Our Four Seasons BMW 135i coupe, equipped with sport package, felt much less forgiving over the same roads. Still, your best bet is to skip the sport package unless you live in an area with perfectly smooth roads.
Phil Floraday, Senior Online Editor ...next page >>