BMW 1 Series E88

Starting from 2004, the BMW concern began to produce cars of the first series and 1st generation. The first cars were hatchbacks with three/five doors. Then coupes with two/five doors appeared. The parade was completed by small convertibles. The BMW E88 model was presented to the public at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2008. In April of the same year, the compact and maneuverable BMW 1 Series models began to be sold in Germany. Then they began to be sold in other European countries, and then sales began in Russia.

Four years later, BMW 1 series convertibles underwent restyling. And then the cars of the first series were replaced by cars of the same series, but of the second generation with the index “F” (E88 replaced F23). Note that these cars are assembled at the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad.

Appearance

It is enough to look at the cabriolet to realize that in front of you is another model of the manufacturer from Bavaria. The graceful silhouette of the car is perfectly combined with powerful wheels. The sill line is spectacular and flat. It is difficult to call this car extravagant, but we can safely say that it is a real gift for fans of convertibles, who love to ride at speed and “with the wind”. The car is created with a soft top. Such a roof allowed German engineers to reduce the weight of the vehicle. Thanks to the electric drive, it can be folded without stopping. However, the speed of the miniature convertible should not exceed 50 km/h. It is enough to reach out to the button and press it, as the upper part of the body automatically opens/folds. If you want to protect yourself from the vagaries of the weather (cold, unexpected rain) or are bored with road sounds, you can perform this operation in 22 seconds.

The car roof material is exceptionally dense. Therefore, it provides protection against cold weather in winter. In this case, the reinforced glass at the stern is an excellent helper. It is heated, so there will be effective protection from cold weather. The soft top is created so coolly and with such skill that the car looks elegant all year round. The roof is made of anthracite fabric, and threads that shimmer silver in the sun are woven into it! The resulting convertible body is quite rigid.

For those doubting the strength of such a roof, we would like to say that tests have been carried out. They proved that its stability and safety indicators are on a par with cars with rigid bodywork.

Interior

Although the dimensions of the convertible are small, the compact car is a four-seater. It has many characteristics similar to the BMW E82 coupe, so it is often designated BMW E82/E88.

The upholstery is leather with decorative strips, so a comfortable microclimate with coziness is ensured for the driver and all passengers, even those seated in the rear. Thanks to Sun Reflective technology, the passenger compartment heats up very little in the sun. This coating reflects harmful infrared radiation.

Since it’s an open-top car, engineers from Bavaria designed for it:

• Specialty chairs that reduce injuries;
• Airbags;
• Protective bars located behind the rear head restraints;
• Rigid frame.

An enlarged frame was created around the front-pillar windshield so that it would protect people’s heads, and in combination with the safety arches, it would provide protection in the event of a cabriolet rollover.

Engine

BMW 1 Series convertibles have engine characteristics not much different from those of other models. Let’s start the review in order from the weakest unit to the strongest unit. In the beginning are gasoline engines, then diesel engines.

N43 four-cylinder engines are fitted to the 118i models, and the 120i also has the N46. They have terrific operational efficiency. Their volume is two liters, and in power N43 is slightly weaker, 143 “horses” against 170. Fuel consumption is small, because the valves are controlled by the double-Vanos system and fuel injection is direct and highly accurate. At 100 km of travel 118i/120i requires 5.0-8.5/5.2-8.9 liters. Acceleration to 100 km/h. and top speed for the first/second model are 9.3/8.4 sec. and 210/220 km/h. Three-liter engine N52 with an output of 218 hp is installed on the 125i model, consumes 6.0-11.7 liters per 100 km, accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and reaches a maximum of 238 km/h.

The most powerful engine (3.0 liter, 306 hp), N54, is mounted on the 135i. 6 cylinders, turbocharging, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and TwinPower Turbo system accelerate the convertible to 250 km/h, and the first hundredth is reached in 5.6 seconds. Fuel is consumed in the range of 7.1-13.3 liters/100 km. Diesel models, 118/120/123D, are equipped with the N47 engine. The volume is 2 liters, but the power, respectively, 143/177/204 “horses”. Fuel consumption for all motors is within 4.4-6.7 liters, acceleration to “one hundred” – 7.6-9.5 seconds, speed limit – 208-230 km / h.

The diesel units have a BER system with a Start Stop button. It utilizes the braking energy by regenerating it.

Since 2014, sales of the BMW I8 model, complete with a gasoline engine and an electric motor, have begun. However, not everyone can purchase this auto. Availability is limited.

