2 Series [Official] BMW Series 2 Cabrio (F23)
- Thread starter tomazino
- Start date
The BMW 2 Series is a range of subcompact executive cars (C-segment) manufactured by BMW since the year 2014. The 2 Series was created when BMW spun-off the 2-door models (coupé and convertible) of the BMW 1 Series into a separate series.
I don't mind admitting I'd probably tick that box just for the sheer novelty value!
Beemer B773ER
Tire Trailblazer
You can get it off eBay. Maybe get it for your 1er! 
Zafiro
Supreme Roadmaster
Q&A: BMW chief designer Karim Habib on creating a boxier 2-series convertible
Tell me about the 2 series.
The convertible is a derivative of the coupe. There is a difference to it from the 1 series, although there are quite a few parts that are the same. It's more about the character for this car, though, because it really is the direct lineage from the 2002.
People love that car.
Or even now more and more people are really appreciating the E30 -- that very clear original BMW spirit. And that's what we focused on essentially, trying to show it become a little boxier. We could have made it a more flowing C-pillar like the 4 series, but we purposely tried to make it have corners. When you make a convertible, and that roof is gone, then what makes it then is that special character [of C-pillar design]. One more thing that is typical of the BMW classic roadster convertible: We also tried to make the trunk lid as low as possible. On the other hand, it can't be too low because you don't have the roof! So that was the major exercise, trying to find that balance. We did it in the 1-series convertible. And that's why that car is one of the best-selling convertibles -- it has the classic feel of BMW convertibles. With the 2 series we did that and made it one click sportier, one click more precise in the line work. Maybe a little bit edgier, a little bit boxier.
How much credence do you give to consumer feedback and market trends vs. your own opinion about what should be done, what is right, where the design should go?
I mean, I am going to say that we don't design cars for ourselves, but our own beliefs as a company, the values, are what it stands for. But we also start with a process where we look around. We have design groups and a context design group in our department. They actually don't draw very much but they research. They travel around the world and talk to trend researchers, talk to architects, journalists and social research people, and they usually try and design a world, a context in the future for which we're designing.
So without getting too philosophical, is there such a thing as absolute beauty in the world, or is it all always in the eye of the beholder?
Hmmm. Uh. That is a very philosophical question! Let me have a sip of my coffee.
OK. For me, for instance, that 2 series looks beautiful. But in a masculine way. A Ferrari to me looks feminine. They both are beautiful, but differently.
Ferraris are feminine? But they're still beautiful to you?
Yes.
And this is handsome?
Yes.
I will get philosophical if you'll allow me some metaphors with women. Just proportional metaphors: Length of the legs to the body. There's something out there that says women with longer legs ... OK? But on the other hand if you look at paintings -- I'm really getting philosophical now. If you look at paintings from the 18th century where women were rounder or had very light skin, that was beautiful. Light skin, big eyes, there are always different things that mean different things to different people, and I just think for cars the long hood has always meant a sort of elegance. That's maybe part of it. I mean if you think of Ferrari, Ferrari was always that. And those Ferraris to me look really beautiful. But if you look at the i8, we designed that car to balance the proportions very differently from a Ferrari or even a Lamborghini. It's pretty long. So like the original M1, it's a bit more balanced. So beauty, to me for cars, [is] a certain balance. A sportiness. And also a humanness. When you look at somebody who looks sportier, maybe they're better looking than someone who is not. There are a lot of things about cars that have to do with human physiology, even the face. And the rear. We talk about shoulders when we talk about the rear as well.
How will the proliferation of alternative fuel vehicles affect the ways cars are designed in the future?
Well, I think it's the best time to be a designer. I really do. We would have never done the i brand if the world wasn't changing. How awesome as a designer to do that? And that isn't changing. We are using more carbon fiber, we are going to be mixing aluminum, steel, carbon fiber. And we have to work with more aerodynamics in mind. That's a challenge, but it's also an opportunity. Even cars on the stand today show how we used aerodynamic restriction to make design features that have made the car better.
What do you mean by aerodynamic restriction?
