In conjunction with its world debut at this week's North American International Automobile Show in Detroit, BMW have also taken the wraps off the pricing structure for the new 1-Series Convertible. Hitting showrooms in March ready for summertime, the 128i will be priced from $33,875 and the 135i from a rather hefty $39,875, although a version of the M Sports package is standard equipment on the latter model.
BMW are keen to stress the Convertible's 2002 heritage, the concept of which remains in this four-seater convertible range, utilising six-cylinder engines in a rear-wheel-drive setup. The line-up consists of naturally-aspirated and forced-induction 3.0-litre six-cylinder units, the 128i featuring Valvetronic management for improved efficiency and responsiveness and the 135i employing direct injection, twin turbocharging and intercooling. The latter 300 hp model speeds to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds and onto a top speed of 155 mph.
But it is another statistic of particular importance on this drop-top 1-Series. And that's how fast it loses its roof. In just 22 seconds and even on the move at speeds of up to 25 mph, the electro-hydraulic roof can be operated. The Convertible retains the characteristic features of the Coupe: its distinctive kidney-grille, door sills and skirts front & rear, adding, of course, a soft-top roof in Convertible guise - producing a 'silhouette' form.
Press Release
PRICING ANNOUNCED FOR THE ALL-NEW BMW 1 SERIES CONVERTIBLE AT ITS WORLD DEBUT DURING THE 2008 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW IN DETROIT
Those whose definition of pure driving pleasure includes wind in the face and sunshine above now have even more to smile about, as pricing was announced today for the new BMW 1 Series Convertible during its world debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The vehicle, which goes on sale in time for summer, will start at $33,875 for the 128i model and $39,875 for the 135i model. The 1 Series Coupe arrives in dealerships in March.
The 1 Series Convertible and the 1 Series Coupe follow the tradition established by the iconic BMW 2002 sport sedan. The essence of such driving purity – a responsive six-cylinder engine positioned within a rear-drive chassis to provide balanced, sporty dynamics – is at the heart of this compact four-place coupe and convertible.
The 128i Convertible will be powered by BMW’s 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline six-cylinder engine generating 200 lb-ft of torque. Like its fixed-roof stablemate, the 128i Convertible will feature Valvetronic valvetrain management and aluminum/magnesium cylinder block construction—core elements of BMW’s EfficientDynamics.
The 135i Convertible features BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. With its direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooler, optimum performance and economy is achieved with no loss in engine response. For the 135i Convertible, acceleration from 0-62 mph is accomplished in 5.4 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Both engines feature on-demand engine coolant pumps that improve fuel economy and reduce parasitic losses for increased efficiency.
Additionally, in a mere 22 seconds—even on the move at speeds up to 25 miles per hour—the occupants within the 1 Series Convertible can go from encapsulated comfort to top-down exhilaration. If conditions dictate, the electro-hydraulically-operated softtop can be raised within the same 22 seconds, producing a distinctive silhouette enhanced by long frameless doors. The characteristic features of the BMW kidney-shaped grill, front skirt, door sills and rear skirt are identical to those of the 1 Series Coupe.
BMW Group in America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and the upcoming X6 Sport Activity Coupe. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
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