2012 BMW 1-Series Convertible

Basic Specs

Base Price $36,600
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 3494
City (MPG) 18
Hwy (MPG) 28
Horsepower 230@6500
Torque (lb-ft) 200@2750
Wheelbase 104.7
Length (in.) 172.2
Width (in.) 68.8
Height (in.) 55.6

The 1-Series Convertible is the drop-top version of BMW ’s least expensive vehicle, the 1-Series Coupe. Despite its relatively low price point, the car doesn’t disappoint in the realm of handling thanks to a host of components shared with the outgoing version of the legendary 3-Series. The 1-Series Convertible recently received a mild refresh with minor styling updates and BMW's single-turbo inline-six in place of the old twin-turbo unit.

The 1-Series Convertible is powered by the same 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engines of previous model 3-Series, with the naturally-aspirated 128i engine producing 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque and the turbocharged 135i engine producing 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Both engines have on-demand engine coolant pumps to improve fuel economy and increase power.

Most drivers are likely to elect the six-speed manual transmission, the same satisfying performer as in the 3-Series, but a six-speed automatic is also available. The 135i accelerates to 60 mph in less than 5.3 seconds with top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. Focusing on a younger driver than other BMW s, the car makes a louder noise when producing this performance, a combination of less sound-deadening interior materials and a more audible exhaust.

In appearance, the 1-Series Convertible offers a pleasing combination of BMW styling cues - same kidney-shaped grille, of course, and the C-pillar kink - with the contemporary "flame styling" that BMW's designers are finally mastering, and a few touches - long hood, short deck, and no apparent B-pillar that typified the 2002, though the chrome-accented beltline of the 2002 is only subtly suggested by a feature line from the front fender back to the deck lid opening.

The 128i Convertible recently received a revised lower front fascia with a new foglights and an “air curtain” ducting system that smooths airflow by directing it from the lower intakes to the outside of the front wheels. Both the 128i and the 135i Convertibles make use of updated head- and tail-lights.

The 135i Convertible comes equipped with M-inspired aero kit and larger rear spoiler for additional downforce. The optional Sports Suspension includes 18-inch wheels, performance tires, and a high-performance brake system with six-piston fixed calipers at the front.


Step Inside

First things first: BMW’s controversial iDrive system comes only with the optional navigation system. The rest of the interior follows BMW tradition and includes galvanized pearl gloss surfaces on the interior door handles, glove compartment handle, the radio’s rotary knobs, the knobs of the automatic air conditioning system, the (optional) iDrive controller and the ornamental trim strips on the steering wheel.

Leatherette is standard on all models with Boston Leather as an option. The Sport Package, a BMW staple, includes sport seats with enhanced bolsters. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat is standard.

The latest version of iDrive is equipped with six Programmable Memory Keys that allow the driver to program functions that are used particularly often such as navigation destinations, radio stations or specific telephone numbers. Touch-sensitive sensors on these buttons preview the function on the iDrive screen before the button is depressed.

Available and standard equipment on the 1-Series Convertible includes: Sirius satellite radio, HD radio, a premium sound system and Bluetooth interface. For simple and straightforward connection of an MP3 player, an auxiliary input jack is standard, and a USB port for direct control of an Apple iPod or iPhone media player is available as an option.

Six airbags come standard, including dual front airbags, side airbags integrated into the seats and side curtain airbags in the roof lining.

What Lies Beneath…The Sheetmetal

The rear wheel drive 1-Series Coupe has a sophisticated suspension system with an aluminum double-pivot front suspension and a five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel. Like all RWD BMWs, the 1-Series features 50/50 weight distribution. BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) also includes a Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function that provides electronic intervention to prevent loss of vehicle control, but at a higher threshold before activation. Both DSC and DTC can be disabled entirely.

The DSC system on the 135i Convertible is designed specifically for performance-oriented driving. For instance, the accelerator pedal has a quicker response rate and electronic rear brake management is used to simulate a differential lock for stronger acceleration in turns. The rear differential features double-helical ball bearings for the first time, which reduces the amount of fluid required in the differential and reduces operating temperatures.

Active Steering, a variable ratio steering system exclusive to BMW, is optional. The double-pivot spring and strut front suspension is made largely of aluminum.

M-inspired performance for the 135i

The 135i Convertible is no M1, but it includes a fair amount of M inspiration, including an aero kit designed to reduce downforce and increase brake cooling. A sports suspension is standard and includes 18” wheels, performance tires, a high-performance brake system with six-piston fixed calipers on the front and two-piston fixed calipers at the rear.

Key Competitors
Those looking for a drop-top alternative to the 1-Series Convertible should consider the Audi TT Roadster, the Ford Mustang GT Convertible and the Nissan 370Z Roadster.

