I’m dubbing the 128i the toddler of BMW’s lineup; while it is scrumptiously attractive and super fun at times, it can be downright testy in day-to-day use, like going to the store or picking the kids up from school. Like a toddler, it appears to be quite compact, but when you try to maneuver it, you realize it’s heavier than you expected. Throughout my weeklong test drive, I kept wishing I had a bit more bicep to help me out.
In city driving, the 128i seems to be really chomping at the bit. Its steering is solid, but it’ll test your strength (unless your arms actually look like arms and not noodles). It really doesn’t like the 25-45 mph range at all; driving the 128i at these slow speeds is like trying to coerce your toddler into behaving in public – it just wants to run.
And run it does! Hang on tight, because when given the opportunity the 128i holds nothing back. My opinion of the car changed dramatically once we were able to let loose at higher speeds, around 70-80 mph. The 128i’s handling became effortless and its performance attitude switched from whiny and disgruntled to positively pleasing. I decided I could afford a little time at the gym if it meant increasing my ability to drive this character.
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair
SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Fair
Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Groove On
Hot! Hot! Hot! This car is so sassy you might want to date it – when it matures a bit, of course. The 128i’s exterior reminds me of James Bond. It’s intelligent yet risky, bold yet refined, and attractive without being an arrogant pretty boy. The front end boasts a confident smirk and the swooping lines along the body make it seem like it’s cruising at 80 mph even at a dead stop.
Its exterior lighting is phenomenal. The 128i sports bi-xenon headlights, which are super bright and swivel as you turn to increase your line of vision. They’re wonderful features for those who hate driving in the dark.
Put the top down and add even more glam to a romantic evening with the hubby or a sunny country drive with the kids. They’ll love it as much as you do!
In keeping with toddler terminology, I’d say the 128i is more spacious than a crib but nothing like a queen-sized bed. Based on space alone, it’d fall nicely into the toddler or convertible bed category, but the lack of wiggle room didn’t make my family uncomfortable, and I’m learning that I like smaller cars. They give me a snug, tailored-suit feeling, plus I can usually reach everything easily.
The sport seats in the comfy 128i reinforce this sense of security with bolsters to hold your body and booty in place. When you’re testing its performance capabilities, these built-in pillows will keep you from sliding all over the place; imagine driving with an adult-sized Boppy and you’ll get the picture.
The controls are easy to spot and use. I especially enjoyed the soothing tangerine-colored glow of the instrument panel when it’s illuminated at night. It’s so relaxing, it reminded me of the nightlight we use at home.
Unlike other cars, the 128i has a gas usage display that’s in constant motion, right down to the second you stop driving. I found this frustrating because I like to track my mpgs but don’t do well with math of any kind, however simple it might be.
I’m undecided as to whether there were one or two cupholders for the front seat; this wasn’t a fear-of-numbers or counting issue. There are, in fact, two cupholders, but one becomes useless if the center armrest is down. Since I truly don’t believe anyone drives with the armrest up, I’m going to say that there’s one usable cupholder for the front seat and none for the back – sorry, kids.
The 128i is lacking when it comes to what I will call “counter-space” (yes, whether you like it or not I’m bringing a kitchen term into the car). You don’t have places to set stuff. My sunglasses and BlackBerry often sought refuge in the 1.5 cupholders, where they bounced around so much I feared they would jump right out of the cupholders. I could have placed these items in the center compartment, but I didn’t want to dig around in there while I was driving. That’s way too much activity while the car’s moving.
One thing I can’t leave out is that the cabin of the 128i was peacefully quiet at all times. The 128i has a rumbly-racer sound to it, but you’re only going to hear it if you’re outside the car.
BMW knows safety-conscious drivers might have doubts about the 128i convertible’s soft-top. To calm as many fears as possible, it’s loaded the 128i with safety systems galore, including Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, antilock brakes, BMW’s Advanced Safety System for integrated deployment of passive and active systems, and Rollover Protection System.
Unfortunately, the 128i’s Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash-test ratings weren’t available at the time of this review. Check back later to see when they’ve been added to this page.
IIHS Crash-Test Ratings
Frontal-offset (Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor): n/a
Side-impact (Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor): n/a
Rear-crash protection/head restraints (Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor): n/a
