But without any further ado, let’s find out more about the car and BMW’s plans in Australia:

“118d hatchback takes fuel economy battle to hybrids but is even better to drive. We also sample twin-turbo diesel versions of the 1-Series hatch and convertible coming to Australia at the end of the year.

BMW’s 1-Series is set to surpass the fuel efficiency of the current Toyota Prius within a few years with a range of three-cylinder turbo engines, but for now there’s a model that still comes close.

The 118d hatch will arrive in Australia in December as BMW’s most fuel efficient car, using just 4.5 litres per 100km according to official fuel consumption figures. And cleanest, with carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of 119g/km.

The five-door, voted 2008 World Green Car of the Year, forms just a tenth of a new group of 1-Series models that will see BMW’s smallest car range outnumber its biggest-selling range, the 3-Series.”

Full article continued

“Marrying sharp driving dynamics and strong performance credentials with drip-sipping fuel consumption figures and a low carbon footprint sounds like a match that, if not already deep in couple’s therapy, is well en route to a bitter divorce.

In fact most so-called green vehicles are about as exciting to drive a fun park go-kart – you know, the ones that couldn’t fight their way out of the proverbial wet paper bag – a stigma I’m certain no self-discerning driving enthusiast would dare want gracing their garage.

BMW’s Efficient Dynamics program has set about changing the ‘green means gutless’ philosophy with a range of cars that finally melds the best of both worlds expectation that, until now, has been sorely lacking.

Combining on-road substance with environmental responsibility the 120d features a powerful yet lean 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine mated to a slick shifting six-speed manual gearbox and intelligent stop-start technology.

The result is an eager performing five-door hatch capable of accelerating from rest to 100km/h in 7.6 seconds whilst simultaneously delivering a hybrid-esque fuel consumption figure of just 5.2L/100km (combined, as tested).”

Full article

In the past, several 1 Series Hatchback models have been still spotted on U.S. soil, some of them registered them in Mexico to embassy diplomats while others belonging to BMW suppliers (Bosch).

One of our readers, Dal, spotted another 1 Series Hatch in Los Angeles and unfortunately, we’re going to shatter your dreams: the car is still registered in Mexico and not an actual test mule.

The next generation 1 Series is due in 2011 and we’re hoping that along with the four-cylinder engines, the 5-door hatchback style will make it across the ocean also.

In a way, this surprises us since in his review, he mentions how much he enjoyed the 135i Coupe model, a vehicle that is very similar to the convertible. design, dynamics and performance of that car are nearly identical with the convertible model, hence our confusion, but let’s take a look at what Jeremy had to say.

“Joy’s not really a German thing, I suppose. We do joy. The Americans do joy. The Italians do joy, even though they never laugh. Germans, though? They’re rather better at precision and accuracy and following orders. Which is why I can’t quite understand what went wrong with the new convertible version of the 135i.

It is featured right at the start of the “joy” commercial. The driver is an old man in a hat who is smiling enormously, presumably because he’s just caught a glimpse in the rear-view mirror of his comedy moustache. Certainly, it’s not because of the car.

I like the hard-top 135 very much. In a road test on these pages, I said it harked back to the big engine/small car philosophy that crystalised the BMW range back in the early Eighties. I even gave it five stars, and so I was looking forward to driving its convertible sister.

The 3-litre engine’s unchanged and it’s still great. You have one little turbo that gets you going and then another enormous turbo that kicks in if you really need some clout to overtake. The result is better economy allied to a seamless, relentless, muscular stream of power that’s never exciting or zingy, but always there, ready to arm wrestle its way into your consciousness.

However, the convertible is 254lb heavier than the coupé and that iron lard makes its presence felt every time you put your foot down. This car is as zesty as Stonehenge.

Of course, you’d imagine that with 254lb of strengthening material, it would at least be rigid and strong. But no. All the time the steering wheel is wobbling and vibrating, and sometimes you can actually feel the flex that is sort of inevitable when the front and the back are joined together by only the floor and a bit of Millets canvas.

I don’t doubt that, in extremis, the 135 will handle nicely. And we know it’s quite fast. But there is no excitement here. Not even a crumb of joy.”

