Autoblog

BMW planning 135i hatch?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:06:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, BMW, Rumormill

The new 2012 BMW 1 Series is making friends hither and yon, but an unsourced report from the Netherlands suggests it might soon be taking no prisoners with the rumored arrival next summer of a 320-horsepower, 135i hatch. Yes, grab your salt and put on your tinfoil hat, because this appears to be the most speculative sort of speculation.

The redesigned 2012 1 Series is being launched overseas with seven choices of four-cylinder engine, the top-of-the-line being the 2.0-liter, 245-hp 128is which replaces the six-cylinder in the formerly range-topping 130i. The claim in Dutch automotive blog Driving Fun asserts that the hot hatch will get the 3.0-liter turbocharged six and enough horses to put it just shy of the 335-hp 1 Series M. What's more, it goes on further to claim a "four-wheel drive" (read: "all-wheel drive") version will arrive in December 2012.

Even if we liked such an answer, there are probably too many open questions to bother enjoying it at this point. Not that it would matter to us, anyway: were BMW ever to make such a vehicle, it probably would be too expensive to bring to America.

BMW planning 135i hatch? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW pulls The Switch on unsuspecting 1 Series owner

Noah Joseph — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST

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

We can appreciate a well-orchestrated prank as much as the next guy. But being the car nuts we are, we'd implore any would-be prankster to leave cars out of it. TP the guy's house, Saran-wrap the toilet, make a crank call or two if you must. But for the love of all things holy, please leave the cars alone.

At least that's what we thought before we saw the kind of candid-camera prank the BMW Performance Parts team had in store for one driver in Singapore. The proud owner of a 1 Series Coupe returned to her car in the parking lot to find her car fitted with a Performance Power Kit and an upgraded exhaust system. It's a marketing schtick that reminds us of TV shows like Overhaulin', but at least it's sort of car prank we can get on board with. Check it out after the jump, and be mindful of a little bit of Not Safe For Work language.

Continue reading BMW pulls The Switch on unsuspecting 1 Series owner

BMW pulls The Switch on unsuspecting 1 Series owner originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW announces new Power Kits for 135i and 335i

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Technology, Crossover, BMW

If 300 horsepower is good, 320 horsepower is better. And when that 20-horsepower boost comes at a cost of just $599, it's really a no-brainer as far as we're concerned.

BMW hopes you agree, as it's officially announced two new Power Kits for the 135i, 335i and certain X6 models that boost the power of the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six by the aforementioned twenty ponies. Just as welcome is a boost in torque from 300 to 332 pound-feet (when equipped with an automatic transmission) and 317 lb-ft (when equipped with a manual or DCT transmission).

The increase comes courtesy of what BMW is calling Version 1 Power Kit, which basically amounts to a reflash of the car's computer system, and it can be applied to any 135i or 335i and all X6 models produced before April of 2010. These power figures bring the turbocharged machines up to the specification of the 2011 335is.

A second option is the Version 2 Power Kit, which adds an auxiliary water cooler and "enhanced" radiator fan to the reflash on 1 Series and 3 Series models. The V2PK costs $1,199, a modest increase over the $599 of Version 1 considering the added hardware. Both kits also include an "exhaust burble sound during engine overrun conditions." BMW is quick to point out other modifications may be necessary and that installation isn't included in that price.

In case you're thinking this all sounds rather familiar, BMW did indeed make a similar announcement a little while back. While that press release heralded the option for new buyers of the 2011 335i, this one indicates the availability of current owners to get the upgrade retrofitted to their cars while their warranties remain intact. For all the details, hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading BMW announces new Power Kits for 135i and 335i

BMW announces new Power Kits for 135i and 335i originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW prices Performance Edition 135i and 335i upgrades for U.S. at just $550

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury

BMW is about to make current and future 1 and 3 Series sedan owners happy. At least, the ones seeking a tick more performance. The automaker is now offering the BMW Performance Edition as a a limited-availability option package on 2011 335i sedans. It will also be made available to existing 135i and 335i customers beginning later in the year.

The BMW Performance Edition is comprised of a power kit, a pair of blacked-out kidneys for the nose and a BMW Performance Edition badge. The grille treatment and badge are a nice touch, but it's the power kit that holds the meat of the group. Engine output is raised from 300 to 320 horsepower and from 300 to 317 pound-feet of torque for manual-transmission equipped cars and 332 lb-ft for the automatics.

