Test drive BMW 1 series of convertible since 2011.
Different "units"
The unit, as it is affectionately called it, was and remains one of the most interesting cars in a crowded segment C. Particular positions are provided to it by the rear -wheel drive. Yes, and according to the running qualities, exterior and image of this Bavarian baby, it is difficult to find equal. With the advent of the coupe and convertible variations on the theme of the 1st series are exhausted. And although the new items reached Russia with a clear delay, this circumstance did not spoil the impression of the acquaintance, which took place in the summer, when both the powerful compartment 135i and the convertible 125i were very welcome. City little thing
In my opinion, a unit is ideal for a metropolis. And the point is not even that on crowded streets it takes up little space, and not only in maneuverability. In her appearance, there is something urbanist, it successfully fits into almost any corner of the old or new city, looks equally well against the background of ancient walls and at the entrances to ultramodern buildings with tinted glasses. At the same time, there is no doubt that attracts attention.
Naturally, both the hatchback and the coupe with the convertible are made in the same style, although the significant differences dictated by the type of body are still evident. The luggage compartment cover and original lighting equipment, which are almost identical at the compartment and convertible, remind of sedans. Elegance and sports are emphasized by many elements, including the trunk lid with a spoiler. By the way, the coupe and convertible, despite the same as the usual one, the wheelbase is 14 cm longer. It’s all about the larger rear overhang, due to which the designers managed to make the luggage compartment quite spacious. So, the convertible offers 305 liters for a luggage with a installed roof, and 280 liters if folded. The volume of the trunk compartment is even more than 370 liters. Moreover, the rear seats can be folded both for entirely and in parts in the proportion of 60/40, which provides models of functionality.
The convertible, unlike the brother of the 3rd series, has not a metal, but a tarpaulin roof that can automatically be launched (and folded) at a speed of up to 40 km/h in 22 seconds. Moreover, running ahead, I will say that it is worth folding it, as a climatic installation will go into a special mode of operation. In this case, the rear passengers receive portions of warm air at the shoulders level in this way the system to take care so that the neck does not blow. When driving together with raised side glasses and the installed rear mesh, exactly as much cool air falls into the salon as you need to feel freedom and freshness. But it’s better to drive quickly with the roof. With an open top, it becomes uncomfortable already at 120 km/h, and after 140 km/h it is completely uncomfortable due to the strong noise of the wind. But with a closed top, even at a speed of 160 km/h in the cabin, quite quietly. But, before moving on to the running qualities of cars, let's look at the interior, which is in the compartment, that in the convertible is almost the same. Comfort for four
First of all: two separate seats behind. There are not too many places for the legs, but people of medium height will be able to get quite comfortable. In addition, there are two cup holders and a small compartment for small luggage. Plus, the front seats can drive far forward, forming a wide opening opening. However, the main place in this car, as in any other BMW, of course, is driving.
Stylistically, the decoration of the interior is almost the same as in the hatchbacks, with one amendment here the sports spirit is felt even stronger. This is expressed in seats with developed lateral support and a three -spoke steering wheel, which is regulated both in height and in departure. Naturally, with the correct landing behind the wheel, no problems arise, since the seat is endowed with all the necessary adjustments. It is especially pleasant that in the compartment and in the convertible there is enough space over the head. By the way, at the convertible, the seats are sheathed with a special coating: when processing it, a component is added to the paint that protects natural material from severe heating under direct sunlight. The Bavarians promise that even after several hours of stay under the sun, the seats will not become hot.
But still, one thing in the interior frankly upset me. Namely, the quality of the finishing materials, judging by which you are, as if in some budget car. I understand that the logic is that nothing distracts from driving. But, excuse me, I want something more for that kind of money. More precisely, I want to say just less simplicity, but more luxury and sensations of high cost. Although, it is clear that the skate of the Bavarian cars always had honed running qualities. I’ll go to them, starting with a convertible.
Return the roof! Let the reader not mislead the numbers 125 on the trunk lid. In fact, a 3.0-liter in-line six was installed under the hood, which was deformed up to 218 hp. But the motor was made tracted and elastic. So, the peak of torque at 270 nm is stretched in the range from 2500 to 4250 rpm, which, coupled with a very quick automatic transmission, guarantees a good pickup in almost any situation. Let the spirit does not capture from dynamics, but acceleration from the place is very confident and frisky, the machine is able to adapt to the driving style, and in addition it has a sports algorithm of work, and also offers the ability to independently switch the programs.
