- Frugal turbo-diesel engines
- Refined petrol engines
- Impressive dynamics
- Accurate steering
- Some scuttle shake over bumps
- Performance of 120i only adequate
- Timing chains for N47 turbo-diesel engine may break due to the crankshaft sprocket teeth
- For the N54 engine in the 135i, the High Pressure Fuel Pump was susceptible to failure
Review: BMW E88.I 1-Series convertible (2008-11)
Overview
Released in May 2008, the BMW E88 Mk.I (E88.I) 1-Series convertible was a four-seat convertible with a soft-top roof. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive 1-Series convertible range initially consisted of the 120i, 125i and 135i models. In November 2009 (i.e. for the 2010 model year), the range was expanded with the introduction of the 118d and 123d.
In May 2010, the 135i model was revised and fitted with a single turbo 3.0-litre six cylinder engine and available with a seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT); even so, peak power and torque outputs remained the same. The full range is given in the table below.
Compared to the E82 1-Series coupe on which it was based, the E88 1-Series convertible was 12 mm lower (at 1411 mm), though total length (at 4360 mm), width (1748 mm) and wheelbase length (2660 mm) were unchanged. Furthermore, the 1-Series convertible had double-pivot front suspension with MacPherson struts and independent, five-link rear suspension. The 1-Series convertible’s power-operated, soft-top roof could open or close in 22 seconds and at speeds up to 40 km/h.
| Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 118d | 2009-11 | 2.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 (N47 D20) | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
105 kW at 4000 rpm | 300 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm |
| 120i | 2008-11 | 2.0-litre petrol I4 (N46 B20) | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
115 kW at 6400 rpm | 200 Nm at 3600 rpm |
| 123d | 2009-11 | 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel I4 (N47 D20T0) | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
150 kW at 4000 rpm | 340 Nm at 1750 rpm |
| 125i | 2008-11 | 3.0-litre petrol I6 (N52 B30) | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
160 kW at 6100 rpm | 270 Nm at 2500-4250 rpm |
| 135i | 2008-10 | 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol I6 (N54 B30) | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
225 kW at 5800 rpm | 400 Nm at 1300-5000 rpm |
| 2010-11 | 3.0-litre turbo petrol I6 (N55) | 6sp man., 7sp DCT |
225 kW at 5800 rpm | 400 Nm at 1300-5000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side (thorax) airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, corner braking control, traction control, pop-up roll bars and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Features
Standard features for the 120i, 118d and 123d included 17-inch alloy wheels with runflat tyres, a six speaker stereo with CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB), climate control air conditioning, Boston sun-reflecting leather seats, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, front fog lamps, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, a multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, tyre pressure sensors and an immobiliser.
The 125i added heated seats, while the range-topping 135i was further distinguished by its 18-inch alloy wheels with M Sports suspension settings, power adjustable front seats, bi-xenon headlights, power adjustable front seats with driver’s seat memory settings and M aerodynamic package.
EfficientDynamics
The 118d and 123d were also fitted with BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies such as ‘Auto Start-Stop’ (i.e. engine shutdown when stationary), Brake Energy Regeneration (controlling alternator output to recharge the battery when braking or coasting), electric power steering and a gearshift indicator light.
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Review: BMW E88.II 1-Series convertible (2011-13)
Overview
Released in August 2011, the E88 Mk.II (E88.II) 1-Series convertible introduced a subtle cosmetic updates, while the petrol models (i.e. the 120i, 125i and 135i) were fitted with idle-stop for improved fuel consumption.
Visually, the E88.II 1-Series convertible could be identified by its redesigned headlights which had an ‘accent line’ running along the top of the cluster and narrow front air intakes which directed air over the front wheels. Inside, the E88.II 1-Series convertible was also fitted with 60/40 split and folding rear seats.
| Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 118d | 2011-13 | 2.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 (N47 D20) | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
105 kW at 4000 rpm | 300 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm |
| 120i | 2011-13 | 2.0-litre petrol I4 (N46 B20) | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
115 kW at 6400 rpm | 200 Nm at 3600 rpm |
| 123d | 2011-13 | 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel I4 (N47 D20T0) | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
150 kW at 4400 rpm | 400 Nm at 2000-2250 rpm |
| 125i | 2011-13 | 3.0-litre petrol I6 (N52 B30) | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
160 kW at 6100 rpm | 270 Nm at 2500-4250 rpm |
| 135i | 2011-13 | 3.0-litre turbo petrol I6 (N55) | 6sp man., 7sp DCT |
225 kW at 5800 rpm | 400 Nm at 1200-5000 rpm |
Features
Compared to its E88.I predecessor, standard features for the E88.II 1-Series convertible models were largely unchanged. The 135i, however, was fitted with an M Aerodynamic package was standard.
February 2013: High-Line editions
In February 2013, limited-run High-Line editions of the 120i, 125i and 123d models were released. The High-Line editions were distinguished by their 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, BMW’s ‘Business’ Navigation system, brown Boston leather upholstery with Platinum contrast stitching, bi-xenon headlights (with high-beam assist) and ‘Edition’ door sill trims.
Visually, the High-Line editions could be identified by their chrome-faced kidney grille (with white sides on the vertical bars), brown silver effect soft-top roof, chrome exterior trim and dark chrome exhaust trims; available paint finishes for the High-Line editions consisted of Space Grey, Black Sapphire and Mineral White.
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