BMW 1-Series

kyfdx

Okay... I guess I lost the thread of the original argument...

I think my argument was... that women wouldn't want it, just because it was smaller.. that, in reality, women prefer bigger cars..

IOW, if they buy the 1-series, it will only be because of the lower price... IMHO..

Which makes me think we agree... but, I'm dizzy now.....

ateixeira

Wait - yes, plenty of Kia buyers are women! Seriously. :-)

What's even more funny is that Kia has the youngest demographic of any car maker. Funny because that's what every manufacturer wants, yet noone envies Kia.

OK, let me try to be more clear since I'm confusing everyone.

Men tend to go for sportier models, and are more willing to stretch the budget, and earn more on average to begin with.

Women tend to be far more practical (that's where the SUV/van class comes into play), but earn less and are less likely to buy the sporty model (bigger engine, M cars, etc.).

The only part I don't agree with is the big sedans - big SUV or big van, sure, but when it comes to sedans you're far more likely to see Jennifer buy a Civic or Corolla than an Avalon or RL.

Same goes for BMW - they will see more women buying the 1 series than the 5/7 by far.

-juice

dewey

OK here is my last 2 cents on this gender issue!
Let us exclude SUVs and vans and look at the following example:

The 1 series can be considered a competitor to a VW GTI. Does a GTI that is less expensive than a Passat mean that less women as a % are driving a Passat and favor a GTI. I dont think so?

kyfdx

Last $0.02... We'll see about that...lol

How about comparing sedans.. Jetta vs. Passat.. then what do you get?

Especially, if we get the 1-series as a sedan only... I have to say that juice will be right..

I don't think BMW or anyone else is comparing the GTI to a 1-series, though.. The GTI is a 2-door hatch.. I don't think the 1-series is even available in that configuration, is it?

regards,
kyfdx

sunilb

wow... that's a lot of discussion on ???

Any new info on the 1-series? I saw an M-coupe on the road this weekend... what a cool car: lots of power, seating for two and room for [small] luggage! I kind of wished BMW didn't stop making that car... especially if we get the sedan version of the 1-series.

The rear seat (and doors) seem like a joke.

Is the speculation still for Fall of '06?

dewey

Ok it was 2 cents and now I am down to my last penny!

True, I was thinking of the hatchback when considering the GTI. In fact Euro magazines do compare the 1 series to the GTI. Anyway I feel the performance/handling specs of a 130 will be favorable compared to a 330 . That will attract males.

Also is it not mere coincidence that we are speculating what females want? Why are there only male forum members for the 1 series? Or is it because the 1 series attracts solely males.

wale_bate1

"Anyway I feel the performance/handling specs of a 130 will be favorable compared to a 330 . That will attract males..."

Well, that would certainly grab me.

Like a book thou talkest, O Dewey, like a book!

kyfdx

they probably are competitors...

In North America, probably not...

130i... 258 HP..

Sign me up..

ateixeira

You beat me to it, but definitely, you'd have to compare the Jetta to a Passat, i.e. both sedans.

Jetta outsells the GTI/Golf by 7 to 1 in the USA, so you might even argue that both genders prefer Jettas over Golfs.

Same old ('99) data, but surprise, 56% of Jetta buyers are female. Just 38% of Passat owners have two X chromosomes.

So to answer your question, Yes, absolutely, far fewer women are driving the pricier VW sedan.

-juice

jlbl

… BMW 1-Series competes with VW Golf GTI (a very successful car), Audi 2 (not so successful) and other cheaper and more selling models made by Citroen, Renault, Seat, Alfa Romeo and Peugeot—I believe in this orden of selling importance. BMW 1-Series / VW Golf GTI buyers are single young men and women. Some young couples too. They are relatively wealthy but informal people, looking at themselves as not pretentious but willing nonetheless to detach because of their coolness. A few middle-aged householders may buy these cars too, but this is not the niche they are intended to. So, in this case, I believe there is no gender bias at all. These cars appeal both, male and female youths.

Sorry for the intrusion,

Regards,

Jose

Kirstie_H

Intrusion? Not at all. All opinions are welcome.

Welcome to the Forums, Jose! We're glad to have you here.

ateixeira

They appeal to both, sure, I agree there. Other Bimmers just happen to appeal to far more males.

I think we'll see close to 50/50 for the 1, sure.

-juice

wale_bate1

Yeah, no intrusion at all Jose. Nice to round out the insight here.

If I get one, I hereby promise not to detach...too much. But since I'm a middle-aged householder, that probably doesn't apply!
;-)

jlbl

I am 55. To you and Kirstie, thanks for the welcome.

