CD Article: 2008 BMW 1 Series coupe

[CD_Editor]

Today's First Drive:

While the 1 Series may be BMW's smallest offering, it's a real rocketship, says contributor Laurance Yap. "The (300-hp) 135i has an eager, almost aggressive nimbleness that makes it a very exciting drive," he says.  The 1 Series arrives in Canada next spring.
   
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Read the article | View the photos | All The First Drives

[2hondas1BMW]

 

However, the base model will be popular for people who just want the name, IMO.

[Mr. B]

I must say that the 135 is going to own many cars on the road...300hp in that tiny car will put up performance numbers just shy of the 333hp M3. Not many cars around for $40K that can do that!

[Zombie]

They should have brought over the hatchback instead of the coup. I mean the coup is ugly anyway so why not make the thing practice at least.
I actually like hatchbacks but I know most people don't, at least not in NA.

http://www.whatcar.co.uk/car-review-pictures.aspx?RT=661

[JSCC]

I must say that the 135 is going to own many cars on the road...300hp in that tiny car will put up performance numbers just shy of the 333hp M3. Not many cars around for $40K that can do that!

You are right!

$48,000 was a good deal for a 300HP STI when compared to the last-gen M3 ($70,000+).
Not any more.
Let's wait and see how the EVO X prices out.
Is the Audi S3 coming to Canada or not? 

[Sir Osis of Liver]

But $49,900 will get you into a 335i sedan.

I'm not really sure what they're doing price wise. Too much overlap with the 3 series IMHO.

[JSCC]

But $49,900 will get you into a 335i sedan.

I'm not really sure what they're doing price wise. Too much overlap with the 3 series IMHO.

The 1 series should be very similar to the B-Class and A3 in pricing structure. $32,000 - $50,000.

The 3 series $35,000 - $60,000.
Canada might drop the 323i.
Would Canada get a 123i?

[gotak]

They should have brought over the hatchback instead of the coup. I mean the coup is ugly anyway so why not make the thing practice at least.
I actually like hatchbacks but I know most people don't, at least not in NA.
http://www.whatcar.co.uk/car-review-pictures.aspx?RT=661

Watch the review of the 1 on UK motor shows. They say it's really not that practical. You can fit 2 people in the back sort of but the trunk space is less. For the kind of driving that happens normally with these cars I think larger trunk is better. And actually the hatch looks weird to me.

And yes I want one....!

[tpl]

But $49,900 will get you into a 335i sedan.

I'm not really sure what they're doing price wise. Too much overlap with the 3 series IMHO.

$49,900 theoretically gets you into a 335i.    $55-56,000 is closer ( before taxes) tho'.     335i + sport, metallic,leather and auto trans   which is how about 90% are sold   is $57,600 + freight pdi + taxes.

The 1 series should be very similar to the B-Class and A3 in pricing structure. $32,000 - $50,000.

The 3 series $35,000 - $60,000.
Canada might drop the 323i.
Would Canada get a 123i?

A 123i  HATCHBACK would be appealing  but we won't get it... cos' if we did there would be no technical reasons ( like bumpers and so on)  to not bring any of the hatchback 1-series.

[The Mighty Duck]

However, the base model will be popular for people who just want the name, IMO.

This is my fear - we've already seen this to be true with the 3-series.  But I'm hoping the combination of higher pricing and less practicality will leave posers in the 325... 

I really find this car's segment interesting - I would cross shop the 135 with the G37, but as the article says, the Infiniti is much larger.  Just what does this thing compete with?

[mdxtasy]

Poseurs will always be present in the marketplace.  Comes with the territory of beign a 'prestige' brand.  As long as they contribute to the profitablity of the company and keep the economy rolling, who am I to say they shouldn't buy one? 

Besides, how many poseurs want to be seen in that ugly thing?   

[Mitlov]

I really find this car's segment interesting - I would cross shop the 135 with the G37, but as the article says, the Infiniti is much larger.  Just what does this thing compete with?

I see the 135i as a competitor with loaded STIs, EVOs, RX-8s and 350Zs--for wealthy boy racers who also enjoy their creature comforts.  Sure, none of those cars are exactly the same body style, but for those target markets, the back seat is really just for storing book bags and energy drinks.

I wasn't super-excited about the 1-Series when it first came out, but it's grown on me a lot.  The tii concept helped

[sirAQUAMAN64]

These are going to be jet-flown off the lots. Great price, gorgeous look, RWD handling, features, power, decent economy, quality. Only real downside is the interior space. The pricing should be very sharp by all accounts. I think most will prefer the Coupé bodystyle and it's quite unique in segment. I find this as a compact coupe projects moden successful youthfulness far louder than the more mature larger G35 Coupe/3 Series/RX-8/Z/etc.

Some people just look and think "it has a back seat, it'll do", only complaining after purchasing when someone actually has to sit back there and they say "the back seat is way too small".

Hot, hot, HOT product.

[Snowman]

My Subaru  friend expects the new STI to be below $45k.

[CJunk]

Why are we not getting the 5-door version or even the 3-door hatch would give it more dynamics. Otherwise it promises to be a great (fast) car from BMW. Remember the 318ti?

[ovr50]

Why are we not getting the 5-door version or even the 3-door hatch would give it more dynamics. Otherwise it promises to be a great (fast) car from BMW. Remember the 318ti?

Welcome to the CTC Forum, CJunk. We don't get the hatch simply because hatches don't sell well in the US and Canada is too small a market on it's own. I agree, the hatch is sweet.

And you right, there a lot of 318ti and is fans out there still. 

[Mitlov]

Why are we not getting the 5-door version or even the 3-door hatch would give it more dynamics.

Because North Americans (particularly those in the US, a much larger market than Canada) have voted time and time again with their wallets, and have stated unambiguously that they prefer coupes and sedans to hatchbacks and wagons.

Also, the marketing for the 1-Series ties in heavily with the 2002.  The 1-Series coupe looks like a 2002.  The 1-Series hatch does not.

[safristi]

  Huh are there any Americans alive that remember the 2002..deja VUE...wasn't it more like '72? ...Hatch me a 1 ............fack tha Yanks..OUR DOLLAR IS to DIE FOR...

[Mitlov]

Huh are there any Americans alive that remember the 2002..deja VUE...wasn't it more like '72? ...

Does anyone remember the 2002?  Are you serious?  As for the older generation, those who had them will never forget (isn't that right, ovr?).  As for the younger generation...not only is the 2002 Turbo driveable in Gran Turismo 4, but it kicks ass.   By far the best classic car in the game IMO.  And that's really all it takes to make a car popular with Generation X.  Hey, Gran Turismo and its fanbase got Nissan to bring the Skyline GTR to North America...

[Jameel]

I like this quote, "Much of that driving purity comes from the 1 Series' light weight and tight dimensions".  Since when is 1560 kg (3432 lbs) light weight?

I remember years ago I had a a 1995 Dodge Stealth Twin Turbo which weighed 3550 lbs and that was considered a heavy pig (and the TT Stealth had AWD).  And now they are calling a 3400 lb, RWD car lightweight? 

Wow, how things have changed.  I guess people are just getting more and more use to heavy cars so 3400 lbs seems relatively light.