Full Article Continued

Our close friends and long time supporters of our blog, Julius and his team at WheelSTO, have an exciting project to share with us: a BMW 135i Coupe which went through a series of modifications. As always, we will let them share the story behind the Project 135i.

We picked up our 135i in September 2008. We instantly fell in love with its gorgeous looks, well designed interior, powerful motor, and more importantly the way it made the driver feel completely in control. We chose Black Sapphire Metallic as it’s a beautiful spin on the standard black. Understated and looks brilliant in the sunlight. The car came with the beautiful Coral Red interior as well. As soon as we got it back to the shop we knew we were in for a really good experience.

We drove the car stock, and really enjoyed BMW’s masterpiece. Being WSTO and car enthusiasts, it didn’t stay stock for long. Within 1 week we had our Bastuck 2×85mm exhaust system, Bastuck y-pipe, and Riss Racing downpipe installed on the car. It surprisingly opened up the feeling of the engine, and gave it a great deep powerful sound. Even with a cat-less downpipe, the sound was not “too loud”, and it’s almost silent inside the cabin while cruising. But push the pedal on the right closer to the floor, and almost as if the engine knows what you want, the turbo’s spool and a glorious sound fills your ears. After we were done making our ears happy, we moved onto our eyes.

3D Design makes quality aero products coming straight from Japan. We opted for the front lip spoiler and rear trunk lip. The front lip is understated, and flows very well with the stock body lines. The trunk lip spolier, swoops up finishing the flow of the already rounded trunk lid.

The addition of BMW performance shadow line grilles finished off the exterior. Next we needed to work on the stance of the car. Thanks to some H&R sport springs, lowering us 1.8″ up front and 1.2″ out back, it brought us closer to the ground and set there car where it should be from the factory. Two months after we picked up the car it looked and sounded great!

As good as it looked, we of course, were not done. We knew we needed some wheels. Here at WheelSTO, your premium wheel depot, we needed something that would stand out. Our good friends at Klassen Leichtmetallrader had just what we needed. We opted for their 5.1, which offered a classic and sporty design. The 3 piece construction meant that we could pick out the perfect offset, and get the largest lip possible. We went with 19×8.5 +40 in front and 19×9.5 +48 in back. The spokes were finished in their liquid black, and completed with a liquid smoke lip. Wrapped them in some super sticky Toyo Proxes T1R sized, 225/35-19 and 255/30-19. Combined with the nice drop this really set our car apart from the rest. Our wheel fitment was perfect and to this day we have yet to experience any rubbing.

Next place that needed attention was of course the engine bay. We got some extra power from the addition of an AFE dual cone intake. It gave the car a nice tone and some extra power up top. The good guys over at Synapse Engineering helped us increase the life of our lovely turbo’s with their charge pipe and blow off valve kit. The best upgrade we did was a new tune from L.E.T. Motorsports (Eurocharged). The upgraded boost and fuel/timing maps turned the car into a rocket. Merging onto the freeway is now a fun process thanks to our engine modifications.

We love the OEM interior but thought it needed some little performance oriented additions. Some simple upgrades from 3D design gave us just what we needed. 3D design pedal covers, as well as their dead pedal cover gave us more grip on the pedals and a sporty look. Sitting next to those we place a set of 3D design floor mats to keep the carpet free from the dust and dirt of daily driving.

We are far from done with our 135i and love it more and more each day. Keep checking our blog for more information and beautiful pictures from Johan, as we transform our 1er from a grocery getter to a really fast grocery getter!

Many BMW owners, tuning and modding shops had and still have fun modifying the standard features and convert the Coupe into an iconic racecar. The white painted 135i Coupe featured in our article belongs to David S., a long time reader of our blog and an even bigger BMW fan. The tuned up 135i made its debut this year at the 24 hour race at Nurburgring and was praised by the press and the community present at the event.

Together with his friends, David S. created a 135i Motorsport kit that turns the 135i Coupe into a real race car. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the changes implemented by them:

Engine

The standard 326 horsepower has been increased to 360 ponies coming out of  the award-winning N54, but all of this with a hefty price: 2,400 euros.

Bodywork

As with any respectable racing car, the exterior design elements revolve around the use of fiber carbon, starting with the M3 E92 style hood, trunk, front-bumper and doors.

