The BMW 125i convertible is an attempt to tame a rebellious spirit. Under the hood sits the familiar and beloved inline six-cylinder engine with a displacement of three liters. It is this unit that in other models produces 265 horsepower and gleefully shreds tires at launch. However, here the old friend is unrecognizable. The three-liter engine is now modestly marked with the 125i badge and has only 218 horsepower instead of the usual 265. Where did the aggression we love the BMW 130i hatchback for go? The "one" has quieted down, calmed down. And if it had lost weight, but no — it has gained more than a hundredweight and now weighs almost 1600 kg.
The smart climate control system in convertibles takes into account the ambient temperature and the intensity of solar radiation.
The picture is not the most cheerful, but there is no reason for despondency either, especially when the fabric roof folds over your head. Just press a small button on the center console — and after 22 seconds you realize that joy is measured not only by power and mass. Would an ordinary first-series hatchback be able to bring the residents of a Rostov khutor into such sacred awe?
However, with the top down, already at a speed of 100 km/h, drafts begin to wander through the cabin. Brrr! Without a wind deflector, it's impossible: it installs with a couple of movements behind the rear seats. Now even at 180 km/h, things don't fly into the sky. It's just a pity that the pleasure comes only from the number on the speedometer, and the acceleration process itself — alas. At least the automatic transmission didn't let us down — it reacts quickly. And the brakes are in perfect order.
The highlight of the interior is leather with color pigments that reflect infrared radiation. Thanks to this technology, the heating of the leather in the sun is reduced. I checked — it helps.
The trunk of the "kopek" is quite spacious by convertible standards — 240 liters with the roof folded (280 liters with it raised). In the backrest of the rear sofa, there is a large hatch with a cover for long items. Two snowboards or a golf bag will fit here.
And the weight is felt here! The "kopeck" steps in an adult way: it doesn't shake, but you understand that the body and suspension are softer than those of hatchbacks and coupes. Reactions are dulled. A convertible is not about sharpness, but about predictability. Not about audacity, but about control. And what else do our precious ones need?
Even in extreme modes, everything is predictable: sliding begins softly and smoothly, and it is easy to control at any stage. The trajectory is just as easy to correct with the throttle. You merge with the car, feel it, but emotions don't run high. I return to the hotel not with burning eyes, but with a clear head without contradictions: the main feature of the convertible is that among all the "ones" it is the most docile and comfortable. At least with the standard suspension and not the most powerful engine. The convertible doesn't blow your mind, but carefully places it in a special compartment for the trip from point A to point B.
It is precisely because of its restraint that the open "one" stands out so much among front-wheel-drive competitors in the golf class. It is the only one of its kind: rear-wheel drive, perfect weight distribution, and an inline six-cylinder engine. Let it be small, let it be soft, but it's a BMW. Premium... In a sense, I'm even lucky that it's the 125i. Let hotheads look at the "one hundred thirty-fifth," but I can recommend this "marketing-throttled" version to everyone. And most importantly — to everyone: what is hidden in such a box will not break or get lost. Whether to a boutique or on the highway at two hundred with the roof down. The small convertible is open to extremes. Open to all.
Technical specifications
| Specifications | BMW 125i Convertible |
|---|---|
| Body | |
| Number of doors/seats | 2/2+2 |
| Length, mm | 4360 |
| Width, mm | 1748 |
| Height, mm | 1411 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2660 |
| Track front/rear, mm | 1474/1507 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 140 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1585 |
| Gross weight, kg | 1980 |
| Trunk volume, l | 260 (305) |
| Engine | |
| Type | petrol, with distributed injection |
| Location | front, longitudinal |
| Number and arrangement of cylinders | 6, in-line |
| Number of valves | 24 |
| Displacement, cm3 | 2996 |
| Max power, hp/rpm | 218/6100 |
| Max torque, Nm/rpm | 270/2500–4250 |
| Transmission | |
| Gearbox | automatic, six-speed |
| Drive | rear |
| Chassis | |
| Front suspension | independent, double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | independent, spring, multi-link |
| Front brakes | disc, ventilated |
| Rear brakes | disc, ventilated |
| Performance characteristics | |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 237 |
| Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h, s | 7.4 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km | |
| urban cycle | 11.6 |
| extra-urban cycle | 6.1 |
| combined cycle | 8.1 |
| Toxicity standard | Euro-4 |
| Fuel tank capacity, l | 53 |
| Fuel | AI-95 |
Equipment Basic equipment
- Six-speed manual transmission
- Fabric upholstery
- Front seats with mechanical adjustments
- Height adjustment for front passenger seat
- BMW Business CD radio
- Alloy wheels
- Sport leather steering wheel
- Front fog lights
- Air conditioning
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Power mirrors
- Front and side airbags
- Fabric folding roof with electric drive
Behind the scenes
The test drive of the first-series convertible was only part of the "Opening of the BMW Summer Season" program in Rostov. The weather was lucky, and the Germans rolled out all their open versions. Imagine the furor the line of convertibles caused on Rostov roads! Only roadside cows were not surprised by anything.