Naturally, the brakes are also configured accordingly, which inspire confidence after the first slowdown. With the dosage of the effort of problems, and the system of distribution of brake forces and ABS will not allow the machine to get out of control even on slippery coating. In addition, there is a DSC stabilization system, which quickly and clearly comes into business, although it allows certain liberties. By tradition, it can be disabled, which will allow, if there are certain skills, of course, enjoy the rather acute controllability and excellent balance of the machine. Due to the ideal hanging along the axes and excellently configured pendants, the one shows practical neutral rotation, despite the rear -wheel drive. In addition, the rolls of the body of the bends are not at all large, and the steering is quite transparent, which allows you to clearly control what is happening with the car.
In fact, the 1st series convertible has one, but a very significant drawback is not sufficiently tough, in my opinion, the body. It is felt almost immediately, it is worth a couple of times to grab well along a winding road. The first thing you notice in convulsions intra -sulfate of the rear view. Yes, and the frame of the windshield, even on straight, is worth putting your hand on it, clearly vibrates. In corners, especially if they pass them quickly, there is a feeling that the car does not have time at the wheel. A barely noticeable pause between the turn of the steering wheel and the reaction of the car is not critical, but still indicates that the body torsion takes place. As a result, from aggressive driving you do not feel the pleasure that you are used to getting from a car of a Bavarian brand. I didn’t like the fact that after two hours in the rain I noticed small drops between the roof seal and the door of the door is no longer suitable. Animal
Moreover, an evil animal: under a hood of a car weighing 1560 kg, they dig 306 horses with hooves. Index 135 on the stern means the presence of a 3-liter gasoline engine with two turbines. Moreover, this motor is aggregated with 6-speed mechanics. But even before the moment when you press the accelerator pedal, there is an understanding that in this case you are not dealing with a simple car. Because the coupe is equipped with the so-called M-packet. And these are non-standard, more aggressive bumpers, a trunk lid spoiler, threshold lining, 18-inch cast discs with rubber of different dimensions (215/40 in front and 245/35 behind), thick steering wheel with Litee M, sports suspension and sports seats while sports With pronounced lateral support.
Finally, are you impressive on gas? And how! A huge torque of 400 nm, attached to the rear wheels and accessible from idle speed, turns the car into a kind of bullet. The rear wheels are skipped even on dry asphalt, not only on the first, but also on the second and third, and sometimes at the fourth stage. At the same time, it is not difficult to quickly switch the programs of special, since the course of the IAA lever only seems a little longer than we would like, but it has enviable selectivity. Only a rather long -term and not too informative clutch pedal makes a small drop of tar. Therefore, the moment of setting is not always clearly traced, and this, in turn, is not too consistent with the aggressive character of the machine. Hence all the same slippers and, as a result, the constant access of the yellow triangle on the instrument panel that signals the operation of the DSC stabilization system. Naturally, it can be turned off, but in this case you are left alone with a herd, which requires maximum concentration and verified reactions. Fortunately, the steering is transparent, and hard springs and shock absorbers force the car until the last opportunity to maintain the contact of the wheels with asphalt.
In the case of the 135th, by the way, it is not at all difficult to get a skid. And the point is not in other settings or less balance of the coupe compared to the convertible (there are just no problems with this), but in the fact that there are much more moment on the rear wheels. In addition, the machine provokes a quick ride, and good sound insulation and smooth move conceal the sensation of speed. At such moments, you pay tribute to the designers who endowed the model with very powerful brake mechanisms. And even ABS is sporty, since it allows short -term wheels lock, entering into business with the desired delay.
And a few more words about the pendants of the 135th. They are very stringent, and therefore there are practically no body rolls in corners. At the same time, you do not beat on the ceiling on each bump on the ceiling, small irregularities are not too noticeable. In general, with all its sports, the BMW 135i compartment is not devoid of comfort elements.
It will be a little expensive
Prices for a convertible 1st series begin at 1,042,800 rubles, and the 125th tested will cost at least 1,292,500. Frankly, the cost looks sky-high and, from my point of view, not motivated by the sky-high. Yes, let's say Mercedes-Benz Slk is not much cheaper, but this is a class and therefore does not apply to direct competitors of the BMW convertible. But the Audi A3 with a similar type of body refers. And it is noticeably cheaper, and certainly not inferior to the BMW 125i Cabrio in all other relationships.
As for the compartment, in this case, the price list does not look friendly. The minimum price is 980 400 rubles. And the most powerful modification of 135i is again sky -high 1,373,300 rubles. With this price positioning of customers, it will not be easy to find these models.
Andrey Osipov
Photo BMW