Suspension/Wheels

The 135i Motorsport runs on 18″ wheels and uses the Intrax Suspension 4-way(around 5,500 euros).

Interior

Again, plenty of carbon fiber parts, a performance steering wheel, sifter and of course, the beautiful Recaro Pole Position seats.(1,550 euros each)

For complete pricing, details or more photos, feel free to visit Motorsport24.de (English Translation)

Thanks for the tip David!

You always help us with stories, tips and wonderful comments, so it is only fair that we would give something back, from time to time. The “BMW Of The Week” series is a way for us to express our gratitude by featuring some lucky cars in our weekly post, a car that will be seen by hundreds of thousands of readers every month.

The Flickr BMWBLOG Group gives us  plenty of choices when it comes to choosing the weekly bimmer, but those choices can be very difficult. Some cars stand out with their tuning jobs, others with mods and extraordinary photography. In some cases, the car itself needs to “pampering” and can be simply stunning.

Well, today we’re going back to the 1 Series – last week we saw a modded 135i Coupe that belongs to Mohammad, one of our long time readers – and we’re bringing you another stunning 1 Series Coupe.

The beautiful 135i Coupe belongs to Mark Jardine and the license plate says it all: he is a true “1Addict”. As usual, words cannot describe it best, so we’ll let the photos do the talk.

Thanks for the shots Mark!

The 118d runs from 0 to 62 mph in 9.0 seconds and it is electronically limited to 130 mph. BMW claims a combined fuel economy of 52.3 MPG and CO2 emissions of 119g/k.

In the UK, the 118d starts at £20,500 and £23,375 for the M Sport variant.

Second model introduced is the 120i Coupe, a gasoline powered 2.0 liter engine which produces 167 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque; top speed of 139 mph and running from still to 62 mph in 7.8 seconds.

The fuel consumption is rated at 35 mpg and CO2 emissions are 153g/km. Pricing? Slightly higher than the diesel variant, £21,115 for the standard model and £23,990 for the M Sport Package one.

The first car will be deliver on September 1st.

[Source: Autocar ]

At this moment, there are almost 400 photos of your own bimmers and it’s growing every day. Our goal is to reach 1,000 within the next few months and eventually create the largest BMW photo gallery.

So let’s recap a little bit what we’ve done in the past. Week 1 winner trophy was awarded to not one, but three bimmers: 1987 E24 M6, 1992 E36 325iS and 1974 BMW 2002. In the second week, the award went to the previous generation E83 Z4 Roadster with some of the best scenery photos we have seen so far. Third week and the most controversial one, was all about this “funky” modded E36 BMW which went a bit over the top.

So…….the week four award for the most interesting BMW goes to…..Mohammed, one of our longest time readers here at BMWBLOG. Mohammed’s 135i Coupe is one of those bimmers that just stands out. Of course, the suspension upgrades help also, giving the car an even more aggressive stance, not that it ever needed.

We won’t reveal all the details about this 135i Coupe since we will give it an entire article very soon, showing the visual differences prior and after the upgrades.

In the mean time, enjoy the photos and please head over to our Flickr BMWBLOG Group and add some more.

Two additional, extra-economical low-emission engine variants are enhancing the model range of the BMW 1 Series Coupé as of September 2009: In the guise of the BMW 120i Coupé and the BMW 118d Coupé there will then be two further models with the EU5 emission rating.

Following the successful launch of the new entry-level three-door and five-door models, the BMW 116i and the BMW 116d, in spring 2009, the BMW 1 Series is once again proving its value as the pacemaker for efficient mobility combined with outstanding driving pleasure in the compact class. Other new models as of September 2009 are the Lifestyle and Sport Editions of the BMW 1 Series three- and five-door.

Still the only rear-wheel-drive model in the compact segment, the BMW 1 Series offers a unique blend of sporting driving pleasure and outstanding efficiency. Particularly the BMW 1 Series Coupé brings out this character so typical of the brand in truly convincing style, with two new entry-level versions of the two-door featuring a gasoline and a diesel engine coming into the market in September 2009: The new BMW 120i Coupé is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with BMW High Precision Injection (direct gasoline injection) developing 125 kW/170 hp at 6, 700 rpm and peak torque of 210 Newton-metres/155 lb-ft at 4, 250 rpm, accelerating the BMW 120i Coupé from zero to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and offering a top speed of 224 km/h or 149 mph. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 6.6 litres/ 100 kilometres, the CO2 emission rating is 153 grams per kilometre.