The best part? Checking this option on your order form will only run you an extra $550. That figure is for new cars, while the retrofitted price plan will come out later in the year. Click past the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading BMW prices Performance Edition 135i and 335i upgrades for U.S. at just $550

BMW prices Performance Edition 135i and 335i upgrades for U.S. at just $550 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW spills all the beans on new 1 Series

Noah Joseph — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 13:48:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, BMW

2012 BMW 1 Series - Click above for high-res image mega gallery

There's no point, or so the saying goes, of closing the door once the horses have bolted. So shortly after the first handful of images leaked their way onto the Internet, BMW has released the full kit n' kaboodle on its new entry-level model.

The all-new 2012 1 Series is expected to make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall. And when it does, it will be a substantially different car than the model it replaces. The new model - code-named F20 and based on the same platform that underpins the (now only slightly larger) 3 Series - has grown considerably over the E81 it succeeds, with every dimension but height increasing. The changes benefit both interior and cargo space, two aspects where the outgoing model fell short.

The new sheetmetal has also bears revised styling, with a bigger face incorporating the giant eyes featured on BMW's latest concept cars, a more pronounced swage line and taillights moved outboard across the wider track to offer a larger liftgate aperture for increased ease-of-use. The Bavarians also appear to have paid close attention to the interior fit and finish to improve on the previous model's rather spartan cabin.

Under that long nose, the new baby Bimmer is being launched exclusively with four-cylinder engines, and while more variants are expected to follow, for now it's just the five-door hatch. A pair of 1.6-liter gasoline engines pack direct injection and offer 136 horsepower in 116i trim and 170 in the 118i. Three 2.0-liter turbo-diesels are also being offered overseas, ranging from 116 horsepower up to 184 in the flagship 120d. A 1.5-liter three-pot is expected to come in gasoline and diesel variants, while the top 128iS is slated to get a 245hp turbo 2.0-liter gasoline four to take the place of the current six-cylinder 130i.

All engines come mated to either a six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed auto from ZF, with an array of earth-friendly technologies including stop-start ignition and regenerative braking. Of course, this being the latest offering from a leading German automaker, all manner of electronic assists are on offer, from self-adjusting high-beams and lane departure warning to automatic traffic sign recognition and a back-up camera.

Overseas buyers will also be able to choose between Urban and Sport trim levels offering different aesthetics, but we'll have to sit tight to see which models will make their voyage to this side of the Atlantic. In the meantime, you're invited to peruse the massive 127-image high-resolution gallery for all the angles and the extensive 21-page press release - complete with spec sheets - after the jump.

Continue reading BMW spills all the beans on new 1 Series

BMW spills all the beans on new 1 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jun 2011 13:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW teases 2012 1 Series [w/video]

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 09 May 2011 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Europe, Videos, Hatchback, BMW, Luxury

With the 2012 BMW 1 Series nearing its debut, BMW has released a painfully vague teaser image of its next small car. We already have a good indication of the car's five-door shape, thanks to a crack team of spy photographers, but a second version is in the works, and judging by the profile, it's likely a three-door hatch.

However the model lineup shakes out for the next 1 Series, we can expect the five-door to hit production first, followed shortly thereafter by the second variant. To get ready for the cars' debut, BMW is readying a new ad blitz featuring two siblings under the slogan "one origin, two originals."

For now, we're left with pure speculation about what shape the next 1 Series will take. Before the car is revealed fully, we wouldn't be surprised if BMW cranks out another teaser or two to keep the guessing game in full swing. Head past the jump to check out the ads for the car.

Continue reading BMW teases 2012 1 Series [w/video]

BMW teases 2012 1 Series [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 May 2011 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2012 BMW 1 Series coupe and convertible take a bow

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, BMW

2012 BMW 1 Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW recently pulled the wraps off of its hot new 1 Series M Coupe, but this new addition to the automaker's least expensive range isn't the only changes on tap for the 2012 model year. Both the coupe and convertible versions of the 128i and 135i receive modest upgrades for 2012, including very, very slight styling updates and a new powertrain for the 135i.

