Review of the BMW 1 series E88

The BMW 1 E88 cars were introduced in 2004. The initial models were produced as three/five-door hatchbacks. Later on, developers decided to create cars with coupe bodies, featuring two/five doors. Finally, convertibles made their appearance as the grand finale of the lineup.

The public got a glimpse of these models in January 2008 at the Detroit Auto Show. In the same year, in the spring of April, German car enthusiasts began purchasing them. Subsequently, they were made available in Europe. Russian drivers also got the chance to drive these cars.

After 4 years, the convertibles underwent restyling operations. They were later replaced by the second generation, transitioning from E88 to F23. The assembly of these cars is currently taking place in Kaliningrad at the «Avtotor» plant.

Exterior of the BMW 1 E88

The appearance of the convertibles speaks volumes about their manufacturer.

• The elegant Bavarian silhouettes of the BMW 1 E88 cars look fantastic with a robust wheelbase.
• The lines beneath the windows are flat yet striking.
• The bodies are sufficiently rigid.
• The cars are not extravagant but invite you to enjoy a breezy ride at up to 50 km/h with a soft roof that can be folded at the touch of a button using the electric drive. Electric drives are available in all model configurations. A button in the car activates the rain sensors, allowing you to open/close the upper part of the body. In just 22 seconds, you are shielded from the whims of the weather and external noise.

Thanks to this top, the car actually sheds weight. The soft top is elegant, made of dense anthracite material with interwoven threads that glisten silver in the sun. Therefore, even in winter, driving a convertible is comfortable.

• Furthermore, driving in cold weather is made enjoyable with effective heated protection in the form of glass at the stern.
• Attention! The cars were tested for roof strength. It turned out to be stable and safe, comparable to cars with rigid bodies.
• The cars feature disc braking systems with ventilated brake mechanisms. All four wheels are involved in this option, ensuring maximum braking efficiency.
• Front lighting with xenon interiors and adaptive function reduces risks when driving in dark hours. An automatic mode is activated, adjusting the steering angle and adapting to oncoming traffic.

Interior Features

The compact dimensions of the convertibles and coupes are similar to the E82 models, often referred to as BMW E88/E82. They are four-seaters with leather upholstery and trim accents. The cars offer a comfortable microclimate for the driver and all passengers, even in the back. The Sun Reflective technology prevents the cabin from heating up in the sun and shields occupants from harmful IR radiation.

Special developments were made for these soft-top cars:

• special seats that reduce the risk of injury;
• airbags;
• protective arches located under the rear headrests;
• rigid frames.

The front windshields with enlarged frames and front pillars were designed for head protection. The combination of enlarged frames and safety arches provides protection in the event of a vehicle rollover.

Engines

The engines of the BMW 1 E88 models are almost indistinguishable from units used in other cars.

Petrol Engines

Featuring 4-cylinder engines coded N43 for the 118i models and N46 for the 120i, these powertrains boast impressive performance. With a two-liter displacement, the N43 delivers a modest 143 horsepower, while the N46 engine churns out 170 hp. Both engines exhibit low fuel consumption due to their direct and high-precision fuel injection valves controlled by the double-Vanos system.

For the 118i/120i models, fuel consumption ranges from 5.0 to 8.5 liters per 100 km. The cars accelerate to 100 km/h, with top speeds of 210 km/h for the 118i and 220 km/h for the 120i, reaching these speeds in 9.3/8.4 seconds respectively. The three-liter naturally aspirated N52 engines with 218 horsepower are installed in the 125i model, consuming 6.0 to 11.7 liters per 100 km. These engines accelerate to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 238 km/h.

The most powerful engines are the 3.0-liter, 306 hp N54 units mounted on the six-cylinder 135i model, featuring turbochargers, 7-speed automatic transmissions. Equipped with dual-clutch and Twin Power Turbo mechanisms, the convertibles can reach speeds of up to 250 km/h, hitting 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds. Fuel consumption ranges from 7.1 to 13.3 liters per 100 km.

Diesel Engines

While some may consider

Additionally, BMW 1 E88 developers equipped the cars with advanced passive safety devices.

These include:

• airbags/seat belts,
• seat headrests,
• energy-absorbing bumper elements,
• collapsible steering columns,
• safe glass, and more.

Steering wheels with buttons that display open mouths with waves are devices for voice control. Not all cars have Russian language support, but English/German language options are available.

Thanks to electronics, any malfunctions are displayed with codes on screens. If the car fails to start, the display will show the glow system.

Special Features of BMW 1 E88

• Cars with manual transmissions feature gear shift indicators located in front of the drivers for calculating economic gear changes. These indicators assist in shifting gears economically, considering the load on the power units and driving conditions.
• Due to their lightweight construction, excellent aerodynamic properties, and flawless engines, the cars significantly reduce fuel consumption, offering convertible drivers true pleasure in their journeys. BMW EfficientDynamics optimizes energy usage efficiently.
• The cars provide excellent handling, with optimal weight distribution between rear-wheel drives, low centers, and superb aerodynamics.
• Even during cornering maneuvers, drivers are aided by active steering mechanisms. Independent spring suspensions are installed at the front and rear.

