[albeik]

Source: http://news.windingroad.com/body-sty...for-us-market/

BMW officials confirmed to WINDING ROAD at a corporate event this week that the BMW 1-series will come to our market, and sooner than we originally thought. While official company statements have said the 1-series will be here “within two years,” a source within the company said that’s an overstatement. On the contrary, the 1-series will be announced for our market before the end of 2007. It seems at the moment that the announcement will come this year and sales should start early in 2008.

Perhaps even bigger than this news is the fact that the 1-series will debut in our market with the company’s fabulous new twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline-6. This is the engine found in the new BMW 335i coupe and convertible, featuring piezo direct injection and not a whiff of turbo lag. Also coming to our market will be the company’s newest naturally-aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6.

1-series cars in our market will be two-door versions only. It’s important that we stress the word “versions” when describing the 1-series in our market, as our source confirmed there are up to 15 different concepts in Munich under discussion. For the U.S. market, the company would like to get a quick read on the viability of the car’s acceptance and then deploy one or two more models based on the same idea. In other words, the 135i and 130i could launch in two-door hatchback forms and soon thereafter we’re likely to see a two-door convertible and two-door sedan with a proper trunk.

This is the point where you’re likely to say: “Okay, a small two-door BMW sedan with powerful engines. Do I smell a 2002 revival?”

Yes, you do.

But you’ll smell it in form, only, not in engine size. A four-cylinder BMW is not scheduled for our market until, according to our source, BMW “does a proper turbocharged four-cylinder engine.” Until that time, we’re likely to see 1-series models in our market with sixes only. Pricing for the car will have to fall smack dab between the 3-series and MINI. The pricing differential in the two six-cylinder engines described above is $5,000 dollars, so expect that same ratio for the 1-series models.

[bavarian19]

I dont want the 1 series in the US. Its ugly and overpriced...

[just4kickz]

hahaha word... its not so hot from the rear... looks like a bugg

[Greeney]

Originally Posted by bavarian19

I dont want the 1 series in the US. Its ugly and overpriced...

Amen...

[dhmilosr]

No thanks. Leave the 1 series for Europe.

[obLu]

I would consider the 5 door if the price was around 22-24k to start and able to stay under 30-33 with decent options.

Audi A3 is selling well, around here at least, 1 series could too.

What's the weight on these? If they're significantly lighter than the 3 it could be a lot of fun.

[herbz]

Wow. Who cares how it looks, it will most likely weigh 500lb less than a 335i, with the same engine. Chances are it will rape a 335i in acceleration, handling, and braking.

It won't matter how the car looks when everyone else is left in the dust, will it.

I'm all for the new 1 series coming for the US. BMW needs a new small car. Even the 3 series feels like a 7 series now. I'll definetely be in the market for one when they bring it over.

[bavarian19]

Originally Posted by herbz

Wow. Who cares how it looks, it will most likely weigh 500lb less than a 335i, with the same engine. Chances are it will rape a 335i in acceleration, handling, and braking.

It won't matter how the car looks when everyone else is left in the dust, will it.

I'm all for the new 1 series coming for the US. BMW needs a new small car. Even the 3 series feels like a 7 series now. I'll definetely be in the market for one when they bring it over.

They dont handle as well. If you see the top gear episode for the 130i, youll understand exactly what Im talking about...

[Neil]

I don't think there will be much raping while sitting in traffic on the interstate.

Whoever buys it had better have a garage to put it in so they don't have to look out the window and scare themselves at night.

[StewtheBassman]

Bring it on....and give it xDrive!!!!!!!!

[red_wagen]

About time

[Nikki]

If I wasn't so set on the convertible now I would so get one!!! We'll see if I feel like spending $45k-$50k because if not, 1 series here I come!

[TommyBahama]

Originally Posted by Nikki

If I wasn't so set on the convertible now I would so get one!!! We'll see if I feel like spending $45k-$50k because if not, 1 series here I come!

for a college student who doesnt come from money you sure seem to have shit loads...

[Nikki]

Originally Posted by TommyBahama

for a college student who doesnt come from money you sure seem to have shit loads...

What do you mean doesn't come from money?

My dad is single and likes rewarding me with the money he doesn't spend on himself or a spouse

[JackMac]

BMW NA CEO stated last year that it was coming. It was an "open secret" that the announcement will be some time after the facelift (just announced this week)

So, should not be a surprise.

A 135i would be an excellent addition to the US market.

Ugly? Maybe to some.

Overpriced? All BMW's are overpriced.

[Bora20]

I know that a 4-door 120d would sell like you wouldn't believe here in Canada.

I heard at a VW dealer that TDI engines account for almost 90% of all Jetta/Golf sales in Canada, and I believe it. Ever VW that I see has a TDI badge.

[KL2DC]

It depends how on the marketing strategy. I hope they won't make the same mistake as they did with the 318ti i.e. more on the lightweight sport model and less as an entry level car. But they have Mini's success to go on about.

The 135i is promising though, if they can keep base at around $25k that should be a corker

[TommyBahama]

Originally Posted by Nikki

What do you mean doesn't come from money?

My dad is single and likes rewarding me with the money he doesn't spend on himself or a spouse

oh, i remember you talking about how your mom was jealous that you had a BMW. i guess it didnt dawn on me that your dad could be giving you the money.

[toolfan]

I am really indifferent. I can see a lot of north shore brats by me pick them up. I just hope fully loaded is around 32K because it wont sell if it is priced too high.

[Nikki]

Originally Posted by TommyBahama

oh, i remember you talking about how your mom was jealous that you had a BMW. i guess it didnt dawn on me that your dad could be giving you the money.

oh yeah lol my mom doesn't know i have a bmw because she would be jealous. i wonder how that is going to work out when she finally comes to visit me after all of these years in may when i graduate.

[herbz]

Originally Posted by Neil

I don't think there will be much raping while sitting in traffic on the interstate.

Whoever buys it had better have a garage to put it in so they don't have to look out the window and scare themselves at night.

Yeah, as if we all sit in traffic every day like sheep....

actually, sorry, most people do, because 90% of people aren't bright enough to figure out back roads. Seems like we have an example of one here.

The 135i if modded has the potential to be as fast/faster than the 500hp M5.

If you can only focus on the ugliness factor I question whether or not you're a true car enthusiast.

Ugly as the 135i may be, I don't really think "Nissans" are renowned for their beautifulness either.

I'd make a crack at your face in the avatar but that would be too mean.

[ALPINE6SPD]

I think the 135 is awesome. Imagine it with the xede stage 0 on it. Now thats a sleeper.