1 Series Convertible - Any engine you want....

[Andrew D]

... as long as it's not a 123d.

The BMW UK website has been updated to include the 118i, 120d and 130i. M Sport models are also shown. Unfortunately no 123d, which is a real shame as there's a bit of a gaping hole between the 120i/d and the 125i in performance and running costs (125i in band F, what's all that about?).

Anyone know if there's going to be a 123d in the E88, or is it Coupe and hatchback exclusive?

[PJR]

Sorry, can't help much. But have you tried a 120D? They are not half bad you know. Ok, they sound rough at idle (what 4 pot diesel doesn't). But in every other respect, its great.

P,

[kentmotorcompany]

History shows that BMW always seem to release the most desirable engines last.

I think this is because a new model will always sell well because of the novelty factor, and later on in the models life, the more desirable engines helps keep the sales high.

[Andrew D]

I hope they do end up releasing it at some point (a-la the 330cD E46 Cab). I'm considering a 1 Cab as a replacement for my Z4 3.0i in a couple of years but I'm on the fence about which to go for.

I originally fancied the 125i, as it's got similar power to my Z4 but with the bonus of joke rear seats for practicality (which I don't need, but it's nice to have). But as it's in tax Band F and does 34mpg, there aren't really any savings over the Z4 so I might as well stick with that. Besides which the 135i is now on the cards, so the 125i becomes pretty pointless; you lose about 3mpg but gain 80bhp... hmmm... let me think.

So the 135i is in the driving seat for direct power/economy replacement, but I'm flirting with going environmentally friendly and getting something a little more economical. Now the 120d has quite a bit of poke, but it's not sufficiently more powerful or economical than the 120i to justify the less refined experience (as I will perceive it). And in either case I'm not sure 170-177bhp would be enough to lug around the bulk of the E88, even if it is saving fuel and the planet.

I only do about 8k miles per year, so economy isn't a deal-breaker per se, but I'm concerned about the effect of rising fuel prices on desirability (and thus residuals) of less economical cars. Plus there's always the possibility that Darling will go off the deep end and do to Band F what they did with Band G (i.e. "the sky's the limit!&quot. Which is where the 123d would come in. By any measure it would have enough stonk to provide good, clean fun whilst being frugal and not costing much to tax (thus sticking two fingers up to the automobile haters in Whitehall). Moreover, being a sequential turbo it's got technical novelty which outweighs the fact that it's a diesel. And if it sounds anything like the 3.0d from the X5, it'll sound ace anyway.

[gwatson]

Slightly off topic.. anyword of a 323d?

Edited by gwatson on Wednesday 27th February 18:49

[PJR]

Andrew D said:

And if it sounds anything like the 3.0d from the X5, it'll sound ace anyway.

It won't unfortunately. 6 cylinders vs 4 see's to that.

P,

[Andrew D]

I didn't mean exactly like a 3.0d, but rather not like a traditional rattling diesel.