Up front, 1 Series cars equipped with Xenon headlamps (optional on 128i, standard on 135i) receive a new horizontal LED eyebrow to complement the corona running lamps. Out back, newly tweaked taillamps use LED running lamps similar to those on the rest of the BMW product line. The 1 Series also gets a tweaked M Sport package that includes an aero kit (standard on the 135i), increased top speed limiter and more sporting suspension geometry. Additionally, M Sport cars are fitted with sport seats and M-branded interior trim components.

Much like its older brother, the 3 Series, the 135i is now powered by BMW's N55 3.0-liter inline-six which uses a single twin-scroll turbocharger to produce 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. In addition to the standard row-it-yourself six-speed transmission, the 135i can now be had with BMW's seven-speed DCT that first debuted in the Z4 roadster. Fitting this new engine means that the 135i Coupe can run to 60 miles per hour in five seconds flat with DCT and 5.1 seconds with the manual (add 0.3 seconds to those respective times for the droptop 135i). The base 128i continues to use the naturally aspirated 3.0-liter mill found in the outgoing model, rated at 230 hp and 200 lb-ft and paired with six-speed manual or Steptronic transmissions.

Pricing for the 2012 1 Series will be revealed closer to the car's on-sale date in the Spring of 2011, and we wouldn't expect the current base price of $29,450 for the 128i and $36,350 for the 135i to change much. Follow the jump for BMW's exhaustive press release that details the full host of changes.

Gallery: 2012 BMW 1 Series

Gallery: 2012 BMW 1 Series Coupe

Gallery: 2012 BMW 1 Series Convertible

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2012 BMW 1 Series coupe and convertible take a bow

Officially Official: 2012 BMW 1 Series coupe and convertible take a bow originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW M1/135is to go on sale in Q2 of 2011

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

BMW M1/1 Series M spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's certainly no secret that BMW is working on a high-powered version of the darling 1 Series coupe. After all, we've seen different mules and prototypes testing on many, many, many occasions. And while the speculation continues as to what the end result will be called (M1? 1M? 135is?), executives within BMW's M division have reportedly confirmed that the car will go on sale in the second quarter of next year.

Regardless of nomenclature, we're pretty stoked over what this potent little 1 Series will bring to the table, and we wonder how it'll fare compared to BMW's grandaddy M3. If the 2011 Q2 on-sale date is to be believed, we won't be surprised if the production car debuts at either the Paris or Los Angeles show later this year.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 BMW M1/1 Series M

[Source: 1addicts.com]

Report: BMW M1/135is to go on sale in Q2 of 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW announces one millionth 1 Series built

Zach Bowman — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:19:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, BMW, Electric, Diesel, Luxury

2010 BMW 135i - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to BMW, the 1-Series is selling like tequila at spring break. The small-scale Bimmer may not have exactly received a warm embrace from big-boned Americans, but sales of the 1 have been good enough around the globe for the company to build over a million examples. The 1-Series has only been on the market since 2004, and is still in its first generation.

Part of the car's success is likely due to the wide variety of body styles and engine choices available outside of the States. European buyers can snap up efficient four-cylinder engines, both in gasoline and turbo-diesel guise, as well as functional hatchback versions of the 1. Meanwhile, we get our baby BMW in just two flavors - coupe and convertible - with only two engine options.

Odds are that the car will only get more popular as time goes on. BMW has made it clear that the all-electric ActiveE is headed to lease fleets sometime soon, and that car's 170 horsepower electric motor is bound to be a welcome addition to the lineup.

Gallery: 2010 BMW 135i

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW announces one millionth 1 Series built

BMW announces one millionth 1 Series built originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Craziest Damn Thing You'll Hear Today: 80% of BMW 1 Series owners think their car is FWD

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Etc., BMW, Humor, Luxury

2010 BMW 135i - Click above for high-res image gallery

No, this isn't a joke. Really. Automotive News reports that BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer shared this statistic during a call with analysts last week. It is unclear where this information came from within BMW, but it still comes as a staggering surprise that 80 (eighty!) percent of 1 Series owners believe that they are living with front-wheel drive.

As we reported earlier, BMW is planning to bring front-wheel-drive vehicles to market in the near future, and the automaker is worried that it might confuse customers by adding these new products to the rear-drive-only lineup.

Guess not.

