Off Topic: Test Drove a base 2012 128i convertible (6MT)

NA Fanatic · 04-19-2015, 12:00 AM

I figure I'll just post this here as it relates to these cars somewhat and if you're like me and have nothing to do Saturday nights (other than test drive overpriced used cars), this is at least something.

Having driven a 2008 128i coupe (6MT sport), this car was a let down. Sure, it's a chassis that was designed with a roof in mind, but this was a bit less spirited than a second-gen CLK. It was incredibly quiet and the engine note, even at ~6k, was so tortured yet muted. With traction control on, 0-30 mph probably takes a full 5-6 seconds due to traction control in first gear (fully depressed gas pedal is probably limited to about 50% throttle). A louder exhaust note and 3 stage manifold was desperately needed here, particularly with the extra weight. It seems to me that BMW really restricted the engine's contribution to the driving experience with the very-late N52 cars and this probably leads to some of the misconceptions that turn into arguments with 335i guys at times...

Aside from the engine, the rest left a lot to be desired. I assumed this had the wonderful hydraulic steering of the other 1ers and 3ers I've driven, but it had EPS! It is much like that found in the E89 Z4 (its use here pains me a bit) and F30. The chassis felt as you'd expect an E82 to feel without its roof, and the suspension was very compliant and soft. It didn't care for that on-ramp.

Interior was unremarkable. The seats were vinyl (a used compact listed for around $30,000 should have leather seats although I didn't mind the material) and easy to fall out of. Back seats were unusable, but are handy for storage when the trunk space is occupied by the top.

tl;dr it's a nice, comfortable open-top cruiser and a masochist like me who daily drives a 30-year-old sports car is going to be a bit too comfortable. The sport package/6spd 128i coupe is a future classic, but this car that it shares an underpan, suspension, and drivetrain with is definitely not. Again, it's not a very bad car, but for $29,000 there are so many impressive cars to own.

Sorry for the off-topic post. In case anyone is wondering, I did not waste more than 2 minutes of the salesman's time and was there to check out a 330i that had just sold for someone.

Taskmaster · 04-19-2015, 01:14 PM

Yeah, just say nay to non roadster convertibles.

04-19-2015, 12:00 AM	#1
NA Fanatic Private 50 Rep 88 Posts Drives: '11 Z4 30i 6spd Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (0)	Off Topic: Test Drove a base 2012 128i convertible (6MT) I figure I'll just post this here as it relates to these cars somewhat and if you're like me and have nothing to do Saturday nights (other than test drive overpriced used cars), this is at least something. Having driven a 2008 128i coupe (6MT sport), this car was a let down. Sure, it's a chassis that was designed with a roof in mind, but this was a bit less spirited than a second-gen CLK. It was incredibly quiet and the engine note, even at ~6k, was so tortured yet muted. With traction control on, 0-30 mph probably takes a full 5-6 seconds due to traction control in first gear (fully depressed gas pedal is probably limited to about 50% throttle). A louder exhaust note and 3 stage manifold was desperately needed here, particularly with the extra weight. It seems to me that BMW really restricted the engine's contribution to the driving experience with the very-late N52 cars and this probably leads to some of the misconceptions that turn into arguments with 335i guys at times... Aside from the engine, the rest left a lot to be desired. I assumed this had the wonderful hydraulic steering of the other 1ers and 3ers I've driven, but it had EPS! It is much like that found in the E89 Z4 (its use here pains me a bit) and F30. The chassis felt as you'd expect an E82 to feel without its roof, and the suspension was very compliant and soft. It didn't care for that on-ramp. Interior was unremarkable. The seats were vinyl (a used compact listed for around $30,000 should have leather seats although I didn't mind the material) and easy to fall out of. Back seats were unusable, but are handy for storage when the trunk space is occupied by the top. tl;dr it's a nice, comfortable open-top cruiser and a masochist like me who daily drives a 30-year-old sports car is going to be a bit too comfortable. The sport package/6spd 128i coupe is a future classic, but this car that it shares an underpan, suspension, and drivetrain with is definitely not. Again, it's not a very bad car, but for $29,000 there are so many impressive cars to own. Sorry for the off-topic post. In case anyone is wondering, I did not waste more than 2 minutes of the salesman's time and was there to check out a 330i that had just sold for someone. Last edited by NA Fanatic; 04-19-2015 at 01:02 AM..
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04-19-2015, 01:14 PM	#2
Taskmaster Banned 2476 Rep 9,004 Posts Drives: M235i 6MT / E92 328 Msport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Florida iTrader: (6)	Yeah, just say nay to non roadster convertibles.
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