Russian car enthusiasts do not particularly favor convertibles and coupes. They prefer station wagons and sedans with four doors. This includes the E60 cars produced from 2003 to 2009. Over one million of the former and over 260,000 of the latter were sold. These models were replaced by the F10 series in 2010 and the F30 sedans in October 2011.

Differences Between Facelifted BMW 1 E88 and Pre-Facelift Models

1. In 2012, facelift changes affected the adaptive front lights, ensuring continuous illumination during turns.
2. Sport steering wheels and sport seats found in the M Sport variant can now be comfortably installed in the cabins. The instrument cluster has been updated.
3. The cars have received new airbag safety devices. Central airbags were placed in the center of the multifunction steering wheels next to the front passenger. Backrests of the front seats and rear seats were also equipped with side airbags, providing protection for the chest and pelvis.
4. Doors were fitted with curtain airbags. Roof airbags were placed between the columns.
5. Knee airbags were installed below the steering wheels/glove compartments. In the center, in the armrests of the front seats/center rear seats, to prevent secondary impacts within the cabins.
6. The cars were equipped with Internet access systems with Connected Drive features. Wi-Fi devices with USB audio interfaces, GPS, 8.8-inch screens, Bluetooth, and audio transmissions were installed.
7. 7-speed sports automatic transmissions can be ordered. AFS systems for successful parking are also available.
8. Modern energy recuperation (BER) systems for braking energy regeneration with Auto Start-Stop options were integrated to save fuel.

Important! Run Flat tires can be installed on the E88, allowing the vehicle to travel up to 100 km even in the absence of pressure!

Conclusion

While some may consider

In the BMW E88 cars, standard navigation systems with 8.8-inch monitors, an 8 GB hard disk, and built-in 3D are installed. A TV tuner can also be connected. Provision is made for mobile phone placements with Bluetooth connectivity.

Comfort access allows for opening/closing the cars without active identification transmitters (keys).

Additional options include retrofit kits for integrating additional lighting into fog lights.

Turning signals activate automatic lamps that illuminate the vehicle's side areas.

Paddle shifters are available for retrofitting steering wheels.

Thanks to PDC systems, drivers of convertibles are protected from collisions on the road, with audible signals warning of imminent danger.

Additionally, BMW 1 E88 developers equipped the cars with advanced passive safety devices.

These include:

• airbags/seat belts,
• seat headrests,
• energy-absorbing bumper elements,
• collapsible steering columns,
• safe glass, and more.

Steering wheels with buttons that display open mouths with waves are devices for voice control. Not all cars have Russian language support, but English/German language options are available.

Thanks to electronics, any malfunctions are displayed with codes on screens. If the car fails to start, the display will show the glow system.

Special Features of BMW 1 E88

• Cars with manual transmissions feature gear shift indicators located in front of the drivers for calculating economic gear changes. These indicators assist in shifting gears economically, considering the load on the power units and driving conditions.
• Due to their lightweight construction, excellent aerodynamic properties, and flawless engines, the cars significantly reduce fuel consumption, offering convertible drivers true pleasure in their journeys. BMW EfficientDynamics optimizes energy usage efficiently.
• The cars provide excellent handling, with optimal weight distribution between rear-wheel drives, low centers, and superb aerodynamics.
• Even during cornering maneuvers, drivers are aided by active steering mechanisms. Independent spring suspensions are installed at the front and rear.

Russian car enthusiasts do not particularly favor convertibles and coupes. They prefer station wagons and sedans with four doors. This includes the E60 cars produced from 2003 to 2009. Over one million of the former and over 260,000 of the latter were sold. These models were replaced by the F10 series in 2010 and the F30 sedans in October 2011.

Differences Between Facelifted BMW 1 E88 and Pre-Facelift Models

1. In 2012, facelift changes affected the adaptive front lights, ensuring continuous illumination during turns.
2. Sport steering wheels and sport seats found in the M Sport variant can now be comfortably installed in the cabins. The instrument cluster has been updated.
3. The cars have received new airbag safety devices. Central airbags were placed in the center of the multifunction steering wheels next to the front passenger. Backrests of the front seats and rear seats were also equipped with side airbags, providing protection for the chest and pelvis.
4. Doors were fitted with curtain airbags. Roof airbags were placed between the columns.
5. Knee airbags were installed below the steering wheels/glove compartments. In the center, in the armrests of the front seats/center rear seats, to prevent secondary impacts within the cabins.
6. The cars were equipped with Internet access systems with Connected Drive features. Wi-Fi devices with USB audio interfaces, GPS, 8.8-inch screens, Bluetooth, and audio transmissions were installed.
7. 7-speed sports automatic transmissions can be ordered. AFS systems for successful parking are also available.
8. Modern energy recuperation (BER) systems for braking energy regeneration with Auto Start-Stop options were integrated to save fuel.

Important! Run Flat tires can be installed on the E88, allowing the vehicle to travel up to 100 km even in the absence of pressure!

