The BMW 1-Series enthusiast site, 1addicts.com, has over 13k posts dissecting BMW's upcoming compact coupe and convertible. That's some serious devotion for enthusiasts "addicted" to a car they haven't driven or even seen in person. To recap, the 1-Series coupe heading stateside is mechanically closely related to the 3-Series, but a bit cheaper (how much cheaper remains to be seen) and a bit smaller. It'll come with the 3-Series' engine lineup, offering a 3.0-liter six with 230 horses and the sublime twin turbo I6 with more than 300 ponies. Magazines have heralded the 1-Series as the second coming of the legendary 2002, but considering its porky 3600+ lb curb weight, this ain't no compact sportster. Oh, and from the photos, it's sorta ugly. Yes, it's got all the up-to-the-second BMW styling, but it's a stubby looking little car. And the back seat is useless. So why all the rabid anticipation? Is it because it's going to be a slightly more affordable 3-Series? (If you can call a $35,000 car affordable.) Or is it because motoring enthusiasts lust for the good old days of quick, small, light cars that don't so much exist anymore? Your thoughts?
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This was the perfect opportunity for BMW to make a light 2002-esque four place coupe with a 4 cylinder and they blew it. At least the (entry) price will be reasonable I guess….
It looks to me like a new Honda Civic coupe and a E92 got together on a one night stand, and this is the outcome.
I agree, I def think people are looking to the past. For the money its going to be in teh 3 series range, if not the Z4 range! I mean to me, the size and performance aspect of the car, it seems to be competing head to head with its own Z4! Albiet, the coupe version will set you back a bit mroe than a 1. But still, comparitive size, even better performance in the Z4 probably. I don’t get it. It would be one thing if they made it a cheap Beam. ~25K. But it ain’t. And nor do I think BMW should be producing a cheap Beam anymore, their image has changed, and while they were once more known for the driving enthusiest, in my eyes, they are more of a well performing luxury car maker nowadays. And the shoudl not try to hit that low end market. But I don’t see the need for the 1 series at all.
I’m a bit set back that they have no 4 cylinder option for such a small car. BMW made some great 4 bangers back in the day (think e30 M3). That car was such a wonderful thing to drive – especially if you got it on a track.
The 2002 was ~ 2000lbs and with a small high revving 4 cylinder with rwd. In the corners it was a hoot and the 2002 racecars I’ve been able to ride in show how well lightweight and well balanced platforms can make you smile.
It looks like it was left in the sun too long. I wish we were getting the hatch here in the US.
I saw a Z3 M Coupe on the way to work yesterday and it was sexy.
Until a few years ago, Mercedes had the C Class Coupe which is similar to the 1 Series, and BMW used to have the 318 Coupe.
These cars tend to generate an intial “pent up” demand which usually dilutes to small numbers. Especially BMW in most showrooms they have the Mini which is a cooler car than a 1 series.
If Audi does the A1 similar to the concept they are showing in Tokyo…that will be a cool car.
Just an FYI but 3,600+ lbs appears inaccurate … the official brochure shows 3,384 w/a slushbox (the manual tranny weight shows 3,732 which is clearly wrong). I also see a 3,450 lb curb weight listed for a major print magazine first drive of the 135i.
It has to be because we’d like to remember the days of lighter cars. 3,600lbs is not just a bit heavy, it is downright obese for a car of those dimensions. Still, 300HP and those 0-60 numbers? I hate BMW’s styling with a passion, but those numbers transcend my normal aesthetic preferences.
Just like the Accord and Camry keep getting bigger and more expensive, the need to slot in a new smaller car is expected.
There is not much competition for small RWD cars. A well optioned 335i coupe is 50k. I would gladly take a 135i with the same engine for 15k less.
I don’t get it either. The car is, on paper, overweight, and based on most of the speculation of the internet, overpriced.
