Detroit Autoshow: BMW 128i Convertible LCI

[Mark]

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Detroit Autoshow: BMW 128i Convertible LCI

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Here is the all new facelift'd BMW 128i Convertible in stunning Vermillion Red. This is a so-called LCI car aka Life Cycle Impulse aka facelift. The new car has been brushed in a stunning Vermillion Red and prominently feature the updated headlight clusters and tailights.

The new headlights have a sharp "eyebrow" with a lighted LED component embedded within them. The overall shape of the cluster is unchanged, but the addition of the eyebrows brings the 1-Series styling inline with the current generation of BMWs, most of which have been released within the last 3 years. Surprisingly, the new eyebrows do make a noticeable difference and give the car a decidedly aggressive attitude.

The truly sharp eyed among you may have immediatly noticed one difference between this car and the car shown in the official 1-series LCI thread. That are the standard orange reflectors which have been embedded into the turn blinkers. When BMW throws on that little disclaimer "** European model shown", I guess it actually means something. But don't blame BMW for this one, its a US regulatory mandate and so its something that must be done for all BMWs brought to the states, in some shape or form. I think we'll be seeing alot of European headlight units imported to the US.

At the rear, the car again uses the same overall shape to the lights but has an updated look with the solid L shaped LED bars embedded within the lights to mirror what has been done on the 5-Series and 7-Series.

Of note is that BMW is taking the concept of EfficientDynamics seriously with this car. The car has the wheels which have been optimized for aerodynamic air flow and help to reduce emmisions in their own little way. You can also see the new Air Curtain technology. There is a little slit embedded into the foglamp cutout on the sides of the front bumper. The idea here is to help improve air flow around the edges of the front bumper in order to reduce turbulence, improve aerodynamics, and ultimatly improve the car's efficiency.

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[Njave]

The only thing missing are bigger wheels! Everything else, just perfect.

[cobradac]

That orange reflector is almost identical to my '05 645. We'll see some sticky coverups first, then some DIY on how to remove while some will opt for Euro units. Hope they are cheaper than the 6ers at $1500-$2000 each unit!

Still it is a looker.

[snowfro]

The coupe next to it looks great too, and can't help but notice the 1m sitting there under the cover!

[wilstave]

Originally Posted by Njave

The only thing missing are bigger wheels! Everything else, just perfect.

agreed....those rims are tragic.....otherwise, sharp look

[Raine]

The rims are...=(

[Vector Pilot]

Agree with the wheels, hopefully the Sports Package will offer a better look.

[hector]

Originally Posted by Njave

The only thing missing are bigger wheels! Everything else, just perfect.

one more thing is missing; this would have been a good time to upgrade the N52 to "130 levels" (250-260hp/220-230tq). that would have tempted me to get another e82 rather than wait for the next-gen.

[Raine]

Originally Posted by hector

one more thing is missing; this would have been a good time to upgrade the N52 to "130 levels" (250-260hp/220-230tq). that would have tempted me to get another e82 rather than wait for the next-gen.

*drool* I think the next gen will be IL4T though.

[FerRrari]

Those eyelids are ugly.

[hector]

Originally Posted by Raine

*drool* I think the next gen will be IL4T though.

you're right. i wouldn't have minded picking up one of the last na inline 6s but not in muted form.