BMW F23

In the fall of 2014, the concern showed a new convertible. It took place in France, at the Capital Motor Show. After the October world premiere, sales began in 2015. BMW F23 replaced the car with the E88 body of the 1-series on the conveyor belt. Thus, the new car of the concern continued the tradition of the Bavarian manufacturer to create premium class cars with excellent technical characteristics.

Appearance

The silhouette of the car is elongated. The concentrated expression of the front end of the BMW F23 is given by the sloping hood of the convertible, the dynamic contours of the car and its headlights converging to the radiator grille. The expressive nature of the car is emphasized by the long wheelbase, aerodynamic short overhangs, wide track. The photo does not show safety arcs, because these elements are hidden in the car body. If there is a possibility of overturning, they are instantly extended from their places.

The L-shaped headlights visually make the BMW’s stern look wide. Attract attention and low center of gravity, exhaust pipes. They are twin and have a chrome finish.

The soft top, thanks to the electric drive can be folded/opened in 20 seconds, traveling at speeds up to 50 km/h. Many people ask how to activate the mechanism? It is set in motion by pressing a button. The soft roof has additional sound and thermal insulation. The option offers the “Comfort Access” function. In this case, the roof can also be raised/folded remotely. The color palette of the sliding top is available in 3 variants. In the “base” only black color is offered, optionally in brown/silver.

Disks for the F23 can be R16 (two options), R17 (two) and R18 (one).

The convertible, compared to its predecessor, has grown in length/width by 72/26 mm, and its wheelbase has increased by 30 mm, making the interior of the car more comfortable.

Interior

The interior of the BMW F23 has been increased by 30/20 liters with an open/closed soft-top roof. The trunk volume is respectively 335/280 liters. The interior of the convertible is a stunning combined design. Buyers have access to 5 upholstery options plus 6 – decorative strips. Therefore, one can be amazed by the harmony of space and lightness of design. When the upholstered roof is folded down, it feels like you are on the deck of a boat. It is resembled by the soft top compartment lid, side panels and framing doors. The material design is layered and it looks spectacular, as does the color combination. And with the optional sports seats, driving a convertible is a real pleasure.

The highlight of the interior is the leather upholstery created using SunReflective technology. In direct sunlight, it heats up less than ordinary leather. Rear speakers are harmoniously integrated into the side panels, so the sound will be top class.

Additional comfort in the cabin is provided by air conditioning, power side mirrors/windows, heated front seats, power steering and the ability to adjust its reach/angle.

Electronics

Even the 1-series BMW cars were tricked out, and the second series has even more electronics. The presence of various electronic systems increases the comfort of driving a convertible and improves the safety of the driver/passengers in case of emergency situations. Therefore, let’s understand what systems are responsible for what, and what is their principle of operation. There are a lot of them, so let’s consider some of them.

The ABS anti-lock braking system prevents the wheels from locking when braking. As a result, the stability and handling of the convertible top is maintained. However, ABS alone is not enough to ensure safe driving. It is therefore assisted by other systems.

The electronic DSC system provides stability control by constantly monitoring the vehicle’s behavior. Its purpose is to prevent the car from tipping over (chassis traction changes) or skidding (braking is used). Information comes from different sensors, but the main data comes from 4 wheel angular velocity instruments. According to experts, after seat belts, this is the second important invention in the field of car safety.

The DTC system also prevents the vehicle from skidding and spinning. This traction control system gives the convertible confidence when starting, climbing or descending. If it is missing or turned off, the driver will have to turn the steering wheel to compensate for the car’s tendency to skid. This is especially difficult on slippery pavement. With the system switched on, such problems disappear.

DBC and CBC systems are connected with them, which shorten braking distance and stabilize the car during sudden braking and cornering. Add to this the ASC anti-skid system, which prevents the drive wheel from spinning when starting off.

Advanced technology includes the EPS electric power steering with Servotronic function. It generates force on the steering wheel by receiving information on the speed of the convertible. The system improves comfort at low speeds and steering comfort/precision at low speeds. A DTC system is used to control the dynamic traction of the convertible top. Dynamic Traction Control allows increased slippage of the vehicle’s drive wheels.

