Click above for a gallery of pics.
The numero-uno forum for all things 1-series got a hold of BMW's brochure for its upcoming line of performance parts, and as suspected, much of the kit originally seen on the tii concept will be available through authorized BMW dealers.
The photos we posted last week of the modified 1-series show the same car displayed in the brochure. Unfortunately, the text is in German, but Google's translation software is here to help.
Aside from some aerodynamic body panels that are visible in the pictures, well-to-do customizers can upgrade the front brakes of their 1-series with six-piston yellow calipers squeezing 325mm drilled and slotted rotors, while two-piston calipers in the rear grab onto 320mm rotors. Three different wheel choices frame those new yellow binders, ranging from 18x7.5-inches all the way up to 19x9 inch rollers, while a new dampers, springs, stabilizer and strut tower bars are available to keep things planted at all four corners.
While we don't see an optional ECU upgrade mentioned in the brochure, BMW will be offering a new intake setup and a full exhaust to ease breathing duties, and a new short shifter supposedly reduces throws by 25-percent over its stock counterpart.
Inside, there's plenty of carbon fiber, aluminum and Alcantara accoutrements that can be applied throughout the interior, and those sports seats we've been drooling over will be available as well. The big question, however, is what's going on with the steering wheel. At the 12 o'clock position is an LCD screen that can be controlled via the two buttons flanking its sides. The display can act as a stopwatch, able to keep track of 10 different laps down to 1/100 of a second, and can record 1/8- and 1/4-mile times, saving them for later viewing, along with keeping tabs on the engine temp, positive, negative and lateral g's.You can check out some of the pics in the gallery below.
Top tip Jack!
[Source: 1addicts]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
FSM @ Jan 29th 2008 2:04PM
Bloated Baby Bimmer just got Bloatier
Russell @ Jan 29th 2008 2:43PM
It even looks porky.
Koko @ Jan 29th 2008 2:15PM
At 6'2" 240lbs I just can't get excited about these small cars. I'm not even comfortable in a 3 series.
Steven @ Jan 29th 2008 2:23PM
Then don't be excited...the rest of us will celebrate!
regguy @ Jan 29th 2008 2:31PM
At 6"6" 220 lbs. (36 inseam, 14 shoe for ref.) I fit very well in both the 1 Series coupe and convertible, and feel more room in the 1 vs. the 3 Series due to the layout. Interior space is deceptively large like a MINI.
Of course, the rear seat for me is another issue.
JD @ Jan 29th 2008 5:13PM
Are you adjusting the seat right? 6'1", 235. I fit like a glove into the E46, and it's a thrill to drive. None better that you can also bring several passengers so they can also travel in relative comfort. And there's room to move further in virtually every direction, at least for me. I really want a 135i, too bad they're a touch out of my price range.
psarhjinian @ Jan 29th 2008 5:17PM
At 6'8"/250 I can tell you I fit fine in a 320i, as long as there's no sunroof. Either you're proportioned very differently from me (36" inseam) or these cars just don't work for you.
Koko @ Jan 29th 2008 6:59PM
Sheesh...shoot me for not being comfortable in a 3 series. I have not fitment issues in my wifes Accord. I just don't see the practicality in a car where my seat is all the way back and making it a 3 seater instead of a 4 seater. With small children and car seat the Accord is even challenged for space but we make it work. Give me a previous gen 5 series and all is good in the world. The current line of BMWs are downright unattractive in my opinion. Give me a Mazda 3 or a Mini if I had to stuff myself into a small car.
Aki @ Jan 29th 2008 2:26PM
I know it's fast, but eesh nothing else to say than lipstick on a pig. A small, but heavy, pig.
PJ @ Jan 29th 2008 6:19PM
Its case looks soft on paper, but wait 'til you drive one.
Chassis balance and control tactility to match a Miata, plus a creamy straight-six noise and that extra layer of velvet BMW seems to coat each of its vehicles with.
"So buy a Miata" is a defensible response. Still, I think the 128i Coupe represents a bargain for enthusiasts who revel in subjective sensations more than spec sheets.
Chase @ Jan 29th 2008 2:38PM
sounds like we have some audi fanboys in the house tonight
the 1 series is going to be great I think, they have finally marketed and introduced a product in this price segment that fits. I'm impressed and would love to have one. Next step... all electric 1er
Seoultrain @ Jan 29th 2008 3:32PM
yep, heavy batteries is _exactly_ what the 1-series needs.
Alex @ Jan 29th 2008 3:54PM
over-prices accessories for an over-priced car.
/jaguar fan-boy.
2004m3driver @ Jan 29th 2008 5:28PM
M fan here. And the Tii has a very ugly rear and is overall "porky". Might as well just get the better looking 335i. Bloated Baby Bimmer is right.
Tim @ Jan 29th 2008 2:42PM
i'm one of the few who think it's good looking, but the performance catalogue i want is 1 item long - 123d. (http://goodcarbadcar.blogspot.com/2008/01/bmw-1-numbers-across-pond.html) can you imagine 80% of the 135i's speed with almost twice the economy?
Jeff @ Jan 29th 2008 3:53PM
Wow, yeah, that would be so economical!! I can hardly imagine it! *yawn*
Tim @ Jan 29th 2008 4:13PM
was 201 bhp enough for us all when Porsche debuted the Boxster? How about with way more torque and twice the economy?
mk @ Jan 29th 2008 2:50PM
Why are Audi, BMW, and MB all designing cars with single-arch belt lines, and sagging sill lines?
It makes cars look thick in the middle, rather than long and lean.
Sorry, but G37 has it all over this, even if it is a bigger car. And Boxster/Cayman is a sportier car for the size, and can be found used.
I hope this is fodder for other companies to bring coupes out to compete, but I don't think I would buy this BMW.
Chhyeeaa @ Jan 30th 2008 4:20AM
Sorry, but the G37 "has it all over this" in what way?
Performance-wise, it's slower, heavier, taller, thirstier, less nimble and less refined to boot.
And appearance-wise, alot of people are disappointed with the rather staid styling update Infiniti gave the coupe.
As for a used Boxster/Cayman... not for anywhere near 1er money with low miles! Not to mention they're strict two seaters, and shouldn't even be compared to this car.
charlie_painter @ Jan 29th 2008 2:51PM
I have a question not specifically about the 1 series, but about all these cars with on dash (or steering wheel in this case) lap timers. How do they work? Is it up to the driver to stop the clock? They wouldn't be too accurate if that were the case.