The New 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible
At a glance:
• Available in the U.S. in early 2015 as 228i and M235i.
• All-wheel drive 228i xDrive will be available from launch.
• Convertible soft top, electrically operated, even while moving up to 30 miles per hour.
• Track handling package available.
• Twin turbo, two-liter, four-cylinder engine in the BMW 228i Convertible generates 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. With eight-speed automatic transmission, goes from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.
• M Performance twin-turbo inline-six in the M235i Convertible generates 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. Equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, its zero-to 60 time is five seconds flat. With the eight-speed automatic, that time drops to 4.8 seconds.
• The 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible will be offered at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $38,850 for the 228i, and $40,650 for the 228i xDrive, $48,650 for the M235i, including $950 destination and handling.
The BMW 2 Series convertible is the direct descendant of the BMW 1 Series convertible, which was the first open-top premium model in the sub-compact market segment; more than 130,000 BMW 1 Series ragtops were sold worldwide. The new 2 Series convertible builds on that success, taking the basic BMW traits of handling and performance, keeping the fun factor, and adding more power, better fuel efficiency, and improvements in driving comfort, connectivity, and innovative equipment.
BMW—and many BMW enthusiasts—like to trace the lineage of modern models back to the car we most identify with the spirit of BMW: the 2002. These geneology exercises previously involved comparing the BMW 3 Series to the 2002. Well, the 3 Series has grown so large the comparison is no longer valid. Enter the 2 Series Coupe and now the 2 Series Convertible. These cars compare more favorably to the 2002 in size and spirit. The first 2002 Convertible was built by Baur in 1967, and BMW entry-level convertibles have been popular ever since.
Fans of previous BMW soft-tops will recognize traditional characteristics on the new 2 Series Convertible. First evident is the car’s low-slung silhouette and high shoulder line. The top is operated electrically. Rollover protection bars remain hidden until they need to deploy. Short wheel overhangs, a long hood, the long wheelbase, and the set-back passenger compartment provide a more sports-car-like experience that is multiplied when the top comes down.
Evolution of the traditional BMW design.
As previewed on the 2 Series Coupe, classic BMW design elements have evolved. The kidney grilles lean a bit forward and the twin circular headlights narrow toward the grilles. Air Curtains integrated into the front apron channel air behind the front fenders, reducing turbulence in the wheel arches. An LED accent strip—or, if the car has Xenon lights, an LED accent light—runs across the top of the headlights.
The BMW 2 Series Convertible’s body is widest around the rear wheels. The rear lights display the traditional L-shape and have LED-powered light strips. The third brake light is integrated into the trunk lid and also uses LED units.
The interior of the BMW 2 Series Convertible will look familiar to BMW fans, with its driver-focused cockpit.
Picking the design line: Sport Line and M Sport.
Two design lines will be available on 2 Series Convertibles delivered in the U.S. The Sport Line brings exclusive eighteen-inch light-alloy wheels, sport suspension (not available with xDrive), special door sill strips, seat upholstery, interior trim strips, and car key designs. Interestingly, the number of kidney grille bars have been reduced from eleven per side to eight. The driver and front passenger will sit in sport seats and the driver will get a knee pad on the side of the center console.
Cars with M Sport will have special sport suspension tuning, including a ten-millimeter drop in ride height (not available on xDrive). Eighteen-inch M light-alloy double-spoke wheels, aerodynamic body elements—including large front air intakes, eye-catching side skirts, and a diffuser for the rear apron—and a special design for the kidney grille highlight the M Sport cars. The aluminum door sill strips on this line will have the M logo, Aluminum Hexagon interior trim strips with an accent strip in Estoril Blue, an M leather steering wheel, a special dial design for the instrument cluster, and an M driver’s footrest.
The same Track Handling Package that is available on the 2015 228i Coupe can also be had on the 228i Convertible. It includes the Adaptive M Suspension, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires on exclusive eighteen-inch light-alloy wheels, Variable Sport Steering, and M Sport Brakes.
The top.
The standard, electrically operated soft top can be opened or closed in twenty seconds. This can happen not only when the car is stopped, but also when it is underway, provided the car’s speed is less than 30 miles per hour. With the Comfort Access option, the roof can also be opened and closed by remote control.
The standard roof top is black, but the fabric can also be ordered in two optional colors: Anthracite with silver effect and Brown with silver effect. In each of these, the fabric of the cover is interwoven with fine shiny fibers, rendering a high-quality, shimmering metallic surface impression and producing attractive reflections under sunlight.
