The BMW 1 Series Convertible is the fourth derivative of the company’s subcompact range and offers the kind of four-seater open-air motoring thrills that are usually reserved for larger models. This baby Beemer ragtop is now available in South Africa.The convertible’s front apron, side-sills and rear air dam are identical to those of the 1 Series Coupé. The side profile takes in a steeply raked A-pillar that shields the front occupants from the wind without obstructing their skyward view, stretched flanks that feature “convexconcave” (i.e. flame surfaced) detailing and prominent wheel arches. A strong shoulder line running from the engine compartment to the boot lid forms a cut-off point to the top of the car.
The compact rear section sports a discreet boot lid spoiler, a deep rear valance and L-shaped brake lights with LED rod sections. The electro-hydraulically operated soft roof folds into the luggage space (reducing load space from 305 dm3 to 260 dm3), can be activated at speeds of up to 40 km/h,and is lined to offer optimal insulation from wind noise and the elements. The roof can be specified in conventional black or beige colours, as well as a metallic Anthracite finish.
The 135i Convertible will come with an M Sports package as standard. That includes an enlarged central air intake, side vents and slightly protruding flaps at the front of the car. The flanks receive an additional section to the sills that give the car a lower, more aggressive stance, while the rear gets a diffuser integrated into the rear dam and dark chrome finished exhaust tips. In addition, the 135i also features an electronically controlled locking differential.
All of the models in the 1 Series Convertible lineup feature DSC stability control as standard. This system works in conjunction with the ABS, CBC (Cornering Brake Control) and DTC traction control and can be completely deactivated at the touch of a button.
The engine lineup comprises four petrol variants (a trio of straight-six units and a pair of straight-fours) and a single straight-four diesel. The award winning 3,0-litre twin turbo does service in the range-topping 135i Convertible. This unit develops 225 kW at 5 800 r/min and 400 N.m of torque from 1 300 to 5 000 r/min. According to BMW, the 135i Convertible will accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 5,6 seconds on the way to an electronically governed 250 km/h top speed while offering an average fuel consumption figure of 9,4 l/100 km.
Next up is the normally aspirated 3,0-litre straight-six with composite aluminium and magnesium crank case, double-VANOS and Valvetronic. This unit develops 160 kW at 6 100 r/min and 270 N.m of torque from 2 500 to 4 250 r/min giving the 125i Convertible a 0-100 km/h time of 6,8 seconds and a top speed of 238 km/h.
The four-cylinder petrols comprise a pair of 2,0-litre units with direct fuel injection in the 118i and 120i. These powerplants develop 125 kW and 105 kW, and torque outputs of 190 N.m and 210 N.m respectively. The 118i Convertible is said to crack the 0-100 km/h run in 9,3 secs and has a top speed of 210 km/h, while the 120i goes to 100 km/h from standstill in 8,4 seconds on to a top speed of 220 km/h.
Much of the Convertible’s interior has evolved from that of the Coupé, but is differentiated by subtle touches such as chrome accents as standard on the six-cylinder models and as an option on four cylinder models. The cabin also sports a greater application of leather trim which can be specified with a sun reflective coating that can reduce its temperature by as much as 20C.
Safety features include high-strength steel, additional reinforcements and special deformation elements, fourfrontal airbags (activated in two stages) and side airbags integrated in the front seat backrests, crash-optimized seat backrests and headrests and electronically governed pop-up rollbars hidden behind the rear headrests. An optional extra are adaptive bi-xenon headlights that follow the car’s steering and two-stage brake lights that give a particularly clear signal whenever the driver is applying the brakes in an emergency.
Prices:
120i Convertible R308 500
120i Convertible Automatic R323 000
125i Convertible R354 500
125i Convertible Automatic R371 100
135i Convertible R432 500
135i Convertible Automatic R450 200