2011 BMW 1 Series Convertible Edition Review :
Efficiency : BMW EfficientDynamics.
Enhancing driving pleasure and so much more besides: BMW EfficientDynamics represents a suite of intelligent technologies that noticeably reduce fuel consumption and emissions while simultaneously boosting the performance of the BMW 1 Series Convertible.
The BMW 1 Series Convertible has a large number of innovative technologies and intelligent solutions that are specially developed to increase efficiency. The Auto Start Stop function, for example, avoids unnecessary engine idling and saves fuel at every red light, and, thanks to Brake Energy Regeneration, the battery is recharged during braking or coasting with the energy that had previously accelerated the vehicle.
Highly developed engines, refined aerodynamics and the innovative lightweight construction of the BMW 1 Series Convertible also facilitate optimum energy exploitation. The sum of all these measures is BMW EfficientDynamics. The result is less fuel consumption, more driving pleasure.
Efficient engines.
Mature but not at the end of the development cycle: the combustion engine still holds considerable potential. With every new generation of engines the BMW engineers set new benchmarks to increase dynamics and efficiency. And this is also true of the petrol and diesel engines in the BMW 1 Series Convertible.
The perfect combination of power and efficiency. The BMW TwinPower Turbo straight six-cylinder in the BMW 135i combines a TwinScroll turbocharger with Valvetronic and direct petrol injection. The result is 225 kW (306 hp), 400 powerful Newton metres and fuel consumption of only 8.6 l/100 km. In contrast, the 125i impresses with a top speed of 238 km/h at 160 kW (218 hp) and an acceleration of 6.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.
Especially efficient in operation are the straight four-cylinder engines of the BMW 120i and 118i. High Precision Injection, the direct petrol injection system, and the valve control with twin Vanos enable an impressively low average fuel consumption. The BMW 120i gets by 6.8 and the BMW 118i on as little as 6.5 l/km.
Diesel engines in the BMW 1 Series Convertible also combine high cost-effectiveness with excellent performance. The 123d four-cylinder diesel engine with variable twin turbo and third-generation common-rail injection system impresses with its spontaneous response, 150 kW (204 hp) of output and a powerful torque. And all this at a fuel consumption level of just 5.3 l/100 km. Even more economical are the engines in the BMW 118d and 120d with outstanding consumption figures of only 4.8 and 5.0 l/100 km.
Aerodynamics.
With the airstream on your side. The innovative design of the BMW 1 Series Convertible consistently adheres to the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy and selectively channels the airstream in order to reduce drag and hence fuel consumption.
The aerodynamically optimised front apron of the BMW 1 Series Convertible embodies the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy as a visible design feature. The integrated Aero wheel housing guides the airstream along the front wheel housings via two vertical inlets. Thus accelerated, the stream of air then forms a “curtain” around the outer sides of the wheels. This reduces turbulence as well as drag and fuel consumption. At the same time, the fresh air provides optimum cooling for the engine and additional components such as radiator and intercooler.
If required, the optionally available 17-inch Streamline 370 light-alloy wheels additionally reduce eddy formation directly on the rims, further improving the aerodynamics of the BMW 1 Series Convertible. The result is increased driving stability, a more agile driving performance and less fuel consumption.
Brake Energy Regeneration.
Until now, braking meant losing energy. Brake Energy Regeneration puts an end to this by winning energy back during braking to charge the battery.
As soon as you take your foot off the accelerator or brake in the BMW 1 Series Convertible, the generator is engaged and converts excess kinetic energy into electrical energy which is saved in the battery. Once the battery is fully charged, the generator is disengaged from the engine. This unburdens the engine and reduces emissions. Fuel consumption savings means that there is more power available for acceleration.
Exterior Design : Exterior design.
The sunlight reflects on the long bonnet until the sun’s last rays have disappeared in the distinctive shapes of the powerful vehicle body. The harmonious styling of a convertible animated with athletic dynamism: the exterior design of the BMW 1 Series Convertible.
Short overhangs, powerful shoulder line, compact rear. When the soft-top is closed, clear lines and definite shapes reveal the sporting character of the BMW 1 Series Convertible. With the roof open in contrast, the body of the vehicle appears flat and extended, the rear broad and elegant. At night the flickering lights of the city gleam in the convex and concave surfaces of the body, surrounded by the shining LED lamps of the accent and rear lights.
Light design.