If it ends up costing close to 3 series money, yet it is smaller car with little to no benefit in performance, handling, efficiency, or style from the size reduction. I just don’t understand a shrunken 3 series, and I don’t think the buying public will, unless the price is right. $35k is a very tough bracket to be in; there are a LOT of great cars in that price range, but having a propeller on the hood will help that :)
Since I’m a member of 1addicts and have been following the car for a bit perhaps I can shed some light. First the 3,600lb weight is in correct, it is labeled wrong on BMW’s own literature (Look at the U.S Brochure for the auto and the manual, pretty sure a manual doesn’t weight 400lbs more than an automatic). Actual weight is a topic of fierce debate but the expected weight is 3,300ish pounds.
As to motivation? Well let’s see, smaller, lighter, faster, more agile and more affordable than the 3 series.
The 128i is expected under $30k and most expect around $28-$29k and the 135i around $34-$36k. Again no one knows until we get official pricing from BMW. The 335 is a very fast machine and this will be faster still for less money. Add in the fact that you can cheaply achieve 350whp and you have quite the little machine. This all also comes with 4 years of free maintenance and the typical high BMW resale value. Honestly as an enthusiast what more could you want?
Sure I’d like it to look as good as a Alfa 8c but it has character and uniqueness.
OK, BMWs are quite nice but for $35,000 with a less than useful back seat I could not buy this over a G37 coupe. The back seat is the one major aadvantage that the 3 series coupe has over a G37.
I think BMW is missing the point by offering this car in this price range. Like Dave M. said I think folks were actually looking for and expecting a lighter car with a smaller more efficient engine and a lower price.
On the other hand, looking at it from the BMW fan perspective why on earth would I need to buy a 3 series anymore if the 1 series is lighter and more responsive and less expensive.
I agree RF, it is a little strange.
From BMW’s point of view, the idea probably is to split the difference between 3-series and Mini. But that is no benefit to the putative customer.
Probably they will price it close to a 3-series. Then it will have very limited appeal, derived only from its newness, plus (135i) a theoretical performance advantage over the 3-series due to lightness.
On the other hand, if they price the 128i low enough, it will compete with WRX, RX-8, GTI, Mazdaspeed 3, etc.
ok well lets consider the 135. a decked out 335i coupe is 50K. I almost bought one this winter. Then decided 50K, why not spend a few more 10 and get something much much better, not an entry level car. but anyways. base price is what like 42K. thats 8K. Assuming as you said a 135 base is 35. deck it out. ok ur up to 44k about? personally, i’d much rather forgoe a feature or two on the decked out 335 coupe than the 135. i dunno. i guess there must be a market for it, or their research says so, otherwise why would they do it. but its like mini cooper, 3 series, 1 series, z4 roadster and coupes. i dunno. maybe its like the mercedes cl and sl. both are aimed in same price range and same performance, but they don’t really compete against each other. i dunno, evne thats a bit different though. who knows. bmw shoulda made the car like 2500lbs. and come in cheaper, and perhaps slightly smaller engine than the 3 to come in at that lower price point, but use the weight diff to make up for performance?
OK, 28k for a 128i sound like a wonderful deal! I guess we are looking at around 32 to 33k with a nice option pack. Hey this is loaded GTI or TSX territory!
When I look at it in this light BMW could be in a postion to bitch slap the entire entry level premium class. The more I think about the 1 series I am starting feel it might be the perfect car for someone with no need for a backseat other than a breifcase shelf.
Man screw the twin turbos, the 128 will be the car to get.
I agree that the One-er coupe is a bit odd looking especially compared to the sublimely styled E92 but all the styling problems seem to disappear (IMO)with
the substitution of the convertible top.
I’m looking forward to a test drive because I think this car has some things others don’t. Three-ers
have simply gotten too big, I sometimes mistake the sedans for a Five Series.
The G37 is also large for a sports coupe and does not AFAIK offer a convertible.
jaje :
October 25th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
I’m a bit set back that they have no 4 cylinder option for such a small car. BMW made some great 4 bangers back in the day (think e30 M3). That car was such a wonderful thing to drive – especially if you got it on a track.
