Perhaps the most striking thing about the 2009 BMW 135i convertible on the BMW stand in Detroit is that the car really is quite striking. It has none of the ungainly angles of the 1 Series coupe .
We saw a 128i convertible with its top raised, and it turned out to be the optional top with metallic fibers woven into the cloth. Although the lights of an auto show are invariably harsh, the top looked almost like vinyl from a distance. If we bought a 1 Series convertible, we wouldn't choose it.
On a more substantive level, BMW announced basic pricing for the 1 Series at the press conference. Coupes will start at $29,375, while convertibles will come in at $33,875, and said Tom Purves, CEO of BMW of North America, "arrive in time for summer." Those prices are for the 128s of course, so expect to reach deep into the $30Ks if you want the twin-turbo 135i. -- Erin Riches, Senior Editor
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