2008 BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 118i 6MT RWD (143 HP)

Vehicle Overview

BMW unveiled the open-top version of the 1 Series at the 2007 Frankfurt International Motor Show, a few months after the introduction of its two-door sibling.

After the German automaker introduced the facelifted version of the 1 Series at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show in March and also released the three-door hatchback version, customers were left wondering if that was the end. The answer was no, and the Coupe followed the same year. Then, finally, in September of the same year, the drop-top version was launched. It was based on the two-door coupe version, not on the hatchback, and charmed its customers with its street-oriented dimensions. Nevertheless, its punchy engines made the premium small-sized convertible filled with upscale amenities a desirable vehicle for those looking not for just another car in their parking lot but for a pleasant experience behind the wheel.

The 1 Series convertible shared its front fascia with the refreshed version of the 1 Series. Its large headlights resembled those from the 3 Series but were significantly different. The clear lens over the twin headlamps was extended on the outer side to cover the turn signal lamps as well. Between them, the automaker placed the restyled kidney grille that sported rounded upper outer corners and vertical slats, surrounded by a chromed rim. Lower, on the bumper, BMW installed a broad air intake flanked by horizontally split side scoops that housed rectangular fog lamps at their upper side and cooling ducts for the front rotors on the lower one.

From its profile, the 2008 BMW 1 Series Convertible continued the automaker’s idea to create a cabriolet without any pillars other than those that supported the windshield. As a result, behind the thick and raked A-pillars, nothing obstructed the car’s profile above the waistline. BMW used the same doors as those from the Coupe and the three-door hatchback, with their frameless window design. The removable B-posts were retracted along with the rear-side windows. BMW also tried to follow the same shape of the Coupe’s greenhouse when the rag-top was closed. To do that, the automaker created a designated compartment behind the rear bench seat. Out back, the drop-top version of the 1 Series featured a short deck with a trunk lid that integrated a tiny lip spoiler and a third braking lamp. It was flanked by corner-mounted taillights that sported wide reversing lights on their lower area, covered by clear lenses.

Inside, the dashboard and the materials used on the 2008 BMW 1 Series Convertible were on par with what the carmaker’s customers expected. The small instrument cluster that fronted the driver sported two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer and a small gauge for the fuel level. For everything else, the automaker installed warning lights and a small digital display that showed data from the onboard computer. At the front, the sport bucket seats with high-bolstered areas provided great side support for their occupants. At the same time, there was almost no legroom. But still, BMW installed it so customers could use it either as an additional storage area or in an emergency.

Since the convertible was heavier than any of its siblings, BMW didn’t install the lowest-powered engines from the 1 Series. Instead, it provided the car with a wide choice of powerplants ranging between 143 PS (141 hp) and 306 PS (302 hp) paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.