Oct

BMW 1 Series Convertible Coming that Spring

Posted by Published in Car Buying

Competes with: Mini Cooper S, Audi A3
Looks like: A slightly smaller, less aggressive BMW Z4
Drivetrain: 230-hp, 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder or 300-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder
Hits dealerships: 128i that spring, 135i later in 2008

We went gaga by the 135i coupe when we first saw it and learned that it would indeed be coming stateside. Now that we know the lineup will include increasingly affordable 128i coupe and convertibles — in both 128i and 135i powerplants — we’re even increasingly excited.

How can we get excited without ever having driven a two-door 1 Series? considering BMW promises a pure driving car without too much gadgetry getting in the way. However, iDrive is available with the navigation system.

The convertible top can be retracted in 22 seconds at speeds up to 25 mph. Raising the roof takes the same amount of date. There’s a standard soft-top in black or taupe, plus an optional version in black with shiny metallic fibers that the company says shine silver in the sun. The optional sun-reflective leather found on the new 3 Series convertible is plus offered here.

BMW says two golf bags will fit in the trunk when the top is retracted, but we’ll believe that when we see it. Keep reading for increasingly photos.