Similar Cars

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    • General
    • Body Style: Convertible
    • Size: Compact
    • Market Segment: Near-Luxury
    • Weight: 3494 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 172.2 in.
    • Width: 68.8 in.
    • Height: 55.6 in.
    • Wheelbase: 104.7 in.
    • Ground Clearance: TBD
    • Front Track: 58.3 in.
    • Rear Track: 59.6 in.
    • Weight Distribution: 48.3/51.7
    • Drag Coefficient: 0.34
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 4
    • Passenger Volume: 78.0 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume: 8.0 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 41.5 in.
    • Head Room: 38.6 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 54.0 in.
    • Hip Room: TBD
    • Interior - Second Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 31.8 in.
    • Head Room: 37.0 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 42.2 in.
    • Hip Room: TBD
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 3.0L I6
    • Power: 230 hp @ 6500 rpm
    • Torque: 200 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
    • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
    • Highway Fuel Economy: 28 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy: 18 mpg
    • Forced Induction: None
    • Direct Injection: No
    • Chassis
    • Layout: Rear Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Strut-Type
    • Rear Suspension: Multi-Link
    • Wheels
    • Front: 17" Aluminum
    • Front Tires: 205/50 R17
    • Rear: 17" Aluminum
    • Rear Tires: 205/50 R17
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: TBD
    • Payload:
    • Tongue Weight: TBD

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    Step 1 - Trim

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      135i

      • 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo technology
      • 300 horsepower
      • Rear-wheel drive
      • 28mpg hwy

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    Step 2 - Options

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    Convenience Options

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    Interior Accessories

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    M Sport Package Options

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    Packages

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      Premium Package

      • Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors - Automatic-dimming rear-view mirror senses the bright headlights of vehicles behind you, and automatically darkens. Exterior power-folding side-view mirrors automatically dim when reflecting bright lights, helping to eliminate glare when driving at night.
      • Interior mirror with compass - The easy-to-ready digital compass, integrated into the mirror is a convenient way to constantly keep your bearings while driving.
      • Power front seats with driver seat memory. - 8-way power front seats with 2-way manual headrests and driver memory with 2 pre-sets for exterior mirror and seat positions.
      • Universal garage-door opener - BMW Universal transceiver takes the place of up to three remote-control devices. It can activate remote functions outside the vehicle, such as garage-door openers or home-lighting systems.
      • Ambiance lighting - Includes lights in the exterior door handles that radiate downward whenever the doors are unlocked. They illuminate the area outside the doors for approximately 20 seconds to enable safe vehicle access in the dark.
      • BMW Assist with Bluetooth - The BMW Assist and Bluetooth System comes with four years of the BMW Assist Safety Plan which provides Automatic Collision Notification, Emergency Request (SOS), Enhanced Roadside Assistance, My Info, Teleservice, Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery services.
      • Lumbar support - Power lumbar support in the front seats adds four-way adjustable comfort for the lower back - it can be adjusted up/down and in/out.

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      Cold Weather Package

      • Fixed headlight washers - Fixed high-intensity headlight washers helps keep lights clear of ice, mud, road salt, and other coatings for maximum road lighting and enhanced driving safety.
      • Heated front seats - A welcome feature for driver and front passenger in cooler weather. With the touch of a button, seat surface and backrest are heated and quickly radiate comfortable warmth in your choice of three settings.

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      Convenience Package

      • Park Distance Control (rear only) - Park Distance Control uses ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper to help you judge the distance to other cars and unseen objects when parking. The beeping becomes faster as your bumper approaches the object, turning into a constant tone when the distance is less than 12 inches.
      • Anti-theft alarm system - Features remote control, anti-theft device and electronic immobilizer for effective protection. In the event of an attempted break-in or unauthorized transport, the system sounds an alarm and switches on the hazard warning lights.
      • Comfort Access keyless entry - Comfort Access system offers an even greater degree of convenience: keyless access to your car. Simply carrying the remote key in a pocket allows you to unlock the doors by touching the door handle. You can also turn the engine on or off by pressing the Start/Stop button without first inserting the remote key. Foot must be on brake or, with manual transmission, must also depress the clutch in order to start.
      • Xenon headlights - Xenon Adaptive Headlights provide brilliant clarity of the road ahead and to the side at night and in conditions with poor visibility. The dynamic auto-leveling feature adjusts for varying passenger and cargo loads, helping to keep headlight glare out of the eyes of oncoming drivers. BMW Adaptive Headlights provides optimum road illumination around corners, thanks to an electromechanical control system that directs the headlights into and around the bend as soon as the vehicle begins cornering.

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      M Sport Package

      • 17" Light Alloy Double-spoke wheels style 207M- with performance run-flat tires
      • Increased top speed limiter
      • M steering wheel - Its 14.5 diameter, with the M logo in the center spoke, gives a confident feel as you execute sporting driving maneuvers.
      • M Sports leather steering wheel with paddle shifters - Steering wheel-mounted shift paddles provide sporty, convenient and immediate down-and up shifting at the touch of a finger.
      • Shadowline exterior trim - Shadowline trim adds a bolder, sporty look to front and rear side-window frames, window recess finishers, and door-sill trim strips.
      • Sports seats - 8-way manual adjustable front sport seats with adjustable back bolsters, and 2-way headrests and thigh support.
      • Aerodynamic kit - The front apron along with the side skirts and sporty rear apron, provide an even more distinctive, chiseled look.
      • Sport Suspension - Tighter handling when cornering and a more aggressive look.

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      Sport Package

      • Sport suspension - Tighter handling when cornering and a more aggressive look.
      • 17 Style 370 with mixed performance tires
      • Shadowline exterior trim - Shadowline trim adds a bolder, sporty look to front and rear side-window frames, window recess finishers, and door-sill trim strips.
      • Increased top speed limiter
      • Sport seats - 8-way manual adjustable front sport seats with adjustable back bolsters, and 2-way headrests and thigh support.

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