Cars Scoopy: First Look: 2008 BMW 1 Series Convertible

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

First Look: 2008 BMW 1 Series Convertible

It didn't take a mind reader to predict BMW would add a convertible variant to its 1 Series lineup -- especially since spy shots of the vehicle have been popping up on the Web long before any missives from Munich were issued.

The German automaker has finally made it official, releasing details and photos of its 2008 1 Series Convertible, which will reportedly wash ashore stateside next spring, about six months or so after the U.S. debut of the coupe.

As the spy shots have indicated, the top will be soft as opposed to the hardtop folding unit on the new 3 Series. The standard top can be ordered in either black or taupe cloth. The optional top is what BMW calls Moonlight Black, featuring interwoven shiny metallic fibers designed to lend it a unique appearance in ample sunlight.

Both of the engines available in the 1 Series coupe will be offered in the convertible variant. Buyers will have a choice of the standard 3.0-liter, 230-horse inline-six in 128i trim or the twin-turbocharged version of the same displacement in the 135i, good for a full 300 horsepower. BMW is listing the 0-62-mph sprint as taking 5.6 seconds for the 135i Convertible -- 0.3 second slower than the coupe, although it retains the same electronically limited 155-mph top speed.

Visually, the 1 Series Convertible will be distinguished by a flared shoulder line, creating a surface that wraps around the interior as a boat deck wraps around the cabin. The convertible top itself will be able to raise and lower at speeds up to 25 mph and will take 22 seconds to do so, according to BMW. One obvious disadvantage to the convertible configuration is a significant loss of trunk space - capacity drops almost 25 percent from just over 13 cubic feet in the coupe to 8.48 cubic feet in the convertible when the top is stowed. As on the coupe, an integrated spoiler is on the rear of the 128i's trunklid, while the 135i gains an additional lip spoiler in the same location.

The climate-control system features an additional mode designed exclusively for top-down driving. While in normal mode, climate-control sensors take readings based primarily on interior temperatures, but when switched to convertible mode, readings are made from exterior temperature and sunlight factors to help achieve the proper amount of ventilation. Leather seats featuring BMW's Sun Reflective Technology and a wind deflector are available options.

Given the lack of a steel roof, the BMW1 Series Convertible is fitted with a rollover sensor that, when detecting an imminent rollover, pretensions the seatbelts and deploys two rollbars behind the rear headrests. The A-pillar and windshield frame are also reinforced in the convertible for added protection.

Speculation is that a convertible roof will add at least $3,000 to the price of the BMW 1 Series when it hits U.S. showrooms, but for those who pine for wind in the hair and sun on the face, the convertible will likely be the only option they consider.