Soundproofing has been improved, compared with the car’s predecessor, with additional insulation for the convertible top. Interior noise has been reduced by 5 dB(A) in the front seats and 7 dB(A) in the rear.
Increased spaciousness and versatility.
The BMW 2 Series Convertible may be the smallest BMW convertible today, but it’s still bigger than its predecessor, which translates into more room for its occupants and more storage space. Getting into the rear seats should be a tad bit easier in this model.
Everyone wants to know how much they can carry in the trunk. BMW says the larger space will fit two 46-inch golf bags or a pair of snowboards.
BMW 228i Convertible: Power for typical driving enjoyment.
The 228i is driven by a BMW TwinPower Turbo two-liter, four-cylinder engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, Valvetronic fully variable valve lift regulation, and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing. It generates a maximum of 240 horsepower between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm. Its peak torque of 255 pound-feet is available from 1,450 to 4,800 rpm. The 228i’s eight-speed sport automatic transmission—with manual shift paddles—helps propel the car from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Launch Control is standard.
EPA numbers for fuel consumption are not yet available, but the company expects the figures to be as much as 30 percent better than its 128i Coupe predecessor.
BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system available from launch
In a first for BMW in this class of premium convertible, the 228i Convertible will be available with xDrive, the company’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, right from launch. The 228i xDrive will do the zero-to-60 dance in 5.6 seconds.
Driving Dynamics, Eco Pro mode with coasting function, and Proactive Driving Assistant.
The standard Driving Dynamics Control switch allows drivers to choose between Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes.
Eco Pro supports relaxed, fuel-efficient driving with features such as a coasting function. This function decouples the engine from the rest of the drivetrain when the accelerator is released at speeds between 30 and 100 mph. Vehicles equipped with the Navigation system also include a Proactive Driving Assistant that tells the driver when to lift the throttle ahead of features such as corners, turn-offs, roundabouts, and speed limit zones. Standard-specification BMW EfficientDynamics technology includes Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand operation of ancillary units, Electric Power Steering, Optimum Gearshift Indicator (manual transmission), and the Auto Start Stop function.
Chassis: enhanced sporty performance and comfort.
The BMW 2 Series Convertible driving experience provides a balance of sporty performance and comfort. The precision-tuned chassis includes a double-pivot front suspension with spring struts and anti-roll bars, plus a a five-link rear suspension, an electrically assisted rack-and-pinion steering system, and a high-performance braking system.
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) includes functions such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC). These systems are complemented by Brake Assist, Fading Compensation, the Brake Drying function, the Start-Off Assistant, and the Limited Slip Differential emulating Active Differential Brake (ADB-Sport) on the rear axle, which is active even in DSC-Off mode.
Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are standard on the BMW 228i Convertible. Eighteen-inch alloys are optional. The nineteen-inch forged BMW M Performance alloy wheels can also be had on this model.
The available Track Handling Package includes a range of chassis systems including variable sport steering, which features a variable-ratio steering rack that becomes more direct as the steering angle increases, for example when parking or making a turn.
Included in this package is the M Sport brake system featuring four-piston fixed calipers at the front, two-piston fixed calipers at the rear and extra-large brake discs. The calipers are painted dark blue and carry the M logo. The M Sport brakes require 18” light alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport non-run-flat performance tires.
Also included is the Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers with a ten-millimeter reduction in ride height compared to the standard suspension set-up.
The BMW M235i Convertible: The first open-top M Performance Automobile
BMW differentiates between an M car—like the M3, M4, M5, and M6—and an M Performance car, like the M235i. While the M235i is not a full-blown M car, it has enough additional power, handling, and cosmetic tweaks to put it clearly a level above its 228i stablemate. If the M235i was the first M Performance car, the M235i becomes the first open-top M Performance car. It shares with the coupe a more powerful engine mated to either an eight-speed sport automatic or six-speed manual transmission, aerodynamically optimized body features, and custom chassis components. Drivers comparing the two new 2 Series Convertibles to each other will feel the difference, just as BMW’s M people intended.
Inline-six engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology.
The M235i Convertible’s M Performance TwinPower Turbo, three-liter, inline-six provides high horsepower and torque over a wide engine speed range. The engine features a twin-scroll turbocharging system, High Precision Direct Injection featuring centrally positioned multi-hole injectors, Valvetronic variable valve lift regulation, and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing. The maximum 320 horsepower comes between 5,800 and 6,000 rpm. Peak torque of 330 pound-feet is available between 1,400 and 4,500 rpm.
An eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission with Launch Control is standard and will propel the M235i Convertible from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Those owners opting for the six-speed dry sump manual will be two-tenths of a second slower at 5.0 seconds. Top speed for both versions of the convertible is electronically limited to 155 miles per hour.
Fuel mileage estimates have not yet been released, but should be fairly close to those of the M235i Coupe, which were 20 percent better than the 135i Coupe.
Agile and precise custom chassis technology.
The same M chassis tuning that made the M235i Coupe a hit with drivers will be in the Convertible version. Custom-configured suspension and damping systems as well as special front suspension elastokinematics are adapted both to the performance characteristics of the six-cylinder engine and to the specific requirements of the open body style. M Sport brakes and variable sport steering—specially configured for the convertible—are standard on the BMW M235i Convertible.
Exclusive 18-inch M alloy wheels with mixed Michelin Pilot Super Sport non-run-flat performance tires in size 225/40 R18 front and 245/35 R18 rear are standard on the M235i Convertible.
Aerodynamic balance with a sports car flavor.
The precise handling of the BMW M235i Convertible is due to custom chassis technology and optimized aerodynamic balance. The M-style front apron with its large air intakes and flaps adapted from racing car designs extend into the area which, on other 2 Series Convertibles, hold the fog lamps. Exterior mirror caps are finished in Ferric Grey metallic. The rear apron incorporates twin tailpipes in black chrome.
Door sills on the six-cylinder convertible are adorned with “M235i” aluminum inserts. Other interior features include sports seats, an M leather steering wheel, and an M driver’s footrest. The interior is illuminated with variable-color interior lighting and blue detailing for the car key.
BMW ConnectedDrive in the BMW 2 Series Convertible: First over-the-air updates to navigation data
Electronic connectivity between the driver, car, and everything else in the universe is becoming a BMW hallmark. The standard and optional BMW ConnectedDrive systems are intended to enhance safety, comfort, and infotainment in ways rarely found in the subcompact car market. The 2 Series Convertible is the first BMW that will offer over-the-air updating of navigation data via the embedded SIM card, when equipped with the available BMW Navigation System. Did we mention that the nav data updates will be free? For BMW owners who have gone through previous nav updates, free updates without going to the dealer is a big deal. The BMW 2 Series Convertible’s standard SIM card can also support LTE wireless, which means faster and more reliable data transfer.
Over-the-air updates will happen several times a year, whenever new map versions are available. Automatically, updates are downloaded and installed, with update progress displayed in the Control Display, and you can still use the nav system while updates are happening.
Internet-based services can be integrated into the car via apps.
The optional Technology Package gives 2 Series Convertible owners access to remote functions, the BMW Online portal, and Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information. BMW Assist eCall with Enhanced Automatic Collision Notification function and BMW TeleServices are standard on the car.
Other functions can be added at any time using apps—either via a smartphone integrated with the vehicle using special interface technology or via the built-in SIM card. These include web radio functions and social media services such as Facebook and Twitter. So, with this technology, drivers can also load BMW-ready third-party applications from other providers.
Driver assistance systems.
A wide range of BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems is available for the BMW 2 Series Convertible. These include:
• Standard rain sensor with automatic headlight activation.
• Optional high-beam assistant.
• With optional Xenon headlights, Adaptive Headlights including cornering light, variable headlight distribution, and adaptive headlight range control for city and highway driving.
• Park Distance Control (with Driver Assistance Package).
• Rear view camera (with Driver Assistance Package).
• Optional Parking Assistant for choosing and maneuvering into parallel parking spaces.
• Active Driving Assistant feature as part of the Driver Assistance Plus package, which also includes Speed Limit Info. This system includes the camera-based Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and Attention Assistant systems.
See it first at the LA Auto Show.
The new—and first ever—2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible will have its North American coming-out party at the 2014 Los Angeles International Auto Show scheduled for November 18–30, 2014. BMW’s newest cabrio should be in dealer showrooms early in 2015.
The 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible will be offered at an MSRP of $38,850 for the 228i, $40,650 for the 228i xDrive, and $48,650 for the M235i, each including $950 destination and handling.
So, is the BMW 2 Series the new 2002 and is the BMW 2 Series Convertible the reincarnation of the 2002 Baur convertible? Who cares? On a bright, sunny day, they’re both great rides.—Scott Blazey
