2012 BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) Photos, engines & full specs

In 2010, despite the world financial crisis that drained automaker’s pockets, BMW decided to introduce a final upgrade for the 1 Series Convertible for the 2012 model year.

The 1 Series appeared in 2004 as a youth-oriented and more affordable alternative to the 3 Series. At first, the car was available exclusively as a five-door hatchback. Then, in 2007, along with the facelift for the model, BMW introduced other bodywork versions, such as the three-door hatchback, the coupe, and the convertible. The latter two came late to the 1 Series party, so the automaker considered that they were eligible for a facelift, which it did in 2010. Besides some aesthetical and functional tweaks to the bodywork, the car’s underpinning underwent mild changes. Unfortunately, sales didn’t go as planned. Still, the German brand didn’t back up and kept both versions on the market until they were replaced by the following generation of the 1 Series in 2013.

BMW made some of the most significant exterior changes to the car’s front. Depending on the version, the 2012 BMW 1 Series Convertible came with a fresh seat of headlights that sported Adaptive Xenon headlamps with cornering function. Furthermore, it integrated LED lights, emphasizing the car’s sporty character. In addition, to enhance the vehicle’s aerodynamics and lower the drag coefficient, BMW installed a redesigned bumper with a new apron. There, it put a reversed trapezoidal air intake flanked by a pair of functional scoops. These grabbed air and diverted it around the wheel arches, thus enhancing the airflow.

From its profile, the 2012 BMW 1 Series Convertible showed a sportier stance thanks to the lower front apron and the redesigned alloy wheels. But still, it kept the same overall shape as its predecessor from 2008. The same went with the power-retractable roof, which could be opened or closed remotely by keeping the open or close button pressed on the key fob. Furthermore, it could be deployed or retracted in 22 seconds at speeds of up to 25 mph (40 kph). A subtle yet important upgrade was for the taillights. These featured LEDs arranged in an L shape above the clear lenses for the reversing lights.

Inside, BMW introduced new upholstery that didn’t heat up as much as regular leather, which was a significant improvement for those who left their cars with the soft top down. In addition, since the automaker believed that the 1 Series Convertible was a true four-season vehicle, it added a Cold Weather pack that included a heated steering wheel. But despite its efforts, there was no way how to create more legroom for the rear-seated passengers.

Under its skin, the 2012 BMW 1 Series Convertible had one significant change for the engine compartment, where the automaker introduced a new straight-six turbocharged gasoline powerplant for the 135i version. Even though it didn’t bring any ponies to the table, it still provided a better power and torque curve. In addition, this version could be equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch (DCT) gearbox, which shortened gear change times. Other significant improvements were made to the rear differential, which was electronically controlled.