BMW 125i Convertible (2008-) Review 
The fourth variant of the 1-Series and the fourth open-top car from BMW, the 1-Series Convertible arrives in the nick of time. Compact exec convertibles with the right badge are thin on the ground, but as soon as the 1-Series Convertible debuts, Audi will roll out its A3 convertible. Like the Audi, the 1-Series has a fabric roof rather than the folding hard-tops we've been used to of late. The decision has been made on the grounds of packaging, weight and preserving the good looks. Based heavily on the recent 1-Series Coupe, there's an average weight gain of 120kg that is substantial, but which could have been almost double if a folding hard-top was employed. Not all of the Coupe's engine range is carried over. There's just one diesel - the 120d, powered by a 174bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel - and four petrol engines: the 118i, a 140bhp 2.0-litre four cylinder; the 120i, which also uses the 2.0-litre but generates 170bhp; the 215bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder that powers the 125i; and 135i, with the 302bhp twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder that muscles its way to 62mph in just 5.6 seconds. The 1-Series Convertible also features BMW's trademark 50:50 front-rear weight distribution that provides, along with rear-wheel drive, balanced and entertaining handling. On sale from April with initially three engines, the range kicks off at £24,055 for the 120i ES stretching to £26,195 for the 125i SE. The 118i, 120d and 135i follow later in the year. Since the Convertible is based on an existing model in the BMW range, teething problems should have been eradicated on the earlier five- and three-door hatch. Any problems that will occur are normally of an electrical nature, with the mechanicals remaining strong and durable. Our test cars were rattle-free and built with materials that felt expensive.
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