GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

BMW - 1 Series - Convertible range

BMW 1 Series (F20 LCI)

F20 LCI

Make: BMW

Model: 1 Series

Released: Jan 1970

Discontinued: Sep 2017

BMW logo1 Jun 2015

By ROBBIE WALLIS

BMW admitted it work to do in the compact prestige segment with its rtear-wheel drive 1 Series and gave it a revamped look and model line-up.

A broader "kidney" grille, larger air intakes beneath the bumper and LED daytime running and tail lights, were among the changes, as was the dropping of the entry-level 116i.

The range kicked off with the 100kW/220Nm 1.6-litre direct-injection turbo four-cylinder 118i that had as standard a reversing camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless start and a 40/20/40 splitfold rear seat to access 360 litres of boot-space (rising to 1200 with seats folded) but that engine was replaced by the 100kW/220Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder late in its first year on sale.

The standard fare also included heated exterior mirrors, cloth trim, real-time traffic information for the satnav, rear parking sensors, climate control, rain-sensing wipers, a sports steering wheel and the eight-speed, with a six-speed manual available for special order across the range.

Safety systems included six airbags, stability and traction control, an electronic differential lock and a five-star crash test rating.

The 118d 2.0-litre turbodiesel offered 110kW (a 5kW increase over the previous model) and 320Nm from 1500 to 3000rpm.

The 120i was new to the range following the change to the entry-level model – it used the same engine but pumping out 130kW and 250Nm – and got 17- inch wheels and an auto-dimming centre mirror, fog lights, dual-zone climate control, upgraded instruments and artificial "leather." Sportier hatch buyers were targeted by the 160kW/310Nm 2.0-litre turbo 125i, which received on M Sport suspension and brakes, as well as a body extras, variable-ratio sports steering, suede/cloth trim, LED headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The range-topper was the 3.0-litre turbo six-cylinder M135i, which got an extra five kW, taking power to 240kW of power, while torque was 450Nm between 1300 and 4500rpm for a sprint to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.

The flagship had leather trim, 18-inch M alloys, M Performance adaptive suspension, adaptive LED headlights and digital radio.

Reviews

When it was new

Latest reviews

Motor industry news

GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events.

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here