BMW expects the 1-series to lure enthusiasts back into the fold

[mikeyb]

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]

2008 looks to be a good year for new cars coming out. any projected pricing for the 1 series?

 

[mikeyb]

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]

Have no interest in the 2-door or the convertible but I'm all over that 3-door. Pleeeeease BMW pleeeeeease bring it.

 

[SuperStretch18]

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]

I really like the 1 series coupe. I would totally rock one if I could afford it

 

[mikeyb]

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]

if they want to lure enthusiasts, it better have a dipstick.

 

[mikeyb]

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]

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.

 

[genericuser]

C&D has a good spread on the 1 series this month.

 

[Gasological]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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