Autoblog

Spy Shots: Is this the 2011/2012 BMW 1 Series?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:27:00 EST

Fresh pics of what looks to be the next generation BMW 1 Series have been snapped in Germany. If it is the rumored 2011/2012 model, it adheres to the trend of nearly every new car, as it appears to be simultaneously bigger and brawnier all over. It isn't the forthcoming X1 crossover, since a quick look at those two cars side-by-side reveals different ride heights and rooflines, among other things.

One of 1Addict's forum commenters said he has had his current 1 Series next to the new one and he confirms that the new one is larger. If this five-door hatch really is longer and wider, with a longer wheelbase than the current car then BMW appears to removed this car from the plan to reduce 1 Series curb weights. Hat tip to Andrew.

[Source: 1Addicts]

Spy Shots: Is this the 2011/2012 BMW 1 Series? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW 135i "SuperSports" model coming in 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW 1 Series tii concept

According to a report originally posted at Germancarzone and then repeated at BMW Blog, a certain Bavarian automaker is currently working on a new performance version of its 1 Series. Although it wouldn't be called an M1 -- since that moniker is reserved for supercar status -- the so-called 135i SuperSports would get a bunch of improvements, consisting mostly of lightweight body panels, a decontented interior, as well as an upgraded suspension and brake package. Power is said to come from the latest version of BMW's outstanding 3.0L turbocharged inline-six that's rated at 326-horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque in the 2009 7 Series.

We wouldn't be surprised to see the upgraded engine migrate down the line from its placement under the hood of the latest flagship, but we're a bit dubious that an upcoming lightweight SuperSports edition will see daylight beyond that. We'd rather see the 1 Series get these light weight mods (in a tii model perhaps?) along with a smaller four cylinder engine option, complete with a price that's a bit easier to swallow than the current model. We're also still holding out hope for the 123d.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

[Source: Germancarzone via BMW Blog]

Rumormill: BMW 135i "SuperSports" model coming in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: BMW 128i Convertible

Dan Roth — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Convertible, BMW

BMW 128i Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW's 1-Series does not smirk at you and say "don't hate me because I'm beautiful." No, this small Teut is easy to deride on appearance; one look has you hating it because it's not beautiful while so many of its past brethren have been classically handsome. Whether it suits your taste or not, the 128i convertible we borrowed is unmistakably the work of the wizards of Munich. So, it's definitely a BMW, and it's being described as a reincarnation of the legendary 2002; does it measure up?

Gallery: Review: BMW 128i Convertible

Continue reading Review: BMW 128i Convertible

Review: BMW 128i Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rampenfest to rock mythical town of Oberpfaffelbachen for literal launch of BMW 1-Series

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, BMW

Click above for a few images leading up to Rampfest.

As jaded pseudo-journalists, viral marketing campaigns have lost some of their grimy allure over the last few years. But BMW's latest attempt to get the masses pumped about the imminent launch of the 1-series coupe in the U.S. has so much hoontastic potential than even our oddly named friends can't ignore it.

Head on over to the fictional Bavarian village of (lemme get this right) Oberpfaffelbachen's website and you're greeted with the Oktoberfest anthem. From there, you can read up on the town's history, get a quick "Hallo" from the mayor and begin to understand the marketing ruse that BMW is launching - literally - when you check out the Rampenfest link.

The idea is simple. Build a 454 meter-high ramp that will launch the 135i over the European landscape and across the Atlantic onto U.S. shores. But the joke doesn't end there. Jeff Schultz, a (faux) documentary filmmaker, has decided to produce a movie that will cover the entire event from conception to completion, and he's been kind enough to put up a trailer of his flick to whet our appetites for the big day.

You can check out the trailer here, the filmmaker's blog here and if you're 21, female and willing to email a picture of yourself to be voted Miss Ramp (rim shot), you can enter with the rest of the contestants here.

