BMW 1 Series Convertible: Compact Style

Motoring Channel Staff - 1/October/2007

Munich, Germany — The most affordable way to get into a convertible BMW has just been unveiled - the BMW 1 Series Convertible.

It's small, stylish, and the roof opens and closes as quickly as that of the acclaimed BMW 3 Series Convertible - within 22 seconds. The roof can even be manipulated while driving at speeds of up to 40 km/h according to BMW.

It's also highly powerful, available with BMW's twin turbo 6-cylinder engine outputting a commanding 225kW of power.

"The new BMW 1 Series convertible is an exciting driver's car, ideally aimed at Australian customers who love that wind in the hair feeling," said Guenther Seemann, the managing director of BMW Group Australia.

"The 1 Series Convertible will be particularly attractive to customers who live in the inner city where parking is hard to find, but who want to enjoy premium convertible motoring. This exciting new car also brings convertible BMW motoring to a new segment of the car market. We are sure that the new 1 Series convertible will be a success in Australia from the moment it arrives.

"Coupled with the already announced 135i Coupé, BMW has two of the most attractive new cars of 2008 on the blocks, ensuring we continue to offer widest range of distinctive products to the discerning Australian luxury car market. Once again BMW has created a unique niche in the market with a high-quality, sporting and luxurious model," Mr Seemann concluded.

BMW says the new model will arrive in Australia in 2008, alongside the new 1 Series Coupé, and is touting the new drop top model as the only premium class vehicle of this type in the market.

Some of the stand out features of the upcoming BMW 1 Series Convertible include a multi-layer, highly insulated, electro-hydraulically folding fabric roof.

The soft top is available in black or beige, or with a new anthracite finish complete with a silver effect. This worldwide first is a feature exclusively developed for the BMW 1 Series Convertible. The roof fabric is interwoven with fine shiny metallic fibres explains the German car maker, which gives the material an iridescent look, producing reflections in sunlight.

This new fabric concept complements the two new body colours introduced specifically for the 1 Series Convertible called Kashmir Silver and Sedona Red metallic.

Other new features available on the new small-sized Convertible which will rival the Mazda MX5/Miata, include Sun Reflective Technology upholstery. This interesting fabric was first used on the M6 Convertible and greatly reduces the sun's heating effect on seat facings by reflecting the sun’s ultra-violet rays. BMW says that automatic climate control also comes with a BMW exclusive convertible mode, presumably for roof-down effectiveness.

Unlike the Mazda MX5/Miata, the BMW 1 Series Convertible has rear seats and the boot has an impressive 240-litres of space with the roof folded, enough for two golf bags. When the roof is up, a further 40 litres of space is liberated in the boot.

Like all BMW sports models, the new 1 Series Convertible has a rear-wheel drive layout, and will be offered with a range of 4- and 6-cylinder engines, including the highly acclaimed (and potent) 225kW twin turbo 3.0-litre engine, which was named the International Engine of the Year.

In Europe, where the car will be launched first, the Convertible can be matched with four different petrol engines: 

4-cylinder 105kW (118i)
4-cylinder 125kW (120i)
6-cylinder 160kW (125i)
6-cylinder 225kW (135i)

BMW has confirmed there will be an economical 130kW 4-cylinder turbo diesel model as standard for European markets. The standard transmission is a 6-speed manual with a 6-speed Steptronic automatic available as a cost option. 

There is a specific roll-over protection feature for the 1 Series Convertible, which features pop-up roll-over bars fitted behind the rear head rests. Air bags, seat belt pretensioners and crash optimised front seat backs and head rests are also included.

A convertible customer enjoys life and the latest luxury features so the 1 Series Convertible boasts a unique selection of audio, communication and navigation options such as a standard AUX-In as well as USB and Bluetooth interfaces for simple connection of their music sources or alternatively complete integration of Apple iPod and other MP3 players or memory sticks.

Driving pleasure is assured thanks to the intricately designed suspension complete with rear-wheel drive that guarantees traction and unadulterated steering precision. Front aluminium suspension components keep unsprung weight low, while the lightweight steel five-arm rear axle ensures perfect tracking.

Dynamic Stability Control including dynamic traction control maintains stability under all driving conditions, while the latest electronic traction optimisation programme, as fitted to the 135i Coupé, provides the same effect as a differential lock. In addition to energy saving power steering, BMW offers its unique active steering as an option.

BMW in Australia has said that it will announce local specification, pricing and engine options closer to launch in 2008.In Europe, BMW will offer the 135i Convertible with an M Aerodynamics Package from the M Sports Package as standard, and if the 135i comes to Australia, and it's almost 100% confirmed, it will likely get the sports package as well.

Related articles:
- BMW 1 Series Coupe (2007)
- BMW X1 (2010)
- BMW Concept X6 (2007)
- BMW M3 in Australia (2008)
- BMW M3 (2008)
- BMW 6 Series Update (2007)
- BMW 130i M Sport (Road Test)
- BMW 3 Series Coupe (2007)
- BMW Hydrogen 7 (2007)
- BMW 120i (Road Test)
- BMW 3 Series Convertible (2007)
- BMW Concept CS (Concept)