1-series (as well as 3-series) do come with 4-cyl in Europe. But that would be against the American perception of an Ultimate driving machine
Or it’s just that the 1 series hasn’t been developed specifically for the US market. The hatchback version has been around in Europe for a couple of years now, to great success, mostly with 4 cylinder Diesel and Petrol engines. It’s just logical for BMW to use an already developed platform and cheaply create additional versions. So Americans don’t like hatchbacks? Then we’ll build a coupe. Just throw it at the market and see what sticks. The USA is definetly not the core market for the 1 series platform. If Americans like it, BMW will gladly take the extra money, if it doesn’t work out, the damage is limited.
As someone who worked at a BMW dealership…
Good luck actually finding a 128i priced below 35k, let alone the 135. Unless you want to lease it on horrible terms, your going to be paying out the ass for these.
As an enthusiast, I would love to have more options, but a heavy, overpowered BMW already exists, and it’s called the 3 series.
As cars keep getting heavier and heavier, I would much rather see an enthusiast-focused model lose weight rather than gain power.
The 1 series is a really bad car from all angles. It’s ugly, cheaply made and stupidly priced. To get a 1 series decently spec’ed out (i.e air conditioning, alloy wheels etc) you’d be looking at the best part of £20K! A Toyota Auris or Honda Civic would get you a better car similarly spec’ed out for far less money.
Really and truly, if you do decide to pay that kind of money for a small hatchback, what you’re really paying for is the badge!
Top Gear was absolutely on the money when they reviewed this howler of a car.
It’s only saving grace? Rear wheel drive!
From a positioning point of view, I think BMW is trying to reach a younger generation with the 1’s. As good as it is, the 3, just like the 5 and 7 before it, is seen as a bit of a geezercruiser by the evo/sti crowd. Being brand new, smaller, faster and less ‘practical’, the 1 may avoid some of that stigma.
I’m also guessing the shorter car and wheelbase, as well as lower expectation of creature comforts, will enable BMW to make the convertible stiffer, lighter and a better driver than the 3 version.
My opinion of this car is pretty much summed up by sniffpetrol’s parody ads for the 1 series.
From the pricing being thrown around I don’t think this is in the GTI’s price range so much as the R32. A loaded GTI with DSG and NAV stickers around $29K.
Bleach, On your post I checked out the website “sniffpetrol”.
I don’t think I’ve killed myself laughing in recent memory!
Thank you so much! :O)
I found this gem on there:
“Ford recalls the Ford Fusion. When pressed what was the reason of the recall was, the press office replied ‘Pointlessness!\'”
I wish it was a 2002 class car. But it’s another porker, just like the new Mini (V2)… I know the new Mini weighs a smidge less than the old one (V1, not BMC) but it felt softer and lumpier not as much fun… I’m sure this will be the case with the short fat 1 series. As for styling, Bangle should get a new job, in a non design related field, maybe as a copier repairman, that would be safe I think. Just about the only thing I think is interesting is the RWD. Why are the engineering departments as lazy as they are… weight is an evil cycle, heavier car begats bigger heavier engine wich leads to bigger heavier brakes, hence the silly big wheels and presto you have a ton of unsprung weight and dull handling and steering dynamics…so they’ll add some more engine to spice it up… and the cycle continues.
Where’s the spirit of Colin Chapman and Gordon Murray? And last time I checked a heavier car uses more gas too. So in other words, sorry not interested. I’m still looking for a new/modern car I’d REALLY want to buy… as all the new models availble in the US are getting bigger and softer.
I thought that the 135i is supposed to come standard with a better sport package than the 3. Thats a very promising start. Now if only they got rid of the sunroof and used normal tires.