Regards,

Jose

osgood

Regarding the whole Male vs Female discussion...

"Car people" tend to be guys wherever you go. But I think that fairer sex enjoys a quality car just as much a dude, but for different reasons. We see steel, horse power, electronic do-dads, etc. They see heated seats, power windows, GPS, cup holders, and lighted vanity mirrors.

BMW are cool, fast, fun, reliable, safe, and chic'. I think that is why both male and females both love them. Guys like the specs.... girls like the car.

I would say that at first, a female wouldn't know a BMW from a Yugo (and wouldn't care)...but once they spend some 'quality' time in a BMW and once the husband convinces them that BMW are worth the extra $$...they start to realize what all the fuss is about. Every female BMW driver that I know is crazy about her car.

bemve1

Could any one please tell me if the BMW 2 series is coming to America and when it will be on the market? Also, is the 1 series the same is the 2 series? Please help me I really would like to but the 2 series and want to know when it will be on sale.

kyfdx

Originally, the 2-series was the coupe version of the 1-seriess... However, they dropped that idea, and now it is just the 1-series coupe..

And, the answer is: No one knows...

cath120i

hi im from australia.. i have purchased a bmw 120I
points
-here it is 50/50 male to female buying it (i for one am a female)
-photos do not do this car justice and i will admit in some photos it looks a bit strange but in real life its gorgeous.. i get many compliments..
-handling of the car is awesome..not any front wheel drv can compare
-small backseat? its a small car.. the legroom is fine.. the middle seat is the one to be questioned ..however u can sit with ur legs either side
-this car should not be classified with the golf or any fwd car..this should only be compared to cars that a rwd 5 door hatches (any around)

jrct9454

Yes, too bad the only version we will get in the US is likely to be a classic 3-box [2 or 4 doors with trunk]. The 5-door takes advantage of every available cubic inch, while the versions we'll get will be just very small sedans - fast and good-handling, I'm sure, but intended for two adults and not much else...

zzzzzzz

From australia as well. The best handling "small" car on the market. Could do with 2 more cyclinders and only 2 doors. I have my order in for the 130i. Tried my best but cannot unstick the wide rear tires in the 120i. The handling is bulletproof.

zzzzzzz

PS. Both of us female/male chose to drive the 1 series. The golf is left in the garage, 2 big and not nimble.

fedlawman

The 116i weighs 2800 lbs. and the 118d weighs 3050 lbs.

Assuming the 3.0L I-6 gas engines we get here weigh about the same as the deisel, I think the 130i could be the modern-day E30 M3.

Simple lines, uncluttered interior, high quality materials, unfiltered driving dynamics.

I'll take a 2-door coupe, thank you...

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/bmw1.htm

lexusrocks

I just saw the 1 series at a car showroom today, and I like it. The styling is great, typical BMW lines. Looks much better than the 3 series and 5 series, and it looks way better than the ugly X3.

The BMW 1 series seems like a decent car that most people will be able to afford. I'm not sure who this car will compete against, because there doesn't seem to be much of a premium compact market. The only real competitors are the Volkswagen Golf and the Audi A3. Mercedes is rumoured to be producing a premium compact called the B class, although it won't make it's way to the States for another year.

Personally, If I wanted a compact hatchback, I'd go for a Ford Focus, Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix or a Mazda 3. I don't have much liking for small, overpriced cars.

nyccarguy

where did you swee a 1 series in a showroom?

jchan2

How is the 130i/120i selling in Australia? Do people like it?

lexusrocks

I live in the Middle East. This is a unique place to live as we get American, Japanese and European vehicles. There are some brands that we don't have, and there are some brands that we have that the United States doesn't have. I'll name a few.

We don't have Acura. I have never seen an Acura RL, TL or TSX in my entire life. Honda is there, but the Element isn't sold here. We have Infiniti, but only a few models like the FX35/45, G35 coupe, Q45, QX4 and I the QX56 is coming too. We do have Nissan, it's quite popular. We don't have Pontiac, Buick, or Saturn. The Pontiacs you'll see are Firebird Trans Ams and the only Buicks are Roadmasters. We do have Chevrolet and GMC they are very popular, especially the Suburban and Yukon models.

However, we do have brands such as Rover, Seat, Citroen, Renault, Peugoet. These cars are pretty small and I would much rather have brands like Acura, Infiniti, Buick, and Pontiac. I hate Saturn, their cars are garbage.

For those who care, here's a list of cars that are currently sold in America, but not available in the Middle East.

