Near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution: The front and rear axles
each carry almost exactly half of the car’s weight. Balanced weight gives
the 1 Series Convertible neutral steering and outstanding directional
stability. And with a sport-tuned suspension and DSC provided as
standard, it remains stable in virtually all road conditions.
Rear-wheel drive: The hallmark BMW rear-wheel-drive configuration
gives the 1 Series Convertible its athletic agility, while helping to
maintain an even weight distribution across the entire drive system.
The result is optimized traction and transfer of power to the road.
TRANSLATING POWER INTO PERFORMANCE.
Aluminum front suspension: The 1 Series Convertible uses a
lightweight, twin-joint tension strut suspension for maximum strength
and minimum weight; hydro-mounts reduce vibration and noise. The
overall result is noticeably athletic agility and responsive steering.
Steering:
Torque steer is eliminated because steering and propulsion
are not handled by the same pair of wheels. Steering force is evenly
distributed; steering does not become harder; and steering-wheel
angles are small. An added benefit: increased cornering speed.
BMW engineered the 1 Series Convertible’s lightweight chassis to
perfectly harmonize with the engine and transmission. As soon as
you start driving, you’re aware of how well it reacts to the road – with
precise steering, agile handling and lack of vibration and noise.
Further enhancing the quality of the driving experience, BMW offers
Active Steering on the 135i – an innovative option that adapts the
steering ratio and front-wheel turn-angle to suit the vehicle’s speed.
At low speeds, it takes just two turns of the steering wheel to move
the front wheels from far left to far right. Navigating the “twisties”
and tight areas becomes a breeze. As the vehicle speed increases,
the steering ratio gradually changes; at highway speeds, you enjoy
greater directional stability and more comfortable cruising.
Active Steering also includes yaw compensation, an “active safety”
bene⇒ t that helps to keep the vehicle going straight while braking on
surfaces where each wheel has varying levels of grip. For example, if
the car begins to swerve while braking, Active Steering compensates
by means of automatic, subtle steering adjustments.
When you combine the bene⇒ ts of Active Steering with the 1 Series
Convertible’s powerful acceleration, responsive handling and excellent
road holding, it adds up to an intensely enjoyable driving experience.
For details on the availability of standard and optional features, please refer to the
Standard equipment | Optional equipment charts at the back of this brochure.
