Big Motoring World Reviews: BMW 2 Series Convertible

Summer has arrived, so what more could you ask for than a convertible, classy and stylish BMW 2 Series? Big Motoring World digs deeper than the surface.

This car does all the sensible stuff with a big helping of style and fun. The engines available are a direct carry over from the coupe range – as anyone who’s ever driven a two-door tin top will tell you, that’s a very good thing.

Speed

It records 7.5 seconds for the sprint to 62mph and hits a top speed of 144mph. Press the Sport button and the steering weight up; the throttle responses sharpen. Press the button once more and you'll find Sport+, which partially separates the stability control and offers an even sharper throttle pedal.

The BMW’s front end features a broad kidney grille, with swept up side skirts, some deeply-surfaced flanks and tight overhangs towards the back. It’s a rear-wheel drive which is emphasised by the wide design at the rear wheel arches.

Inside, it’s got an improved build quality with substantial stylish plastic throughout. BMW's much-improved iDrive system features and now features a higher definition 6.5 inch flat screen.

Prices start at around £30,000 and the competition in this sector has become a bit hotter of late, with Audi launching its vastly improved A3 Convertible. The BMW is slightly different in that it’s more about style that speed. The hood operation is the best in its category and the effectiveness of the air con and stereo are exactly what you would expect from a luxury sports car.

Review

To go from Coupe to Convertible, BMW have done as remarkable job as could be expected. It looks like the stylish Coupe with the roof up, yet it’s sleek and clean with the roof down. Overall, it will take some beating to maintain your sleek streak in the BMW 2 Series on the roads this summer.

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By: Big Motoring World On 12:45

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BMW i8 and 2 Series Coupe named 2015 AUTOMOBILE All-Star

Automobile Magazine names the BMW i8 and 2 Series Coupe on their AUTOMOBILE All-Star list. To keep thing simple, Automobile Mag says their All-Stars will be the only star cars and only new cars launched. No complicated criteria, no price caps, no categories.

Both the i8 and 2 Series Coupe made their debut this year, and while the 228i or M235i are widely available at U.S. dealerships, the hybrid sports car i8 remains sold out at most dealers.

Here is an excerpt from their review of the 2 Series 

The 2 Series is BMW’s most intimate car, at least distantly related to the 2002 model, and it’s diminutive by today’s supersized standards. The 3.0-liter turbo is one of the sweetest engines made today, partly because it’s potent but not pretentious, and intensely responsive. Like the entire car, it’s not out to make a big statement. This car is for the true Bimmer believers or, better yet, the car to create a new crop of believers.

The BMW M235i is not a true-blue M model — gods willing, an M2 will arrive soon — but even the base 228i is a total blast. The engine and power are downsized (a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 240 hp), but the fun isn’t. Equipped with a manual, it weighs less than 3,300 pounds. It will teach you a lesson in rolling momentum, using the brakes only when necessary and negotiating the highest cornering speed while mitigating understeer. Any decent driver can go quickly with 600 hp and carbon-ceramic brakes; it takes old-school skills to do the same in a 2. The beauty is that you’ll murder heavier, high-horsepower cars in the corners.

In other words, it’s pretty hot stuff.

The specialness begins the second you duck below the swan-wing doors, cosy into luxurious chairs, and fire up the all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain: 129 electric horses for front wheels and a 228-hp, electrically assisted three-cylinder gasoline engine out back. Gentle driving lets the i8 cover roughly 22 miles on battery power alone. In our testing, it delivered up to 38 highway mpg.

Toggle up to Sport mode, and the BMW i8 replenishes its 7.1-kilowatt-hour battery on the fly — “fly” being the operative word, with the i8 surging from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The i8’s yee-haw acceleration doesn’t seem to compute with 357 on-paper horses, until you consider the slender 3,455- pound curb weight, nitrous-like electric boost, and a ruthlessly effective six-speed automatic transmission.

With a long wheelbase, precise (if over light) steering, and an intimate GT-style cabin, the BMW is adept at both stoplight and weekend getaways. All-wheel-drive poise combines with surprisingly robust grip for a car with relatively narrow, fuel-saving 20-inch tires. Yet this hybrid saved some gas-electric fireworks for GingerMan Raceway, carving fluid laps and charming the pants off driver after driver.

By: Unknown On 11:00

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2014 Paris Motor Show: BMW 2 Series Convertible World Debut

The second world début at the 2014 Paris Motor Show is the all-new BMW 2 Series Convertible. The second addition to the 2 Series family, or third if you count the 2 Series Active Tourer, the 2 Series Cabriolet joins the coupe in the new, refined, premium compact line-up.

The new BMW 2 Series convertible has some big shoes to fill: The predecessor sold worldwide more than 130,000 units and was the most successful car in its segment.

With an overall length of 4.43 meters, the 2 Series Convertible dominates its predecessor by 7.2 centimetres, while being 2.6 centimetres wider. BMW also promises more space for all occupants and has the boot volume increased by 30 litres to a total of 335 litres. With the roof open, there are 280 litres available, 20 litres more than the “old” BMW 1 Series Convertible E88.

Especially for people who occasionally want to transport bulky things with the roof closed, the increased load-through-flap in the back seat offers a significant value. For example, the new 2 Series Convertible allows the transport of two snowboards or two 46-inch golf bags.