I’m going to wait until official prices and numbers are released before attempting to judge this car. It is meant to appeal to younger buyers, the idea being, get them in a bmw young and you may have a customer for life.
no doubt people are hoping for a miata with balls, but this ain’t it. 3600 pounds! jeez that’s more than my E46 M3. i agree with others that this was a great opportunity for BMW to bring over a terrific small car, although i wouldn’t agree with making it really cheap. the 318i, the cimarron, and some of the C class efforts demonstrate that an upmarket brand has to produce high quality cars to maintain its “brand”
I think it looks good, and I’m sure I’d enjoy driving it, but I wouldn’t buy it. I’d like to see them bring the 4 door hatchback 1-series here.
There may be considerably more spread in price between the 1 and the 3 after BMW’s hedge against the falling dollar runs its course sometime in 2008.
I have read some favorable reviews of the 135, but it will probably take BMW years to bring reliability up to 3 series levels.
I’m with Top Gear on this one..You could put a BMW logo on a turd and people would lust after it.
Looks like my nomination for next year’s TWA… awards; ugly, overweight and expensive.
Even at just under $30k it’s competing against some competent vehicles; a stripped down 128 with plastic seats will cost the same as a fully loaded leather lined TSX. You’d need to have a serious fetish about BMW’s to choose the 128 in that case. With all the electronic nannies and gizmos these days, it’s almost impossible to tell which wheels are steering the car let alone which are driving it, so soon there’ll be no bragging rights in RWD.
I can see an opening (if you excuse the pun) for the convertible, but no point at all for a sedan or coupe.
And didn’t the 318ti fail in the US for the same reason as the Jag X-type; there’s no point in having a inexpensive upmarket car.
It seems to me that the price point and engine configurations are structured to cannibalize the 3-series, positioned just right to create some brand confusion.
I’m just not sure that I see the point of this car in the US market, at least in this format. With a four-cylinder engine and a high-20’s price point, it could be positioned as a gateway car to the brand. But in the mid-30’s with the standard 3.0-liter six, I’m not sure that I see the appeal. You may as well just get a 3-series.
If you fit the same engines in the 3 series into the 1 series, wouldn’t the legendary BMW 50/50 balance be upset? Think about it, the engines still weigh about the same, and in a shorter car, it sits more forward, making it more nose heavy tail light.
@Yuppie:
Somehow, I think they are shooting for 50/50 on this one. Don’t ask me how – I’m no engineer. But I’ll wait to see.
@Everybody:
The astonishing thing is that I am looking forward to the 1-Series. I like something about it a lot. I just don’t know what. Insane.
On Pricing:
BMW has always done overlap pricing between the models – i.e. the top of the line 3 series is roughly the same price as the lowest rung on the 5 series ladder while the high end 5er will put you in low end 7 price points.
With the 1 series, BMW is obviously doing the same thing. A realistically equipped 328i is going for about $34k and the 128i will slot in well below that at $28k. The 135i will roughly hit the 328i’s pricing points. This is how BMW has always done things and this strategy seems to have worked out well enough in the past. Why would it fail now?
On Performance:
So for the last 12 years, I have been a 3 series addict. I’ve had an E36 325is, an E46 325Ci (coupe) and I currently drive an E90 325i (stick, sports pack). Every iteration of these vehicles have gained weight, and between the E36 and the E46, that weight gain had a serious negative impact on the driving dynamics. The E46 was still great, but it was nowhere near as wonderful as the E36.
The E90 however, blows them all away. I know it is not the best looking and I know it is a porker, but spend some time driving one every day as I have, and you find that it is just a remarkable vehicle. Mine has been 100% reliable (and it gets tracked 4-5 times a year), it feels like it has a hell of a lot more then 200hp and there has never been a moment (aside from the front straight at PIR) where I found myself wanting more of anything from this car.
It is with that experience that I believe that the 1 Series is going to be a phenomenal vehicle. Even without the blown motor, sharpening up the E90 DNA and getting some weight off is going to take everything I love about my car and make it even MORE engaging. And just like the E90, you can get into paper based benchmarking games about the TSX this, G37 that or Audi whatever – nothing on the market brings the intangible experience that BMW does so beautifully to the table. I am not knocking the competition – that G37 is pretty swank and I do like the bulldog nature of the Audi A3, but none of them tickle like a BMW.
