14 Jan 08
BMW's 1-Series Convertible goes on sale in the USA this spring, with prices from $33,875 (128i) and $39,875 (135i). Engines on offer in the States are a 230bhp/200lb ft 3.0-litre (128i) and an uprated version of the same engine (badged, confusingly, 135i, as in the UK).
Essentially a 1-Series Coupe with an electro-hydraulically stowing fabric roof, the Convertible will be available in the UK with a choice of four petrol engines and one diesel, all employing technology from BMW's eco-friendly Efficient Dynamics programme. Every 1-Series Convertible sold in the UK is equipped to capture energy that would otherwise be lost during deceleration, and all versions with a four-cylinder engine and manual gearbox have BMW's Auto Start-Stop system that switches the engine off when it's not needed. They all have air con and power steering pumps that are engaged only when required, thus reducing the drain on the engine.
The diesel on offer is not the potent new 123d available in the coupe, but the 120d already available in the three- and five-door 1-Series hatchback. It produces 175bhp and 258lb-ft of torque, giving a 0-62mph time of 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 138mph.
The entry-level four-cylinder petrol engine is the 118i, making 141bhp and 140lb-ft, giving 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds and a 130mph top speed. The 120i makes 168bhp and 155lb-ft, with performance figures of 8.4sec/137mph. It returns 42.8mpg and emits 158g/km of CO2.
There are two petrol sixes. The 125i has a peak power output of 215bhp, with 199lb-ft of torque. Its top speed is 148mph and it reaches 62mph in 6.8 seconds, with combined fuel consumption of 34.9mpg and a CO2 output of 195g/km. The range-topper is the 135i, which gets 302bhp and 295lb-ft from its twin-turbo direct-injection 3.0-litre straight six, with a top speed limited to 155mph and a 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds. It also has beefier wheels and brakes, bigger air intakes and an electronic rear differential to cope with its extra power and performance.
All versions come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard and the option of a six-speed automatic. The automatic 135i comes with gearshift paddles, which are an option on the automatic 125i.
When it's up, the roof gives the four-seat car a silhouette very similar to the coupe's. When it's down, it shrinks the boot from 305 to 260 litres. The roof is available in three colours: black, beige or silver-flecked anthracite.
Prices and final specifications for the UK have not yet been confirmed.
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