Always lusted after a BMW convertible but can't come at $100,000 + to put one on the road? The new 1 Series open top starts at just $52,900. The queue starts here…
Value for money
Pricing
There are three models in the 1 Series convertible range. The 2.0 litre four cylinder 120i is $52,900, the 3.0 litre six cylinder 125i, tested here, is $63,755 and the 3.0 litre twin turbo 135i Sport is $79,644.
Warranty
Three years/unlimited kilometres
Standard equipment
The 120i includes stability control, four airbags, 205/50 run flat tyres, 17 inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, a leather wrapped steering wheel, automatic airconditioning, cruise control, rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, a single CD player with auxiliary input jack and USB interface and a trip computer.
The 125i adds extra chrome and gloss plastic trim plus heated front seats.
The 135i Sport includes the M Aerodynamic body kit, 18 inch alloys with 215/40 front and 245/35 rear tyres, M Sport suspension, six piston front/twin piston rear callipers with larger discs, bi-xenon headlights with washers, power seat adjustment and lumbar adjustment.
Options
- Six speed sequential automatic $3400 (120i), $2800 (125i and 135i Sport)
- M Sport package (120i/125i) $2800/$2300
- Front parking sensors $675
- M suspension (120i, 125i) $800
- Metallic paint $1600
- Navigation/with voice recognition $2700/$4200
- 18 inch alloys (120i/125i) $1550/$1250.
Retained value
The 1 Series convertible is a new model with no history, but resale values will be strong.
Design and function
Ergonomics
BMW's sports seats are standard in the 1 Series convertible, and they add considerably to the pleasure of the drive. They're firm and body hugging in shape, so you get good support when cornering and all day comfort. The extendable cushion provides extra thigh support for those with long legs.
There is also enough front seat travel to accommodate tall drivers, but as with most convertibles if you take advantage of it you'll demolish back seat leg room. The wheel is height and reach adjustable.
Roof up, vision to the rear is severely restricted, as is usually the case with softop convertibles.
The dash is beautifully styled and looks a lot fresher than its 3 Series equivalent. It's a compact, cockpit layout, rather than the flat, sweeping design as used in some larger BMWs. Everything is handy to the driver, with the centre section angled towards the driver's side of the car.
The optional navigation systems feature an iDrive controller and a pop-up screen on the top of the dash. Otherwise, the standard control layout is simple and efficient, while the instruments are easy to read.
It's a sign of the times that there's only a single CD player in the 1 Series convertible. If you want a six stack CD, you pay extra and it goes in the boot. You can instead simply plug your IPod into the USB port and use the wheel and dash audio controls to choose your music and make the usual adjustments. All cars will have this in a few years, and the in-car CD player will be extinct.
The softop is raised or lowered at the push of a button in around 25 seconds, and you can operate it at speeds up to 40km/h. It can also be lowered using a button on the key. It's stowed under a solid cover behind the back seat.
Technical details
- The 1 Series convertible is built in a new plant in Leipzig, Germany
- It weighs 1430-1610kg, 105-125kg more than the coupe equivalent
- The 2.0 litre four cylinder engine produces 115kW of power at 6400rpm and 200Nm of torque at 3600rpm
- The 3.0 litre engine produces 160kW at 6100rpm and 270Nm at 2500rpm
- The 3.0 twin turbo, the two time and current International Engine of the Year, produces 225kW at 5800rpm and 400Nm from 1300rpm
- A six speed manual is standard; a six speed sequential automatic is optional
- Suspension is MacPherson strut front/five link rear
- Dynamic Stability Control includes traction control which can be adjusted. Stability control can also be switched off
- Hill start assistance, soft stop brake pressure release, pad wiping in wet weather, brake pre-loading if sensors detect an imminent emergency stop and brake fade compensation are also provided on the stability control system fitted to the 125i and 135i Sport.
Safety
The 1 Series convertible has not yet been tested by NCAP.
Security
Not yet rated by NRMA Insurance.
Space and practicality
Rear seat space is tight if tall occupants are in the front seats, but four average sized adults can remain friends in the BMW. Audi's A3 convertible does have a bit more leg room, though, and is more comfortable. In the BMW you sit knees up on a hard cushion, against an upright backrest. Head room with the roof up is sufficient for those up to 180cm or so.
Access is via a tilt and slide mechanism that returns the front seats their set position.
When the roof is stowed, boot space is OK by convertible standards but more limited than in the Audi. When the roof is raised, its storage compartment can also be raised to increase boot space. Side bins and a large centre porthole in the back seat add capacity.
Build and finish quality
Excellent in all respects.
On the road
Fuel efficiency
- The 120i averages (man/auto) 6.2/6.2L/100km on the highway, 11.4/11.7L/100km in town, and emits 194/195g/km of CO2
- The 125i averages 6.8/6.8L/100km, 13.1/13.0L/100km and 217/217g/km
- The 135i Sport averages 7.4/7.3L/100km, 13.9/14.1L/100km and 233/234g/km
- 95 octane premium is recommended
- All variants score 3.5 stars out of five in the Green Vehicle Guide.
Performance
The 3.0 litre six in the 125i is the most detuned version of this engine, which produces up to 200kW of power and 315Nm of torque in some other BMWs.
So it's somewhat lazier in its responsiveness and pulling power than expected, especially under 3500rpm. That said, the six speed manual gearbox has a light, crisp action that makes it a pleasure to use - and when you use it to get the revs up to 4000 or so, the 3.0 six delivers strong, silky smooth performance to the 6500prm redline. It also makes seductive noises with the roof down.
Handling, braking and ride
BMW incessantly reminds all and sundry of the fact that its rear drive layout produces superior and more enjoyable handling than front or all-wheel drive. In the case of the 1 Series convertible, it's true.
The body is pretty rigid by convertible standards, and stiffer than the 3 Series convertible, but not quite as tight as the Audi A3, with a slightly gelatinous wobble induced on rough roads. However rear drive gives the BMW a sense of balance, lightness and agility, especially on tighter sections of road, that the Audi lacks.
The suspension is tuned for compliance because a comfortable ride is important to convertible buyers and compliance is necessary to avoid excessive body shake. Runflat tyres also tend towards a harsh ride, due to their stiff sidewalls. It's not an issue here. Even on the lower profile accessory 18 inch wheels, the ride is quite absorbent and comfortable.
The brakes are fine.
Smoothness and quietness
Roof up, wind noise is low. Roof down, it's also calm and quiet in the cabin. A wind blocker, stored in the boot, can be fitted over the back seats to reduce turbulence.
Summary
As we said in our test of the Audi A3 convertible, it's a toss up, and we suggest you try both cars. Each has different strengths and weaknesses, but both are very capable, so a decision will come down to personal preference.
Audi's direct competitor - using engine performance as the measure - to the 125i is the 147kW, 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo Ambition, priced at $54,900. That's nearly $9000 change from the BMW 125i.
Test by Bill McKinnon, August 2008.
The writer of this report does not necessarily represent the views of the NRMA and this report is provided for you as an alternative to our own NRMA car reviews.
