Since it's launch in 2004, BMW has sold 470,000 1-series models throughout the world, and with the upcoming 1-series coupe, the automaker expects those numbers to increase, particularly when U.S. sales begin at the end of this month.
According to a report by Thomson Financial, the coupe alone should account for over 20,000 sales annually and with the addition of the convertible version expected to hit in spring of '08, there's no where to go but up. The primary question that will be answered early next year is who will be buying the new "compact" Bimmer, and whether or not the coupe will draw more buyers into the BMW fold or if it will merely cannibalize sales of the Bavarian's best-selling 3-series.
[Source: Forbes]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
srivendel @ Nov 6th 2007 8:48AM
I have a deposit down on a 135i Coupe. I wouldn't even consider a 3-Series. If it wasn't for the 135i, I would be looking at Evos, STIs, and 350Zs.
So yes. In at least one instance, the 1er is bringing in buyers who wouldn't otherwise be considering a BMW.
Johnnie @ Nov 6th 2007 1:53PM
I don't understand how anyone in their right mind could buy this car over an STi, Evo or 350z. Sorry!
Steve_S @ Nov 6th 2007 8:57AM
20,000 seems a bit conservative to me. I think they will be able to top that selling lots of automatic 128’s.
FThorn @ Nov 6th 2007 9:38AM
20,000 is WAY too low. Unless they are manufacturing-constrained.
Mark @ Nov 6th 2007 9:51AM
I'd buy this if i had the money, this is getting back to how the 3-Series used to be, small light and nimble with just enough power to make it fun, the 135i coupe is going to be brilliant i think.
spencer @ Nov 6th 2007 12:59PM
According to Motivemagazine it weighs 3400 lbs in 135i trim. Car and Driver lists the 3 series curb weight ranging from 3400-3800 lbs. It's no lightweight.
www.lotdude.com
Mondo @ Nov 6th 2007 9:59AM
Is it crazy that I am waiting for a 3 or 5 door hatch version of the 135? That, I would buy. Talk about hot hatch...
Mondo
Zane @ Nov 6th 2007 10:47AM
I've put down a deposit for the 6spd 135i, though I will admit the 335i coupe is what attracted me to BMW in the first place.
Andrew @ Nov 6th 2007 11:20AM
Ditto on waiting for the hot hatch. Even better if its a hot DIESEL hatch... *drool* (Was obviously born in the wrong country)
RicardoHead @ Nov 6th 2007 10:19AM
They break 20k easily, but not to me. Bimmers are okay to drive but built too shoddily for my taste. They are not impressive in the respect of long term ownership costs.
seoultrain @ Nov 6th 2007 10:57AM
i don't understand getting this over a 3 coupe. it's marginally lighter and marginally cheaper, but the 3 looks miles better.
EL_RIEL @ Nov 6th 2007 5:05PM
Marginally cheaper?...
This is 42k vs 32k aprox.
the 3 series is 30% more expensive.
ziomal @ Nov 6th 2007 1:16PM
car sells yourselves whereby boss muffiis
http://x3virtual.com
Gooch @ Nov 6th 2007 3:17PM
No matter how many 1-series BMW sells, it will be the COTY in at least two American magazines.
RobR10 @ Nov 6th 2007 3:48PM
This has to be one of the most terrible looking cars ive seen in awhile. Styling... terrible. Headlights look like bug eyes and the rear of the car is over dramatic with the trunk and just doesnt flow. Dont let me get started on the interior... why spend your money on this... makes not sense. Granted the engine is nice, but thats all you really have going for it besides the emblem of BMW on the front and back.... i guess u would buy this just to say you have a bmw.
Am i alone on this or is it just me?
Zane @ Nov 6th 2007 4:58PM
I'm mighty glad you brought this topic up. What are the other options in the 30-40 grand daily-driver sports car segment? The G35 coupe's exterior was simply brilliant but the interior was straight off the worst cars on an Enterprise lot. The G37 has pretty much lost the visual cachet and looks like the designers stuck something up its bottom. The NISMO Z is uber-amazing on the track but I don't think it'd be a good daily driver. The S2000 has screaming performance but is getting really long in the tooth. The 350Z is up for a replacement very soon, probably MY2008/09.
The Cayman is too expensive, the 335i coupe looks good but is sitting massively on the wrong side of 40 grand. Audi's upcoming A5 looks good but seems to be a boulevard cruiser than a tossable car. And I'm not into muscle cars, otherwise I would've considered the Mustang and such. Have I covered pretty much everything in this segment?
AntBee @ Nov 6th 2007 7:15PM
The guys at Top Gear gave the 1-Series a thumbs down, and I would have to agree with them, looking at the numbers both performance wise and price wise. There are better cars in this segment for less money/better performance or same money/better performance.
Level @ Nov 6th 2007 9:22PM
Chic car and I still find it fugly....
JG @ Nov 7th 2007 5:37PM
Do you think that BMW could actually surpass 20k units? I believe so, if supply can keep up.
http://www.1seriesonline.com