E Opinion + 2012 Bmw 128 I Convertible + Reviews

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BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Introduction

The entry level BMW convertible had, for as many years as most could remember, been the iii Series but with that machine creeping ever farther upmarket, enough breathing room was created beneath it for another drib top - the 1 Series Convertible. Although information technology's open to argue whether the I satisfies the key criterion of an open car which is to look fantastic, that it satisfies the second, namely to make y'all feel smashing backside the bicycle, is beyond question. Besides, if y'all've got this far yous probably aren't deterred past its styling in the first place. Hither's what to expect for when shopping for a used instance.

Models

MODELS COVERED:

(2 door convertible: [118d, 120d, 123d diesel, 118i, 120i, 125i, 135i petrol])

History

The BMW 1 Series Convertible was the fourth torso style to be spun from the 1 Serial platform and arrived in the Uk in spring 2008. British buyers had already grown accustomed to the styling of the three and five door hatchbacks and the lithe ii-door Coupe had been on sale but a few months had passed when the Convertible bankrupt encompass. In many means it was a natural progression for the ane Series and came against the backdrop of escalating rivalry in this marketplace, Audi being hard at work bringing a soft summit version of the A3 to customers, with BMW pipping Audi to the postal service by simply a couple of weeks.

Because the ane Series was now a familiar concept to United kingdom buyers used to its individualistic styling and its combination of decent power, fantabulous economy and emissions, firm ride and well-nigh non-real rear legroom, sales of the Convertible ramped upwardly to speed more briskly than had those of the hatch or the Coupe. BMW's fears that the success of this car would cannibalise sales of the iii Series Convertible were realised and since the 1 Series Convertible was launched the 3 Series Convertible sales curve has levelled off.

The range launched with the 120d, 118i, 120i, 125i and 135i models, the Munich company and so backfilling the line up with economical 118d and 123d variants in August 2008. The 2011 model yr cars feature subtly revised styling, more generous equipment levels and the add-on of Aero Curtain, an aerodynamics package that improves the flow of air effectually the front of the car and channels it over the front wheel arches.

What Y'all Go

The ane Series Coupe was obviously designed with a Convertible model in mind. Both cars share a about identical silhouette, with long bonnets, short overhangs and set-back glassy 'greenhouse' proportions. The distinctive, horizontal shoulder line runs from the front of the bonnet, through the long, frameless doors, and onto the stop of the kicking lid. From the rear, the kick lid finishes in a discrete lip spoiler that houses the integrated 3rd brake light and typical L-shaped rear lite clusters utilize LED-powered light conductors.

This drop-top model features a fabric roof that opens or closes in 22 seconds, and at speeds of up to 25mph. The roof material is available in archetype black, biscuit or, as a world offset, an innovative anthracite silver fleck which is a fabric material interwoven with fine shiny metal fibres.

Within, BMW reckons that there's space for four occupants, though the cabin isn't as large as that of, say, convertible Audi A4s or a Saab nine-3s. Still, there'southward a respectable 305 litres of boot space with the roof up (260 litres with the roof down). A nice bear upon is a 'convertible' setting for the air conditioning when the roof is downwardly. The high quality materials and solid construction e'er impress and it'southward this general classiness that makes it all feel special rather than any stand-out detailing. The major controls for the entertainment and ventilation systems are confined to a console ahead of the gear lever and the residue of the stuff you need is clustered on or around the steering wheel where information technology's unproblematic to admission on the road.

In that location are iv trim levels to accompany the 7 engines that make up the ane Series Convertible range though the top powerplants only come with the plusher trim levels. Buyers choose from ES, SE, Sport and 1000 Sport. It's the 1000 Sport package that really makes the difference to the car'southward appearance, and the manner information technology drives. Buyers at this top level receive sports suspension, sports seats, an M Sport steering wheel and the G Aerodynamic package on their car.

What You Pay

Please contact us for an exact up-to-engagement valuation.

What to Look For

The 1 Series has gained a reputation as a tough little thing and the Convertible is no exception. Check the usual things too - service lights illuminated, body nicks and scrapes, damaged trim, cellphone mounting holes in the dashboard and a cast-iron full BMW dealer service history. The 120d is a car that has attracted demand but some owners have 'chipped' their 118d up to and beyond the 120d's 163bhp output. This volition have warranty repercussions so be conscientious if the 118d you lot're exam driving is suspiciously rapid. If you are after a very rapid but economical 1 Series, this is i route to await at, and companies similar Superchips can make a 135i near M3 V8 quick while still retaining decent reliability and economy.

It's worth being fussy (avoid dull non-metallic colours and gloomy interior trim colours) then that, when resale time comes, you'll go a lot more for your part exchange than you might wait. If you lot actually want piece of mind, buy from a BMW dealer - but be prepared to pay the premium. The hood itself has proven largely problem-free but information technology's worth giving it the in one case over to check for bird lime damage and whatever rips, scuffs or interior discolouration.

Replacement Parts

(based on a 2008 1 Series Convertible 125i - ex Vat) A clutch assembly is around £130. Forepart brake pads are around £40, a full exhaust about £360, an alternator around £100 and a tyre around £twoscore. A starter motor is almost £120. A headlamp is about £165.

On the Road

All 1 Series Convertibles are reasonably rapid, fifty-fifty the entry-level 118i reaching sixty in nine.3s on the way to 130mph. The flagship 135i virtually halves this acceleration figure and has to be electronically restrained at 155mph. Being rear cycle drive, the 1 Series is e'er going to be the default driver'southward choice in this segment, though we're not huge fans of the electronic ability steering fitted to all variants except the flagship 135i. Information technology operates on an 'on demand' basis, reducing engine output ordinarily needed to power the steering hydraulics. The Active Steering pick is also ane we'd avert. If you're expecting typical pin-abrupt BMW dynamics, you may exist a little disappointed in the way the 1 Series corners. It's certainly more of a cruiser or a bespeak and eject thing than a gym-toned sports car. For that y'all'll need to eschew the rear seats and go shopping for a Z4.

Buyers choose between either half dozen-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. Steering bicycle-mounted paddles enabling manual shifts of the car 'box are standard on 135i cars and optional on 125i models. 135i customers get BMW'southward electronic differential lock which electronically slows the spinning inside rear wheel to raise vehicle traction when the machine is accelerating difficult out of corners or tight bends. In this situation, information technology electronically slows the spinning within rear wheel to ameliorate traction and ensure that all available power is transferred to the road.

Should you exist careless plenty to be about to roll your car roof-down, a sensor will annals the imminent danger and, alongside the relevant airbag deployment, ii roll-over bars will extend from backside the rear seats in a fraction of a second to protect the safety cell.

Overall

The BMW 1 Series Convertible fought confronting ii key impediments - styling and cost - and has come out smelling of roses. The public'south spending power only goes and then far in tough times, even so, and you'll find many more of the more prosaic models and significantly fewer of the big horsepower variants. The best value in the ane Series Convertible range lies at that less well defined cusp where the two sides of the Venn diagram overlap in the form of the 125i Convertible. Information technology'due south got the sweetest engine in the range and you'll value that when you're driving with the hood down. Track down a depression mileage example and you'll take i of the nearly talented four-seat convertibles around and, dare I say, a bargain BMW to kick.

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Source: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/bmw/1-series/1-series-convertible-2008-2013/

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