An award-winning four-cylinder diesel makes the new BMW 118d Coupé the most efficient car of its kind, the diesel engine with its aluminium crankcase, turbocharging and common-rail fuel injection helping the three-door BMW 118d win the World Green Car of the Year 2008 Award. Displacing 2.0 litres, this high-tech power unit develops 105 kW/143 hp at 4, 000 rpm and delivers maximum torque of 300 Newton-metres/221 lb-ft between 1, 750 and 2, 500 rpm.

This outstanding power unit offers an unbeatable combination of performance and fuel economy also in the Coupé, the BMW 118d Coupé accelerating from a standstill to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds and reaching a top speed of 210 km/h or 130 mph. Offering average fuel consumption according to the EU standard of 4.5 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 62.8 mpg imp) and a CO2 emission rating of 119 grams per kilometre, this compact athlete clearly proves its outstanding talent in terms of both all-round economy and clean emissions.

The BMW 1 Series – the pacemaker in reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Both new variants of the BMW 1 Series Coupé come as standard with a wide range of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration, an Auto Start Stop function, a gearshift point indicator and ancillary units with on-demand management and control. Both the BMW 120i Coupé and the BMW 118d Coupé naturally fulfil the EU5 emission standard, meaning that the BMW 1 Series alone now comes with 21 models complying with this requirement. A further important point is that five models in the BMW 1 Series already offer a CO2 emission rating of less than 120 grams per kilometre, with the BMW 116d standing out as the absolute leader in terms of fuel economy and emission management. The four-cylinder diesel engine featured in this particular version of the BMW 1 Series delivers maximum torque of 260 Newton-metres or 192 lb-ft and, in combination with BMW EfficientDynamics also featured as standard in this model, allows average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of just 4.4 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 64.2 mpg imp) and a CO2 rating of 118 grams per kilometre.

The technologies developed by BMW – and naturally featured at no extra cost – to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions play a particularly significant role in the successful BMW 1 Series. Indeed, this makes BMW an important role model for the entire automotive industry, with BMW still selling more cars with high-efficiency technology each month than other car makers in the course of a whole year. At the same time the consistent expansion of the BMW 1 Series by the addition of particularly economical model variants including the new BMW 116i delivering maximum output of 90 kW/122 hp and peak torque increased to 185 Newton-metres or 136 lb-ft makes a significant contribution to the success achieved by BMW in recent times in reducing average fleet fuel consumption. Between 2006 and 2008 alone, the average fuel consumption of BMW’s models in the German market was reduced by no less than 16 per cent, BMW therefore exceeding the rate of reduction of the next-best competitor in the premium segment more than twice.

Exclusive and full of character: the BMW 1 Series Lifestyle and Sport Editions.

Apart from outstanding efficiency and the Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of the brand, innovative features and uncompromising premium quality help to give the BMW 1 Series a truly prominent position in its segment – and now the new Lifestyle und Sport Edition Models add further class and style to these characteristic features. The Edition Models excel in particular through particularly attractive, high-quality and carefully matched features and equipment, and are available on all engine variants of the three-door and five-door.

The Lifestyle Edition exudes stylish extravagance both on the exterior and in the interior of the BMW 1er, highlighted by body paintwork in exclusive Marrakesh Brown Metallic including additional components in body colour and chrome-plated tailpipes as well as exclusive light-alloy rims in five-spoke design. All models come with 17-inch wheels.

On the five-door the exterior is rounded off by the car’s special finish on the window shaft covers and side window surrounds in Shadow Line, on the three-door in Chrome Line. Chrome entry trim proudly bearing the name “BMW Edition“, a leather sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons, and roof lining in anthracite colour provide a particular touch of modern elegance within the interior.

