eBay Watch: 2008 BMW 128i Convertible
by Gunnar Heinrich ::: img CarOne via eBay Motors ::: 2008 BMW 128i
BMW’s one-series has had its detractors.
Materials are too cheap, they say. They bemoan that the coupe and convertible both have the face of a pug and the belly of a pig, referring to the squished fascia and the doorsills that seem to sag in a low arc toward the road. It is, also, cynically overpriced.
Or was. The entry 128i convertible starts featuring BMW’s lovely 3L, 230 hp straight-six motor started in the low $40Ks. Time, 18K miles, and a little depreciation have cropped that figure down to size. The buy-it-now price on this still-warrantied black on black, off-lease, babied Texan 128i stands as a more equitable $25,950.
Did I mention that at that price you get a modern Bavarian droptop/boulevardier whose magnificent driving characteristics are more insync with BMW’s sporting heritage than any other (non-M) Bimmer since the E30 3-Series?
Pugs and pigs be damned, that’s one sweet car.
[eBay]
About the Author: Gunnar Heinrich is publisher of Automobiles De Luxe online and is executive producer of the Automobiles De Luxe Television series on PBS member station CPTV.
headbang8 | Sep 2, 2010 | Reply
You can shout me down if you wish. But IMHO, most BMWs look a bit puggish.
Some designers can make the kidneys work, some can’t.
I once owned a E21 318 (with the single headlights) and loved the look. The E46 and the F10 both have a handsome smile. But the E30 (one of which I also owned)…well, it had a face like a French Bulldog, and you had to learn to love it.
G | Sep 2, 2010 | Reply
No argument from me.
Jim | Sep 3, 2010 | Reply
My wife’s pug takes umbrage that the iconic face of he and his breedmates, be usurped to describe something as awkward in appearance as the 1-Series.
And ‘Holy Depreciation Bankster.’ The prior lessee of this car was likely sheltered from the true cost of the lease, as BMW probably figured a higher residual value. But imagine the shock that the yuppie who purchased their 1 will have that after 3 years that a dealer will only offer 35-40% of the purchase price on a trade.