The new BMW 1 Series Convertible.

The new BMW 1 Series Convertible combines the sporting elegance of its design with the superior agility of the only compact car with rear wheel drive. Available at launch in two petrol models, the BMW 120i Convertible and the BMW 125i Convertible, customers will also be able to opt for the new yardstick in sporty driving pleasure when the top of the range model,  BMW 135i Convertible, becomes available three months later.

Powered by the World Engine of the Year 2006, a 225 kW, 3.0 litre straight six cylinder engine with Twin Turbo and petrol direct injection, the BMW 135i Convertible will be instantly recognisable by its subtly modified, standard M Aerodynamics Package, similar to that available on the BMW 135i Coupe.

Until then, the top model in the 1 Series Convertible range will be the BMW 125i Convertible, which produces 160 kW from another World Engine of the Year award-winning BMW straight-six. In addition, the 115 kW BMW 120i Convertible will round out the range.

The BMW 1 Series Convertible features an electro-hydraulically operated fabric roof that opens and closes within 22 seconds – and if necessary can be operated while on the move at low speed.

Significantly, as the first premium convertible in the compact car segment, the open-top stunner delivers the typical driving experience of a BMW Convertible. Yet, at the same time it reinterprets the BMW marque values of youthfulness and aesthetic wisdom.

Modern and elegant at first appearance, the car gives a very slim impression with its low, parallel-to-the-road shoulder line and the dynamic contouring of its soft top. Driver, front seat passenger and rear seat passengers experience the openness created by the flat capping line, which is characteristic for a BMW Convertible. Thus they enjoy more intensive open air pleasure than is otherwise common in compact convertibles.

Exclusive canopy fabric with interwoven shiny fibres.

As a premium vehicle the new BMW 1 Series Convertible comes up with some surprising design details. As an alternative to the classic black or beige soft top, an anthracite roof cover with a silver effect is also available as an option.

This worldwide canopy first, exclusively developed for the BMW 1 Series Convertible, features a fabric interwoven with fine shiny metallic fibres. This gives the material a high quality metallic shimmering surface impression, which produces charming reflections in sunlight.

Interior design: premium quality with high quality materials.

The interior of the BMW 1 Series Convertible forms an elegant entity with the encompassing surfaces of the exterior. Building on the BMW 1 Series Coupé, the interior design was adapted to the requirements of an open vehicle.

Concepts of coachwork and interior design interlink and support each other in their effect. The design of the capping identifies itself with the highly flared shoulder and the boot lid. In this way a harmonic and elegant overall impression is created. The transition from exterior to interior is formed in a particularly high quality way by a chrome line running all round as standard on the BMW 135i Convertible and BMW 125i Convertible and as an optional; extra on the BMW 120i Convertible. The fact that the chrome line runs parallel to the road again emphasises the typically flat BMW Convertible silhouette. In conjunction with the chrome line an ergonomically ideally positioned seat belt guide for the front seats is in chrome.

Leather interior with Sun Reflective Technology.

The advantages of the innovative Sun Reflective Technology on the optional leather interior for the BMW 1 Series Convertible come into its own. BMW is the first automobile manufacturer in the world to use this technology to reduce the heating up of the surfaces by sunlight. The Sun Reflective Technology used to treat the leather uses special colour pigments worked into the material which cause the ultraviolet rays in the sunlight to be reflected. Heating up of the seat and armrest surfaces caused by sun rays can thus be largely prevented. The effect of the Sun Reflective Technology is particularly noticeable with dark interior colours. In comparison to conventional leather finishes, a temperature difference of up to 20 degrees can be achieved. Sun Reflective Technology also works on lighter leather finishes producing a much lower level of heating up of the surfaces by the sunlight.