Fast Facts

Verdict:
An accomplished convertible from BMW that does almost everything well

Handles well, good interior quality, high equipment count

Adequate engine performance, can only realistically drive with top down during early morning and late at night

The BMW 120i convertible is more of a cruiser than a bruiser

By Justin Lee

LOOKING AT THE 120i, a mental image of cruising down long winding roads by the ocean in some exotic locale with the top down while listening to song “California Dreaming” by the Mamas & The Papas is brought to mind.

However, the reality is further from what is imagined in Singapore where the urbanised landscape is at odds with the life that this cabriolet seems destined for. Putting the roof down and driving on any road here can be a rather discomforting affair with exhaust fumes from buses, trucks and taxis polluting the cabin.

But that is not to say that the 120i is not cut out for our local environment. For a country where a majority of the population places lots on face value and has a love for all things branded, this car ticks all the right boxes. It is high in the glamour stakes and commands attention of the good variety.

The controversial flame surfacing design that looks slightly awkward on its 118i hatchback brethren translates well on the 120i with the addition of a boot balancing out the proportions. The car is eye-catching and looks its best topless.

An imposing pair of headlamps along with BMW’s trademark double kidney grille dominates the front of the car while the rear is rather nondescript with L-shaped tail lamps featuring LED lighting units.

Inside, drivers are greeted by the same dashboard as found in all the other 1-Series models with the exception of buttons to work the roof, and the digital climate control interface (all other 1-Series variants here have manual air-conditioner switches). Everything is solidly screwed together and the plastics covering the cabin feel good to the touch. There is also a right-ness to the weighting of the controls that the brand does so well.

The driving experience is excellent with the 120i feeling stable at high speeds and adroit through corners. Due to the stiff body, there is little of that nasty scuttle shake that afflicts lesser open top cars. The steering is heavy but it is accurate with plenty of feel.

The roof folds in 22 seconds and can be operated while the car is moving at speeds of up to 40km/h. Sound insulation for the cabin is good even though the 120i has a fabric top instead of a folding hardtop. With the roof down, there is minimal buffeting and the wind deflector is a cinch to install.

It is a portly car though and the 2.0-litre 16-valve unit producing 156bhp at 6,400rpm is just about adequate to move the car convincingly off the line. The 120i is happiest at cruising speeds and its six-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and keen to downshift.

For $158,800, the 120i has a high equipment level with items such as automatic Xenon headlamps, rain sensing wipers and a whole lot more. It is a reasonable price to pay for a premium car that allows you to have a breath of sunshine and to own one would probably be one of the better things that can be enjoyed in life.

NEED TO KNOW

BMW 120i (A) Convertible
ENGINE TYPE 1,995cc 16V in-line 4
MAX POWER 156bhp at 6,400rpm
MAX TORQUE 200Nm at 3,600rpm
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic
TOP SPEED 214km/h
0-100KM/H 8.4 seconds
PRICE $158,800
WARRANTY 3 years / 100,000km
CONTACT Performance Motors
TELEPHONE 6319-0100