The exterior design of the BMW 2 Series Convertible displays the typical characteristics of an open-top four-seater from the Bavarian brand. The BMW 2 Series Convertible combines a low-slung silhouette and dynamically stretched lines with compact proportions and powerfully contoured surfaces.

All-around modern engines with more power and lower fuel consumption are used that in the BMW 2 Series Convertible. Besides a manual six-speed gearbox available for all F23 variants, the eight-speed ZF automatic transmission can be selected as well.

When it comes to safety features and infotainment features, the new 2 Series is a step ahead of the E88 1 Series, by offering more standard and optional equipment than ever.

In terms of driving dynamics, the 2 Series Convertible offers an adaptive suspension that can be tuned to suit any driving style, from comfortable to super sporty, with a touch of a button. A 20 percent increase in torsional rigidity will take care of the most body roll and deliver a great driving experience.

The 2015 M235i and 228i as well as the 228i xDrive, featuring BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, will arrive in US showrooms in early 2015. The 2015 M235i and 228i as well as the 228i xDrive, featuring BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, will arrive in US showrooms in early 2015.

The 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible will be offered at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $38,850 for the 228i, $40,650 for the 228i xDrive, $48,650 for the M235i, including $950 destination and handling.

By: Unknown On 11:30

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2014 Paris Motor Show: Is this the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer F46?

BMW has announced two world premiers for the 2014 Paris Motor Show: the all-new BMW X6 SAV and the 2 Series Convertible. But the engineering wizards in Munich might have one more surprise for us, the début of the seven-seater BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer.

The extended version of the F45 2 Series Active Tourer carries the internal codename F46 and the main distinguishing feature is a third row of seats. The F46 BMW 2 Series will come with two additional seats that can be folded to save space and provide a larger luggage compartment when needed.

In combination with the folding front passenger seat, the seven-seater van also offers a considerable loading length for the transport of bulky objects.

We expect the seven-seater 2 Series Active Tourer to come with a less steeply sloping roof line, which promises plenty of headroom in the third row of seats.

Engines and transmissions will be shared with his little brother, so expect a combination of three-and four-cylinder engines.

By: Unknown On 17:00

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BMW 2 SERIES CONVERTIBLE ANNOUNCED

BMW has announced its new 2 series convertible, adding to the collection of the 2 series coupe and 2 series active tourer.

It is set to replace the hugely successful 1 series convertible, which was the world’s most popular vehicle in its class.

The 2 series offers customers a choice between four engines, which include a 2.0 litre diesel for the 220d model and the M235i for the M performance version. It’s the first time the latter has been used in a BMW convertible.

Fuel economy in the 2 series has improved by 18% on average compared to the previous 1 series convertible. What’s more, it has improved space and access for passengers, acoustic comfort, dynamism, style and equipment.

 To make the drive more comfortable for passengers and improve enjoyment with the roof down, the car is 72mm longer and 26mm wider than the previous model and its wheelbase is 30mm longer.

Its soft top roof is electrically operated and can rise or lower in 20 seconds at speeds of just over 30mph with the push of a button. This roof has had additional insulation put it to reduce noise and make the whole car better to use all year round. There is also an optional wind deflector to protect against turbulence when travelling with the top down.

This car also boasts the largest boot in its class as it has 335 litres of space. What’s more, customers can opt to have a through-loading system implemented to increase the versatility of the vehicle.

It still contains the typical characteristics of BMW design with its long bonnet, short overhangs and cabin that is closer to the rear. At the front of the car is the double kidney grille, which is slightly leaned forward and sits between twin circular headlights that get narrower towards the centre.

By Beth Lloyd

By: Unknown On 13:30

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BMW 2 Series convertible with 'M' sport package

From the launch time (February 2015), the new BMW 2 series Convertible will be available to order with the M Sport Package. Shown here is the F23 BMW 228I Convertible with the estoril Blue Metallic and the 18-inch light-alloy wheels double spoke 461.

Cheapest model with M sport Package is the BMW 220I Convertible, which has a base price of 39,400 euros – then there is 4,050€ extra charge for the M sport package.

Specifically included with every BMW 2er Convertible with M Sports Package are M aerodynamics package, M sport suspension, M shifter, sport seats, and multifunction buttons on the M leather steering wheel.

In addition to the Estoril Metallic Blue, customers can order the following colours; Black Sapphire, Glacier Silver, Mineral White, Melbourne Red and Mineral Grey. The interior trim BMW calls only for the finest wood which adds a surcharge of 100 euros.

By Beth Lloyd

By: Unknown On 08:30

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BMW 2 Series Active Tourer!

We know the concept of a BMW 2 series sounds strange but it’s about to hit the streets.

The BMW 2 series active tourer is BMW’s first front-wheel drive car and will be the first in a line of newly designed front wheel drive models.

Not only is it the first front-wheel drive it will be the first BMW to be available with a three cylinder powered by a 1.5 litre, turbocharged petrol engine. We think this sounds like the makings of a pretty nifty little car!

The five seat tourer, will be making its debut appearance in the Geneva Motor Show this week and is due to go on sale in September at £23,000.

So, what do you think? Will you be first in line to own a 2 Series Active Tourer? 

Let us know at @BigMotoring or on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/BigMotoringWorld

By: Unknown On 11:29

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