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View Full Version : BMW expects the 1-series to lure enthusiasts back into the fold


mikeyb
06-05-2007, 11:24 AM
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/06/bmw_1-series_450.jpg (http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070604/SUB/70601006/1018/BREAKING&refsect=BREAKING)

There has been considerable debate among enthusiasts as to whether or not BMW is living up to its "Ultimate Driving Machine" slogan. A lot has changed since the 2002 was introduced in the late 60s, but BMW is looking to stoke the flames of physics enthusiasts, beginning with the importation of the 1-series to the U.S.

A recent article in Automotive News contends that BMW is well aware of its waning performance image, especially in the realm of compact vehicles. The 3-series can hardly be considered an entry-level ride anymore, and the upcoming 1-series may be able to fill the niche that its big brother has abandoned.

Rich Brekus, the G.M. of product planning and strategy for BMW's N.A. operations, is quoted as saying that the 1-series, "is the purest BMW we have." He goes on to point out that BMW's driving dynamics are what won people over in the past, and it would be a shame to let the next generation down.

The 1-series will supposedly go on sale in the States next year, with both a two-door and a convertible being offered. We're getting anxious and it sounds like we have good reason.

-Autoblog
jred321
06-05-2007, 12:09 PM
2008 looks to be a good year for new cars coming out. any projected pricing for the 1 series?
mikeyb
06-05-2007, 01:05 PM
2008 looks to be a good year for new cars coming out. any projected pricing for the 1 series?

25K to high 30K. Its going to be in the same price range as a loaded VW Jetta, Volvo S40/V50, and Audi A3.
SilverBulletES
06-14-2007, 10:03 PM
Have no interest in the 2-door or the convertible but I'm all over that 3-door. Pleeeeease BMW pleeeeeease bring it.
SuperStretch18
06-14-2007, 10:09 PM
Damn, is every company going to make a 3 clone?!? Oh well, I'm a fan of hatchbacks; nice to see they are finally in style...
Iggy
06-14-2007, 10:58 PM
I really like the 1 series coupe. I would totally rock one if I could afford it
mikeyb
06-15-2007, 12:38 AM
Damn, is every company going to make a 3 clone?!? Oh well, I'm a fan of hatchbacks; nice to see they are finally in style...

The BMW 1 series is not a 3 clone. The 1 series was introduced to the market back in 03 with Mazda was selling the Protege and P5.
mountjonas
06-15-2007, 12:39 AM
if they want to lure enthusiasts, it better have a dipstick.
mikeyb
06-15-2007, 12:47 AM
if they want to lure enthusiasts, it better have a dipstick.

LOL A dipstick? That is funny. No dipstick on either the engine or transmission. There is even a electrical water pump instead of a mechanical one.
SilverBulletES
06-15-2007, 01:35 AM
I wouldn't call it a 3-series clone. It's cut a lot of the fat. (Does someone have numbers on that?) But... it is based on the E46 chassis. Not that that's a bad thing.

I've got to have a car that's justifiably practical though. A coupe ain't going to cut it. Could go for a 5-door even if it looks a bit strange. (Also makes it less "I really wanted to have a 3-series but couldn't afford it.") Cloth interior is fine, really preferred. I can live with "just" the naturally aspirated 3 liter inline six.
seanmcsean
06-15-2007, 08:54 AM
C&D has a good spread on the 1 series this month.
Gasological
06-15-2007, 09:10 AM
Drove one of these in Germany a couple months ago. Plenty enjoyable. Still has that centralized computer knob thingie for operating ALL of the interior electronics/controls, which I most certainly don't like, but other than that...
mikeyb
06-15-2007, 09:29 AM
I wouldn't call it a 3-series clone. It's cut a lot of the fat. (Does someone have numbers on that?) But... it is based on the E46 chassis. Not that that's a bad thing.

I've got to have a car that's justifiably practical though. A coupe ain't going to cut it. Could go for a 5-door even if it looks a bit strange. (Also makes it less "I really wanted to have a 3-series but couldn't afford it.") Cloth interior is fine, really preferred. I can live with "just" the naturally aspirated 3 liter inline six.

He was saying it looks like a Mazda 3 clone. There is also a sedan and wagon coming out. If interior room is is important then look at the e90 3er. Its the same size as a e39 5er 97-03.
SuperStretch18
06-15-2007, 09:57 AM
He was saying it looks like a Mazda 3 clone.
Correct. My mistake on the timeline; but I still think that they are bringing it here due to the success of cars like the 3, gti, etc. Not to say that is a dumb move, but it seems like every company is moving to push a hatch like the 3. Even the WRX is moving in that direction (blasphemy!).
chaos2015
06-15-2007, 10:17 AM
when i was in paris i saw these everywhere, and 90% of the cars i saw were hatchbacks. i dont understand americas hatred of hatchbacks
mikeyb
06-15-2007, 10:34 AM
Correct. My mistake on the timeline; but I still think that they are bringing it here due to the success of cars like the 3, gti, etc. Not to say that is a dumb move, but it seems like every company is moving to push a hatch like the 3. Even the WRX is moving in that direction (blasphemy!).

