Filed under: Coupes, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, BMW
VIDEO: More 1-Series goodness
click image above to view video
The BMW 1-Series looks like it's going to be a well-placed shot in the arm for BMW. The sporty coupe will hit the scene in the U.S. just as Americans are becoming more interested in rear-wheel-drive vehicles again. And it's also a small car in a time when buyers are practically abandoning their SUVs on the freeway. BMW faithful are excited too, as the 1-Series seems as if it will channel the much revered 2002 like a long lost loved one. This video shows similarities between the two cars that stretch from the past to the present. It's a kick ass minute of footage filled with everything from 1968 oversteer to 2007 CGI. Check it out after the jump.
Thanks for the tip, Jon!
[Source: YouTube]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
MikeUF 1:05PM (12/23/2007)
Woulda like to have seen the 1 series do the exact same driving as the 2002
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rmc 2:51PM (12/23/2007)
Look no further - finalgear.com - Fifth Gear July 3rd, '06 episode (well it was 4-door hatch, but something tells me this coupe will do even better)
marcus 9:39PM (12/23/2007)
For anyone interested, here's my uncle's 2002
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jansen68/2132462538/
Frogwhistle 1:39PM (12/23/2007)
That video makes me want a 2002 a lot more than a 1-Series.
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dpb! 1:42PM (12/23/2007)
I think this car will do great. Yea some people will say it is overpriced and if you think that, awesome....don't get one then. But many others have stated that the 3-series has become bloated and lost its origional roots. Well I think the 1-series brings them back. From what I have read on this, it is not just a small car with a BMW badge, but just a smaller Ultimate Driving Machine!
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Sam 1:59PM (12/23/2007)
so wait...the 2002 is the grandfather of both the 1 series and 3 series? I'm pretty sure it was the 3 series that birthed from the 2002. Except it pulled an Elvis and got bigger, fatter, and tamer.
BMW just needs to make a 1 series that is light-weight (2800-3000 lbs) and is rockin the turbocharged 6 cylinder engine with a bit more boost than standard.
and then sell it for 25 grand.
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Cypher09 3:12PM (12/23/2007)
I think that's what everyone was expecting from the get go but BMW dropped the ball. Plus with the weak dollar the only way we will ever see a 25k BMW is if it's made here.
DW 2:34PM (12/23/2007)
Too bad it ain't 25k and costs AT LEAST 10k more than that. Personally, I don't see the appeal. If the 1-series was still a hatchback it would make sense with the stated "practically abandoning" of the SUV, but its a coupe....so that practicality is thrown out of the window. Not that I'd buy the hatchback either because it would still be grossly overpriced and both are still ugly as sin.
But thats just my opinion...
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Jacob 2:47PM (12/23/2007)
I really doubt all the hype about the 1-series. Yes, it's small, but 3-4 more grands, you can buy a comparable 3-series. I doubt that many SUV-market refugees will be looking to buy the 1-series either. People who used to buy SUVs are mostly those who were looking for a safe family hauler and many of them are now buying CUVs or large sedans. 1-series is not in that category (and again, why should it be chosen when a 3-series is available for a slightly higher price?). I doubt there will be a big market for this coupe outside of a small segment of BMW's die-hards. This product will probably flop and die a quiet death.
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rmc 2:55PM (12/23/2007)
My bet is huge success (relative of course - it is a small, expensive,one of a kind, fun machine).
steve 2:54PM (12/23/2007)
gimme a 135ix hatch with a fancy aftermarket 400 hp tune right now-thanks
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ryann 3:12PM (12/23/2007)
Having owned both a 2002 and a more recent 3 series, I'd say that I'd prefer the 1 series much lighter, simpler, and with BMW's 2 liter 170hp engine. I'll admit they will sell many more of theirs than they would of mine, tastes have changed. These days that seems underpowered, but it's more than my 535is had.
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dougjp 3:57PM (12/23/2007)
Can't wait 5 minutes for this site's doubleclick and frozen - and/or browser freezing ads to clear and allow ANYTHING to show :(
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500 8:07PM (12/23/2007)
Sounds like you need to invest in a good anti-spyware and/or anti-virus program. Hardly falls under the purview of this blog.
Robert 4:33PM (12/23/2007)
Any E30 and E21 drivers here? I think those models are the overlooked, under appreciated gems in this 1600/2002/1-series love fest. The first 3-series are too plentiful to have the appeal of rarity and nostalgia that a 2002 does. What I'd like to know is how the driving experience differs between all of them. I assume an E30 would be more powerful and competent then a 2002, yet still poses the elemental feel that would be filtered by mass and electronics in a 1-series.
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jg 5:46PM (12/23/2007)
I loved my E30. 1986 325e. It had the low revving engine in it, the window motors sometimes worked, the AC didn't work at all, but I drove it everyday. And I live in phoenix BTW. I had another car but the eta was just more fun to drive. Wish I kept it.
PGAero 1:45PM (12/26/2007)
BMW e30s. I've owned two. A 1985 325e, and a 1989 325is. Probably one of the best driver's cars ever made. (my dad's e30 M3 is that much better). The e30s handle well, are comfortable (the sport seats were fantastic), with great visibility, and have what I'm looking for in a car. An e30 from '89-'91 with the cloth sport seats, the 2.5L 'i' engine, 16" BBSs and a sunroof... mmmmm! Great cars.
In my opinion, they handle better than a 2002, and much better than an e21 (3-series through '83) and have just enough modern gizmos to be just right. Reliable and easy to work on. I might have to get another one soon. And all less than 2800 lbs.
Now, a properly set-up 2002 (springs, sway bars, and wheels - Minilites, or e30 "bottle caps") is something to behold. And they look so cool.
goat 4:42PM (12/23/2007)
2008 1-Series: 3300 lbs.
1976 2002: 2000 lbs.
BTW, BMW, at least offer the 120d 3-door, will ya?
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steve 5:32PM (12/23/2007)
1976 2002 2000 pounds 100 horsepower -60 in 12 seconds
2008 135 3300 pounds 300 hp -60 in low 5s
Sam 6:10PM (12/23/2007)
I'd take the 2002 anyway.