The relatively vertical windshield emphasizes the impression you're in an open car, since the windshield's top-rail is some distance ahead of you, so you see sky in your peripheral vision. Even with all four side windows rolled up, the cockpit is blustery at freeway speed unless the wind deflector screen is erected, which rules out carrying rear passengers. Two-seat roadsters such as BMW's own Z4 have far better-resolved cockpit aerodynamics.
And while the 1 Series Convertible's canvas roof is nicely finished, it generates a hiss of wind noise that would be absent in the Coupe. At least, because it's a fabric roof rather than a rigid folder, it doesn't swallow too much trunk space and BMW claims two sets of golf clubs can go in the trunk. You can order a special canvas with metallic fibers, which adds a 3D glimmer in sunlight. Oh, and the top's power mechanism is stout enough to face a headwind: The open/close switch continues to function at up to 31 mph. Other special convertible touches include a bespoke climate-control program for the times when the top is down and heat-reflecting treatment to the optional leather seats which keeps surface temperatures down in direct sunlight. Short-pant wearers, avoid singed-leg-hair misery!
The test car, driven in Europe, is a 3.0-liter making 230 horsepower. The Euro version we drove says 125i on the trunk, but the same machine will go on sale in the U.S. wearing 128i badges. If you thought BMW's badging structure was simple, consider this. The 128i has, to be pedantically exact, a 2996cc straight-six. The other model in the range gets a straight-six of 2979 cc with different bore and stroke from the 128i and a pair of turbos and direct gas injection for a marvelous 300 horsepower. That's badged 135i. Huh?
But anyway. The 128i's engine goes and sounds like a classic BMW unit, but thanks to a lot of magnesium in its construction it's extremely light. Goes pretty hard too, as at 3330 pounds its curb weight is just 250 pounds heavier than the coupe's. The six-speed manual we drove felt well able to match BMW's claimed figure of 6.8 seconds for zero to 62 mph. Fuel-saving features include an alternator that normally cuts in only on the overrun, radiator blinds that open for airflow only when required, and electric power steering. Valvetronic makes the engine fundamentally efficient, but like all units with that complicated cam gear you pay for it with a slightly soft throttle-pedal response. I suspect the auto version would be better. Smooth gearshifts on the manual are hampered by a clutch with an imprecise biting point, and in any case the ratios are tall and widely spread. Ah, well, that all harmonizes with the slightly relaxed, cruiser nature of the car. The 128i Convertible is in no respect the sharpest tool in BMW's box.
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