BMW 1 Series E88 Convertible: Stylish Design
I’ve always had a soft spot for small convertibles that don’t pretend to be anything other than a good time. The BMW 1 Series E88 Convertible is exactly that—a compact, premium cabrio that BMW launched for 2008 and kept around until 2013. I’ve driven a couple over the years, including one memorable long weekend chasing moody coastal weather, and the E88 still hits the sweet spot: proper rear-wheel drive, honest steering, and enough power to keep you grinning long after the sunburn sets in.
What makes the BMW 1 Series E88 Convertible feel special?
Short answer: proportions and personality. Long answer: the BMW 1 Series E88 Convertible brings old-school BMW vibes to a small footprint. It’s tidy, slightly muscular, and wears its short overhangs and long bonnet like a tailored jacket. And that roof? It’s a fabric soft-top, not a hardtop—lighter, simpler, and it drops in roughly 22 seconds. Top down, the cabin feels like a snug cockpit; top up, wind and road noise are impressively hushed for a soft-top. Not library-quiet, but quiet enough to hear your kids arguing about playlists in the back.
Engines and performance: BMW 1 Series E88 Convertible options
Depending on where you lived, the E88 lineup ran from sensible to slightly unhinged. Petrols ranged from a 1.6-liter in the 116i to the 3.0-liter straight-six in the 125i and the turbocharged 3.0-liter in the 135i. Diesels (118d, 120d, and 123d in some markets) delivered stout torque and honest economy. The star, of course, is the 135i—rated up to 306 hp (European spec) with a 0–60 mph sprint in the mid-5s. I timed one at 5.5 seconds on a slightly chilly morning; it felt quicker when the turbos spooled and the rear tires dug in.
- BMW 135i: 3.0L turbo inline-six, up to 306 hp, 0–60 mph in ~5.4–5.6 sec
- BMW 125i: 3.0L NA inline-six, smooth and rev-happy, the connoisseur’s pick
- 118d/120d: 2.0L diesels with torque for days and mid-40s mpg (UK cycle)
- Transmissions: 6-speed manual (the purist’s choice) or 6-speed auto
On a rough B-road, the car feels planted but not punishing. With the top down, you notice the occasional shimmy over expansion joints—par for the class, nothing alarming. The steering has that light, clean BMW feel from the era, and you can nudge the tail on a damp roundabout if you’re being cheeky. Stability control catches you quickly, but not rudely.
Living with a BMW 1 Series E88 Convertible day to day
I tossed a couple of weekend bags in the trunk (260 liters top up, less with the roof stowed) and a medium stroller once—yes, really, though I had to remove the parcel shelf. With the wind deflector in place, highway conversations are easy at 70 mph. The rear seats are “adult-able” for short trips; two teens survived an hour with only mild complaining.
Inside, it’s classic BMW: clear dials, a firm driving position, and materials that still hold up if cared for. Early iDrive systems can feel clunkier than your phone’s interface—no surprise—and the Bluetooth on some cars is fussy. Seat heaters, however, work like a dream on chilly, top-down dawn runs.
Protecting the interior: floor mats that actually fit
One thing I learned the hard way: cheap mats curl and slide, especially when you’re hopping in with sandy shoes after a beach stop. The solution? Custom-fit mats. Autowin’s set for the BMW 1 Series E88 Convertible locks in neatly, covers the vulnerable heel area, and shrugs off water and grit. After a rainy weekend, I hosed mine down and they looked new again—no fuss.
- Tailored to the E88’s floorpan, including anchors
- High-wear protection for daily driving (and sandy flip-flops)
- Easy to clean—shake, rinse, done
If you’re ready to sort the cabin, you can grab the Autowin floor mats here. There’s a 100% satisfaction guarantee, which takes the guesswork out of ordering online.
BMW 1 Series E88 Convertible vs rivals
| Model | Power (approx.) | 0–60 mph (sec) | Drive | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 1 Series E88 (135i) | 300–306 hp | 5.4–5.6 | RWD | Purist’s choice, playful chassis |
| Audi A3 Cabriolet (8P) | 160–200 hp (typical) | 7–8 | FWD/Quattro | Calm, polished, less interactive |
| VW Golf Cabriolet (Mk6) | 120–210 hp | 8–7 | FWD | Comfort-first, great daily |
| MINI Convertible (R57) | 122–208 hp | 9–6.5 | FWD | Characterful, but bouncier ride |
Quirks, niggles, and good-to-knows
- Soft-top: generally robust; keep drains clear to avoid leaks. I run a quick check every oil change.
- Ride: M Sport suspension is firm; great on smooth roads, jittery on broken city streets.
- Infotainment: early iDrive lags; consider a discreet CarPlay retrofit if you’re picky about tech.
- Fuel economy: 135i returns mid-20s mpg mixed if you show restraint (hard, I know).
- Brakes: strong pedal feel; budget for quality pads—they transform confidence on backroads.
Should you buy a BMW 1 Series E88 Convertible?
If you want a small luxury convertible that still feels like a driver’s car, yes—absolutely. The BMW 1 Series E88 Convertible blends classic BMW dynamics with real-world usability. It’s perfect for Alpine ski weekends (heated seats, top up, blast the six), or a Miami night out (top down, valet gives you the nod). It’s not flawless—tech is dated and the ride can be firm—but it’s honest, charismatic, and more special than most modern small convertibles.
Feature highlights
- Fabric soft-top that lowers in ~22 seconds
- Rear-wheel-drive balance with engaging steering
- Range of engines from efficient diesels to the punchy 135i
- Usable rear seats (short hops) and a practical trunk for a cabrio
- Custom-fit interior protection available from Autowin
FAQ: BMW 1 Series E88 Convertible
Is the BMW 1 Series E88 Convertible reliable?
Generally, yes, with proper maintenance. Watch for soft-top drain clogs, high-pressure fuel pump issues on early 135i models, and worn suspension bushings. A good service history is key.
Which engine should I choose?
The 125i is a sweet spot for smoothness and simplicity. If you want drama, the 135i is the one—fast, tunable, and grin-inducing. Diesel 120d is great for commuters.
How practical is the trunk?
Decent for the class. About 260 liters with the roof up; less with it stowed. You can still fit two duffels and a slim backpack.
How’s the wind noise at highway speeds?
With the wind deflector, it’s calm enough for conversations at 70 mph. Without it, expect more turbulence for rear passengers.
Where can I get mats that fit properly?
For a snug, model-specific fit, check Autowin’s BMW 1 Series E88 Convertible floor mats. They’re easy to clean and come with a satisfaction guarantee. You can buy them here.
