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The BMW 1 Series Convertible
by Rob James, Guest Blogger
The BMW 1 Series Convertible is a beautiful addition to the massively successful BMW 1 Series range and notable for being one of the best in its class for handling and safety. It also makes excellent use of BMW’s Efficient Dynamics system to be fuel efficient for such a compact sports car. The range features a number of different petrol and diesel engines, which vary in price from around £24,000 to £32,000 for M Sport editions, and take in the 1 Series ES and the SE, as well as the 1 Series Sport and Sport Plus at the higher end of the market.
Traditional BMW strengths in terms of ride power, engine performance and handling are all present, as is enhanced comfort and interior features. Of the models, fuel efficiency is generally claimed by the diesel versions of the car, and power and performance by the M Sport variants, while all share good emissions and fuel economy ratings.
Engine Specs
The petrol engine versions of the car work around 2.0 and 3.0 litre six cylinder engines, with speeds ranging from 215 bhp for the 125i, through to turbo charging for the 135i. the diesel engine provides similar levels of performance, and benefits from a combination of a stiff body and smooth sports handling. All have a commitment to low emissions, which range 129 g/km for the 118d to 200 g/km for enhanced sports versions. Fuel consumption is also strong across models, and range between about 43 mpg up to around 58 mpg for M Sport versions.
In terms of general features, the BMW 1 Series Convertible benefits from run flat tyres, and the stability of the 2.0 and 3.0 litres engines, with the 2.0 litre on the 118i able to reach 0.72 mph in 9.3 seconds, and a top speed of 130 mph. BMW have invested significant resources into making the 1 Series one of the best handling convertibles on the market, and the range provides overall chassis stiffness with smooth cornering that is similar to Coupe models. A rear wheel drive chassis also ensures stability, while the Convertible series is one of the quietest in its class. Security is also a key feature of the model, from general features to a balanced weight for an open topped car, and BMW’s usual selection of power assist technologies, all of which contributed to a recent 5 star rating for the Euro NCAP crash test .
Lower Costs
The fuel efficient engine also makes the 1 Series Convertible a relatively inexpensive car to run, from the lower road tax for its efficient CO2 emissions, through to the option to invest in a 50,000 mile all inclusive service for maintenance. Buyers can also enjoy interiors that include a BMW Business Radio, an On Board Computer, outside temperature displays and advanced internal security features. The range should, therefore, be considered by anyone that wants to enjoy the handling and the style of a convertible, but wants to depend on BMW’s world class engineering, as well as on its ongoing efforts to cut down on fuel consumption and improve emission ratings.
This guest post was written free of charge by Rob James, guest blogger
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