The exclusivity of the Lifestyle Edition is highlighted to an even higher level of perfection by the interior colour scheme matched to the colour of the paintwork. Features include interior trim in high-gloss Marrakesh Brown as well as door panels and seat upholstery in Magma Brown. And as an alternative to Network cloth upholstery there is also the choice of Pearlpoint upholstery with Magma Brown cloth / leather.

The exterior and interior features are also carefully matched to one another on the Sport Edition Model, giving the BMW 1 Series particularly dynamic and powerful character. The Edition Models come as standard with the M Sports Package including the M Aerodynamics Package, a sports suspension set-up as well as 17-inch light-alloy wheels in dual-spoke design. The BMW 130i and BMW 123d feature 18-inch light-alloy wheels in Ferric Grey paintwork available as an option also on the other model variants. Exclusive Blackline rear lights, exterior features in body colour, Shadow Line on the window shaft covers and side window surrounds, foglamps and chrome-plated tailpipes on the exhaust round off the striking look of the exterior.

The sporting and exclusive flair of the interior is highlighted by chrome-plated entry trim bearing the name “BMW Edition“, stainless-steel pedals, an M footrest, an M sports steering wheel, an M gearshift lever complete with its gaiter made of soft nappa leather, interior trim in Aluminium Glacier Silver and roof lining in anthracite colour. As yet a further highlight the BMW 1 Series Sport Edition comes with sports seats for the driver and front passenger in a combination of cloth and Sensatec featuring blue ornamental stitching around the seat bottoms and headrests. And to provide the final touch the footmats are adorned by blue piping.

Navigations system Business in the BMW 1 Series now featuring an integrated storage of navigation data and optimised display technology.

In conjunction with one of the navigation systems available as an option the BMW 1 Series proudly boasts the new generation of BMW iDrive electronic vehicle management. Entering the 2010 model year, the BMW 1 Series furthermore comes as an option with a new version of the Business navigation system, its new control concept allowing even easier and more precise control through iDrive featuring direct choice and favourite buttons.

The new Control Display with 800 x 480 pixel image resolution ensures detailed presentation of maps in two dimensions or in a perspective view, complete with integrated arrow graphics. Storage of navigation data installed within the car serves to provide even faster access to the system. And last but not least, the audio unit included within the new control system comes complete with a CD player.

[Source: BMW ]

We test drove both the 135i Convertible with U.S. specs, but also the the 125i Cabrio available in Europe. Our conclusion?

Quite positive and in-line with other publications have posted, the 1 Series Convertible are fun, sporty and a threat to the other cabrios out there.

Let’s see what MotorWeek thinks about the BMW 1 Series Convertible:

“For open-air exhilaration, our choice for best convertible is the BMW 1-Series Convertible. While BMW’s smallest series, its big personality includes all the prowess, safety, and innovation BMW is known for. We welcomed its no-nonsense, power soft-top with a glass backlight, that can be raised or lowered in 22 seconds—even while moving. Wind buffeting is virtually non-existent. Power comes from the same 6-cylinder engines found in the 3-Series, while the car’s rigid platform offers a very nimble drive. It’s the perfect car for sun worshippers and driving enthusiasts alike.”

While it’s hard for me to part with my 335i, every time I’ve driven the 1 Series Convertible or Coupe, I felt completely connected to the car and a viable solution for anyone looking to spend a bit less than a 3 Series. As one of my friends said, “this is truly a car made for the driver”.

Once again, great recognition for BMW and we look forward to the next revolutionary BMW 1 Series.

“Is 300 hp too much power for a compact, four-passenger sport coupe? Back in 1974, singer Barry White softly spoke the timeless line, “I’ve heard people say that too much of anything is not good for you, baby.”

Although White, of course, was referring to the love of a woman, nearly everyone who got behind the wheel of our Four Seasons 2008 BMW 135i coupe had similar thoughts about the twin-turbo six under its hood: was it simply too much for this little car?”

