Whoa, the 1 series gets a mild face lift and a 3 door model: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=119209#5

I know the hatch won't make it here. But do you think it has a place in the U.S. marketplace? I'm looking forward to see which body and engine combo will be offered here.

 

in one of my bestmotoring DVD's i watched that car go around the
cones and at the track. the professional drivers said it was a fun
car and well balanced.

since there's a A3, im sure there is a market for it, but the price will
probably be too close to the MCS (?).

 

I saw one last summer at the BMWCCA school at Mid-Ohio. I'd never seen one before. It was nimble and all but was passed as much as my Cooper was at Autobahn.

 

My friend has one in Asia. The rear seat is a joke on the 5 doors. There is about the same leg room as the MINI. That's why they make a 3 doors one just to cut the cost of making 2 more doors, but useless.

 

Here's a pic from MWERKS:



Very nice!!

 

Must see video.


enjoy

 

I personally think there is a good market for the Series 1 here in North America, but me thinks that what is stopping it from being offered here is the fact that it may (or may not in real life) cannibalize sales from MINI and the BMW 3 series (Which it is already an expensive and heavier sedan/coupe).

In addition, the late 1990's BMW 318ti hatchback was such a sales flop that BMW probably still believes that Americans will outright reject the idea of a BMW hatchback model once again.

However, the Series 1 is a much, much better car than the 318ti ever was and it is unfair to think that a car designed and sold here 10+ years ago is a true indicative of the success or failure that the 1-series may have here.

Technically speaking, there is nothing that can prevent the 1-series from being sold here, I just think it is more a matter of internal politics and perceived conflicts of interest with other BMW products, including the MINI.

If the series-1 happily shares market with the 3 series and MINI (and happily co-exist with each other I might add in European showrooms), I don't see why this won't be the case in the USA.

The Series-1 will be a formidable competitor to the sort of "lame duck" Audi A3. While the A3 is a very decent car, what kills it is the somewhat humdrum styling and exorbitant sticker price, even with just a few options. Audi has priced themselves out of their intended market audience with the A3. If I were given a choice between an A3 and a BMW 328i sedan/coupe, I would pick the latter for about the same or a little more money.

 

The BMW 1 series is sold either as a 3 or 5 door hatchback.

 

Also I might add that if BMW ever sells the 1 series here that car would really spark my interest as well.

 

Awhile ago I saw a car comparo/road test on Auto Motor & Sport and they concluded ultimately that the 1 series fell short of the competition overall and was over priced/under optioned in comparison as well. I don't know if that is a common opinion (of all shows though they did very good thorough car reviews and comparisons, I miss it), how sales is doing and whether the Roundel status helps sell it anyway, but I can imagine that they are loathe to diversify the low end and potentially impact the profitable top selling 3 series or take away from their established US niche hatch, the Mini.

As for appearances, well in spite of still looking rather surprised the 1 series seems to look better then many other BMWs and isn't saddled with odd panel seams like the new 3 series coupe for instance - the ugly surface lines are still an eyesore to me though.

 

When the 1 Series was first introduced in Europe back in 2000 (I can't remember exactly) I liked it. I actually got to drive one for almost a year while I was living in Italy. I liked it a lot and would love to bring one over.

 

Here some more info: http://news.windingroad.com/body-sty...ket/#more-5008

 

I would be very interested in the 135i. A big powerful engine in such a small car would be great! I am excited to see how it does here in the U.S.

 

The price gap between the 1 and 3 series here is not really big enough to make it worth buying a 1 with any decent level of equipment, basic cars are the only worthwhile buy and base models are not generally popular.

 

It doesn't do a thing for me, though I've never been a fan of BMW.

 

135i will be here towards the end of the year, and it will end the hot-hatch wars.