Test Drive BMW 1 series convertible from 2011 convertible

Brought by wind

Conventional cars hide people from wind. Another thing is cabriolets that give a person the opportunity to merge with the indomitable element. Meet the classic BMW 1-Series convertible
BMW 1-Series Cabrio 135i. Price: 1 515 600 rub. On sale: since March 2008

One glance at the cabriolet is enough to recognize the newbar of the real Bavarian breed. At the same time, the body can not be called either extravagant or somehow special. He is just that it should be. All elements are ideally combined with each other, forming a single image that consists of elegant silhouette, powerful wheeled arches and a spectacular shoulder line.
Spanish winter daytime temperatures often reaches 20 degrees Celsius. But in the morning cool degrees 5-6, no more. But we are experiencing a convertible, so from the very beginning we leave for a route with a folded roof. If you raise all the side windows, and on the climate control panel to set the number 23, then the salon becomes suitable for human habitat. True, if the driver and front passenger is above 175 cm, a rather severe jet of air will beat the painshush area. Baseball cap saves from this. You can reduce the stuff using a protective screen representing a plastic mesh. The assembly and installation of the design takes about a minute. At the same time, it does not interfere with the plaid roof and can be constantly at the level of the rear seats.
At our convertible of the original green color paid attention to almost all drivers of Spanish Valencia, and one motorcyclist almost rammed the bus, looking at the rickened car. A special effect is produced by an unfolded plated roof. The whole process that literally fascins the surrounding, takes 22 seconds. Comprehensive or decompose the design can be right on the go. The only limitation speed should not exceed 40 km / h. The special accuracy of the creators causes anthracite material with woven shiny threads from which the roof is made. Under the sun, the fabric cast silver.
The only minus can be considered the lack of sound alarm after the completion of the roof transformation. Of course, the end of the process can be determined visually, but for complete certainty I would like to hear some squeezing.
We sit in the salon and understand that the car is not as small as it may seem. The feeling of space is enhanced by a long distance to the windshield. Yes, and behind, unlike many similar machines, you can accommodate two adults with relative comfort. Between the driver and the front passenger is a wide tunnel, eliminating the likelihood of contacting legs and shoulders.
For the test, we chose the most powerful version 135i, equipped with a row 6-cylinder gasoline engine with turbocharging and direct fuel injection of 2979 cm3. The power of the motor is 306 horses at 5800 min-1. Check what it means in practice, the benefit of Valencia has a lot of direct and absolutely deserted roads. The first gear, gas in the floor, the speedometer arrows and the tachometer as if fleeled ran up the numbers. Yes, the laws of dynamics, pressing the body into the back of the chair, are impressive. A hundred scored seconds for five. The subsequent test proved the correctness of the guesses. To be accurate, acceleration up to 100 km / h occupies 5.6 s. The maximum speed of 250 km / h is naturally limited by electronics.
Some words deserves an exhaust system, or rather, its dynamic roar, leaving fear of road movement neighbors. A special hoarse voice of a cabriolet, according to Bavarian engineers, is obliged to a short base. But such an explanation seems too simple. Surely over the pipe were put some secret autocompositors. Anyway, the car has its own, no one like a voice.
Test new items, despite the winter, passed in very good weather. The sun rays ruthlessly wipe into the dashboard. Surprisingly, digital computer readings were visible normally, they simply became somewhat paler. In the evening of the same day, a specialist on these issues said that such a result managed to achieve due to the correct alignment of windshield corners and the glass panel glass. At first glance, just, but in fact
Sales of the first-period cabriolet begin in March. The most accessible option 120i will cost 1,076,400 rubles. Next, ascending follows the diesel version of 120d, for which 1 130,400 rubles is asked. For the fastest penny with the index 135i will have to pay 1 515 600 rubles. Is there a lot or a little? BMW do not cheap. In addition, the convertible developers claim that their car became the first premium representative in a compact class. Perhaps, it is possible to finally be subjected to those who want to buy this novelty, but for considerations of practicality fears the plated roof. Do not be afraid. Dense material for the preservation of heat and precipitation protection is almost not inferior to iron counterparts.
Limited electronics
The most powerful version of the cabriolet, BMW 135i is equipped with a row 6-cylinder gasoline engine with a volume of 2979 cm3. Thanks to the turbocharging and direct fuel injection High Precision Injection, the motor capacity reaches 225 kW (306 hp) at 5800 rpm. At the same time, the maximum torque is 400 nm at 13005000 min-1. Up to the speed of 100 km / h, the debutant is accelerated in just 5.6 s, and the maximum speed, naturally bounded by electronics, is 250 km / h. To achieve the best acceleration Bavarian specialists have developed special measures aimed at optimizing traction. The main attention is paid to the sporting style of driving, which is felt when leaving the turns and on mountain serpentines. The optimal traction in the DSC-OFF mode, that is, with a fully shown DSC system, provides an electronically controlling differential lock.
Sit down
A truly innovative development was the leather upholstery of the cabin, which heats up much less in the sun. Now, when skin production, color pigments are applied to it, reflecting infrared radiation of sunlight. This allows you to significantly reduce the heating of the surface of the seats and armrests. Compared to the skin used earlier, the heating temperature was reduced by 20c. True, not all salons are tightened with new leather. For comfort, it will have to pay separately this option. The top of the cabriolet has anthracite color with silver tint. The fabric is permeated with the finest threads, due to which the material acquires a metallic gleam. The roof surface is effectively poured into the sun.
Driving
135i has sharp handling. There are practically no delays between the driver's team and the car's reaction.
Salon
The salon deserves the highest assessment and for the capacity and for the quality of finishing materials.
Comfort
Completely comfortable this BMW is difficult to call it not sedan. But for the convertible, he delivers the driver and passengers is not so much trouble.
Security
Not only the dynamics, but also safety is improved from the extraordinary rigidity of the body for twisting.
Price
There can be only old BMW cheap.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Excellent dynamics and handling, full-fledged places for two rear passengers.
- No sound signaling of the completion of the folding of the roof laying.
Specifications
Brand and model - BMW 1-Series Cabrio 135i
Dimensions - 4360x1748x1411 mm
Engine - gasoline, 2979 cm3, 225 hp / 5800 min-1
Transmission - Mechanical, 6-speed
Dynamics - 250 km / h; 5.6 s to 100 km / h
Competitors - Porsche Boxster, MB CLK, Audi TT
Our opinion
The BMW 1-series convertible, of course, will not become the bestseller of the Russian market, since cars without a roof in our climatic zone are difficult to call particularly practical. But for the sake of justice, we note that a rather dense tissue roof and magnificent climate control will be saved even into severe frosts.

Stanislav Pavlov
 
   
 
 

A source: Magazine 5 Wheel [February 2008]