Before you jump into their lengthy article, here are some of the overall stats posted by them:

RUNNING COSTS

Mileage
20,683 miles
Warranty
4-yr/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper
4-yr/50,000-mile maintenance
4-yr/unlimited-mile roadside assistance
12-yr/unlimited-mile corrosion
Scheduled maintenance
15,548 mi: $0
Warranty repairs
5696 mi: Replace low-pressure fuel pump, per service bulletin
Out-of-pocket
16,909 mi: Purchase, mount, and balance four Pirelli SottoZero run-flat winter tires, $956Recalls
None
Fuel consumption
EPA city/hwy/combined
17/25/20 mpg
Observed 21 mpg
Cost per mile
(Fuel, service, winter tires) $0.20
($0.77 including depreciation)

Continue reading 2008 BMW 135i Coupe Review

As BMW mentions on their Performance Accessories page, the exhaust system invigorates engine output by allowing engine by-products to exit the vehicle more efficiently. Performance is being slightly increased as well, up to 5 horsepower at 6,000 RPM.

But probably the most exciting thing about this BMW Performance Exhaust is the sound, that “roaring”, deep sound that makes our skin crawl. While the original exhaust already “screams of power”, the upgraded Performance system takes it a bit further.

Click here to view the embedded video.

BMW North America advertises the Performance Exhaust System as $1,095, but the final price may vary based on installation costs and taxes. As we mentioned earlier, all the Performance Accessories are automatically covered under the original warranty or 2-years/24,000 miles.

Thanks for the video Mohammed!

We do agree that this comparison is a bit unusual, but sometimes that’s what we need, comparing two cars from different categories can be fun. And Edmunds took this comparison to another level, putting the two vehicles through some intensive tests, straigtlines, cornering, you name it…..who came up on top?

Well, let’s watch the video!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Full article with test results

By now, you probably know our infatuation with the tii version of the BMW 1  Series. Since its first unveiling at the Tokyo Auto Show in 2007, the BMW 1 Series tii model has been one of our most desired BMWs to date and seeing the car at the Chicago Auto Show as well, proved us why we love this car so much.

The 1 Series Coupe tii replicas have been around for months now, but for the first time, we have the opportunity to see a tii version of the 130i hatchback as well. Sporting the same performance parts as the coupe version, the hatchback model is just as good looking.

But what makes this video so special are the video producing skills shown by the guys at Format76.net. So let’s see if you agree with us.

Click here to view the embedded video.

In our opinion, the car looks fantastic, despite the running boards being a bit odd, and the best out of all of this, it is a BMW 1 Series Coupe racecar powered by a diesel engine, more exactly, a 135d which outputs 408 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque.

No other details are available to us at this moment, but we’re working on getting more information for you. In the mean time, enjoy the great photos and as a recommendation, despite our differences with the company that took over the site, 1Addicts.com is a good place to connect with more 1 Series fans.

On the other hand, the Lancer EVO is powered by a 291 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine and has the same amount of torque, 300 lb-ft. Both cars weigh around 3,500 lbs, with the 135i Coupe being slightly “skinnier”.

So, the specs are fairly close to each other, but let’ see how they handle on track.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Despite the small engine, the 116d runs from 0-62 in 10.2 seconds.

The 116d was courageously placed by BMW underneath the World Green Car Of The Year, the BMW 118d. Since unfortunately we’re based in the U.S., we won’t have chance to drive the 116d until our next European trip in September, but the fellows at Autocar UK are here to deliver a review of this “green car”.

The BMW 116d is significant, because BMW doesn’t dress up a couple of models with a catchy name like EcoMagic and sell them at a premium. Under its Efficient Dynamics programme, BMW has a range of technologies that can be used where best appropriate.

For example the BMW 116d is fitted with an electric water pump, but not automatic grille vanes because closing off air to the intercooler is counterproductive; whereas being able to control the flow rate of the water pump is helpful.

The 116d is also fitted with electric power steering, stop-start, and low rolling resistance front tyres.

What’s it like?

I managed 47.8mpg driving as one normally would on empty and impressive country roads, which is some way short of BMW’s claimed combined figure, but perfectly respectable for everyday-brisk driving.

Continue reading BMW 116d First Drive

But it’s 2009 and while I’m still pretty cool, I started to develop a “fetish”, okay….obsession maybe, for some of the smaller engines found in the BMW models available only in Europe and one of my favorite  ones is the BMW 123d. Since we’re based out of Chicago, it’s a bit harder to test those cars frequently, but thanks to some of our close friends and partners, we can still bring you some unique test drives.

