Along side the highly regarded 1 Series M Coupé, launched locally last week, BMW also took the opportunity to introduce a facelifted 1 Series Coupé and Convertible range. As with the 3 Series Coupé and Convertible facelift in July last year, the updates are subtle, but enough to keep the models looking fresh.

The front fascia has been restyled to include BMW’s ‘Air Curtain’ design, which directs air around the front wheels in order to reduce the car’s aerodynamic drag. The headlights have been given an ‘eyebrow’, which runs across the top of the twin headlights, while an L-shaped rear light cluster now features an all-red housing. Xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights and LED strips in the rear lights create an easily identifiable BMW night-time look.

Inside, the Coupé and Convertible are now available with a number of new upholstery options, namely, ‘Network’ fabric upholstery in Magna Brown, and Oyster or Savanna Beige ‘Boston’ leather. 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. In addition, the standard-version interior has seen chrome edging been added around the light control centre and the climate control panel. The interior trim strip is also now available in an Alpine White version.

In terms of engines, the line-up remains unchanged, except for the 135i models, which have been fitted with the latest 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six. The latest 3.0-litre, referred to internally at BMW as the ‘N55′, replaces the twin-turbo N54 unit in favour of a single-turbocharger in combination with Valvetronic and direct injection technologies. The new 3.0-litre N55 engine produces identical power outputs to its predecessor, 225 kW and 400 N.m of torque, but the torque is available over a wider rev-range, from 1 200 – 5 000 r/min. The 135i models are now also available with BMW’s 7-speed double-clutch transmission (DCT), which offers fast and accurate shifts, either via the sequential action of the gear selector or the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.

Prices include a 5-year/100 000 km Motor Plan.

Hot on the heels of last week’s unveiling of the new BMW 1-Series M Coupé comes the first details on the 2011 BMW 1-Series Coupé and Convertible, both of which have been subtly updated. The new cars get some very modest styling updates and a new straight-six engine for the range-topping 135i variant.

The new design of the cars’ front fascia includes BMW’s ‘Air Curtain’ design that counters turbulence near the wheel arches and so reduces the aerodynamic resistance of the vehicle. The head and tail light clusters have also been slightly redesigned, while the interiors of both the 1-Series Coupé and Convertible receive new switches and controls have a more refined look and feel.

Powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six engine that generates 170 kW, a new 128i variant of the 1-Series Coupé and Convertible has been introduced, featuring BMW’s Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology and aluminum/magnesium construction-core elements of BMW’s EfficientDynamics.

The 2011 BMW 135i models, meanwhile, feature BMW’s newest iteration of its popular 3.0-litre straight-six engine. Equipped with a single, twin-scroll turbocharger and BMW’s Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology, the engine produces 225 kW and 400 Nm of torque. Referred to internally as the “N55″, the engine reaches peak torque at 1 200 r/min and maintains peak torque all the way to 5 000 r/min.

A six-speed manual remains standard across the board but the 128i can be opted with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the more potent 135i is available with BMW’s seven-speed dual clutch ‘box. The fastest model remains the 135i equipped with the dual clutch transmission, covering the 0 – 100 km/h dash in a scorching 5.2 seconds.

via MotorAuthority

The 2010 BMW 135i Coupe and Convertible will be offered with an optional 7-speed dual clutch transmission for the first time, helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while boosting acceleration times and overall performance.

Both cars stick with a twin-turbocharged 3,0-litre straight-six engine rated at 225 kW at 5,800 rpm and 400 N.m of torque, which comes on as low as 1 200 rpm all the way up to 5 000 rpm. Additionally, the engine now features BMW’s Valvetronic valve adjustment system, which is the first time the system has been offered on a turbocharged engine.

With the addition of the 7-speed dual clutch transmission, the 2010 BMW 135i Coupe will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds flat while the slightly heavier 135i Convertible is understandably a bit off the pace, posting a 5.3 second run for the 0-100 km/h sprint.

The best part is that the fuel consumption of both the Coupe and Convertible equipped with the dual clutch transmission is better than the standard manual equipped models, as well as the former automatic models.

Both models come as standard with a modified M Aerodynamics Package and M Sports Suspension. Other standard features include DSC Dynamic Stability Control with an individualized set-up, an electronic limited slip differential, as well as model-specific control maps for Servotronic power steering and accelerator pedal.

Adapted from MotorAuthority