The dusk brings the city to life. The attractions of the night shine fleetingly – and yet some remain unforgettable: such is the light design of the BMW 1 Series Convertible based on state-of-the-art LED technology.
A glowing, electrifying sight: the xenon headlights integrated into the Corona rings and the optional LED accent lights positioned above the headlights beam with temperament and give the 1 Series Convertible the unmistakeable focus of a BMW. At the same time, the Adaptive Headlights perfectly illuminate the crucial areas of the road and the daytime running lights contribute to your safety by adding better visibility.
The rear lights too, each with two high-performance LED light rods, turn the BMW 1 Series Convertible into a real eye-catcher. The glow of the lighting strips shaped to the body and the dynamic LED brake lights leave behind a lasting impression and ensure maximum safety with their strong signalling effect.
Design features.
Sporting, powerful, dynamic. At the very first sight, the BMW 1 Series Convertible reveals what it can do. The reason for this is simple: its form and design are the logical consequence of its distinguishing technical innovations and performance.
Driving pleasure begins beneath the bonnet – design too. The longitudinally mounted straight six-cylinder engine and the rear-wheel drive of the BMW 1 Series Convertible allow a long wheelbase, short overhangs and balanced proportions. The light design with the unmistakeable Corona rings and the distinctive LED accent lights displays the dynamics typical for a BMW while also emphasising the athletic charisma.
One particular sign that engineering and performance are visibly reflected in the design is the systematically styled front apron. Side air inlets together with convex and concave shapes are not only an eye-catcher but also improve the aerodynamics, thus lowering consumption. The front apron thus represents a functional as well as a direct visual link to the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy.
Original BMW Accessories. BMW 1 Series Convertible exterior design.
An open roof and a clear sky. Countless stars light up the night. All your wishes are fulfilled in the BMW 1 Series Convertible even without the help of a shooting star. With Original BMW Accessories you set individual accents and exclusive details – to match your wishes exactly.
By day or by night, the exclusive 311 rim in chrome brings an individual brilliance to the wheels of the BMW 1 Series Convertible. At the same time, the elegant and sporting design of these light-alloy wheels perfectly underlines the vehicle’s dynamic character. Both the visual appearance in gleaming chrome and the high-quality finish set exclusive accents. The matching chrome exhaust pipe presents a discreet eye-catcher at the rear and thus rounds off the brilliant display. Considerably shorter than the standard rod aerial, the sports aerial additionally reinforces the athletic charisma of the BMW 1 Series Convertible.
If you prefer to shine personally at sports, the innovative rear-mounted transport platform will take your bicycle wherever you go. Your snowboard or skis can also be fastened quickly and securely with the rear carrier*. The aerodynamically favourable positioning also saves fuel, while, even when loaded, the system still allows convenient access to the boot.
*Not available for the BMW 135i and in combination with the M sport package.
Interior Design : Colours and materials.
In the BMW 1 Series Convertible, you don’t have to start up the engine to set your pulse racing. High-quality materials and perfect craftsmanship create an interior that inspires from the moment you enter.
All colours and materials of the BMW 1 Series Convertible have been carefully matched to its sportingly modern character by the BMW design department. Chrome applications on the controls and a large selection of interior trims made of precious materials set individual accents in the cockpit. From stylish in high-gloss black or genuine wood to energetic in Alpine White or aluminium – you decide and add you own personal style to the interior of the BMW 1 Series Convertible.
Efficiency : BMW EfficientDynamics.
Enhancing driving pleasure and so much more besides: BMW EfficientDynamics represents a suite of intelligent technologies that noticeably reduce fuel consumption and emissions while simultaneously boosting the performance of the BMW 1 Series Convertible.
The BMW 1 Series Convertible has a large number of innovative technologies and intelligent solutions that are specially developed to increase efficiency. The Auto Start Stop function, for example, avoids unnecessary engine idling and saves fuel at every red light, and, thanks to Brake Energy Regeneration, the battery is recharged during braking or coasting with the energy that had previously accelerated the vehicle.
Highly developed engines, refined aerodynamics and the innovative lightweight construction of the BMW 1 Series Convertible also facilitate optimum energy exploitation. The sum of all these measures is BMW EfficientDynamics. The result is less fuel consumption, more driving pleasure.
Efficient engines.