Just a few weeks back, Benny, our German editor at BimmerToday, shared with us his BMW 125i Convertible review. Today, our buddies over at AutoEvolution brings us an even smaller(engine wise) convertible, the BMW 120i.

VISUAL IMPACT (EXTERIOR) 7/10

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder (or the beer holder, in case you’re a Kinky Friedman fan). Here you’ll find the kind of impact the tested model is going to have on us, visually speaking.

With a front fascia identical to the 1-Series Coupe and quasi-identical (minus the bumper) to the 1-Series hatchback, our 1-Series Cabriolet test car also sports the BMW double-kidney grille trademark and the “eagle-eye” headlights with the “Angel Eye” treatment. Being black, it manages to appear wider than it actually is, while the menacing design of the headlights works quite well in giving the same impression.

The side view presents a very clean design especially with the top down, with absolutely no distracting lines to spoil the front to rear shoulder line, since the roof completely disappears into a space in the luggage compartment. With the top up on the other hand there’s a pretty non-BMW-like discontinuation of the overall proportions, especially since the very BMW-like Hofmeister kink is missing from the C-pillar. Purist BMW fans who can’t live without it can still choose either the coupe or the hatchback versions of the 1-Series.

IN THE CITY 7/10

Unless your neighbors are a small family of kangaroos or the infamous Sasquatch trespasses your property on a daily basis, you probably spend most of your time in the city. Well, so do we, so this is where you’ll find how and IF a car is usable on the busy streets.

The two-liter four-cylinder under the hood is typically BMW. There’s no low end grunt whatsoever, so driving it in the city might seem like it’s a much less powerful engine. Above 3-4.000 rpm on the other hand, the engine springs to life, it’s like 100 more horsepower are added just by going above that rpm threshold. Of course, this is pretty much useless when dealing with busy stop and go traffic, so the occasional “How much horsepower was this Bimmer having again?” question is bound to be asked more than once when driving with the needle in the lower part of the tachometer.

The fuel consumption on the other hand, despite not being exactly a featherweight at over a tonne and a half (3307+ pounds), is pretty good. After a pretty abnormal session of city driving, and by abnormal we mean a lot of acceleration followed by braking in a short time, we managed to achieve around 12.5 liters per 100 kilometers (US 18.8 mpg). The real surprise came when we observed those figures dropping to a relatively low 10.7 liters per 100 kilometers (US 22 mpg), which isn’t half bad for a 170 horsepower vehicle that runs on petrol.

The start/stop system, part of the BMW EfficientDynamics program is mush less intrusive that others we’ve tested and, even though it also has an “off” button, we kept it on almost the whole time. Together with direct injection, electric power steering, brake regeneration and radiator blinds that open for airflow only when required, this means that fuel consumption should be lower than an equivalent car without these technologies. Considering the high number of cars on the road and traffic lights we usually experience in our test drives, that might just well be plausible.

Continue reading Test Drive: BMW 120i Cabriolet – 2009 – “New Cars Collection”

Since the official launch in 2007, the BMW 1 Series tii has been in the center of many rumors and speculations. For a while, BMW had us believe that a tii named model will actually be built, then months later, a BMW Performance Parts catalog was released, which included many of the design elements found on the 1 Series tii concept.

Some BMW dealerships, such as Classic BMW,  went even further and modded their own tii version on a BMW 135i Coupe body style. But in the end, no official tii branding has even been placed on this cars.

So I got caught off guard when Carmagazine UK posted some photos of a BMW 1 Series Hatchback version this time spotted near a BMW office in Munich and….sporting some of the tii or Performance Parts.

The photographer, Rainer Wargitsch noticed 1er Hatch having a Carbon Fiber roof and judging from the photos, a more sportier front-bumper. This is the part where the usual speculations come in place: are we looking at a test car loaded with lightweight materials or it’s just another BMW fan “pimping their ride” ?

In my opinion, we’re just looking at a BMW 1 Series Hatchback with some Carbon Fiber body parts, most likely an individual work done by the owner.

It also reminds me of the E92 BMW M3 CSL, a model that never made it.

Sorry to dissapoint you guys, but we’ll just have to wait a bit longer for the “real tii/Supersports” to show up.

[Source: CarMagazine UK ]