Blows your hair off this one doesn’t it?
It would if I had any hair to speak of. But I do get your point and yes it certainly has the ability to throw back some hair strings. It also has the ability to mess it all up as well.
How do you like the styling?
I must say this is an area of some contention even amongst my friends. They either loved it or hated it, which is a typical reaction to most of Chris Bangle’s designs. A few have commented that it looks too “chopped-off” at the rear and that a better option would be the hard-top coupe version. I see no real issues here but I’m sure a convertible hard-top would be more interesting. I liked the butch look of the 135i, those wide wheel arches and convex lines that make it look like a real man’s car. That comment might get me into trouble but I feel this car is just not in touch with its feminine side at all, even with the roof down.
Any differences between it and the coupe?
Not major. But slight feelings of handling compromises can be felt here and there owing to the roof structure and extra weight brought on by the same thing. The roof itself is operated entirely by an electronic button and it opens/ closes within 20 seconds.
Could it be considered a family car?
That depends on what you consider to be “family”. Firstly four adults can sit comfortably inside as long as none of them are over 1.8m tall. The boot as well is not ideal for the larger family as it can only accommodate smaller items. I didn’t try and fit in a golf bag in there so I can’t say if it fits or not. Lastly entry into the rear cabin, although restricted by two doors, is easy enough. Even easier when the top is down.
How does it go?
Very fast!
Seriously?
Yes. Very fast. The BMW 135i Convertible is almost as quick from 0 – 100 as the M3.
Really?
Yeah. We were able to attain a time of 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h at Gauteng altitude. This means anyone with an E49 M3 would have a really tough time getting rid of the 135i Convertible in a straight robot to robot “fight”. We’ve never tested this particular car but TopCar did around 2003 and they got around 6.1 seconds out of it. The chunky short-throw gearshift helped as well and I quite liked how it felt on the left hand as you go through the gears. It’s thanks to the M Sports Package which also extends to the chunky steering wheel with tiny holes that assist with grip.
How’s the twin turbo engine?
In one word, damn strong! That’s two words. Two turbos, 3.0-litres and 225kW. It has won the prestigious World Engine of the Year Award and for good reason. There’s almost no turbo lag at high altitude as the turbos fire instantly, giving the driver the freedom to do pretty much anything he fancies. The other area where the car excels is in handling. Its rear-wheel-drive layout works very well with the 3.0-litre twin turbo but can become a handful to the novice who switches off DSC. Rather keep the thing on, especially in these rainy and wet days.
Massive fun?
Absolutely. The 135i Convertible combines the thrill of driving a car with a brilliant chassis with eye-catching open top motoring. It may not be the most spacious car around, neither is it the prettiest, but where it delivers the most is in the driving experience. Sheer driving pleasure.
BMW 135i Convertible
QUICK STATS
ENGINE: 3.0-litre straight six, twin turbos
POWER: 225kW / 306hp at 5800rpm; 400Nm at 1300rpm
0 – 100KM/H: 5.9 seconds
GEARBOX: 6-speed manual
TOP SPEED: 250km/h limited
FUEL AVERAGE: 11.8 l/100km
CO2 e: 261 g/km
PRICE: R468 000
NATURAL RIVALS: None
*PRICE RIVALS: BMW 525i manual, Audi TT Coupe 3.2 V6, Mercedes-Benz C350 auto, BMW Z4 2.5si, Nissan 350Z Coupe
BABE-MAGNETIC FACTOR: Very High
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