Mature but not at the end of the development cycle: the combustion engine still holds considerable potential. With every new generation of engines the BMW engineers set new benchmarks to increase dynamics and efficiency. And this is also true of the petrol and diesel engines in the BMW 1 Series Convertible.
The perfect combination of power and efficiency. The BMW TwinPower Turbo straight six-cylinder in the BMW 135i combines a TwinScroll turbocharger with Valvetronic and direct petrol injection. The result is 225 kW (306 hp), 400 powerful Newton metres and fuel consumption of only 8.6 l/100 km. In contrast, the 125i impresses with a top speed of 238 km/h at 160 kW (218 hp) and an acceleration of 6.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.
Especially efficient in operation are the straight four-cylinder engines of the BMW 120i and 118i. High Precision Injection, the direct petrol injection system, and the valve control with twin Vanos enable an impressively low average fuel consumption. The BMW 120i gets by 6.8 and the BMW 118i on as little as 6.5 l/km.
Diesel engines in the BMW 1 Series Convertible also combine high cost-effectiveness with excellent performance. The 123d four-cylinder diesel engine with variable twin turbo and third-generation common-rail injection system impresses with its spontaneous response, 150 kW (204 hp) of output and a powerful torque. And all this at a fuel consumption level of just 5.3 l/100 km. Even more economical are the engines in the BMW 118d and 120d with outstanding consumption figures of only 4.8 and 5.0 l/100 km.
Aerodynamics.
With the airstream on your side. The innovative design of the BMW 1 Series Convertible consistently adheres to the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy and selectively channels the airstream in order to reduce drag and hence fuel consumption.
The aerodynamically optimised front apron of the BMW 1 Series Convertible embodies the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy as a visible design feature. The integrated Aero wheel housing guides the airstream along the front wheel housings via two vertical inlets. Thus accelerated, the stream of air then forms a “curtain” around the outer sides of the wheels. This reduces turbulence as well as drag and fuel consumption. At the same time, the fresh air provides optimum cooling for the engine and additional components such as radiator and intercooler.
If required, the optionally available 17-inch Streamline 370 light-alloy wheels additionally reduce eddy formation directly on the rims, further improving the aerodynamics of the BMW 1 Series Convertible. The result is increased driving stability, a more agile driving performance and less fuel consumption.
Brake Energy Regeneration.
Until now, braking meant losing energy. Brake Energy Regeneration puts an end to this by winning energy back during braking to charge the battery.
As soon as you take your foot off the accelerator or brake in the BMW 1 Series Convertible, the generator is engaged and converts excess kinetic energy into electrical energy which is saved in the battery. Once the battery is fully charged, the generator is disengaged from the engine. This unburdens the engine and reduces emissions. Fuel consumption savings means that there is more power available for acceleration.
Exterior Design : Exterior design.
The sunlight reflects on the long bonnet until the sun’s last rays have disappeared in the distinctive shapes of the powerful vehicle body. The harmonious styling of a convertible animated with athletic dynamism: the exterior design of the BMW 1 Series Convertible.
Short overhangs, powerful shoulder line, compact rear. When the soft-top is closed, clear lines and definite shapes reveal the sporting character of the BMW 1 Series Convertible. With the roof open in contrast, the body of the vehicle appears flat and extended, the rear broad and elegant. At night the flickering lights of the city gleam in the convex and concave surfaces of the body, surrounded by the shining LED lamps of the accent and rear lights.
Light design.
The dusk brings the city to life. The attractions of the night shine fleetingly – and yet some remain unforgettable: such is the light design of the BMW 1 Series Convertible based on state-of-the-art LED technology.
A glowing, electrifying sight: the xenon headlights integrated into the Corona rings and the optional LED accent lights positioned above the headlights beam with temperament and give the 1 Series Convertible the unmistakeable focus of a BMW. At the same time, the Adaptive Headlights perfectly illuminate the crucial areas of the road and the daytime running lights contribute to your safety by adding better visibility.
The rear lights too, each with two high-performance LED light rods, turn the BMW 1 Series Convertible into a real eye-catcher. The glow of the lighting strips shaped to the body and the dynamic LED brake lights leave behind a lasting impression and ensure maximum safety with their strong signalling effect.
Design features.
Sporting, powerful, dynamic. At the very first sight, the BMW 1 Series Convertible reveals what it can do. The reason for this is simple: its form and design are the logical consequence of its distinguishing technical innovations and performance.