We firmly believe that all current 1 Series owners who think their car is front-wheel drive should hand over their keys immediately... to us.

Gallery: 2010 BMW 135i

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

The Craziest Damn Thing You'll Hear Today: 80% of BMW 1 Series owners think their car is FWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW M1 not happening, look for 135is instead

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW

2010 BMW 135i - Click above for high-res image gallery

The rumormill has been buzzing lately about a possible M-badged version of the lovely BMW 1 Series. (We still have a hard time calling it M1, since that name has long been reserved for a far more illustrious creation.) A new report from Inside Line, however, reveals that while a 1 Series-based M1 isn't in the cards, we can look forward to seeing a hotted-up 135is, similar to the Z4 sDrive35is and 335is that have just recently been introduced.

Expect the 135is to use the boosted version of BMW's N54 twin-turbo six found in the Z4 and 3 Series variants. This means we can expect total output numbers around the 320 horsepower and 332 pound-feet mark, with an overboost mode that delivers up to 370 lb-ft for brief periods of time. Additionally, a more aggressively tuned suspension will be on hand, improving the coupe's overall dynamics. It might not be as exciting as what a full-bore M1 could be, but we aren't complaining, especially since we're such big fans of the current 135i as is.

So, why not do an M1? Much like the problem Porsche faces with the Cayman and the 911, a too-good 1 Series could potentially overthrow the grandaddy M3, and BMW certainly wouldn't want that. Still, we're glad that BMW is committed to producing a more potent 1 Series and are eagerly awaiting our first drive.

Gallery: 2010 BMW 135i

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: BMW M1 not happening, look for 135is instead originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2011 BMW 1 Series to get DCT

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Rumormill, Luxury

2009 BMW 135i - Click above for updated high-res image gallery

The BMW obsessives at Bimmerfile supposedly have it on good authority that the 2011 BMW 1 Series will be available with the same seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox fitted to the current Z4 and a handful of Euro-only models.

Although a six-speed manual will still be available, the proliferation of BMW's DCT throughout its line up -- including the 335i, M3 and Z4 -- makes adding the Getrag-source dual-clutch 'box to the 1 series a no-brainer. Specifically, it should be fitted to the updated 135i when it arrives later this year, which means launch control on BMW's smallest offering is just a few months away.

Gallery: 2010 BMW 135i

[Source: Bimmerfile]

Rumormill: 2011 BMW 1 Series to get DCT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, BMW, Electric

BMW Concept ActiveE - Click above for high-res image gallery

Six months into its Mini E field test program, BMW is getting ready for phase two of its electric vehicle development. At the Detroit Auto Show next month, the Bavarian automaker will introduce its Concept ActiveE which brings electric drive to the Roundel. This time, instead of the diminutive Mini, these new teaser images suggest that a 1 Series coupe is set to go the plug-in route.

With the Mini E, BMW rushed to get the cars out into the field, recruiting AC Propulsion to produce the powertrains and battery packs comprised of laptop cells - a setup not unlike the Tesla Roadster. This time around, the car is much closer to what might be expected of a mass-produced electric car. BMW plans to build another fleet of EVs based on this concept, and once again, it will again put cars into the hands of ordinary drivers and fleets for more field testing. Read on after the jump for more details and the official press release.

Gallery: BMW Concept ActiveE

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series

Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: More details on BMW's rumored M1(s)

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:22:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Europe, BMW

BMW 1 Series Tii Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has the mid-engined R8 (now available with a 525-horsepower V10). Mercedes-Benz now has the AMG SLS (with more power than the R8 - 563 horses). BMW has... a 500-horsepower V10 in a 4,000 pounds M6. Not exactly competitive in the supercar department these days. Well, according to everyone's favorite British Buff Book (EVO), BMW will be releasing a new supercar. Probably something resembling a mashup between the M1 Homage Concept and the Vision EfficientDynamics Hybrid Concept. However, it might not be called M1. Or, it might be.

Here's the thing - BMW is also believed to be working on a buffed out, super version of the 135i (based on the Tii Concept) that semi-logically could be called the M1. Check out the supposed stats on this little puppy: a reworked twin-turbo 3.0-liter motor good for 400 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque, a 150 pound weight reduction, seven-speed dual-clutch tranny, the M3's suspension and torque-vectoring rear end. Where do we sign up?

