This BMW 1 Series Convertible is available in two trims, the 128i and the 135i. Both are offered manual and automatic transmissions, and rear wheel drive with a soft top. The 135i is the sports version of the 1 Series convertible as it is equipped with a turbocharged 3 liter engine, unlike the naturally aspirated 128i, which is simply a 3 liter, Gas inline 6 engine. The 135i thus reigns supreme, as it is able to achieve 19 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on highways, while the 128i only achieves 18 miles per gallon in the city, and the same 28 miles per gallon on the highway the turbo-charged version achieves. The 128i sprints from 0-60 in 5.9 seconds with the help of a standard manual transmission, bringing it up to par with the mini cooper, 370Z, and the Audi TT. Surprisingly, neither trim options have a navigational system, which for a modern 2012 sports convertible is lacking to say the least, especially for BMW.
BMW makes up for this downfall with their safety features, with the most notable being the vehicles anti-theft system. This is an added benefit, as the most recent BMWs such as 2011 and 2012 have experience almost no problems with theft. As with other 2012 luxury BMW vehicles, this 1 Series Convertible comes equipped with BMW apps that allow drivers and passengers to access Twitter, Facebook as well as access music and videos from ones iPod. There is also the option of streaming radio stations worldwide with satellite radio; a driver is not limited to their own domestic radio stations. As stated earlier, these trims do not come with a navigational systems, but BMW does provide the option of using BMW assist in the 2012 1 Series Convertible, which is essentially a personal emergency system that also includes a navigational help. New for 2012 are also the galvanized pearl gloss cabin door handles, steering wheel accents, and a number of other controls. Although the 1 series bimmer was designed to be a four seater, the rear seats are best when used as cargo space.