Gallery: Rampfest

Gallery: BMW 1-Series Coupe

[Source: Oberpfafelbachen via Jalopnik]

Rampenfest to rock mythical town of Oberpfaffelbachen for literal launch of BMW 1-Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official BMW 1-series performance catalog leaks out

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, BMW

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]

Gallery: BMW 1-series performance parts catalog

Official BMW 1-series performance catalog leaks out originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: BMW announces pricing for BMW 1 Series Convertible

Eric Bryant — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, BMW

click above for more high-res live shots of the BMW 1 Series Convertible

The final reveal in BMW's three-movement press conference was a drop-top version of its perfectly-sized 1 Series. While some in the audience might have preferred that the preceding female dancers had instead lost their tops, this vehicle was not a bad consolation prize.

Available in naturally-aspirated (128i) and forced-induction (135i) flavors, the 1 Series 'vert offers wind-in-your-face motoring in a mere 22 seconds by virtue of its electrohydraulic power soft top. Technical goodies abound, such as VALVETRONIC, an on-demand electric water pump that uses only 1/10th the power of a standard water pump and only runs when required, and pop-up roll bars to protect the occupants in case the vehicle goes rubber-side up. Additionally, the 135i gets an electronically-controlled limited slip differential to help cope with its additional 70 HP, as well as six-piston calipers up front to bleed off all of that speed.

BMW made note of the boat-like shape of the "shoulder" (the character line just below the 1 Series' beltline), and we gotta admit that it looks this way in person. More important than how design features are described is how well the overall package works, and the 1 Series is indeed attractive as a convertible. Consider approved by Autoblog. A variety of M Series options are available on both cars to spruce up the exterior and interior, with the 135i already getting a version of the M Aerodynamics Package as standard equipment.

Oh yeah, the price: the 128i Convertible will start at $33,875 while the hopped up 135i will break your bank at $39,875. Yikes!

Gallery: 2009 BMW 1-series convertible1

Continue reading Detroit 2008: BMW announces pricing for BMW 1 Series Convertible

Detroit 2008: BMW announces pricing for BMW 1 Series Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: BMW 1-Series spot - creation by precision

Chris Shunk — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, BMW

The BMW 1-Series is on the verge of being sold here in the U.S., which means the multimedia blitz is on its way. With automakers getting more creative to capture buyers attention, spots are getting more high tech, and less reality based. BMW brass have recognized the trend, and the end result is a fanciful version of how the 1-Series is produced at the factory. Hit the jump to see the the :30 spot, which carries the tag line "Makes you want to get behind the wheel." While the commercial may not do that for us, the razor sharp BMW chassis and silky smooth 300-hp twin-turbo inline-six has us panging for a shot behind the wheel. Check out the gas fill up point just before the Bimmer takes off. That would beat the hell out of self-serve in the dead of winter.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: BMW 1-Series spot - creation by precision

VIDEO: BMW 1-Series spot - creation by precision originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Santa fires Rudolph, switches to BMW 1-series

Chris Shunk — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 20:05:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, BMW

After centuries of counting on eight reindeer (unless there is fog), it appears as though Santa Claus has instead opted for the internal combustion engine. To traverse the sometimes tight airways around metropolitan areas, good ol' Saint Nick decided the nimble nature of the BMW 1-Series was best-fitted to do the job.

The boys and girls of team Bimmer have decided that the best way to sell the 1-Series on their home turf during the holiday season is to involve the biggest commercial icon of Christmas. As you can see above, Santa is haulin' ... presents, and the smallest four-wheeler from the Bavarian Motor Werks is leading the way. St. Nick is going so fast, all the vowels have left the billboard. If this doesn't keep awake the children of Hamburg, we don't know what will. Imagine trying to sleep when every car that drives by makes you think Santa is pulling into your driveway. Heck, we're sure there are a lot of parents hoping to get the little BMW coupe for Christmas, too.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Santa fires Rudolph, switches to BMW 1-series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW expect rising fuel costs to spur 1-series sales

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., BMW

You've heard this shtick before, but with oil prices hitting record highs - again - most automakers are making a play at bringing more frugal offerings to market. In the case of BMW though, we're a bit disjointed on the idea. Sure, the 1-series is the company's second best seller in Europe, behind the 3-series, and purchasing a 128i when it goes on sale here in the States next year is the best way to get behind the wheel of a Bimmer on the cheap. But if buyers are supposedly so cost conscious, would they really drop the coin on a BMW if fuel consumption were at the top of their priority list? BMW's cache, in the realm of both driving dynamics and badge-snobber, is largely unmatched, but are buyers bent on a Bimmer really going to downsize their ride when they can surely afford the premium the marque commands? We're not so sure.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Gallery: BMW 1-Series Coupe