Conclusion

While some may consider

The diesel-powered cars, denoted as 118/120D, are equipped with N47 engines. This technology, dating back to the late 1990s, features a distinctive torque dip followed by a surge. To ensure smooth engine operation, a special cartridge with two balancing shafts was installed. The timing chain drive system, consisting of two chains, is located at the front of the engine.

Featuring a two-liter displacement and power outputs of 143/177/204 hp, the diesel engines in these models exhibit fuel consumption ranging from 4.4 to 6.7 liters per 100 km. Acceleration to 100 km/h ranges from 7.6 to 9.5 seconds, with top speeds varying from 208 to 230 km/h. These engines are reliable but fuel-thirsty.

The diesel engines feature BER mechanisms with Start-Stop buttons for energy regeneration during braking.

Starting in 2014, BMW I8 cars equipped with petrol naturally aspirated engines along with electric motors were introduced. However, these cars are not accessible to everyone.

Advanced Technologies

During the creation of the BMW 1 E88, numerous advanced technologies and intelligent solutions were implemented to enhance the efficiency of these compact convertibles.

The base configurations offer EPS electric power steering with Servotronic options. These systems enhance steering but adjust according to the cars' speed. The cars are easy to handle with precision and comfort at low and high speeds. Thanks to the active steering control option, the transmission ratios of leather multi-function steering wheels adapt to the car's speed.

Standard-equipped cars feature:

1. ABS – Anti-lock Braking System;
2. ASC – Traction Control. Prevents wheel spin during acceleration.
3. CC – Cornering Brake Control. Assists in vehicle stabilization during cornering.
4. DTC – Dynamic Traction Control. Allows increased wheel slip for the driving wheels.
5. SRS — Self-diagnostic error mechanisms.

All these systems are controlled by the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) mechanism. Additionally, there are adaptive lighting systems belonging to lighting packages and AUX for BMW standard stereos.

In the BMW E88 cars, standard navigation systems with 8.8-inch monitors, an 8 GB hard disk, and built-in 3D are installed. A TV tuner can also be connected. Provision is made for mobile phone placements with Bluetooth connectivity.

Comfort access allows for opening/closing the cars without active identification transmitters (keys).

Additional options include retrofit kits for integrating additional lighting into fog lights.

Turning signals activate automatic lamps that illuminate the vehicle's side areas.

Paddle shifters are available for retrofitting steering wheels.

Thanks to PDC systems, drivers of convertibles are protected from collisions on the road, with audible signals warning of imminent danger.

Additionally, BMW 1 E88 developers equipped the cars with advanced passive safety devices.

These include:

• airbags/seat belts,
• seat headrests,
• energy-absorbing bumper elements,
• collapsible steering columns,
• safe glass, and more.

Steering wheels with buttons that display open mouths with waves are devices for voice control. Not all cars have Russian language support, but English/German language options are available.

Thanks to electronics, any malfunctions are displayed with codes on screens. If the car fails to start, the display will show the glow system.

Special Features of BMW 1 E88

• Cars with manual transmissions feature gear shift indicators located in front of the drivers for calculating economic gear changes. These indicators assist in shifting gears economically, considering the load on the power units and driving conditions.
• Due to their lightweight construction, excellent aerodynamic properties, and flawless engines, the cars significantly reduce fuel consumption, offering convertible drivers true pleasure in their journeys. BMW EfficientDynamics optimizes energy usage efficiently.
• The cars provide excellent handling, with optimal weight distribution between rear-wheel drives, low centers, and superb aerodynamics.
• Even during cornering maneuvers, drivers are aided by active steering mechanisms. Independent spring suspensions are installed at the front and rear.

Russian car enthusiasts do not particularly favor convertibles and coupes. They prefer station wagons and sedans with four doors. This includes the E60 cars produced from 2003 to 2009. Over one million of the former and over 260,000 of the latter were sold. These models were replaced by the F10 series in 2010 and the F30 sedans in October 2011.

Differences Between Facelifted BMW 1 E88 and Pre-Facelift Models

1. In 2012, facelift changes affected the adaptive front lights, ensuring continuous illumination during turns.
2. Sport steering wheels and sport seats found in the M Sport variant can now be comfortably installed in the cabins. The instrument cluster has been updated.
3. The cars have received new airbag safety devices. Central airbags were placed in the center of the multifunction steering wheels next to the front passenger. Backrests of the front seats and rear seats were also equipped with side airbags, providing protection for the chest and pelvis.
4. Doors were fitted with curtain airbags. Roof airbags were placed between the columns.
5. Knee airbags were installed below the steering wheels/glove compartments. In the center, in the armrests of the front seats/center rear seats, to prevent secondary impacts within the cabins.
6. The cars were equipped with Internet access systems with Connected Drive features. Wi-Fi devices with USB audio interfaces, GPS, 8.8-inch screens, Bluetooth, and audio transmissions were installed.
7. 7-speed sports automatic transmissions can be ordered. AFS systems for successful parking are also available.
8. Modern energy recuperation (BER) systems for braking energy regeneration with Auto Start-Stop options were integrated to save fuel.

Important! Run Flat tires can be installed on the E88, allowing the vehicle to travel up to 100 km even in the absence of pressure!

Conclusion