The market for a hatchbacks is not that large. Look back into the 90s when BMW sold the 318ti or when MB sold a C Class hatchback. They did not sell well. So I do not think BMW will bring the hatch here unless its the wagon. The WRX will also be available as a sedan.
Hughes412
06-20-2007, 10:32 AM
The market for a hatchbacks is not that large. Look back into the 90s when BMW sold the 318ti or when MB sold a C Class hatchback. They did not sell well. So I do not think BMW will bring the hatch here unless its the wagon. The WRX will also be available as a sedan.
LOL but the 2 cars you speak of were some of the worst looking cars made! They and they came PRE retrosexual days. People think differently now, it's no longer about just sporty, it also has to be functional. I think the BMW 1 will sell very well. The main people that will buy it will be the entry level admin managers. People in the 30k and up range. Here 30k is a nice start. Places like LA and New York it'll be the 40k and up. Or the 2 income families that want to have 2 cars but one that is alittle nicer.
jred321
06-20-2007, 10:38 AM
in LA and NY if you make 40k you're lucky if you can afford rent and food never mind a car. i don't think anyone making 30k should be considering it either
Hughes412
06-20-2007, 10:51 AM
in LA and NY if you make 40k you're lucky if you can afford rent and food never mind a car. i don't think anyone making 30k should be considering it either
Well thank god I live here then. Cost of living is still cheap.
jred321
06-20-2007, 11:18 AM
on the other hand though up here you make a lot more to do the same job. anyone with "manager" in their title isn't in the 30k range, even if it is entry level
LinuxRacr
06-20-2007, 11:22 AM
I think it's awesome that BMW has had a lightbulb moment. I would be willing to upgrade to one if they drive as good as the MP3 in handling.
mikeyb
06-20-2007, 11:32 AM
I think it's awesome that BMW has had a lightbulb moment. I would be willing to upgrade to one if they drive as good as the MP3 in handling.

BMWs would walk all over a MP3 in the handling department.
LinuxRacr
06-20-2007, 11:36 AM
Have you driven one before? I've out-handled, and have seen countless MP3's and MSP's outhandle countless BMW's.
mikeyb
06-20-2007, 11:39 AM
Have you driven one before? I've out-handled, and have seen countless MP3's and MSP's outhandle countless BMW's.

thats because the drivers of the BMWs do not know the limits of their cars. I've driven acouple MP3s and MSPs which are awesome to track but the BMWs I've driven will out handle them.

I'm not tried to push buttons.
LinuxRacr
06-23-2007, 08:08 AM
thats because the drivers of the BMWs do not know the limits of their cars. I've driven acouple MP3s and MSPs which are awesome to track but the BMWs I've driven will out handle them.

I'm not tried to push buttons.

I understand you are not trying to push buttons, and I won't be a fanboy. So what model of BMW are you referring to?
mikeyb
06-23-2007, 08:23 AM
I understand you are not trying to push buttons, and I won't be a fanboy. So what model of BMW are you referring to?

e36 M3, e46s, and z3 M and z4 m. We're comparing cars the are apples to oranges. BMWs are known for being the best handling cars in the world.
LinuxRacr
06-23-2007, 08:49 AM
e36 M3, e46s, and z3 M and z4 m. We're comparing cars the are apples to oranges. BMWs are known for being the best handling cars in the world.
Have you read this:


Sure its just one review, but it lets you know. And these were experienced drivers. I am done. Thanks for the good car info as always.
FreewheelBurner
06-23-2007, 02:47 PM
I could whip out the C&D's best handling car at any price article, but i'm not one to brag about my car on someone else's forum.

Also that R&T article was to prove the best handling car platform, only proving that FF was the worst.
LinuxRacr
06-23-2007, 03:23 PM
Did you look at the scores? Yeah, the MP3 came in last overall, but did you see the specifics?
clicknext
06-24-2007, 03:15 AM
when i was in paris i saw these everywhere, and 90% of the cars i saw were hatchbacks. i dont understand americas hatred of hatchbacks
Me neither. Seems to make a lot of sense to make the most of the space available. And besides, the hatch can create that nice wedge shape that makes the car look like it really flows.