Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertibles, BMW
Spy Shots: BMW 1-series cabrio
Just a prototype, but here's another pic of the new BMW 1-Series Cab that was caught undergoing testing in Germany. While we expect to see the final form at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, we still enjoy getting glimpses of this littlest ultimate driving machine whenever possible. This particular photo, which you can see in full size over at MotorAuthority, shows the 1-Series sporting a fabric top. And even though this is still a prototype, it looks like the rear end has been modified, ostensibly to accommodate the convertible mechanism.
The cabrio should get the same range of engines as the coupe, starting with the 177-hp, 2.0-liter turbodiesel and going all the way up to the 306-hp, twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter straight-six in the top-of-the-line 135ci, at least overseas. The U.S. will likely get the 125ci and 135ci, with an M1 still just a rumor at this point.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
YouFaceTheTick 5:32PM (8/09/2007)
The cars will be the 128i and 135i as BMW abolished the i/ci/cic designators with the launch of the e9x cars.
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starjourney 11:57PM (8/09/2007)
HAs any read the reviews about the 3 series hard top conv. being almost caveman like? ( one review I read it actually got stuck in mid air during their road review!) I think it is quite hilarious that BMW perceives itself as above industry standard and above Audi in quaility .I think people are starting to see that it is just another Bavarian bland ,I mean brand.
RickCA 6:09PM (8/09/2007)
I don't get the 1 series. They undoubtedly will sell well, but why is BMW trying to be everything to everyone!? For over 10 years the 3 has been the best selling entry level luxury sports car and has coined customer retention rates where buyers start in the 3, make more money and move up to the 5 etc.. I'm a HUGE fan of BMW but the interior of the 1's looks like a bargain basement chevy. Bland styling that's already outdated before it's on the market doesn't reflect the image of BMW. It's not supposed to be a car everyone can afford! I feel like they're diluting the brand! That said..it still will sell like hot cakes
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500 6:20PM (8/09/2007)
I guess you could say the 1-series is the answer to those who complain that the 3-series has gotten too big and cushy the last couple of redesigns. It's about the same size the 3-series was a couple of generations ago, and will be about the same price. Personally, I'll take the new 3-series coupe.
YouFaceTheTick 6:24PM (8/09/2007)
The 1 series, if it came as a sedan, would draw me in instantly. I hated my 2006 330i and got rid of it expressly because it's a huge, bland car.
The price isn't the issue. The extreme flabbiness of the car and the lack of connection or fun were the motivating factor on ditching the e90. Lame cars and hopefully the 1 series will eventually show up as a sedan like the dearly departed e36 and e30.
jg 6:56PM (8/09/2007)
The interior looks dated before it hits the market because it actually has been in the market for years. The 1 ain't a new car. Its just new as a coupe.
The 3 doesn't work as an entry level BMW anymore. Its too expensive. This gives BMW a low priced entry model again. And no one else will have a RWD car at that price point.
'but why is BMW trying to be everything to everyone!?'
Because the new owners hate Mercedes and want to bury them.
Scott 11:04PM (8/09/2007)
"The 1 series, if it came as a sedan, would draw me in instantly. I hated my 2006 330i and got rid of it expressly because it's a huge, bland car."
Really? Then what car is a better drivers car for the price? I've driven the 06 330i, A4, G35, yet the 330i was easily the driver's car, with the A4 a close second.
Or are you exclusively talking about the styling?
YouFaceTheTick 10:50AM (8/10/2007)
Scot - -I'm talking exclusively about the performance. I could not care less about styling. The e9x chassis is a solid, huge, capable basis for a car that's about as thrilling as vanilla ice cream with whip cream. It'll do the job but it's not a very exciting or fun to drive as its proportions are so massive now.
I don't miss my e90. I drove it across Europe and had it in the states for a few months too before I gave up on it. The car's composed, quiet and unflappable. In other words, it's boring.
Compared to the others in its class it can certainly be driven harder and faster given the same road course. That doesn't make it a fun car though...
josh 4:15AM (8/10/2007)
Another ugly model/derivative. How many more flops would they like to offer? Good for the competitors. BMW scares away all their customers.
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Scott 9:10AM (8/10/2007)
Do you live in Bizarro World or did you miss this article?
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/01/by-the-numbers-july-2007/
Numbers don't lie.
Ian 8:01AM (8/10/2007)
Does this mean since the 125ci and 135ci are coming to the US and being crash tested and everything, we'd be able to import the cars that won't be coming to the US?
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YouFaceTheTick 10:51AM (8/10/2007)
128 and 135i. Good grief, there will not be a 125 and no BMW right now will carry a ci designator.
YouFaceTheTick 10:52AM (8/10/2007)
Unless you've been under a rock, yes the 1 series coupes/convertibles are coming to the USA. BMW is not bringing the more useful hatchback here mostly because American consumers are idiots.
BMW 1 Forums 9:27PM (8/10/2007)
Hmm.. American consumers are idiots?? I think thats going to far.. America will be a HUGE market for BMW with the 1series.
BMW 1 Series Forums
http://www.1seriesonline.com
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Ronald 1:40PM (8/12/2007)
as interesting as this seems, I think i'm going to pass on this car, along with the Volvo C30. I'm gonna wait 'till that new Saab 9-1 Aero Hits the streets ;)
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