The 2011 BMW 135i coupe and convertible get a new turbocharged inline-6. It would be easy to dismiss the 2011 BMW 1 Series as the baby BMW that people buy because they can't pony up for a 3 Series. Despite being the entry-level BMW, the 1 Series is available with the same inline-6 gasoline engines as the BMW 3 Series.
Also new for the 2011 version of the 135i is an optional dual-clutch automated manual transmission BMW calls DCT. Truth be told, the 2011 BMW 1 Series is rather expensive, but given its powerful engines, sports car-style handling and the dearth of other small, rear-wheel-drive models with which to compare, it's hard to say the 1 is too expensive. The 2011 BMW 1 Series comes in coupe and convertible body styles, both of which are available in 128i and 135i configurations.
The 128i convertible adds a fully lined power-folding automatic soft top and a special convertible mode for the climate control. The convertible's available leather upholstery features a sun-reflective treatment.
The 128i Sport package adds a sport-tuned suspension, different 17-inch wheels, sport seats, dark "Shadowline" exterior trim and an increased top speed. The 135i Sport package adds sport seats, an M Sport steering wheel, Shadowline trim and increased top speed. The rear-wheel-drive BMW 1 Series offers a choice of two different 3.0-liter inline-6 engines. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic transmission is optional. The convertible posted a 6.7-second time. The automatic convertible gets 18/27/21, however.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a seven-speed automated manual transmission (known as DCT) is optional. The manual-equipped convertible gets 19/28/22.
Antilock disc brakes (with brake drying and standby feature), traction and stability control and hill start-off assist for manual-equipped cars are all standard on the 2011 BMW 1 Series. Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on the coupe; convertibles come equipped with front-seat side airbags that extend higher to protect occupants' heads.
Driving Impressions
It'll take a real purpose-built sporting machine to outrun the 2011 BMW 1 Series on a winding road.
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