High Performance and Good MileageBMW’s 1-Series is available as either a coupe or a convertible. Compared to its big brother, the 3-Series, these cars are lighter in weight and eminently more affordable, yet remain potent performers.
Under the hood resides a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. In normally aspirated form it’s rated a respectable 230 horsepower while the turbocharged version is rated a whopping 300 hp. Both a six-speed automatic transmission (with shift paddles optional) and a six-speed manual transmission are offered. I drove the more powerful 135 convertible with its twin, low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooler that builds maximum torque as low as 1400 rpm. The engine’s on-demand coolant pump improves fuel economy and reduces parasitic losses. Because the smaller car weighs about 300 pounds less than the 3-Series, it’s marginally faster, shaving about a quarter of a second off the 0-to-60-mph elapsed time. It makes the speed run in just 5.4 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 149 mph. With a full tank of gas, range is about 390 miles. The compression ratio is a lofty 10.7 to one and the exotic engine demands premium fuel.
How’s handling? During a week’s worth of driving I noticed a nice compromise between firmness and compliance. Technophiles will rub their hands together in glee when they learn the 1-Series boasts a near 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution. That means the nose isn’t clumsily heavy. I also noticed handling is biased in favor of road grip as opposed to oversteer. Long story made short, long and winding country roads were a pleasure. I like the way the LED brake lights react to braking force in two stages, illuminating bright and then brighter yet announcing serious braking effort. The idea being no more complicated than keeping tailgaters off the rear bumper.
The convertible is a fabric roof, either black or taupe. While the optional Moonlight Black fabric (unique to the 1 Series) is interwoven with fine, shiny metallic fibers. The effect in sunlight is a shimmering metallic silver. Putting the top up or down is as simple as pushing a button on the dashboard. Deployment takes 22 seconds. It can be raised while driving down the road at speeds up to 25 mph, so says BMW. Frankly, I didn’t have the nerve to try it. Turbulent air noise (top down) can be silenced by means of an available wind deflector that subdues sound levels to allow pleasant conversation with your partner, or simply listening to music.
Compared to the 3-Series, the cockpit is slightly narrower, with the interior fitting tightly around four adults. Interior appointments seem virtually identical in aesthetics and quality. Back seat space is marginal. With the front seat slid back legroom seems to dissolve. Climate control benefit from a convertible mode intended for open-roof driving. Special sensors react to sunlight and exterior temperature in order to better keep the driver cool, or during an autumn leaf drive, warm. Standard upholstery is Leatherette. One must- have-item is the heat-resistant leather that on hot Indian summer days reduces seat surface temperature by 20°F cooler than regular leather.
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What about the trunk storage? Two golf bags fit in the space even with the top down. Worthy of consideration is the optional large storage bag that protrudes into the passenger compartment. Its zippered opening allows easy access into the storage bag from within the passenger compartment.
IDrive, included with the optional navigation system, controls heating, cooling, and entertainment functions. Six programmable buttons tune the radio, dial up a destination from the nav system, or dial telephone numbers. SIRIUS satellite and HD radio are options, so too is a USB/3.5 mm iPod connection.
For safety sake the car comes equipped with multi-stage front and side air bags and seat-anchored inertial reel seat belts. More particularly, the convertible is fitted with pop-up rear roll bars.
BMW’s new vehicle limited warranty runs for four years or 50,000-miles with the anti rust-perforation warranty term good for 12-years and with unlimited-mileage coverage. BMW Roadside Assistance is free for the first four years, with no mileage limit. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, anywhere in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and includes flat tire changes, emergency gasoline and lock-out assistance, towing, alternative transportation and certain trip-interruption benefits. Gets better. BMW’s no cost Maintenance Program covers wear and tear items like brake pads and rotors for four years or 50,000 miles and owners pay nothing for scheduled inspections, oil changes, brake pads, wiper blade inserts and other wear-and-tear items.