- Buick (all models)
- Acura(all models)
- Infinti G35 sedan, M35/M45,
- Pontiac (all models)
- Saturn (all models)
- Chevrolet Impala
(they have a large, Holden based car called the Chevrolet Caprice. It's a large sedan with a V8 engine and tons of interior room)
- Chevrolet Malibu
(called the Lumina here, it is a smaller version of the Caprice. The Pontiac GTO sold in America is essentially a two door version of this car. We get Lumina and Caprice SS versions here)
- Honda Element
- Toyota Camry Solara
- Toyota Corolla
(our Corolla has the same dash and interior, but our exterior is different. Personally, I like the American versionm better.
- Toyota 4Runner
(here it is called the Land Cruiser Prado, it basically a Toyota version of the Lexus GX470. It is extremely popular due to it's off road abilties)
- Toyota Highlander
- Toyota Matrix
(We do have a Corolla wagon)
- Nissan Maxima
(our Maxima is a Nissan version of the discontinued Infiniti I30. The American version is much better)
- Nissan Xterra
(Here we have a similar sized SUV called the X-Trail)
- Nissan Pathfinder
(We have the old model, but the new seven seater model hasn't come out yet)
- Nissan Sentra
(We have a similar sized car called the Sunny. I think the Sentra looks sportier and is a better car overall)
- Lincoln Aviator/Navigator
- Dodge Magnum
- Dodge Dakot

One downside to living in the Middle East is all the cars arrive late. We are just getting the Nissan Murano and Armada. America got the Murano in 2002-2003 and the Armada in 2003 or 2004. In the second half of last year we got the Nissan Altima, which has been out since 2001. Also, we got the current version of the Camry in 2003, and America got in 2002. Also there is no sport version of the Camry, and no navigation system is available.

I drive a Camry here. It is a very common and popular CAR. Hope this post gives u some insight on the cars we have outside America.

jchan2

Interesting list. Does Infiniti still sell the I35 in the middle east? I picked one up in the US on clearance a month ago...

I travel to Hong Kong a lot and I've seen the Nissan Sunny. Seems to me like a rebadged version of the Sentra. My cousin drives, and he owns a Nissan Prairie I'd just love to see be sold in the US. It's a small minivan with sliding doors. Perfect for my family, but Nissan won't sell it to Americans. We're stuck with the huge minivans- Odyssey, Quest, Sienna, Uplander, etc.

cath120i

"A particularly pleasing fact is that the youngest model series in the BMW Group, the BMW 1 Series, is still attracting an excellent market response. In February, sales reached 10,267 units. This means that, since the market launch just under six months ago in September 2004, nearly 60,000 (58,925) of this premium product in the compact class have found a buyer."

link title

cath120i

in Australia it has sold 700 till feb.. waiting list is still 5 months.. i had to wait 3 months to get mine

jchan2

Guess this car must be a popular one.

navigator89

I live in the Middle East, and yes the I35 sells in the Middle East as a rebadged Nissan Maxima. The Nissan Prairie isn't sold here but vehicles like the Nissan X-Trail and Nissan Patrol are sold. You won't find these in America, even though they are decent vehicles. As for the Sunny, the Sentra looks way better. The Sentra has a sporty look to it. By the way, did you notice the Nissan Sunny's taillights resemble that of the new Acura RL?

Here are a few vehicles that lexusrocks forgot to mention.

Toyota Sequoias aren't sold here, we just get the Land Cruiser, Rav4 and Land Cruiser Prado from Toyota.

There is no Sienna here, but we do have the Previa. It looks way different from the Previa that was sold in America.

We also don't have the Mitsubishi Endeavor. We do have the Pajero, which is your Montero.

Here are some vehicles sold in the Middle East but not In America.

Honda Stream (essentially a cross between a minivan and a station wagon)
Mitusbishi Space Wagon (a similar van/wagon vehicle)
Honda City (a car smaller than the Civic)
Nissan Patrol
Nissan X-Trail
Mitusbishi Pajero io

By the way, how much did u buy the I35 for?

babi

5 months seriously?? i plan to buy the same series. which dealer did ya go to? if ya dun mind, how much does it cost (including option)? but 5 months.. damn.. it's a nice car though..

jchan2

I paid $25,800 before taxes and other fees. Brand new, with 110 miles on it. Brilliant Silver with the Willow Leather interior.

I love my car. I got a great car at a great price.

chrisducati

as soon as I read that no Hatchback was coming I was disinterested.

jrct9454

Well, the word from BMWCCA is that BMWUSA is still waffling about what models to bring in from the 1er line. The dealers are apparently the people who need convincing - they keep telling BUSA that they are afraid no Americans will buy any hatchback BMW, regardless of drivetrain or price. They seem determined to hold out exclusively for a "2002 replacement", with only 6 cyl engines [idiots], which seems to have been interpreted as a 2-door sedan/"coupe" and a convertible.