Provide that sort of experience in a less expensive, more engaging package? Big Win.
A realistically equipped 328i is going for about $34k and the 128i will slot in well below that at $28k. The 135i will roughly hit the 328i’s pricing points. This is how BMW has always done things and this strategy seems to have worked out well enough in the past. Why would it fail now?
You may be right, but I have my doubts. I’d say that the difference is that (a) similar, directly competitive vehicles are several thousand dollars cheaper and (b) the net lease price for the 1-series, given the typical subsidies on the 3-series leases, will likely bring the monthly payment differential between the two to a minimal. There is also a third factor, (c) size, which already puts the 1-series into dangerous territory in the US, given that Americans generally associate small with cheap, and that there are plenty of larger cars that will command a similar price.
At $35k, a 1-series will not only compete with the A3, IS250 and TSX but also the A4, IS350, G35 and TL, among others. Americans will generally pay more for a larger import/transplant than they would for competing smaller ones, and expect to pay less for a smaller car than a larger one. So it could very well be perceived as poor value in that space.
Given the size class and the steep price, I’d say that most buyers would conclude that they may as well just get a 3-series or some other larger rival, instead. The net result may be just a cannibalization of 3-series sales, with little or no overall sales gains for the brand as a whole.
In Europe, there is far less of an association in the minds of consumers between size and value. I expect that there, this car will do quite well. But I have my doubts that the same thing would occur in the US.
Audi sells about four A4’s for every A3 that goes out the door. I can’t see BMW achieving a ratio much better than that. And I have to wonder how many A3 buyers might have bought a (presumably more profitable) A4 instead, had no cheaper alternative been available.
size, which already puts the 1-series into dangerous territory in the US, given that Americans generally associate small with cheap.
See, here is the thing – the “general market” and BMW’s very savvy marketing strategy are two very different things.
Do you know why Chris Bangle got such a hold on BMW’s board and why the vehicles look the way they do these days? BMW learned something interesting with that the M Coupe – you don’t need to make a vehicle that 90%, 80% or even 50% of the market thinks is good… you just need to make a vehicle that 10% think is utterly remarkable. Say what you will about the looks of modern BMWs, but my experience is that each of the vehicles in their lineup has a following of people who think it is just wonderful, unique and beautiful. Perhaps these people are avant guard aesthetes or tasteless rubes, but BMW’s sales numbers prove that the strategy works. (me, I think the 3 is meh, I love the 5, hate the 6, hate the 7 and will be selling a kidney for an X5 diesel).
Same deal with the 1 Series. BMW doesn’t need to make a vehicle here that makes 50% of the population go WOW! They just need to get about 10k-15k buyers who think that the 1 Series is the cats ass every year. Given the fact that there is already a web forum with 15k members who haven’t even seen this car in the flesh and are already typing furiously about it, my suspicion is that they have a winner.
As to pricing, BMW will keep the leases on the 1 Series down because they have the strongest CPO program in the industry to back low monthly rate leases with. Product wise, the pitch is very easy:
128i – The BMW experience at VW prices.
135i – 335i Performance at stripper 328i prices.
I will be the first to confess my unquestionable love for the BMW driving experience. They certainly have that seat-in-the-pants je ne sais quoi that makes you know that you aren’t piloting your father’s or anyone else’s Oldsmobile.
But that being said, a lot of Bimmers hit the streets because BMW heavily subsidizes its leases and offsets the dodgy reliability with a no-fuss, no-muss service package, coupled with a unique business model that revolves around selling a lot of its cars twice (firstly as a lease, then secondly as a CPO vehicle which BMW knows intimately well because it did all the service on it.) Combine that with cachet value, and you have a lot of BMW rentals on American highways.