To achieve our goal of making something that is fuel efficient, we have to make it aerodynamically as strong as possible. We want it to look also dynamic on the sides, so we push the back glass pretty far forward, because we need a long roof and a pretty long spoiler. And that's one thing that looks really quite dynamic. The other thing is a detail. What's really good for a car is to end with an edge. The i8, for example, has this edge in the rear where it's all going down, because it takes the turbulence and ends it; the turbulence area in the rear becomes much shorter. It creates an edge and goes around it, and the air keeps flowing. And even on the 2 series we have a small edge on the taillamp, which you don't really see because it's in glass. We usually like to do that. But this time we said we know we have to do this, so we took that edge all the way down and connected it to the bumper line. And you don't really see that usually but that actually is something that I really like because in the end it gives the car a much better stance.
Sometimes people say vintage cars are more exciting and more emotional than modern cars, and the answer often given is that it's because designers back then didn't have federal efficiency mandates and safety regulations, etc, etc. But what you've described is a scenario where stricter mandates are prompting new creativity.
Sure. Yes. I mean there are different perspectives on that. I think it does. But obviously I'm an industrial designer, and I live in a world of industrial regulations. Probably an artist would say, "Well you're just subject to the external factors," so there are two schools of thought. There's truth to both. I'm always amazed with the kids on my team. They come up with amazing solutions, and I love that. And it's part of -- sorry for being philosophical again -- it's the amazing thing about mankind. That you take a challenge and you make something happen. It's a little part of it -- it's just a line of a car -- but it's a pretty amazing development.
http://europe.autonews.com/article/...ner-karim-habib-on-creating-a-boxier-2-series
Tell me about the 2 series.
The convertible is a derivative of the coupe. There is a difference to it from the 1 series, although there are quite a few parts that are the same. It's more about the character for this car, though, because it really is the direct lineage from the 2002.
People love that car.
Or even now more and more people are really appreciating the E30 -- that very clear original BMW spirit. And that's what we focused on essentially, trying to show it become a little boxier. We could have made it a more flowing C-pillar like the 4 series, but we purposely tried to make it have corners. When you make a convertible, and that roof is gone, then what makes it then is that special character [of C-pillar design]. One more thing that is typical of the BMW classic roadster convertible: We also tried to make the trunk lid as low as possible. On the other hand, it can't be too low because you don't have the roof! So that was the major exercise, trying to find that balance. We did it in the 1-series convertible. And that's why that car is one of the best-selling convertibles -- it has the classic feel of BMW convertibles. With the 2 series we did that and made it one click sportier, one click more precise in the line work. Maybe a little bit edgier, a little bit boxier.
How much credence do you give to consumer feedback and market trends vs. your own opinion about what should be done, what is right, where the design should go?
I mean, I am going to say that we don't design cars for ourselves, but our own beliefs as a company, the values, are what it stands for. But we also start with a process where we look around. We have design groups and a context design group in our department. They actually don't draw very much but they research. They travel around the world and talk to trend researchers, talk to architects, journalists and social research people, and they usually try and design a world, a context in the future for which we're designing.
So without getting too philosophical, is there such a thing as absolute beauty in the world, or is it all always in the eye of the beholder?
Hmmm. Uh. That is a very philosophical question! Let me have a sip of my coffee.
OK. For me, for instance, that 2 series looks beautiful. But in a masculine way. A Ferrari to me looks feminine. They both are beautiful, but differently.
Ferraris are feminine? But they're still beautiful to you?
Yes.
And this is handsome?
Yes.
I will get philosophical if you'll allow me some metaphors with women. Just proportional metaphors: Length of the legs to the body. There's something out there that says women with longer legs ... OK? But on the other hand if you look at paintings -- I'm really getting philosophical now. If you look at paintings from the 18th century where women were rounder or had very light skin, that was beautiful. Light skin, big eyes, there are always different things that mean different things to different people, and I just think for cars the long hood has always meant a sort of elegance. That's maybe part of it. I mean if you think of Ferrari, Ferrari was always that. And those Ferraris to me look really beautiful. But if you look at the i8, we designed that car to balance the proportions very differently from a Ferrari or even a Lamborghini. It's pretty long. So like the original M1, it's a bit more balanced. So beauty, to me for cars, [is] a certain balance. A sportiness. And also a humanness. When you look at somebody who looks sportier, maybe they're better looking than someone who is not. There are a lot of things about cars that have to do with human physiology, even the face. And the rear. We talk about shoulders when we talk about the rear as well.
