BMW 1 Series Convertible (2008 – 2014) Review

October 2007

1 Series Convertible revealed

Engines up to 306hp twin-turbo petrol. EfficientDynamics cuts emissions and improves economy. Innovative SunReflective Leather Technology offered. On sale in UK from 05-04-08.

Four- and six-cylinder engines, from 143hp 118i Convertible to 306hp 135i.

BMW 118i Convertible 143ps, 190Nm, 0-60 9.0, 130mph,

BMW 120i Convertible 170ps, 210Nm, 0-60 8.1, 137mph, 42.8mpg com, 158g/km CO2

BMW 120d Convertible 177ps, 350Nm, 0-60 7.8, 138mph,

BMW 125i Convertible 218ps, 270Nm, 0-60 6.6, 148mph, 34.9mpg com, 195g/km, CO2

BMW 135i Convertible 306ps, 400Nm, 0-60 5.4, 155mph limited.

December 2007

Prices announced

BMW 120i ES Convertible £24,055

BMW 120i SE Convertible £25,205

BMW 125i SE Convertible £26,195

Two of BMW’s most popular diesel engines are now available in the 1 Series Convertible. BMW’s most economical four-cylinder diesel engine ever and the award-winning twin–turbocharged unit are a timely introduction for new car buyers seeking open-air motoring but are worried about rising fuel costs.

The 118d Convertible is powered by a 1,995cc single turbocharged engine producing 143hp and 300Nm of torque. This results in a zero to 62mph time of 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 129mph. Most impressive though is the 118d Convertible’s ability to record a combined consumption figure of 57.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 129g/km. This means the vehicle, courtesy of BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies, is the most economical and least polluting convertible car in its class.

For those customers demanding greater performance the 123d Convertible comes with a 1,995cc twin-turbocharged engine producing 204hp and 400Nm of torque. This propels the 123d Convertible from zero to 62mph in 7.5 seconds before going on to a top speed of 143mph. It too comes with all the facets of EfficientDynamics and thus records a combined consumption figure of 52.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 144g/km – again the lowest compared to any competitor product.

Both models come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. The BMW 118d Convertible is priced from £23,660 OTR, while the BMW 123d Convertible starts at £28,105 OTR.

December 2010

BMW 1 Series Coupé and Convertible ranges received a number significant modifications and upgrades that make them more desirable and efficient. Both models differentiate themselves from previous incarnations by way of a new front bumper with redesigned fog lights and redesigned Halogen headlights with an ‘eyebrow’ element. When Xenon headlights are specified this ‘eyebrow element features an LED illuminated light bar. At the rear the headlights have also been changed with a more detailed appearance.

However, the greatest change to ES, SE and Sport models is that they now come fitted with an Aero Curtain – a feature that channels the airflow around the front of the car to reduce aerodynamic drag, thereby increasing efficiency. Wheel arches are one of the main areas of aerodynamic drag and the Aero Curtain is BMW’s innovative solution to reduce this inefficiency. Derived from race technology, air is routed into two ducts in the front apron which then flows out of a narrow opening at high speed in the wheelarch. This jet of air effectively covers the side of the front wheels like a curtain and thus reduces turbulence.

As a result, emissions have been lowered throughout the range, with the 118d now rated at only 118g/km, while all 2.0-litre petrol versions have emissions of 155g/km or below.

As with all BMWs, the 1 Series Coupé and Convertible also come with a raft of other EfficientDynamics measures: Auto Start-Stop is fitted to all petrol and diesel models (excluding versions with automatic transmission), while Diesel Particulate Filters, Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering (excluding 135i), Intelligent Alternator Control and Optimum Shift Indicator for manual models are all standard throughout the range.

All BMW 1 Series Coupé and Convertible ES models come as standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, Dynamic Stability Control, Halogen headlights, MP3 playback capability and rear seat easy access system. Sport models have as standard 17-inch star-spoke alloy wheels, Sport multi-function leather steering wheel and front Sport seats – almost £1,200 worth of equipment that is currently offered for no additional cost over an ES model. SE models get rear Park Distance Control (PDC), front fog lights and automatic air conditioning with two-zone control.

All M Sport models, in addition to SE models, come with 17-inch light double-spoke style alloy wheels, door sill finishers with M designation, chrome front exterior trim, high-gloss Shadowline window surrounds, M aerodynamic bodystyling, M Sport suspension, Run-flat tyres, Sport seats and M Sport multi-function leather steering wheel.

BMW 135i M Sport versions add twin black-chrome exhaust tailpipes, a unique M aerodynamic package, M Sport suspension with 135i-specific calibration, hydraulic power-assisted steering, rear spoiler and up-rated high-performance braking system. The new BMW 1 Series Coupé and Convertible go on sale March 2011, with prices starting from £24,245 for the 118i ES Convertible.

January 0001

BMW 1 Series Convertible

January 2013

BMW 1 Series Coupé and Convertible: Pure Design Package. The BMW 1 Series Coupé and Convertible will see the introduction of the new Pure Design package on M Sport models from March 2013. A suite of exterior and interior features emphasise the sophisticated aesthetics of both models.

The Pure Design package is available with Mineral White metallic paint, Mocha leather upholstery with contrast white stitching, Fine-wood trim and a Mocha with metallic Silver fleck soft-top roof (for Convertible models only). These unique elements are enhanced with the inclusion of 18-inch M Double-spoke alloy wheels, Chromeline exterior trim, white and chrome kidney grille and heated front seats.

Alternatively Carbon Black or Space Grey paint is available at no additional cost, as is High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim. This package costs £1,750 on the Coupé and £1,800 on the Convertible,representing a customer saving of more than £600.

The latest generation of the BMW Professional Navigation System capable of locating 7 digit UK postcodes works even faster thanks to an extremely powerful processor, offering additional route display functions and sharp 3D graphics for all menus. From Spring 2013 this system will be available in all BMW 6 Series models, the new BMW 1 Series and in the BMW X3.