Under the hood resides a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. In normally aspirated form it’s rated a respectable 230 horsepower while the turbocharged version is rated a whopping 300 hp. Both a six-speed automatic transmission (with shift paddles optional) and a six-speed manual transmission are offered. I drove the more powerful 135 convertible with its twin, low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooler that builds maximum torque as low as 1400 rpm. The engine’s on-demand coolant pump improves fuel economy and reduces parasitic losses. Because the smaller car weighs about 300 pounds less than the 3-Series, it’s marginally faster, shaving about a quarter of a second off the 0-to-60-mph elapsed time. It makes the speed run in just 5.4 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 149 mph. With a full tank of gas, range is about 390 miles. The compression ratio is a lofty 10.7 to one and the exotic engine demands premium fuel.
How’s handling? During a week’s worth of driving I noticed a nice compromise between firmness and compliance. Technophiles will rub their hands together in glee when they learn the 1-Series boasts a near 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution. That means the nose isn’t clumsily heavy. I also noticed handling is biased in favor of road grip as opposed to oversteer. Long story made short, long and winding country roads were a pleasure. I like the way the LED brake lights react to braking force in two stages, illuminating bright and then brighter yet announcing serious braking effort. The idea being no more complicated than keeping tailgaters off the rear bumper.
The convertible is a fabric roof, either black or taupe. While the optional Moonlight Black fabric (unique to the 1 Series) is interwoven with fine, shiny metallic fibers. The effect in sunlight is a shimmering metallic silver. Putting the top up or down is as simple as pushing a button on the dashboard. Deployment takes 22 seconds. It can be raised while driving down the road at speeds up to 25 mph, so says BMW. Frankly, I didn’t have the nerve to try it. Turbulent air noise (top down) can be silenced by means of an available wind deflector that subdues sound levels to allow pleasant conversation with your partner, or simply listening to music.
Compared to the 3-Series, the cockpit is slightly narrower, with the interior fitting tightly around four adults. Interior appointments seem virtually identical in aesthetics and quality. Back seat space is marginal. With the front seat slid back legroom seems to dissolve. Climate control benefit from a convertible mode intended for open-roof driving. Special sensors react to sunlight and exterior temperature in order to better keep the driver cool, or during an autumn leaf drive, warm. Standard upholstery is Leatherette. One must- have-item is the heat-resistant leather that on hot Indian summer days reduces seat surface temperature by 20°F cooler than regular leather.
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What about the trunk storage? Two golf bags fit in the space even with the top down. Worthy of consideration is the optional large storage bag that protrudes into the passenger compartment. Its zippered opening allows easy access into the storage bag from within the passenger compartment.
IDrive, included with the optional navigation system, controls heating, cooling, and entertainment functions. Six programmable buttons tune the radio, dial up a destination from the nav system, or dial telephone numbers. SIRIUS satellite and HD radio are options, so too is a USB/3.5 mm iPod connection.
For safety sake the car comes equipped with multi-stage front and side air bags and seat-anchored inertial reel seat belts. More particularly, the convertible is fitted with pop-up rear roll bars.
BMW’s new vehicle limited warranty runs for four years or 50,000-miles with the anti rust-perforation warranty term good for 12-years and with unlimited-mileage coverage. BMW Roadside Assistance is free for the first four years, with no mileage limit. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, anywhere in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and includes flat tire changes, emergency gasoline and lock-out assistance, towing, alternative transportation and certain trip-interruption benefits. Gets better. BMW’s no cost Maintenance Program covers wear and tear items like brake pads and rotors for four years or 50,000 miles and owners pay nothing for scheduled inspections, oil changes, brake pads, wiper blade inserts and other wear-and-tear items.
Wheelbase 104.7 inches
Engine 3.0 L I-6
Horsepower 300 @ 5800 rpm
Transmission 6-spd automatic
Curb weight 3494 pounds
Mileage mpg 18/28
Fuel capacity 14 gallons
Base price $33,875
Price as tested $39,875
