Click on image to view the full photo gallery
BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 120i (170 Hp)
Overall Rating
BMW 1 Series:
The BMW 1 Series is a range of subcompact executive cars manufactured by BMW since 2004. It is the successor to the BMW 3 Series Compact and is currently in its fourth generation. Positioned as the entry-level model in BMW range of products, the first generation was produced in hatchback, coupé and convertible body styles.
Since 2014, the coupé and convertible models have been marketed separately as the 2 Series, therefore the 1 Series range no longer includes these body styles. A four-door sedan model became available for the Chinese market in 2017, using the front-wheel drive platform that is also used the basis for the third-generation 1 Series hatchback....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Convertible (E88) Overview:
BMW 1 Series (Convertible (E88)). With 210 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.9 l/100km). With a weight of 1430 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.4 s). The top speed reaches 220 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
120i (170 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers a good balance of performance for daily driving with responsive acceleration, making it a capable all-rounder.
Fuel Economy
Respectable fuel economy for a petrol engine of its power, providing a sensible running cost.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging rear-wheel-drive dynamics and handling
- • Wide range of powerful and efficient engines (petrol and diesel)
- • Premium interior quality for its class
- • Compact size makes it agile in urban environments
- • True open-top driving experience
Cons:
- • Limited rear passenger and boot space, especially with the roof down
- • Firm ride quality can be uncomfortable on rough roads
- • Some engines (N43, N47, N54) have known reliability concerns (e.g., timing chain, HPFP)
- • Higher running and maintenance costs compared to some rivals
- • Soft-top roof offers less sound insulation than a hardtop
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Hatchback 3dr (E81): 2007 - 2011).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 1 Series |
| Generation: | Convertible (E88) |
| Modification (Engine): | 120i (170 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2008 |
| End of production: | 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 6700 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 85.2 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 210 Nm @ 4250 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | N43B20A [Same engine] More details about the engine N43B20A |
| Engine displacement: | 1995 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.25 l |
| Coolant: | 7.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 12:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 8.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.6 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 220 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.4 kg/Hp, 118.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.8 kg/Nm, 146.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1430 |
| Max. weight: | 1870 |
| Max load: | 440 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 305 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 260 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1200 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 53 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 680 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4360 mm mm [121mm more] |
| Width: | 1748 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1411 mm mm [10mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2660 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1480 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1513 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 140 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.7 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 91 V |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
Behind the wheel of the BMW 1 Series. How does it handle on the road?