Driving pleasure begins beneath the bonnet – design too. The longitudinally mounted straight six-cylinder engine and the rear-wheel drive of the BMW 1 Series Convertible allow a long wheelbase, short overhangs and balanced proportions. The light design with the unmistakeable Corona rings and the distinctive LED accent lights displays the dynamics typical for a BMW while also emphasising the athletic charisma.
One particular sign that engineering and performance are visibly reflected in the design is the systematically styled front apron. Side air inlets together with convex and concave shapes are not only an eye-catcher but also improve the aerodynamics, thus lowering consumption. The front apron thus represents a functional as well as a direct visual link to the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy.
Original BMW Accessories. BMW 1 Series Convertible exterior design.
An open roof and a clear sky. Countless stars light up the night. All your wishes are fulfilled in the BMW 1 Series Convertible even without the help of a shooting star. With Original BMW Accessories you set individual accents and exclusive details – to match your wishes exactly.
By day or by night, the exclusive 311 rim in chrome brings an individual brilliance to the wheels of the BMW 1 Series Convertible. At the same time, the elegant and sporting design of these light-alloy wheels perfectly underlines the vehicle’s dynamic character. Both the visual appearance in gleaming chrome and the high-quality finish set exclusive accents. The matching chrome exhaust pipe presents a discreet eye-catcher at the rear and thus rounds off the brilliant display. Considerably shorter than the standard rod aerial, the sports aerial additionally reinforces the athletic charisma of the BMW 1 Series Convertible.
If you prefer to shine personally at sports, the innovative rear-mounted transport platform will take your bicycle wherever you go. Your snowboard or skis can also be fastened quickly and securely with the rear carrier*. The aerodynamically favourable positioning also saves fuel, while, even when loaded, the system still allows convenient access to the boot.
*Not available for the BMW 135i and in combination with the M sport package.
Interior Design : Colours and materials.
In the BMW 1 Series Convertible, you don’t have to start up the engine to set your pulse racing. High-quality materials and perfect craftsmanship create an interior that inspires from the moment you enter.
All colours and materials of the BMW 1 Series Convertible have been carefully matched to its sportingly modern character by the BMW design department. Chrome applications on the controls and a large selection of interior trims made of precious materials set individual accents in the cockpit. From stylish in high-gloss black or genuine wood to energetic in Alpine White or aluminium – you decide and add you own personal style to the interior of the BMW 1 Series Convertible.
SunReflective Technology.
The nicest thing about hot days is a cool spot in the sun. And in the BMW 1 Series Convertible there are four to choose from. Innovative SunReflective Technology reduces the surface heating of the seats even in strong direct sunlight.
Even on hot days the BMW 1 Series offers you a pleasantly cool reception. Reflective pigments in the optional leather seat covers reflect rather than absorb infrared heat rays. As a result, the leather only heats up a little even when exposed to strong sunshine. Compared to conventional leather, the surface temperature is up to 25 °C lower, depending on the intensity of the sunlight. And if you are unable to find a parking spot in the shade, your leather seats retain a pleasant temperature when the soft-top is open as well.
Air conditioning with convertible mode.
Midday sun, brilliant blue sky, 23 degrees. The perfect temperature for a brief excursion. Evening twilight, 23 degrees. The perfect temperature for a night-time trip into town. Moonlight, 23 degrees. The perfect temperature for not driving home just yet.
The optional air conditioning with convertible mode adjusts the temperature inside the BMW 1 Series Convertible exactly to your wishes. And it doesn’t matter at all whether you are driving with the soft-top open or closed. Open the roof and the climate adjusts to the outside temperature, sunlight and driving speed fully automatically. The air supply is also perfectly matched to the specific conditions of a convertible, so the desired interior temperature is reached especially quickly despite the wind from driving.
2+2 seater.
Two plus two equals four times driving pleasure. The BMW 1 Series Convertible brings inspiration wherever you sit. The ergonomically shaped rear seats also assure the two rear passengers of a comfortable open-air driving experience.
The sun also shines on the rear seats. In the BMW 1 Series Convertible your passengers enjoy unique driving pleasures and pure soft-top feeling. Whether sporting or relaxed, your driving style alone decides. The ergonomic rear seats give safe, comfortable support, and even if the roof is closed, your rear passengers have sufficient headroom.
Original BMW Accessories. Comfort in the BMW 1 Series Convertible.
