BMW 1-Series

wale_bate1

No.

Sorry Kentuck, but if they want to sell me, it's a 130iT and nothing else will do.

Good lordy, but a 3.0L RWD compact makes me sweat. Buckets.

Bring it, you Prussian puftahs...
}-]

marsjt

Ive been doing some research on future cars for the US and have gotten all confused from various mixed reports. What is coming to the US 1 series or 2 series? Will there be coupe? hatch? cabrio? Will there be an M version? When is anything hitting the US? Please clear things up and tell me what you know to be factual...Thanks!

jrct9454

I can only repeat, as a member of BMWCCA, that BMWUSA refuses to say what its intentions are regarding the 1er in this country. When the Club talks to dealers, their take is that they do not want 4 cyl cars, and they don't want a hatchback. This has been interpreted to mean than we will eventually get a 6 cyl 2-door sedan ["coupe"] and some kind of convertible. BMWUSA has been adamant that this will not happen before calendar year 2007.

As for model designations, one could argue it doesn't really matter what they call it - at first, there appeared to be some sentiment for these variants [the 2-doors with a trunk] to be called 2ers, but lately the hinting is that they will still be badged as 1ers. I don't much care either way - what bugs me is that we won't see the 5-door here, which is what I want.

Yes, everyone involved seems to think that some kind of M-version is inevitable - for me, this is a non-issue, since a 6 cyl version would go like stink anyway, and the ride quality has already been criticized as right on the verge of being too stiff - making it even firmer for a perfomance version seems to only make sense if you want the car for the track, which is not anywhere on my radar screen. It is likely, though, that there will be an M 1er somewhere down the pike.

beatnix

i have to agree w/most of your comments here...i just test drove a audi a3 and it was a hoot for a 4 cyl. front wheel drive...i am newly married and in my early thirties...i want to trade my truck in for a more versatile car...i was currently considering a a3 or a volvo v50...both a 4 door hatchback...then i heard that bmw 1 series may be imported...i'm hoping that bmw does some research and release a 4 door...every luxury car maker seems to be coming out w/a 4 door hatch now, audi, saab (based on wrx), volvo, lexus...if bmw release the original non-variant in the states it will blow the competitors out of the water...if they decide to release a 2 dr hatch or a coupe...count me out...cause, i need a flexible car...i'll settle for a audi a3 6cyl with quattro coming out next spring...

kyfdx

Sounds like a great plan, if you have over $35K to drop on a car.. The 3.2 DSG Quattro will likely be $38K+, typically equipped..

beatnix

yeah...i'm looking to spend about 40k...i have a pickup truck and a acura cl...i'm willing to get rid of both of them for a 4dr hatchback. if bmw doesn't deliver with a 4dr hatch, i guess i'm going with a audi a3 next spring...

jchan2

The 1-Series should come with a sedan, coupe, and convertible. If they can't bring over the wagon or hatchback for some reason, that's OK, although I'd prefer it if they brought over everything.

kyfdx

The latest rumor is coupe and convertible only.. But, I doubt any absolute decisions have been made...

I'm hoping for something with four doors...

jchan2

I'm hoping for something with four doors...

Me too.

dhanley

You might look at the saab SportCombi too.

wale_bate1

I'd look at it with AWD. If it falls into the massive incentive program that GM apparently intends to use to the death, I might have to look seriously even without AWD. Have they stopped putting the key on the floor yet? ;-]

Real cars have five doors. Everything else is a compromise.

The world according to Wale...

jchan2

is willing to sell a 9-2X with a manual for $16,821! What a screamin' deal!

Wonder if BMW will bring over the 1-Series wagon...

dewey

Can it honestly get any better than this:

http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=11142

A 135Ti with 330HP. Still awaiting approval from Munich.

This potentially will be the car I want! In wagon form!. And without a ludicrous price(an unlikely scenario unless the Euro drops 50%)!

kyfdx

Gee... I'd be more excited, if we had even one version of the 1-series over here now...

