It seems BMW has fallen for the diet fad that has swept North America with a variety of novel weight-loss programs. I'm thinking it was the Atkins version that peeled away unnecessary mass from the 335i while retaining its core strength and increasing its formidable performance. Known as the 135i, this "protein only" four-seater is now available as a soft-top convertible.
Flawless foundation
Build upon a flawed foundation, and structural integrity will be compromised irrespective of design and appearance. Fortunately the foundation of the 135i Cabriolet is a coupe with stunning all-around capability, and chopping its roof off hasn't undermined its envelope-pushing attributes one iota.
The 135i Cabriolet, sporting a power-operated roof that rises and falls in mere seconds, follows the introduction of the much-vaunted 135i Coupe at Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung in 2007. When in-place, the Cab's fabric shelter provides an effective barrier against Mother Nature's wrath.
The top is tight fitting. Its insulating qualities ensure a cozy, quiet cabin when foul weather dictates. Working against the driver in such circumstances is a small rear window, which limits rearward visibility, making parking situations and lane changes slightly more daring.
Despite a roof that encourages looking forward not back, the absence of compromise ensured the 135i's structural rigidity would remain once its roof was dispensed with. As a convertible, this vehicle exhibits all the solidity of a hardtop. Potholes and road disfigurement fail to render it a gelatin mass; and it's onto this hardened chassis that an M-tuned sport suspension is fused.
Power justifies aggressive styling
The 135i projects a scrappy image. It reminds me of a small dog acting tough in the presence of much larger canine. It's not about to back down when challenged, and most important of all, it's got the goods to back up the snarl.
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| BMW's formidable little soft-top proves that automotive Nirvana does exist. |
Flawless foundation
Build upon a flawed foundation, and structural integrity will be compromised irrespective of design and appearance. Fortunately the foundation of the 135i Cabriolet is a coupe with stunning all-around capability, and chopping its roof off hasn't undermined its envelope-pushing attributes one iota.
The 135i Cabriolet, sporting a power-operated roof that rises and falls in mere seconds, follows the introduction of the much-vaunted 135i Coupe at Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung in 2007. When in-place, the Cab's fabric shelter provides an effective barrier against Mother Nature's wrath.
The top is tight fitting. Its insulating qualities ensure a cozy, quiet cabin when foul weather dictates. Working against the driver in such circumstances is a small rear window, which limits rearward visibility, making parking situations and lane changes slightly more daring.
Despite a roof that encourages looking forward not back, the absence of compromise ensured the 135i's structural rigidity would remain once its roof was dispensed with. As a convertible, this vehicle exhibits all the solidity of a hardtop. Potholes and road disfigurement fail to render it a gelatin mass; and it's onto this hardened chassis that an M-tuned sport suspension is fused.
Power justifies aggressive styling
The 135i projects a scrappy image. It reminds me of a small dog acting tough in the presence of much larger canine. It's not about to back down when challenged, and most important of all, it's got the goods to back up the snarl.
 |
| The top is tight fitting. Its insulating qualities ensure a cozy, quiet cabin when foul weather dictates. |