Tuning for your travel comfort. Original BMW Accessories offer a quick and easy way to extend the interior of your BMW 1 Series Convertible - for even more comfort on long and short journeys: for you, your passengers and your travel wardrobe.
A relaxed journey begins before you even set off. The seats in the BMW 1 Series Convertible can be adjusted to perfectly match your desired sitting position, while the BMW belt holder makes sure that you can conveniently reach your seat belt from every angle.
On the move as well, Original BMW Accessories substantially increase your travelling comfort. The BMW wind deflector, for example, with its exclusive printed design reduces air turbulence inside the car when the roof is open and protects your shoulders and neck against drafts. A folding mechanism allows simple loading and unloading of the rear seat bench. If you are travelling with less luggage but more friends instead, the wind deflector can be quickly stowed away in the boot to save space.
Comfort has priority for rear passengers too. The base attachment for the Travel & Comfort System fits to the headrests on the driver and/or passenger seats to open up a variety of flexible extensions. The BMW folding table clicks easily into the base system in seconds to give a stable surface for working, playing and reading. Similarly quick to attach is the BMW coat hanger, allowing your wardrobe to travel with the same level of comfort and safety as you and your passengers.
Safety : Dynamic Stability Control.
The chassis control systems of the BMW 1 Series Convertible fitted as standard make it easy to control the vehicle even under adverse conditions and actively increase your driving safety. The integrated traction modus (DTC) inspires drivers with sporting ambitions by optimising forward thrust and providing even more driving pleasure.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) optimises both driving stability and traction when setting off and accelerating. In the event of understeering or oversteering, torque is reduced and brakes are applied individually to the wheels. The vehicle stabilises within milliseconds and hazardous skidding is prevented from the very outset.
And your driving pleasure also benefits from the electronic chassis control: at the sporting limits, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) increases the slip on the drive wheels to give optimum traction on every surface.
The BMW 125i and 135i offer four additional extended DSC functions:
1. The Brake Standby function reduces the stopping distance in emergencies.
2. The Dry-Braking function enhances brake response in wet conditions.
3. The hill-start assistant makes it possible to set off comfortably on slopes, without rolling backwards.
4. Fading Compensation allows consistent braking performance even if the brakes have heated up.
Safety bodyshell.
Holds out where it has to. Gives way where it makes sense. The safety bodyshell of the BMW 1 Series Convertible offers you intelligent all-round protection and achieves stability values on a par with a closed vehicle.
Reinforcements in the underbody, sills and door areas give the body design of the BMW 1 Series Convertible an extremely high torsional strength and enable it to withstand even high impact speeds. In such events, special deformation elements in the front and rear bumpers yield at exactly defined positions and thus provide a crumple zone to specifically transform the impact energy. The body is therefore able to withstand collision strengths of up to 15 km/h without damage and provides safe protection for the vehicle and its occupants.
2011 BMW 1 Series Convertible Edition SPECIFICATIONS
General
- Body StyleConvertible
- SizeCompact
- Market SegmentNear-Luxury
- Weight3494 lbs
Exterior
- Length172.2 in.
- Width68.8 in.
- Height55.6 in.
- Wheelbase104.7 in.
- Ground ClearanceTBD
- Front Track58.3 in.
- Rear Track59.6 in.
- Weight Distribution48/52
- Drag Coefficient0.34
Interior - General
- Seats4
- Passenger Volume78.0 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume8.0 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume (Seats Folded)TBD
Interior - Front Row
- VolumeTBD
- Leg Room41.5 in.
- Head Room38.6 in.
- Shoulder Room54.0 in.
- Hip RoomTBD
Interior - Second Row
- VolumeTBD
- Leg Room31.8 in.
- Head Room37.0 in.
- Shoulder Room42.2 in.
- Hip RoomTBD
Propulsion
- Fuel TypeGas
- Engine Type3.0L I6
- Power230 hp @ 6500 rpm
- Torque200 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
- Transmission6-Speed Manual
- Highway Fuel Economy28 mpg
- City Fuel Economy18 mpg
- Forced InductionNone
- Direct InjectionNo
Chassis
- LayoutRear Wheel Drive
- Front SuspensionStrut-Type
- Rear SuspensionMulti-Link
Wheels
- Front17" Aluminum
- Front Tires205/50 R17
- Rear17" Aluminum
- Rear Tires205/50 R17
Trailering & Hauling
- Trailer WeightTBD
- Payload
- Tongue WeightTBD