At this rate, the 1-series will be redesigned or dropped before it gets here...

ateixeira

Sounds dangerous and irresponsible. I like it. )

-juice

dewey

I guess it has more to do with launch-date planning.

BMW wants everyones attention on the new 3 series this year without the distraction of a new 1 series.

Despite that, I am disappointed that Europeans are years ahead of us in receiving the 1 series.

sunilb

That's brilliant!! However, I'd be happy enough even with one of their current N.A. engine choices (from the '06 325 or 330) put into this 5-door hatch.

A 330hp screamer would be awesome, though I think it might push the price way up there (perhaps over USD $35K?).

kyfdx

..to keep this thread alive.. We need some news!!

webby1

OK....just came back from the dealer ( free car wash ) and according to my salesman the new 323i ( replacing the 320i) will be out early next year with the 2.5 L engine ...same as the 2005 325i....anyone heard anything on this ????????

Regards,
Webby

kyfdx

Think that might be Canada only?

webby1

I think so....replacing the 320i....apparently it will ready for ordering as early as September ( next month )....I am surprised that there is absolutely no info on it anywhere !
It can be a nice entry level with the 2.5 L 6 engine.
Webby

jamessahal

Yep! All new BMW's are ugly! There all designed by American man Chris Bangle, heavily criticised in the UK for being not very attractive. Seen spy shots of the new X5 in a magazine, lower longer just bigger! All under wraps but somehow doubt it will be as attractive anything like the Murano or the FX.

jrct9454

...except to add that it would be nice for BMWUSA to recognize the opportunity they're missing here.

http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2050831.007

ateixeira

I think that would build a small cult following, but still small. Would it bring in enough enthusiasts to make a profit? My guess is no, but it might help bring new (young) buyers in to the brand. Maybe the bean counters could look at it that way.

-juice

fedlawman

Santa, I've been very good this year...

kyfdx

I think Santa has already been to your house this year... If he brings you a 130i, then I hope he picks up the E30 and drops it at my house....

fedlawman

I'll include your request in my letter.

I wonder what the lift-thrust vector is for the sleigh, and whether it has sling-load capabilities...

BTW, I think you are a fine choice for HOST. Congrats.

jchan2

Santa, you can take the I35. I'd like the 130i.

Hopefully it can get 30MPG.

wale_bate1

Count me in too. Santa: just look for the entry that says A3 3.2 DSG and cross it off. Then write in 130i.

Thanks ever so.

The Kentucky man is a host, eh? Oh great, one more person to rag on behind his back...

;-}

dhanley

The 130 ought to have no problem geting 30 highway--he 330 already gets this.

BMW: please bring the 130 hatch here so i can cross the a3 off my list.

shipo

Hello Santa,

Ummm, without trying to be too repetitive, I'd be more than appreciative if you would scratch that three pedal A3 off of my list and replace it with a three pedal 130i, kinda sorta like my other buddies here. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

wale_bate1

Pretty soon we're gonna need Eartha Kitt as a spokeperson.

"Santa baby, just slip a 130 under the tree for me. 130: the purrrrfect gift..."

dhanley

As long as we're wishing for weird things, how about a 130d? 272hp, 414lb-ft, and 40+mpg highway.

As long as it'll be a niche car, might as well go all the way.

dave

sunilb

that would be brilliant... power and economy and in hatchback form! oh, wow... I can't imagine that day could come too soon.

sunilb

Nothing for them to show at Frankfurt...? I thought something in this 1/2-series was going to unveiled.

nyccarguy

I know that was last week, but PLEASE BMWNA...bring us some form of the 1 or 2 series with 3.0L motor, sport package, and manual transmission!

xkss

i don't really care for the styling of this. it looks like a kia. Nobody I know likes the styling at all.

sunilb

okay, not a great image BUT...

1- RWD; and
2- small car; and
3- a 3.0L engine; and
4- BMW handling (w/ sport pkg); and
5- 4 doors; and...