I don't know what to do about this - the 5-door is what I want, and there are plenty of people in CCA who agree with me [and you], but somehow the dealer body has to be convinced to take this "risk" [as they see it]. Since we have no way of directly feeding back to these clowns, it is hard to understand how to make our opinions known. I intend to try to communicate through CCA to BMWUSA, and hope this is enough.

It's as if BMW, through their marketing efforts of the past 20 years to "position the brand" as some kind of track star, now has trapped themselves into believing that no one wants a "practical" BMW in this country. Well, they've spent millions of dollars trying to convince the American audience of exactly that, so it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

wale_bate1

If they're bringing 2-door variants only, I'll sign on someone else's line. A real touring would be my preference, but at the least a five-door is the opener.

Practical or not, that's the minimum config that stokes my furnace!

jchan2

Come on. The dealers should realize that with high gas prices, people are going to want small, fuel efficient cars. Toss in the handling, prestige and customer service of a BMW and it'd be a winner.

They should make a coupe, sedan, wagon, convertible AND hatchback.

2002

Regarding your statement about the best handling small car on the market - have you driven a Clio Cup or Cooper S?

ateixeira

The 3 is available in 4 body styles (sedan, coupe, wagon, convertible), and that's a large part of its appeal.

-juice

wale_bate1

So "BINGO" it almost hurts, juice.

ateixeira

That's what has hurt Audi, a lot of people are begging for an A4 coupe. With only a sedan they can't match the volume the 3 enjoys.

And they can't blame development costs if these models exist in other markets.

-juice

sunilb

yep... I'm with you guys-- I definitely want the 5 (or 3)-door version of this model: sporty and practical enough. A 2 or 4-door would not really help.

rowlandj

Had it as a rental in Ireland this weekend - I would buy one tomorrow if I could - what a great machine and the mileage was absolutely amazing with that setup.

JR

cookey1231

The middle east thingy lexusrocks and navigator89 wrote sounds correct

I live in canada and i visited middle east (dubai) many times before, and i saw many different cars i couldnt see here in north america, like Peugeot, opel, citroen, renault, rover, alfa romeo, seat, fiat, and some of toyota, honda and nissan. i was impressed.

Middle east is probably the only market (im not sure about south america and south east asia though.) where you can find both small european cars (like Peugeot 206, Merc.A-Class, etc.) and large american cars (GMC Yukon, Chrysler 300M, LHS, Ford Expedition, etc.) at the same time. (they even have Mercury and GMC Safari..lol)

oh btw, Acura doesnt exist there, like what lexusrocks said.

seminole_kev

but do we know if/when the 1-series will be hitting the States and if so, what body styles, engine/transmissions, and projected pricing?

kyfdx

1) If? Probably

2) When? Don't know, but best rumor backed by logic is next summer at the earliest, with Fall or later more likely.

3) Body styles? At first, they were saying the same 4-door hatch that is on sale in Europe.. Now, the word from BMW NA is coupe only, with convertible maybe to follow

4) Engines? The first rumors were 2.5 and 3.0 litre gas only for USA.. But, since the 2.5 didn't make it into the 325i, all bets are off for that one.

5) Transmissions? I've heard nothing, though manual and automatic would seem a safe bet.

6) Pricing: Cheaper than a 3-series.

In summary: Nope, we don't know anything...

regards,
kyfdx

seminole_kev

Hey, that's more than I knew. I appreciate it.

jrct9454

BMWNA insists that nothing will happen before 2007, and no 4 cyl engines, and no 5-door....in other words, they have been really good about being negative on the 1 series, and really empty on actual plans.

The dealers want only a 6 cyl "coupe" with a trunk [always was a 2-door sedan to me, including my '66 1602] and a convertible. I think they know less about the market for this car than they believe they do, but no one is asking me for my recommendations.

Anyway, some variation on this car will eventually make it here - just not the most practical or economical combination [the 5 door with the diesel]. But I wouldn't look for it before calendar year 2007.

ateixeira

If you think about it, now that the standard engine in the rest of the lineup is a 3.0l, that would make the 2.5l a perfect candidate for the US-spec 1.

-juice

kyfdx

Yeah... but the word is.. they couldn't get the emissions to pass... That is why they put the 3.0 litre in the 325i...

Me, personally? I think a 130i sounds great.... yeeeeehah.