How will the proliferation of alternative fuel vehicles affect the ways cars are designed in the future?
Well, I think it's the best time to be a designer. I really do. We would have never done the i brand if the world wasn't changing. How awesome as a designer to do that? And that isn't changing. We are using more carbon fiber, we are going to be mixing aluminum, steel, carbon fiber. And we have to work with more aerodynamics in mind. That's a challenge, but it's also an opportunity. Even cars on the stand today show how we used aerodynamic restriction to make design features that have made the car better.
What do you mean by aerodynamic restriction?
To achieve our goal of making something that is fuel efficient, we have to make it aerodynamically as strong as possible. We want it to look also dynamic on the sides, so we push the back glass pretty far forward, because we need a long roof and a pretty long spoiler. And that's one thing that looks really quite dynamic. The other thing is a detail. What's really good for a car is to end with an edge. The i8, for example, has this edge in the rear where it's all going down, because it takes the turbulence and ends it; the turbulence area in the rear becomes much shorter. It creates an edge and goes around it, and the air keeps flowing. And even on the 2 series we have a small edge on the taillamp, which you don't really see because it's in glass. We usually like to do that. But this time we said we know we have to do this, so we took that edge all the way down and connected it to the bumper line. And you don't really see that usually but that actually is something that I really like because in the end it gives the car a much better stance.
Sometimes people say vintage cars are more exciting and more emotional than modern cars, and the answer often given is that it's because designers back then didn't have federal efficiency mandates and safety regulations, etc, etc. But what you've described is a scenario where stricter mandates are prompting new creativity.
Sure. Yes. I mean there are different perspectives on that. I think it does. But obviously I'm an industrial designer, and I live in a world of industrial regulations. Probably an artist would say, "Well you're just subject to the external factors," so there are two schools of thought. There's truth to both. I'm always amazed with the kids on my team. They come up with amazing solutions, and I love that. And it's part of -- sorry for being philosophical again -- it's the amazing thing about mankind. That you take a challenge and you make something happen. It's a little part of it -- it's just a line of a car -- but it's a pretty amazing development.
http://europe.autonews.com/article/...ner-karim-habib-on-creating-a-boxier-2-series
Rainer271
Kraftwagen König
I don't like the short ass of the A3 too. For me the 2 Convertible has the better proportions.
Rainer271
Kraftwagen König
BMW 2 Series Convertible Enters Production in Leipzig Today
The BMW 2 Series Convertible was unveiled a while ago. However, despite seeing it in the flesh at Paris, the car wasn’t actually in production until today. November 3rd marks the day the new drop-top eventually started production, at the BMW Plant in Leipzig.
The new model is replacing the 1 Series Convertible that was also built in this same plant between 2007 and 2013. During that time, over 130,000 units were sold on a worldwide level, with the 1 Series Convertible being the most popular model in its segment.
Through the new 2 Series Convertible, 2 Series Coupe, 2 Series Active Tourer, BMW X1 and 1 Series, the Leipzig plant is now responsible for manufacturing 5 different models on a very flexible production line. If you count the i models that are also built in the same town, you get a grand total of 7 different models. However, the i3 and i8 have a different, more eco-friendly production line.
What’s less known is that today also marks a premiere. It will be the first time an M Performance Automobile Convertible model is built, the M235i. After SUVs, Coupes and sedans, it’s time for a drop-top to join the range. It will also probably be the best choice of the range as well.
Of course, all 2 Series Convertible models come with the latest engines (EU6 compliant) and the first navigation system in the world that can perform automatic updates online.
BMW 2 Series Convertible Enters Production in Leipzig Today
The BMW 2 Series Convertible was unveiled a while ago. However, despite seeing it in the flesh at Paris, the car wasn’t actually in production until today. November 3rd marks the day the new drop-top eventually started production, at the BMW Plant in Leipzig.
The new model is replacing the 1 Series Convertible that was also built in this same plant between 2007 and 2013. During that time, over 130,000 units were sold on a worldwide level, with the 1 Series Convertible being the most popular model in its segment.