With BMW xDrive, a convertible can “ignore” changeable weather and challenging road conditions. The intelligent system quickly adapts to changing conditions, redistributes torque and creates optimum stability, maximum grip and good handling. The gearshift indicator is also of great use. It tells the driver at which speed the optimum economy is achieved and at which speed it is desirable to shift.

Engine

Cabriolet characteristics depend on the specific modification. In 2015, consumers could buy cars in three gasoline modifications and one diesel.

The gasoline version of the BMW 220i convertible was equipped with a two-liter unit B48 with a capacity of 184 “horses”. It accelerated the car to “one hundredth” in 7.5 seconds and developed a top speed of 231 km/h. Fuel consumption per 100 km 4.9-8 liters. The second model, BMW 228i was equipped with a two-liter engine N20 with a capacity of 245 “horses”. It accelerated the convertible to “hundredth” in 6.0 seconds and developed a maximum speed of 250 km/h. Fuel consumption per 100 km increased to 5.3-9.1 liters.

The most powerful version was the BMW M235i. It was equipped with a three-liter engine N55, developing 326 hp. The engine accelerates the car to “hundredth” in 5.0 sec. and develops a top speed of 250 km/h. Fuel consumption per 100 km is 6.2-11.5 liters. The most economical option is the BMW 220d version with a two-liter installation and 190 hp. Fuel consumption per 100 km is 3.7-5.8 liters. Acceleration of the car to a “hundred” takes 7.4 seconds, and the car reaches a speed of 225 km/h.

In 2016, 230i and M240i versions were added to the engine collection. Technical characteristics of the first model slightly exceeded the data of 228i, and the second model turned out to be the most powerful among convertibles. In the “base” all power units go in combination with the usual 6-speed “mechanics”. Option – a sporty 8-range reliable “automatic” Steptronic. What box to choose, sporty or usual, it is up to you. But there is no 7-speed “automatic” with a double clutch.

At the end, we note that all powertrains meet the requirements of EU6 standard, and these same engines were equipped with Active Tourer and Gran Tourer models.

Equipment

To make the car’s handling comfortable, German specialists equip the convertible with EfficientDynamics technology, which gives the opportunity to perform mode switching. As a part of this technology there is Auto Start Stop function. It allows to stop/start the engine in automatic mode. The technology works with manual/automatic transmission.

Many people claim that it is harmful to start and stop the engine frequently. But what do you do when you spend hours in a traffic jam, standing in one place for a long time? The purpose of the system is to save gasoline/fuel in such a situation and at traffic lights. Everything is very simple. You turn on the button, hit the brake and the convertible stalls. The light turns green/the traffic jam moves, you take your foot off the pedal, the engine starts instantly, and you can drive on. Eco Pro mode allows you to reduce fuel consumption. By disabling the heating of the exterior mirrors and limiting the heating of the seats to 37.5 degrees, you can reduce the intensity of air cooling/heating (the minimum power is left), change the characteristics of gear shifting and electronic gas pedal.

The navigation system, Drive Assistant function, etc. also provide driving convenience.

Standard equipment includes head and leg airbags for the driver and front passenger, three-point seat belts with tensioners that all seats have, a tire pressure indicator, and a system that protects occupants in the event of a convertible rollover.

Additional packages when bundled are:

• Sport Line;
• Luxury Line;
• M Sport Package.

Difference between restyling and prerestyling

In 2016, the convertible was updated, but the language will not turn to say that there was a restyling. It received new equipment and a number of changes in the exterior/interior. In the “base” already went LED optics, and in the option – headlights all around. Germans have slightly increased the radiator grille and in the color palette there are three shades: Sunset Orange and Mediterranean/Seaside Blue. In the cabin there is a new dashboard, wireless phone charging system and the latest generation iDrive controller.

Finally, it was noted above that this was the year that two new motors were added to the gasoline engine collection.

However, all convertible owners can do their own car tuning to stand out in a stream of cars. You can purchase interior/mirror covers, muffler tips, accent stripes, handlebars, decorative foils, spoilers, steering wheels, diffusers, customized rims, handlebars, carbon fiber selector lever covers, interior/trunk mats, etc., to make the car stand out from the crowd.

Generations and equipment

1 generation – restyled

1 generation

10.2014 – 04.2017