great pics!

<flamesuit = on>

For me, the biggest drawback of the MINI is the FWD. Thought I could deal with it (first FWD car i have owned), and for the most part, it's not bad (ok, so that is an understatement). But there are times when I am driving hard that it still FEELS like FWD. (hmmmm....now why is that?)

<flamesuit = off>

I, for one, can not wait for the 1-series. My fav BMWs are the E30's, after that, they got bigger and softer. Still great cars, don't get me wrong. I kind of see it like an old 1.6L miata compared to the new, sleek 2.0L ones. Both are great, but they polished the "raw" right out of it....

The fact that "it just looks like a little BMW" is fine by me - I am a fan. Keep it simple, keep it light, give me manual seats, cloth, etc. Just stuff that big Twin turbo motor under the hood...and i'll be off to Vishnu's website for more!

I will miss the utility of the MINI, it is an awesome little hauler. But, there is an old beater subaru wagon inteh driveway that knows the way to Home Depot.

Consider me to be a MINI sales casulty shortly after they get the 135 sorted out. However, my wife is a different story, she LOVES her MINI, and wouldd only give it up for more MINI. So, it's not like we won't have one...we just won't have two.

I am glad that they are going to have the option for a smaller, lighter, more focused BMW.

 

I'm right there with you fishbulb! I know exactly what you mean about the newer BMWs being too soft and big. I think the new 1 Series is actually being made in the same spirit of the MINI. Not that they are really alike, but they both are attempts to take a car back to its roots and create a truly enjoyable driving experience. If I could, I would like to have both in my garage!

 

The 1-series hatch is already on sale in Europe: http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/index/0,,...%3D%3D,00.html

The configurator lists a hatch M version: http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/ecom4/fra...%3D%3D,00.html

 

Nope ... the BMW 2002

 

Touche! But I was making a different point.

 

If they can keep the 135i around 35k it'll be our 2nd (or next) car

 

Finally........now I just have to see it in person. The performance #'s are conservative for 135. It should do 0-60 below 5 sec stock with Vishnu in the scene........hold on!

 

Did a quick mock-up in Paint to see how it would look with 5 series style rear clusters, rear fogs and a mesh insert in the rear skirt... oh yeah, and quad pipes

 

I honestly feel that the MINI was also made in the spirit of the 2002.

 

That's a 2002? Looks like a 72.

 

Actually a '73 tii

 

I really like the BMW 1 Series 2 door version with the trunk! Not sure about the hatchback version, so I'll have to see it in person. I really like the M Coupe with the hatch, but that is too pricey for me. I hope BMW can shave at least 500 lbs off the existing 3 series.

At this point, I'm on the fence, waiting for the 1 Series, and the Traveller. I'll decide after they are out. In the meantime, I my favorite color in the Mini is Dark Silver with Black Top... It took me a while to decide since most of the colors look great (extremely tough decision).

I think the 1 Series will be a huge success in the US! It's natural for cars to put on weight as more luxerious appointments are added every year. It's only natural to bring a new baby to the market to refill the void.

 

I was close!

 

Looks like a fat Japanese kid... fits perfectly in the BMW line-up. Uggggg.... when are European cars going to look European again????

 

I'm not sure why anybody would own a MINI and lament it not being a RWD car...FWD does kinda go w/ the territory for Minis, right? Still, for those who prefer the dynamics of a RWD car, the 1-series will no doubt be a point of interest.

I think many MINI owners, however, are simply into MINIs and not BMWs, so overall interest will likely be minimal among MINI owners.

 

I agree that the 1 won't steal sales from the MINI. But, I would love AWD in a MINI and, if they come out with one, I'd probably get it.

 

Another pointy headlamped flame surfaced BMW *sigh*

This Bangle/Adrian style leaves me cold if not, on some cars, repulsed. Until I see a 1 series in person I won't really know how it the lines will effect me, but it is too bad that for this version they lost the nice and super practical hatch but kept that rather startled deer in the headlights expression.

I would love to see an actual revamp of the 2002 in line with the retro style like they did with the Mini - boxy, real round headlamps and kidneys reflecting the classic BMW style, now that would be exciting vs another exercise in this 'futuristic' bland/homely face of BMW.

 

I'm sold - I just need pricing information so that I can figure out how much debt I will be accruing in the new year

 

I'd be interested if they could import the 5-door 120d and sell it for under $30,000.

2-liter turbodiesel with 177 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque (at 2000 rpm!). It'll get you to 60 in the low 7-second range, plus get 57 miles per gallon.

Those are the kind of specs that will get me thinking about replacing my MCS (especially if they could put that engine in a Mini!). I also think the BMW flame-surface styling works much better on the hatchbacks than it does on the US coupe.





They have a 3-door hatch in Europe, too.

 

The 135i coupe has a whopping unladen weight of 3440lbs. I don't think it will be stealing many MINI sales.

 

It will steal at least one - I WILL be repalcing my MCS with a 135i.

I am prepared to order one un-seen / un-driven too !

The only other cars that I would replace the MCS with ?

A 2008 MCS or a 2007/8 Z4M Coupe

The Z4M is really too expensive to justify though, especially in light of the 135.........

3440lbs and 300hp vs 2800lbs and 185 ?

Sounds like the 135 will be a laugh.......

 

What is 2800lbs and 185? Also we own a Z4 covertable, the Z4 coupe look's like the BMW station wagon, not pretty.

 

Last time I got my MCS on the scales it weighed in at 2798lbs.

Last time it was on the dyno it wheezed out 160hp at the front wheels.

So, an MCS at ~2800lbs and ~185hp vs 3600lbs and ~300hp (probably 260 at the wheels)

MCS @ 15lbs/hp vs 135i @ 12lbs/hp

Not to mention RWD vs FWD :impatient

I love the looks of the Z4M Coupe - I guess it is like Marmite - love or loath, there can be no indifference

 

If I had room and money I would be first on line to add a 135 to my stable, I guess I will just have to make do with my 2003 JCW and 2008 M5

more power to the 135 it will be a great drivers car will make a great track day car

 

I got it now . Yea I just like the looks of the topless Z4 better, but its all good .