I'm sold!

p.s.: based on the black door handles and ugly tire covers, I'm guessing that's a shot of a lower-end 1-series.

jlbl

And… she looks better when she is in front of you. That picture makes no justice to the car.

Regards,
Jose

dino001

And how much exactly are you willing to pay for it? If A3 is any guide, my guess is BMW will have a "starting" price 125i of $27,980 plus destination (cheapest available at a dealer for some $32K) and 130i with sports will go for say $36K and will be... 3 door, not 5.

Sold? Perhaps, but not necessarily to me.

ateixeira

They keep improving and really are not a punch line any more, like there were a decade ago. The Spectra5 is actually styled better than that Bimmer, IMO, but it's what's underneath that counts.

-juice

ateixeira

Here's a cool looking concept..

http://www.kiacarman.com/vboard_pic/upfile/v(15).jpg

-juice

wale_bate1

I'd go $33K-$37K for the "right" small wagon/hatch. The A3 3.2 is solidly in the running. A 130i would make me conceptually happier just based on the drivetrain, but, agreed, the styling is not particularly appealing. Still, the size, layout, power, apparent handling and number of doors are all spot on, so hey, bring it says I.

ateixeira

Wow, you'd seriously pay that much?

In my eyes, when a Legacy GT Limited wagon with NAV can be had for under $30k, how can you justify paying more for something smaller?

A3 is nice but it's basically a fancy Golf, and it's priced where the A4 ought to be. VW/Audi prices are out of touch with reality if you ask me. Then again, go price a Bimmer, yet they sell quite well....

-juice

wale_bate1

I'm not about to dis a Subie, Juice, but my cuppa they just aren't. That's what makes the world go 'round!

I like small, and for the right small, I'm willing to pay to a point. My SportCross (A3/1-series size) was a $35.5K list car (though the heavily-subsidized lease cut the cost big time) and to keep that size and feel, and up the performance slightly, I'd pay that and plus again.

As much as they've improved the Legacy inside and out, and as much as it delivers, it's not Audi or BMW, and it's priced appropriately, IMO. I respect the line for what it offers, but it's not for me.

kyfdx

And.... RWD

ateixeira

I guess those are sorta small, eh? Did they ever some with a manual tranny? If not that may be why I don't often recall those.

No Cooper S for you? Despite FWD they handle like a dream.

Or maybe an EVO, best steering under $35 grand. But they're only a sedan for now, though Japan now gets a wagon (weird, but cool).

Others - Miata with a hardtop?

-juice

wale_bate1

Wagons rule in my world, Juice!

Cooper me likey muchly, but not yet enough doors, no cargo space at all and the FWD-only kills it for me. EVO is too unrefined at this point in my life to be a preference, and it's abysmal in the crash test numbers, though certainly potent and capable.

No, the SportCross never got a manual, and, even though I wouldn't have gone that route, it's a crying shame. The automatic they picked for it is its Achilles heel for sure. It's from the Camry/ES I believe, and even with a "power" setting switch for the shifts, it's aimed squarely at smooth-comfy and nowhere near performance. The fact the I can get as much enjoyment out of the car as I do, given that tranny, is a testament (IMO) to the rest of the now-discontinued package (and my ability to wear out tires like they were tissue). If the manumatic didn't hold gears on command as it does, the car would've been a pass. To our newest and bestest HOST's point, I believe the RWD is a key component to the joy factor, so giving it up will be a burden.

Small is good in my book, but it has to be the right small and so far the A3 looks to be the green light. If not that, then in the absence of a 130, the S4 Avant looks to be choice number two.

malta

Am looking for a good website, which sells BMW 1 Series accessories. Would you mind knowing a good website which does?

Many Thanks
Andrew

ateixeira

I recall driving an IS sedan at the Edmunds live event in 2000. The buttons on the steering wheel were pretty helpful, actually. The sedan was cramped though, my wife also drove one later and ruled it out for being so small.

They took a long time to update that, the new one looks interesting, but now they drop the 5 door! DOH!

-juice