BMW expect rising fuel costs to spur 1-series sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW wants 1-series to ape MINI's inaugural success

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, BMW

The man behind the MINI's launch in 2001, Jack Pitney, is heading up the marketing effort for BMW's new 1-series in the U.S., and he's hoping that the same warm reception granted to the MINI will be duplicated with the new 1.

A first run of anything, whether it's a comic or a car, seems to carry a certain amount of cachet. So BMW is planning on adding special badging, a certificate of authenticity and a special book outlining the coupe's development to all 1-series models sold in the States during its first year.

Enthusiasts have already made their voice heard on the 'Net, with over 100,000 people signing up for updates on the 1-series through BMW's website. The automaker is hoping that interest will turn into preorders, and is expecting that a high percentage of 1-series coupes will already be sold before they hit dealers this spring.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

BMW wants 1-series to ape MINI's inaugural success originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 1-Series Coupe - 100% Official Today

Alex Nunez — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 09:50:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, BMW

Click image for 37 hi-res shots

The leak-riddled embargo on BMW new entry-level 1-Series coupe finally lifts today. By now, you've already seen many of the photos, a video or two, and read the official press releases. To recap the basics, here's what's in store for the US model:

On sale Spring 2008
USA gets 2 cars: 128i and 135i
128i: 3.0L I6 w/ 230 hp and 200lb-ft
135i: 3.0L twin-turbo I6 w/ 300 hp and 300 lb-ft
135i mfr.performance stats: 0-62 in 5.3 sec, 155 mph top speed

The rest of the rundown can be found in the BMW press release after the jump. So, is this the modern 2002 BMW would certainly like it to be? Weigh in with your comments. Whatever you want to call it, it looks like it's going to be a fun little car. Hopefully, the pricing's in line with its intent. If only we were getting that hot 2.0L diesel, too...

The gallery has now been updated with all the official shots in high res.

[Source: BMW]

Gallery: BMW 1-Series Coupe

Continue reading BMW 1-Series Coupe - 100% Official Today

BMW 1-Series Coupe - 100% Official Today originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Jul 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The dam spilleth over: More on the BMW 1-series

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:40:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, BMW

Click the image above for more pics.

Those incorrigible folks over at 1addicts threw up several more "official" pics of the 1-series coupe, along with BMW USA's press release (dated for 6/30/07 - oops!), which is posted below the fold.

Now that we've got some official information to work off, we know that BMW will be debuting the 1-series in Frankfurt this September, with sales to begin in North America sometime in the spring of next year. We'll be getting two different versions -- a 128i and a 135i - the former producing 230 HP and 200 lb.-ft. of torque, while the latter, turbocharged mill will be making 300 HP (at 5,800 RPM) and 300 lb.-ft. of torque (at least). The 135i is obviously the range-topper and is the central focus of the press release, with performance stats that are truly impressive (0-62 in 5.3 seconds, 155 MPH top speed, 50-75 MPH in five seconds in 4th gear), placing it a step beyond the Porsche Cayman S for outright acceleration.

On the handling tip, the 1-series will have an ideal 50:50 weight distribution, keeping with BMW tradition, while MacPherson struts in the front and a five-link arrangement in the rear keep things suspended. Driving aids are included, but a variable diff isn't. Plus, 18-inch rollers are standard on all four corners, with 7.5 inches of width in the front and 8.5 inches of rubber in the back.

BMW's doing a lot to tie the 1-series to the 2002 of yore, but they also draw parallels to the M-division, it styling cues and general philosophy. BMW still maintains that there won't be an M1, but in the meantime, we get the closest thing to an original M3 that we've seen in well over a decade.

Gallery: BMW 1-Series Coupe

Continue reading The dam spilleth over: More on the BMW 1-series

The dam spilleth over: More on the BMW 1-series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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