BMW 1-SERIES MULE SPIED

This unusual-looking BMW 1-Series has been spotted on the streets around Munich. Nobody seems to know exactly what lies underneath its skin, with opinions on the BMW forums ranging from it being the next-generation 2011 1-Series to the forthcoming MINI Colorado SUV.

The raised ride-height and massive arches hiding a slightly wider track than usual, suggest this could very well be a mule for the X1 SUV. Time will tell…

© Source: germancarscene
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BMW 1 Series Convertible has arrived

The new 1 Series Convertible has arrived in Australia - marking the first premium compact drop-top from BMW in over three decades. The new range flagship 135i is powered a current reigning International Engine of the Year winner - BMW’s 225kW twin turbo straight six.

The four-seater convertible features an electric folding roof which can be operated while driving at speeds of up to 40km/h - on par with the 3 Series Convertible.

Whilst the 120i will feature a 115kW 2.0-litre engine, the 125i and 135i feature BMW’s award winning 3.0-litre straight-six in both naturally-aspirated (160kW) and twin-turbo (225kW) guise respectively.
The range is priced from $52,900 for the 120i six-speed manual, $63,400 for the 125i six-speed manual and $78,400 for the 135i six-speed manual.

A six-speed automatic transmission complete with steering wheel mounted paddle shifts (on six-cylinder models) is available as an option at extra cost.

The New BMW 1 Series Convertible is on sale now with deliveries commencing from May 20.

© Source: caradvice
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2008 AC Schnitzer BMW 1-Series Convertible

(from AC Schnitzer Press Release) Soft on top and hard beneath: The new 1-series Cabrio by AC Schnitzer

Viewed from its roof construction, the new 1-series Cabrio is a classic softy. But under its soft shell lurks a hard masculine cornering machine which isn't pushed aside by anyone: especially in the AC Schnitzer version. As honed as a high performance athlete, the car cuts a fine figure even in the car park. The Aachen-based BMW-tuners have transplanted the muscles visually to the right places. In the end, the vehicle is an agile sprinter and not a bodybuilder who can scarcely move for power. At first glance, the new front skirt strikes you - it is less rounded than standard and runs into a slight taper.

This, in combination with the diagonal grille insert, ensures a far more dynamic appearance. And naturally the Cabriolet not only has a neat front, but also a strong rear: The AC Schnitzer rear skirt lip or insert (for M-Technik version) provides an extra cross contour in comparison with the original, and hence a more "powerful" look. Underneath, a diffuser element highlights the sporting heritage of the vehicle. The final touch is given by the chromed tailpipe trim in "Racing" design, available for the 118i, 120i, 125i, 120d and 123d.

The fact that the sporting appearance is more than just Show & Shine becomes evident to the driver from a glance in the rearview mirror. Because the car behind grows smaller at record speed when you put your foot to the floor. In both petrol and diesel engine variants, the Aachen tuners inject any amount of power into the compact cabrio. Extra horsepower is available for the 135i, 120d and 123d. And because the standard speedo is sometimes overloaded with so much "unbridled" power, AC Schnitzer upgrades it to 320 km/h.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 BMW 1 Series Review

Few brands have grown more than BMW in the past 25 years. That growth can be seen in their sales figures and the vehicles themselves. Today's 335i is larger than 1986's 535i, for instance, and it certainly sells in much greater volumes. This trend toward bigger and heavier has altered the brand's lineup to the point that there's now room for a cheaper, smaller entry-level car. Stepping boldly into the gap is the 2008 BMW 1 Series.

The 1 Series already debuted in Europe earlier this decade as a four-door hatchback, but that body style's limited appeal to American shoppers prevented its journey across the pond. With the introduction of new coupe and convertible body styles, however, BMW believes the timing is right for a small car revival.

With their compact two-door bodies, high-performance engines and scalpel-sharp handling, the 2008 BMW 128i and 135i are arguably the spiritual successors to BMW's classic 2002 coupe. Yet the 1 Series features many of the modern high-tech and luxury features that have become just as much a part of BMW during this decade as the raw driving experience. Some features like active steering and navigation with iDrive are dubious in terms of value, while others like keyless ignition/entry, premium hi-fi stereo and the convertible's heat-reflective leather seating are welcome niceties in a small car.

The 1 Series coupe is 8.7 inches shorter than a 3 Series coupe and a bit narrower as well. Though its front engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration is pretty unpopular in this size category because of its lack of space efficiency, BMW reckons its layout has unique appeal to people who care more about driving than carrying passengers. As such, the 1 Series comes with the same engines as the 3 Series: a 3.0-liter, 230-horsepower straight-6 for the 128i and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six good for 300 hp in the 135i.

Considering its $30,000-plus price tag and its rear-wheel-drive layout, this is a coupe and convertible without any real apples-to-apples competitors. Potential rivals are either too big (Infiniti G37), have front-wheel drive (VW Eos), are too mechanically different (Mazda RX-8) or are more an unrefined muscle car (Ford Mustang GT) than a finely balanced sport coupe/convertible. Plus, with its tiny backseat, the 1 Series toes a very fine line between usable four-seat coupe and a 2+2 sports touring car like an Audi TT.

© Source: edmunds
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