I’m not disputing the value of that business model, it works exceedingly well for BMW (although you do have to wonder whether it will have a long-term negative incentive on building a reliable car.) But I question why buyers oriented toward prestige and ease of ownership are going to queue up to pay 35 large for a car smaller than a lot of its competition.
I doubt that the price point came out of a stroke of genius, but rather that the weak dollar makes it necessary to fetch that much in order to turn a profit. While I can understand that rationale, the market won’t care about BMW’s desire to maintain margins — if the buyer can do better, he or she will do better. And I suspect that only a few Americans will happily plonk down that kind of money for a car that small.
gakoenig: I’m with you on the E90; the design was for me ‘hate at first sight’ after owning an E46 325iT that I loved dearly. Yet after I had decided that Infiniti had it mostly together with the latest G35, I thought I should at least drive the 335 for comparison. I ordered it in February and while the looks have settled to just weird, I am simply blown away at what a superb car it is. I harbor no illusions that it will be as reliable as an Infiniti , Lexus or perhaps even CTS, but BMW managed to fill the 335 from one end to the other with BMW DNA.
We’ll see how good the 1-series is. It does shave about 300 lbs off the 3-er and remains “weird” in the styling department, but if it drives as well as the 3, I hope it attracts folks who want a modern 2002. And, you can spend $30k on a Mini, a WRX, an EVO, a “Rabbit” or even a well-optioned Volvo C30, so it appears there is a market for upscale two-seaters that pretend to have a back seat. And don’t forget the SC430 or Jag XK with their illusionary rear seats. If you want price and performance in a small car, it’s hard to beat a MazdaSpeed3, but it is in the end still the heart of an economy car… Perhaps it’s doubly sad that we don’t get the wonderful little 4-banger 1-series, as the last 4 cyl E46 I rented in Germany was still a hoot to drive!
Hey guys, there’s already a car that’s considerably cheaper, smaller, lighter, faster, more focused, good-looking, and handles better than a 3-series. It’s called the BMW Z4 coupe, and you can get one for a real-world price of less than 35,000 American.
In the meantime, can the BMW fanboys stop calling the 1-series coupe a BMW at VW prices? If the 1 series is really going to start at 28K that’s already considerably more expensive than a comparably equipped GTI.
Qusus: I saw your $40k MSRP, but they are blowing them out at $35,900 (CarsDirect price) with a sport pack, sport seats and xenon; even though it has that horrible “Z” on the side and has been thoroughly Bangled, that’s an amazing price. 3100 lbs, also, but only 255 hp, alas.
Nonetheless, a 300 hp 135 will eat the $33k R32 alive, assuming one wants a faster ride.
Wow, I’m surprised at the criticism this car is getting before its even arrived. Considering the moaning about the premature hype on 1addicts.com, this is somewhat ironic.
Personally I’m withholding judgment on the looks since, to me at least, Bangle’s mangles look much better in person than in photos. The weight is irrelevant to me as long as the handling is there, and with 300hp straight line acceleration should be excellent for a car in that price range.
BMW’s in a tight situation with the pricing/specifications. Too large and expensive and it competes with the 3. Too small and cheap and it competes with the mini.
The 135i will be silly expensive, you might as well get into a Z4.
The 128i will be priced competatively, but for just a little less money, there are some great packages available. Mazdaspeed3, GTI, or BMW’s Mini Cooper S.
The price premium is only for the RWD and BMW badge.
If it were my money being thrown down, I’ll save a bit, and get the JCW CooperS. It will out-perform and still get the BMW service. And I’ll save enough for a few track days.
The 1 series was supposed to bring back the driving experience of the 2002 – but rather it is bringing back the experience of the e36 3 series. 3,300 lbs (and that’s without all the pricey options). That’s wonderful and all but when did they model the weight and power capability after a Ford Mustang? In a coupe that small why can’t they get weight and power similar to an S2000 (240hp and 2900lbs)? BMW is supposed to be a company that fully understands how to race and bring that back to the street. But as of lately they’ve been so focused on luxury and power that they are losing their focus – even Infiniti has made major gains in driving performance that I’m not sure which one is quicker. But with the average Infiniti being a good $8-$10 cheaper then the equivalenty optioned BMW – I don’t think it’s worth such a steep premium.
