Spy Shots: BMW 1-Series Convertible
BMW fans in the United States have long been clamoring for an opportunity to buy the 1-series, which until recently was thought to be a Europe-only car. Now that we know that a few two-door versions will be available in the U.S. in 2008, we're thrilled to see a convertible undergoing testing.
Brenda Priddy and company spied the 1-series convertible, and progress on the pint-sized droptop seems to be moving along nicely. We're likely to see similar engine offerings in the convertible as the coupe model, which will be unveiled with either the twin-turbo 3-liter or the naturally-aspirated inline-six. When the convertible will make its debut is up in the air, but expect it soon after its fixed-roof sibling.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
AMRO 9:10PM (5/15/2007)
If they give us the 335 turbo motor in the coupe for less than 32k with at least sports and premium package, I am in big time. As long as I can fit in with a helmet on that is...
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Mike 12:41PM (5/15/2007)
It's kind of a cute little thing.
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Jeff 1:25PM (5/15/2007)
Ugh. I don't get why people would spend this much money on this thing when they could get a Saab 9-3 Aero for about the same price. 3 series, I can understand. But a 1 series? Ick.
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Kumar 3:42PM (5/15/2007)
So bmw is trying for a little miata thing, thinking it's still the 90's and people want to buy a 3rd or 4th car just for fun. Maybe they missed the SUV binge where people are coming back looking for smaller cars that have more room and can fit more people in them easily.
This, instead of having a 5 door hatch that would serve as a do all vehicle that would be the entry-to-the-brand car like the A3 is.
Now if Audi could just throw a diesel motor in that with AWD (or subaru, could care less)...mmmm fun.
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RickDom 1:52PM (5/15/2007)
I'd still much rather have the 3-Door, but of course they aren't bringing that to the US.
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Ligor 2:14PM (5/15/2007)
cause the Saab 9-3 is FWD and handles like crap at the track.
i'd rather loose the convertible form and get the G35 coupe instead.
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dave 2:51PM (5/15/2007)
@ #3:
Simple: RWD, better handling (presumably), WAY better interior, universally-respected marque.
The SAAB tops out at 250hp, handles well, but not BMW-well, and has cheap-as-hell interior plastics (c.f. my '03 9-3), and the cachet isn't up to par.
Add to that the advantage of a relatively low-priced Bimmer that's closer to the size of the original drop-top (my and many others' personal favorite generations), and you have a pretty compelling package.
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dave 4:00PM (5/15/2007)
"7. So bmw is trying for a little miata thing, thinking it's still the 90's and people want to buy a 3rd or 4th car just for fun."
Get your facts straight. BMW has been making roadsters to fill that niche for some time. Remember the Z3? How about the current Z4?
The 1-series isn't a Miata/Solstice/S2000/Boxster fighter--it's a 4-seater, and will probably be a daily driver, like the 3-series, but for those of us with smaller budgets.
BTW, people still buy extra cars for fun. Some people still have money (not me, but that's also beside the point). How else do you explain the Continental GTC?
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Chris G. 5:29AM (5/16/2007)
No people, it's not meant entirely for people who can't afford a 3-series, it's meant for those Bimmer fanatics who think that the 3-series has become too much of a lardass. This 1 (at least the hatch) is the spiritual successor to the E30.
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rawker 1:59AM (5/18/2007)
I hope this sells well, so they eventually give the hatch a shot over here. I want that 135i hatch soooo bad.
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TRex 6:47PM (5/27/2007)
I wish they would hurry up with the x1, 5dr or sedan 1 series. I drive an '03 325ci which I love, but I need 4drs. the 3s are aout of my price range and they are ugly, having a bloated, pregnant look.
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