We review the BMW 1 Series convertible (2007) from price to economy and all its features
BMW celebrated the unveiling of their 1 Series coupe recently, but that wasn’t the end of the 1 Series story. The tyre smoke has barely cleared and already there’s a new model rolling in to view; the convertible.
The fact there is a roofless version of the compact BeeEmm is definitely something to shout about, but the cabrio’s looks certainly don’t trigger much in the way of noise from my lips. Of course, it’s
unmistakablyBMW, but is likely to look anonymous next to the leagues of convertible saloons already on the road.
One saving grace is that the 135i version will come with a the M Sport aerodynamic package as standard, which should liven things up a bit, but with a 306bhp, 3-litre, twin turbo engine under the bonnet it certainly deserves some special treatment.
Special treatment … Beemer droptop
Buyers with a desire for slightly less power can choose from a normally aspirated, six cylinder 125i, the four cylinder 120i and 118i and the turbo diesel 120d
Of course, each model comes with a whole host of performance and economy advances thanks to BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme.
Innovative gadgets have been incorporated throughout in order to optimise efficiency. Brake Energy Regeneration harness the power that would normally have been lost during braking and a clutched air conditioning pump which helps to slash power demands.
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An optimum gear shift indicator also features on all manual-gearbox cars to inform the driver of the appropriate gear for the most economical driving, while all four-cylinder manual gearbox cars feature BMW’s Auto Start-Stop system as standard, which can cut out emissions completely when stationary.
More immediately noticeable though is the SunReflective Leather Technology, which uses ‘cool pigments’ to reflect infrared rays of sunlight, thus reducing the surface temperature of leather seats by 20 degrees Celsius and putting an end to the toiletesque hover employed by many convertible owners.
Now that’s what we call technology by the people, for the people!
What to look out for when buying a used BMW 1-series (2004-)
Owners appear to be happy overall with their cars’ reliability - the 1-series has scored well in satisfaction surveys.
However the first-generation car was recalled three times for problems with the braking, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, as well as a fire risk with diesel models.