Electronics

When creating the BMW E88, the Germans used a lot of advanced technologies and smart solutions to increase the efficiency of the compact convertible. Let’s take a look at some of them.

In the “base” cabriolet is equipped with EPS electric power steering with Servotronic function. The power steering system generates a steering force that takes into account the speed of the vehicle. It increases steering comfort/precision at low/high speeds. Optional active steering, which adapts the gear ratio of the multifunction steering wheel with NPB leather to the speed of the car.

Standard features include:

• ABS – anti-lock brakes;
• ASC – traction control. The drive wheel will not spin when starting off;
• CBC – controlling the braking of the car on corners. The car stabilizes;
• DTC – control of driving dynamics. Increased slippage of the drive chassis is permitted;
• SRS is a self-diagnostic error system.

All of them are within DSC, the Dynamic Stability Control system.

We’ll also note the adaptive lighting system included in the Lighting Package and AUX for the BMW’s OEM stereo.

OEM navigation system E88 assumes a monitor of 8.8 inches, Hard-disk for 8 GB, built-in 3D navigation, the ability to connect a TV tuner. It is allowed to prepare a place for installation of a cell phone with Bluetooth interface. The E88 has a comfort access system, so you can lock/unlock the car without actively using the identification transmitter. Additionally, a conversion kit can be purchased to integrate an auxiliary lighting function into the fog lights. The turn signal lamps will automatically activate when the turn signal is switched on, illuminating the side area around the car. It is also possible to retrofit the steering wheel with gearshift paddles.

The PDC system allows the driver of the convertible top to avoid collisions on the road. In the event of a dangerous approach, it will give an audible signal. The emergency proximity alarm is especially important when parking. The E88 has a good passive safety system as well. This includes airbags/belts, seat head restraints, energy-absorbing elements (bumper), folding steering column, safety glass, etc.

There is a button on the multi steering wheel with an image of a mouth with waves coming out of it. This is the voice control system. Electronics also gives errors and their codes on the screen. For example, if the car does not start normally, the display shows the message glow system.

Features

All convertibles with manual transmission are equipped with a gearshift indicator. It is located in front of the driver and calculates the economical gear and tells you when to shift. The system takes into account the load on the powertrain and the situation on the road. With its help it is possible to reduce fuel costs. It should be noted that lighter construction, excellent aerodynamic properties and flawless motors make it possible to reduce fuel costs and enjoy driving a convertible. The BMW EfficientDynamics program ensures optimum energy efficiency.

Excellent handling is the result of optimal load distribution between rear-wheel drive, low center of gravity and optimum aerodynamics. The active steering system adapts to the speed of the vehicle and allows the convertible to accelerate even when cornering!

The E88 uses independent coil spring suspension front and rear.

Here we will say that cabriolet and coupe were not very popular in Russia, but 4-door sedans and station wagons BMW E60, produced in the period 2003-2009, were successful. The first ones were sold more than a million, the second ones – more than 260 thousand. In 2010 they were replaced by BMW F10 model, and in October 2011 BMW F30 sedan appeared.

Difference between restyling and prerestyling

After a restyling in 2012, the convertible was slightly modified. Adaptive front headlights appeared, allowing the light not to disappear when turning. The interior could be fitted with a sport steering wheel and similar seats included in the M Sport package. The dashboard has changed.

A new airbag system was installed. The front airbags were mounted in the center of the multirole/on the panel on the passenger side of the 1st row. The side airbags were located in the back of the front seat/on the rear seat. They provided safety for the pelvis and rib cage. Curtain airbags appeared in the door area, and head airbags appeared on the roof between the pillars. Knee cushions were placed under the steering wheel/barrel, central cushions – in the armrest of the driver’s seat/in the center of the rear sofa, saving people from secondary impacts inside the cabin.

Options are Internet access (ConnectedDrive system) HiFi system with USB audio interface, GPS, equipped with an 8.8-inch monitor, bluetooth and audio transmission. It became possible to order a 7-speed sport automatic transmission. To it can be added AFS system, which helps in parking.

A state-of-the-art brake energy recovery (BER) system with Auto Start Stop function is used. It allows you to save fuel. The E88 can be fitted with safe Run Flat tires. With these tires, the car can continue driving for up to 100 km even if there is no pressure!

Generations and equipment

1st generation – 2nd restyling

04.2011 – 10.2013

1 generation – restyled

03.2008 – 03.2011

1 generation

04.2008 – 03.2011