Through the new 2 Series Convertible, 2 Series Coupe, 2 Series Active Tourer, BMW X1 and 1 Series, the Leipzig plant is now responsible for manufacturing 5 different models on a very flexible production line. If you count the i models that are also built in the same town, you get a grand total of 7 different models. However, the i3 and i8 have a different, more eco-friendly production line.
What’s less known is that today also marks a premiere. It will be the first time an M Performance Automobile Convertible model is built, the M235i. After SUVs, Coupes and sedans, it’s time for a drop-top to join the range. It will also probably be the best choice of the range as well.
Of course, all 2 Series Convertible models come with the latest engines (EU6 compliant) and the first navigation system in the world that can perform automatic updates online.
BMW 2 Series Convertible Enters Production in Leipzig Today
Rainer271
Kraftwagen König
BMW M Performance parts introduced for 2-Series Convertible
220d version gets 14 HP boost
BMW has launched additional M Performance parts and accessories for the 2-Series Convertible.
Starting with the exterior, the model can be equipped with new side skirts and side decals with M Performance logo, new diffusor, a modified front grille with black trim surround and carbon exterior mirror caps. There’s also a set of 19-inch alloy wheels in 405 M and 624 M designs.
The interior improvements include a selector lever trim or – in cars with manual transmission – a gearshift lever with Alcantara leather, center console trim, center armrest and interior trim strips retrofitted in carbon and Alcantara steering wheel with or without the Race Display. What’s more, the model can be ordered with M Performance pedals and special floor mats with M Performance lettering.
The M Performance Power Kit boosts the engine output of the 220d Convertible version with 14 HP (11 kW) to 204 HP (151 kW), reducing the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time with 0.3 seconds. The average fuel consumption on the ECE test cycle stands at 4.7–4.4 l/100 km with CO2 emissions of 124–116 g/km.
Source: BMW
220d version gets 14 HP boost
BMW has launched additional M Performance parts and accessories for the 2-Series Convertible.
Starting with the exterior, the model can be equipped with new side skirts and side decals with M Performance logo, new diffusor, a modified front grille with black trim surround and carbon exterior mirror caps. There’s also a set of 19-inch alloy wheels in 405 M and 624 M designs.
The interior improvements include a selector lever trim or – in cars with manual transmission – a gearshift lever with Alcantara leather, center console trim, center armrest and interior trim strips retrofitted in carbon and Alcantara steering wheel with or without the Race Display. What’s more, the model can be ordered with M Performance pedals and special floor mats with M Performance lettering.
The M Performance Power Kit boosts the engine output of the 220d Convertible version with 14 HP (11 kW) to 204 HP (151 kW), reducing the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time with 0.3 seconds. The average fuel consumption on the ECE test cycle stands at 4.7–4.4 l/100 km with CO2 emissions of 124–116 g/km.
Source: BMW
bmwblog
Kraftkurve King
SCOTT27
Lap Time Luminary
They will come from Spartanburg and sent by truck.
as7920
Autobahn Adventurer
Auto Express M235i Convertible review up for reading:
BMW M235i Convertible 2015 review
BMW M235i Convertible 2015 review
BMW's open-topped M235i ticks all the compact sports convertible boxes, but at a price
Verdict 4
We all like the idea of a race car for the road, but how often would we really use it? The M235i addresses that by being just as stunning to look at, comfortable and beautifully-built as the rest of the range, but delivering a searing turn of pace, stirring soundtrack and fun handling when the moment takes you. It’s not cheap, and the back seats and boot are cramped, but spec your car wisely and you won’t be disappointed.
mini_cooper4
Autotechnik Ace
Got any more pictures of it?They had this white M235i convertible at the Qatar Motor Show, very nice looking car. I especially like the red interior colour combo used.
![IMG_8701[1].webp](https://www.germancarforum.com/attachments/img_8701-1-webp.324382/ "IMG_8701[1].webp")
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BMW
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, abbreviated as BMW is a German multinational
manufacturer of luxury vehicles and motorcycles headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
The company was founded in 1916 as a manufacturer of aircraft engines, which it produced
from 1917 to 1918 and again from 1933 to 1945.
Official website: BMW (Global), BMW (USA)
Official website: BMW (Global), BMW (USA)
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