2011 BMW 1-Series Coupe & Convertible facelift revealed [video]

On sale in March

BMW has unveiled a minor facelift for the 1-Series Coupe and Convertible.

Mimicking the 1-Series M Coupe, the updated models receive a new front bumper, redesigned wheels, and LED-infused lighting units. Inside, there's additional standard equipment, new upholstery, and revised trim.

Engine options will carryover, but the 135i will drop the 3.0-liter twin-turbo for the single twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six (dubbed the N55). Despite the fact that they both produce 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) and 300 lb-ft (406 Nm) of torque, BMW says the new engine will offer "better throttle response and even more fuel efficiency." It will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission, but a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is optional.

Pricing information hasn't been released, but the updated models will go on sale in March following their public debut in Detroit next month.

Source: BMW

The new BMW 1 Series Coupe. The new BMW 1 Series Convertible. Now even more efficient and dynamic.

Outstanding efficiency and sporty driving enjoyment are hallmarks of the BMW 1 Series Coupe and the BMW 1 Series Convertible premium compact-class models. These two-door BMW 1 Series models will be adding to their sporty and elegant appeal in model year 2011 with some carefully selected design modifications, optimised aerodynamics and attractive equipment features. A restyled front apron now showcases the typical BMW personality even more effectively. The central under-bumper air intake is strikingly enhanced by a black trim strip, and the sporty theme continues with the apron-integrated foglamps and the new vertical air intakes, which are mounted well to the outside.

The resized vertical ventilation slits in the front apron channel air into the wheel arches to create a kind of "air curtain" or aerodynamic screening effect across the face of the front wheels, which significantly reduces drag in this area. The Air Curtain is a further step in BMW's pioneering EfficientDynamics programme. In combination with Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start- Stop function, the gear shift indicator and on-demand control of auxiliary units, it has a further positive impact on fuel consumption and emissions.

New accents on the lighting front: bold and instantly recognizable.
Both the new BMW 1 Series Coupe and the new BMW 1 Series Convertible come with restyled and even more attractive headlights and rear lights. The detailed reworking of the main headlight unit is further enhanced by an accent strip which runs across the top of the twin headlights. The L-shaped rear light cluster, which now features a new, all-red housing, makes a particularly powerful statement, while xenon headlights with integrated LED accent lights (daytime running lights) and LED strips in the rear lights create the typical, instantly identifiable BMW night-time look.

Further fresh new touches are added by the extended range of exterior paintwork colours and wheel styles. Two bright metallic paintwork colours - Vermilion Red and Marrakesh Brown - add to the exclusive appeal of the BMW 1 Series Coupe and BMW 1 Series Convertible. New 17-inch alloy wheels in star-spoke and Streamline styling, and 18-inch V-spoke alloy wheels with mixed tyres, highlight the distinctive character of these two models, which also happen to be the only rear-wheel-drive cars in the compact segment. Even the entry-level BMW 1 Series Convertible 118i will now run on 16-inch V-spoke alloy wheels as standard.

New upholstery: improved interior customization.
The sporty and exclusive interior feel has been further heightened by new, carefully coordinated interior trim features. The range of seat upholstery and decorative trim features has been extensively revised. The new upholstery options for the BMW 1 Series Coupe and BMW 1 Series Convertible comprise "Network" fabric upholstery in Magma Brown, and Oyster or Savanna Beige "Boston" leather. Other new interior options are a sports leather steering wheel with shift paddles and an M leather steering wheel, again with shift paddles.

On all models, regardless of specification, BMW has now improved the markings on the DSC button in the instrument panel by replacing the letters DSC (Dynamic Stability control) with a new international symbol. On all BMW 1 Series Coupe and BMW 1 Series Convertible models, the standard-version interior now includes a wide range of features that further reinforce the strong sense of quality and refinement. For example, the light control centre and the climate control panel in the centre console now feature elegant chrome edging. The interior trim strip range has been revised and now includes an Alpine White version.

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 FloPoe FloPoe
they also changed the DTC button to now show a little car and the word OFF next to it. looks like the DTC button caused to much confusion
December 16, 2010 2:56 am
 YaSSaL YaSSaL
Not even one of 50+ pics, showing the convertible with top on...
December 16, 2010 4:13 am
 wcfuser14429 wcfuser14429
But the video is showing !!
December 16, 2010 4:54 am
 wcfuser14429 wcfuser14429
What a marketing,, facelift in 2011. Brand new in 2012
December 16, 2010 4:49 am
 DeeKay DeeKay
Might be a brand new one in 2012 for the 3/5-door hatch and the coup? / Cabrio in 2013?
December 16, 2010 9:12 am
 fgb8387 fgb8387
I was thinking the same thing.. that will be good for the 1m too
December 16, 2010 10:07 am
 wcfuser14429 wcfuser14429
ummmm yeah might be
December 17, 2010 7:27 pm
 KeyboardWarrior KeyboardWarrior
Why is BMW coming out with these cheap quality videos with no music and people? They should do what they did with the 5 Series, and 3 Series coupe and convertible, nice short video with music and people.
December 17, 2010 10:14 am
 Intense Intense
The 1-series seems like the E30 (the 3 series from 1980 something to 90 something) of the year 2010/11. The E30's aesthetic design was boxy, compact and edgy, I loved it. The 2011 1-series maintains that overall E30-esque boxy and compact aesthetic, yet the 1-series's front headlights fail to deliver that edgy, sharp look of the E30. Having slipped on several occasions in snow and rain with my E30 with the correct tires for the condition, I do not feel safe in RWD vehicles. I am non-scientifically, a firm believer, from experience, to have more engine power delivered to the front-wheels than to the rear wheels.
January 5, 2011 9:45 pm