Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchbacks, BMW
SPY SHOTS: BMW 135ti
We keep on hearing that BMW has every intention of bringing over it's compact 1-series to the States, and we don't think it's too much to ask to have a small, rear-wheel-drive sedan available to enthusiasts. With that in mind, we're going on record as saying that if BMW doesn't bring over this supposed 135ti to the U.S., we'll stage a coup on BMW's North American headquarters.These latest spy shots confirm that BMW has put their glorious, 300+ HP, 3-liter turbo mill into the automaker's most diminutive vehicle and hopefully, if we're all really good boys and girls, we might actually see it on American roads within the next year.
Let the breath hold commence.
[Source: German Car Scene]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
mike 11:01AM (12/12/2006)
Is that really considered a small sedan? or a hatchback/mini-wagon
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curtis 11:06AM (12/12/2006)
Finally a BMW doesn't screw up the tail lights.
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RR 11:12AM (12/12/2006)
The rear doors are fake. It's a two-door.
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James Sonne 11:21AM (12/12/2006)
Where do you get the idea it might make it to American roads within the next year? That sounds entirely preposterous. Is that news, or the author's wishful thinking? And the 1-Series a Sedan? Uhm... it's a two door hatch. I don't think there are many body styles more different from a Sedan than a two door hatch.
I need to find an actual "car news" website, not this "car supposition" and "post whatever crap we feel like" website (ASIMO, anybody? Politicians spending campaign money? What the junk?) Talk about brand dilution! Autoblog isn't even an auto website any longer.
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curtis 11:26AM (12/12/2006)
Guh, I didn't notice the headlights, I guess BMW can't make everything look nice. Those are gross, so is the grill, looks more like a truck style front.
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Alejandro 11:33AM (12/12/2006)
BMW has made a great work with this motor. 135ti will be a explosion in the highway, already I am hoping that it leaves.
The most powerful compact car in the world, back traction and a good distribution of weights. Cocktail goes!
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Ben 11:42AM (12/12/2006)
Yeah, so, how do these pictures confirm that the turbo six is going in the 1-series?
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Mike 11:44AM (12/12/2006)
Sounds too good to be true - so I say it is.
BMW will either screw it up as bad as most of their recent cars, or, if they don't screw it up, they won't bring it to America.
Losers.
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Pallinn 11:48AM (12/12/2006)
The BMW hatchback is also a sedan? Can you fold the roof down into a trunk then? Wow, BMW's really are full of suprises...
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Johnny 11:50AM (12/12/2006)
back looks like a GTI.
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Fazzster 11:54AM (12/12/2006)
With the 3 series becoming too expensive for the working man's budget, an entry level BMW with the soul of a 2002tii would be most welcome. I would gladly trade my beloved WRX for one but only if they don't skimp on the power like the last 318ti.
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MikeW 11:57AM (12/12/2006)
Seeing as the US market will probably not get the N53 engine family, thanks surfur. Like we could not use a 268hp 3.0 Inline6, maybe more power due to electric power steering.
The N54 will have to due.
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Ian 12:13PM (12/12/2006)
It has been reported in the past the BMW plans to bring the 1 series to the US in forms including a sedan and a coupe, if as well as the current European hatch.
My dream world is one where I get to choose between a 135i sedan/coupe and an S version of Audi's upcoming A1... so long as they're both in America and they don't cost absurd amounts. Also, it will be a sad day indeed if BMW doesn't fit the 135i with a real LSD. I hope they think 300hp in the 1 series deserves more of a hardcore setup than what the 335i has gotten.
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rwdmtparkingonly 12:36PM (12/12/2006)
Let's hope Saturn can come out with a hard top Sky with the 2.0 turbo so I can stop hoping BMW will ever bring over another car that evokes the spirit of the 2002. Or maybe Nissan can do another 240SX, the Foria concept gave me some hope.
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Jeff 12:43PM (12/12/2006)
I wish they'd call it the M1... i know that name was already taken a couple years back and they didn't wanna confuse things, but i'm a logical guy and I like naming schemes to be logical. It also pissed me off when BMW ditched the whole odd-number=sedan, even-number=coupe/convertible plan just cause they thought the 3-series name had to much caché. Forget caché and passionate memories! I want logic!
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JON C 1:10PM (12/12/2006)
We need a 2 door coupe over here (ala BMW 2002),not a hatch.Americans don't associate hatches with premium marques.
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leo 1:13PM (12/12/2006)
ah, at $30+k this will be too expensive
so bring us the regular 130ti with the 230HP 205lb-ft of the 328i
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Jason 1:14PM (12/12/2006)
Help the ignorant: What is the story on the 1-series? Is is a car available elsewhere or a new car all together? The reason why I ask is that I was under the impression that it was a new car, however I recently saw one in Mexico. Thoughts?
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jg 1:32PM (12/12/2006)
Everything I've read about the 1 series coming to the US indicates a coupe and convertible version only with the convertible arriving first. No sedan or hatch. And we'll never seean M1. The 135Ti is supposed to be the 1 series' M. The M1 name is sacred.
I once owned an 86 325e. The idea of a car as tossable and fun to drive as that one but with a 300 hp twin turbo in it makes my pants tight.
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Chris 1:33PM (12/12/2006)
The 1-Series is definitely not new. It's been out around the world for a while now. They just don't want to bring it to the US.
If BMW builds it in Europe, it'll be too expensive due to the exchange rates. They are also leery of a hatch in the US market. BMW still has a bad taste in its mouth from their last attempt ala 318ti.
I know this might be sacrilege to say on this site, but I'd be happy with the current 325i engine (~230 hp). I'm also down with the four door version of this hatch. I'm not transporting adults and when was the last time an infant complained of lack of leg room?
The biggest problem is profitability on this car. I wouldn't pay more than $25K for a new hatch and this one wouldn't start at less than that. See the A3 as an example.
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