Just like with the new 2012 BMW 1-series coupe, the 2012 BMW 1-series convertible is available in 2 versions being the 128i and the 135i.

The features are pretty much the same as on the 2012 BMW 1-series coupe.

The 128i features elements from the BMW EfficientDynamics program like aluminium/magnesium construction and the throttle-less intake technology.

These features are available on the 135i aswell which is equiped with the new N55 3.0-liter engine. If you buy a 135i you might aswell think about having the 7-speed double clutch transmission which will help the 135i sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a scorching 5.3 seconds.

The updates will be available in the spring of 2011.

Personally I always loved the 1-series coupe. I drive a 3-series myself but there is just something about the 1-series coupe that I can’t explain. Last week BMW officially announced the 2012 BMW 1-series.

Currently only two versions are available with this update, the 128i Coupe and the 135i Coupe.

The 128i is powered by a 3.0-liter engine producing 230 bhp and features the BMW Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology and an aluminium/magnesium construction which are some of the core elements of the BMW EfficientDynamics program.

The 135i features the newest N55 engine which is also a 3.0-liter inline-6 engine. The 135i can be equipped with the 7-speed double clutch transmission (DCT) which we’ve seen before on the new Z4 roadster.

When buying a 135i your main concern won’t be fuel economy but in these days of global warming it will be nice to know BMW reduced CO2 emission by 10% on their new engine for the 135i. The old twin-turbo N54 is being replaced by a single turbo N55 which we reviewed earlier.

The power still stays the same and the torque is actually reached 100 rpm earlier. This aren’t the only changes BMW made to the new 1-series. The 6-step automatic will be replaced by a 7-step double-clutch transmission (DTC)  and they finally fixed the paddles on the steering wheel. No longer 2 identical functioning paddles but the left one is to shift down, the right one to shift up, just like it should be (or already should have been from the beginning). The hifi professional system has been replaced by a Kardon Sound Surround system.

 
Personally I’ve had never heard of WheelSTO before but what a way to make an entrance. I really like what they did to the already awesome looking BMW 135i

A tuning company located in Chicago, given the fact that we are a European website, it isn’t very hard to understand we have never heard of WheelSTO before but I promise, we won’t be forgetting these guys anytime soon…

The 3.0 twin-turbo engine from BMW now produces 417bhp instead of 300 and to get all this power on the road they installed Yokohama Advan AD08 tires. The rimms are 19 inch Advan RZ’s with a gunmetal finish.

The rear has been upgraded with a very nice carbon fiber diffuser equiped with a Bastuck quad-pipe exhaust system which improve sound and performance. The suspension is upgraded with H&R springs so when we put all these together we might just have the best BMW 135i up to this date. I know I want one….

We already know the electric MINI Cooper E but now it appears the 1-series will also get an electric version…

The development won’t be a big issue since BMW is planning on using the drivetrain and technology from the MINI E (also RWD). Don’t expect to have one in your garage any time soon. As it is with the Mini E, BMW will carefuly select potential lease customers so they can have decent feedback on the car and daily usage. This to provide in future needs of customers.

For the 5th time we can find a police concept on the Essen Motorshow. This time it comes from AC Schnitzer…

Based on a 123d, AC Schnitzer took the 2 liter engine and tweaked it to produce 241bhp and 480Nm torque, accelerating it from 0 to 100km/h in 6,7 seconds.

The car is also equiped with AC Schnitzer Type IV Bicolor rimms, Hankook tires, front spoiler, rear wing, roof spoiler, daytime running lights from Hella (LEDayFlex), mirrors from AC Schnitzer and the total car has been lowered by 30mm. On the inside we see some carbon parts, aluminum pedals and leather sportseats.