Filed under: Economy, Euro, Hatchbacks, BMW
BMW 1-series is coming. For real this time. Just don't ask when.
For those of us looking for the spiritual successor to the BMW 2002, we've been waiting patiently as the folks across the Atlantic were able to walk into their local BMW dealer and order up a 130i. BMW's excuses for not importing the 1-series to North America centered on the weak dollar and a supposed lack of interest in hatchbacks (MINI anyone?), but we've been told that's about to change.
Way back in January of this year, BMW's CEO, Tom Purves, was quoted by Automotive News as saying that the 1-series, "is absolutely coming" and up until now, that's the last we've heard.
Now, in another interview with AutoNews, Norbert Reithofer, BMW's newest CEO, says, "We will definitely bring the 1-series to the United States, but it will not be a hatchback." Instead, we should expect a coupe, sedan and station wagon (although we're not quite sure how that's different from the image above) in the future.
We're not ready to hold our breath, but it's nice to know that the possibility is still on the table.
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Hatchback lover 8:26AM (11/21/2006)
Attention BMW:
Don't be afraid to sell hatchbacks in the US. I currently own a hatchback, and I would love to move up to a 1-series hatchback. I would gladly pay up to and including $30,000 for a nicely equipped 1-series five door. Please, PLEASE give me the opportunity.
If you don't I guess I'll be moving up to an Audi A3, as that is pretty much the only option.
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Owen 8:48AM (11/21/2006)
Hatchback Lover,
I am with you, premium content sedans are a dime a dozen, give us a hatch like the current 1-series. The Speed 3 and WRX wagons are great alternatives, but lack the upmarket interiors that they need to compete in this arena.
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BR 9:17AM (11/21/2006)
I would be interested, to say the least, in a 135ti if BMW greenlights production and brings it to the US.
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LakeVeret 9:23AM (11/21/2006)
I am so tired of the BMW faces, this whole front end thing they have going, has become very boring.
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Ryan 9:44AM (11/21/2006)
I guess this isn't really surprising. Just like every other car manufacturer, BMW has been moving their entry-level volume seller upmarket and now needs to replace it with something. Remember when you could get a new 3-series for $25k?
I guess in a few years when the 1-series costs $40k they'll have to come out with a 0-series?
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Chris 9:54AM (11/21/2006)
We've seen this lip service before, just to be told BMW has changed their minds. By the time they get those things here, they'll be due for a redesign.
I'm also not buying BMW's excuses for not having a hatchback. The most popular Mazda3 is a hatch, the MINI is a hatch the last time I looked at it, VW is doing well with its Rabbits and GTI's. BMW's argument isn't holding much water. I also agree with some of the other posters. Pretty much all current hatchback offerings come with a cheap, plastic interior. This would be a great place for BMW to shine.
On a side note, while the 330i has been in the shop I've been driving a '07 325xi wagon. The thing is a blast. It hauls a ton of crap, gets 23mpg and I can still outrun most of the soccer mom's around here in their SUV's. The Bitch in the Porsche obviously doesn't pay for her own tires or gas.
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Steve S 9:59AM (11/21/2006)
Bringing over the 1 series along with diesel engines will allow them to make fleet fuel economy standards and stop paying the fines. You’d think it would have been worth it a while ago. These would also need to start in the very low 20’s and top out around 30-31k. So what would the size of a 1 series sedan be? Similar to a Mazda 3 sedan?
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Scott 10:02AM (11/21/2006)
"Remember when you could get a new 3-series for $25k?"
No, but have you taken inflation into account?
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Tiago do Vale 10:22AM (11/21/2006)
I'm not sure the 1 series they will be sending to the US will be the hatchback: more likelly a 3 volumes coupé!
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G 11:24AM (11/21/2006)
The actual successor of the 2002 was and is the 3-Series. As for a bare-bones performance coupe, there's nothing about that 1-series hatchback that speaks in the same performance tongue as the old 2002. It says "versatility" more than anything and likely comes with the most feeble of diesel motors in Europe.
http://www.automobilesdeluxe.blogspot.com
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steve 11:42AM (11/21/2006)
nice-hopefully w/ the turbo motor tuned for 350 horsepower w/ x drive(dream on)---for that my a3 3.2 would be history
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AJ Quick 11:48AM (11/21/2006)
I want one.. but I know its gonna cost an arm and a leg. Which is shouldn't... how about a cheap BMW?? (is there such a thing?)
-AJ Quick
http://www.AutoVendors.net/
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Ted Drain 12:04PM (11/21/2006)
I just re-watched an older Top Gear (from 2005) where they compared the 130i and Golf R32. They're advice: buy the Golf (cheaper, faster, better). I'm betting the new R32 will be available (summer 2007) before the 1 series is.
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hatchfan 12:24PM (11/21/2006)
For hatch fans... keep in mind the wrx gets a redesign, reportedly with more modern/upscale interior for 08.
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bgdc 12:34PM (11/21/2006)
God that would be soooo nice. I have a 2006 e90 and that car is ridiculously large. When I picked up my 330i in germany I couldn't help but drool at the prospect of 1 series cars in the USA.
A 1 series sized car with the new 300 hp twin turbo engine = near heaven.
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James 12:38PM (11/21/2006)
I'm not sure if we really do need an even cheaper BMW then the 3-series. The average cost of a car is up in the high $20's, just shy of $30k. I believe BMW should be a brand people work hard to get, not something that cost less then some Hyundai's. If, or when, the 1-series arrives in the US I hope BMW caters more to the performance side and doesn't try to make a "cheap" entry level car.
James
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Alex 1:30PM (11/21/2006)
My dream: an M1 with a 4-cylinder turbo and 6-sp stick.
Couldn't care less if it's a sedan, coupe or hatch.
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Steve S 1:44PM (11/21/2006)
A fair number of people can afford a 20-30k car but not a 30-40k car. Also every other luxury manufacturer offers a car below 30k except BMW. If I could have gotten a 330i with sport, HIDs, premium and comfort access for 32k I would have done it. 40k is completely out of my range.
The other reason for having a 1 series, A3, C30 and so forth is to get into the Brand and then when you get older and hopefully are making more money you will step up to the higher offerings.
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art 2:10PM (11/21/2006)
30K for a well equipped 130i? I'm there, because that's 260 or so in a car weighing as much as a GTI, or a little more.
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Scott 2:13PM (11/21/2006)
"If I could have gotten a 330i with sport, HIDs, premium and comfort access for 32k I would have done it. 40k is completely out of my range."
So all you want is the 330i (is the 325i too "base" for you?), 2 major option packages, and 2 options that are about as luxury (read: unnecessary) as they get this side of navigation AND you want it for the price of a Maxima.
Wishful thinking at it's best!
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