Get a Z4 instead of 1 series? Why because you need to occasionally fit people or kids in the back that’s why.
Look at the U.S. brochure on 1addicts and see what the 135 comes standard with. There really isn’t much you will need to get unless you want leather and the MSport steering wheel. A 335 already pulls 4.9 0-60 and this will be 100-200lbs lighter. The 135 more directly competes against the new Evo and STI both of which will be in the low-upper 30’s depending on trim. Hell the MSRP on my RX8 was over 34k (without Nav).
As to the new G37, not a bad car but heavier and it does not compete with the 335i, that N54 engine is just a beast. And for those that want more you can wait on the 135Tii which will be lighter and geared for the track enthusiast.
Why you all may not really see where BMW is going with this I’ll bet cash money that the 1 series will outsell the 3 series after a year or two.
3600 lbs is simply too much weight for a car that is supposed to be the spiritual successor of the 2002.
I am excited for the engine in this vehicle, because I know since its cheaper than the 3-series the aftermarket will embrace it and you’ll have M3 crushing acceleration.
However, the total package puts me off – I want something light, fun, and tossable.
If you want a quick and light car you have to go kit car or buy a Lotus. I suppose these are kind of the same thing after you start putting the bits that fall off the Lotus back on.
I’m kind of fancying a Murtaya at the moment. Take the good bits of a WRX, leave the heavy body behind, add goodies to get 400+ horsepower and then enjoy.
3600 lbs is simply too much weight for a car that is supposed to be the spiritual successor of the 2002.
Something just occurred to me — Is it BMW that claimed that the 1-series is supposed to be the 2002 of today, or is that a media invention? I really don’t know the answer to this, and am curious to find out.
From a business standpoint, I think what may have actually happened is that BMW saw the high fuel prices in the US and decided based upon those to start exporting the next generation of a smaller car that it had marketed in Europe for quite some time but had never shipped to North America.
But if that was the original intent, then sending over a heavy car with a high output motor won’t reach the fuel-conscious enthusiast market, either. I guess I remain unclear as to whether there is much of a market for this car that wouldn’t cannibalize the 3-series.
@Pch101:
It’s both. BMW has a microsite going for the 1-Series @ http://www.bmwusa.com. If you click on “Pure BMW” they have the 2002 and the 1-Series side by side. Not saying the 1 is the new 2002 of course (that’s for you to assume on your own). Just to say look, every BMW has the same DNA>
I can tell you that there are buyers who are not worried about the size of the car, only the size of the space around the front seats. 2+2’s have done well here for a long time.
Now, I have not sat in one of these, but if it is similiar to the mid 90’s 3series in driver comfort, the rest of the size may not matter.
Still, I want a lightweight hatch version, and I don’t want to pay extra for the carbon fiber special edition. If it’s over 3,000 pounds, it might as well be a convertible cruiser.
How many 4 seater RWD sports cars are under 30K? Try to make a list and you will find this is not a crowded segment. The 1 series will sell very well after test drives.
Maybe there are some front drivers that can handle larger engines but I sure havent driven any. The torque steer, inside wheel spinning in corners is beyond annoying. I have owned Acuras and Hondas and have no desire to own another fwd car.
There is a reason most all Infiniti, Lexus, BMW, Porche, Mercedes use RWD platforms. Even when GM gets serious about its cars (Vette, CTS, G8) it uses RWD platforms.
26theone,
I’ll take the Benz CL still. Haha, screw 30K.
But under 30K and not me…well it’ll be interesting to see if you can REALLY pick up a 1-series for under 30K. I have my doubts about being able to go to the lot and order one for under 30K (and 29,500 is doesn’t count btw haha).