The issue is that some people within BMW feel the semi-sacred M1 moniker should be reserved only for a car that replaces the 1978 M1, the first car BMW's Motorsports Division ever made (even if Lamborghini played a roll). They do have a point, as among us gearhead types the M1 is a pretty reverential piece of machinery. However, what would you call an M-caliber 1 Series?

Autoblog's advice is this: nothing's sacred. Call the hopped-up 135i the M1. No one cares except for a few old timers within BMW and a few fanatics on the outside. Besides, the aforementioned old timers have sat idly by as the fabled M Division has arguably diluted its once lofty rep by releasing the X5 M and X6 M. It's all water (and money) under the bridge anyhow. And by freeing themselves from this false dilemma (because really, who cares?), BMW is free to name the new supercar the M8.

Failing that, just name the mighty 1 Series the Tii (confusing almost everyone) and reserve M1 for a proper supercar. We don't really mind, as long as both cars go on sale. And no matter the name, it sounds like the range-topping 1 Series should see the light of day in 2011 and the new supercar - which will pair BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with two electric motors - should come online around 2012. Color us excited.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

Gallery: BMW M1 Hommage

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

[Source: EVO]

REPORT: More details on BMW's rumored M1(s) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, BMW

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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eBay Find of the Day: Texas dealer's replica BMW 135 tii

Dan Roth — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 14:37:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Concept Cars, Tuners, Auctions, BMW

Click above for photo gallery

Now that BMW's 1-series has a solid presence on dealer lots, enthusiasts of the Roundel can start with lusty customizations that pay homage to the great BMWs of the past. In the case of this 135, we can say that BMW started it with its Concept tii that made the rounds in late 2007. Classic BMW in Texas plucked a 135i out of its stock for Projekt 1. Many of the "upgrades" that have been applied to the car are largely unneeded cosmetic geegaws like mirror covers and bodykit accents. We're down with the matte stripe job on the hood, and the vaguely described "retrofit front suspension" and performance exhaust system offer some tangible benefits; the exhaust even proves its worth with dyno sheets.

Basically, the exhaust and suspension are the only things on the list worth having, and those would cost about 5 grand, rather than the 12K price inflation this 135 is carrying. While we're sure Projekt 1 is a hoot to drive, we already have a hard time getting behind 1 Series pricing, no matter how brilliant the chassis is. Slapping a bunch of junk on it and bumping the price into the heady $50,000 neighborhood doesn't make it any more attractive. Still, if you want to have the most exclusive 135i on the social climber block, a Buy It Now of $55,372 will make it yours. Thanks for the tip, David!

Gallery: BMW 135 - "Projekt 1"

[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: Texas dealer's replica BMW 135 tii originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Aug 2008 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW owners claim software update degrades performance

Merritt Johnson — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, BMW

BMW's N54 engine has won the International Engine of the Year award for the past two straight years. It has also been listed as one of Ward's 10 Best Engines during the same period. The engine produces 306 hp and 295 ft-lbs of torque in a 3.0L inline six package thanks to the use of twin Mitsubishi turbochargers and direct injection. The N54's quick response and smooth torque curve has been an attraction for many enthusiasts, including myself - I call my Montego Blue coupe the turbo Cookie Monster. That is why a few BMW 335i owners are miffed by a feeling of reduced performance after a recent service update. Posters on the BMW forum e90post.com claim that a software update to adjust rattling wastegate valves has induced lag into the turbochargers that wasn't there before.

As illustrated in the gallery below, the N54 turbochargers differ from most setups in that the wastegates default to the open position. This allows for better emissions due to the ability of the exhaust gas to bypass the turbochargers on start up so the catalytic converters can heat up faster. It certainly follows suit that BMW has the ability to adjust the ECU settings in order to hold those wastegates open, thus altering the turbochargers' peak boost point and adding to the perception of lag. Currently all performance degradation discussion has been based on seat of the pants feel, along with increased exhaust noise and fuel consumption. Despite the claims, BMW North America and service centers have, thus far, found no critical issue with the new settings. If owners want to present true evidence, they should use a simple OBD scanner device to data log the manifold pressure or simply run a dyno comparison test. Thanks for the tip everyone!

Gallery: BMW N54 Engine and Turbos

[Source: e90Post.com]

BMW owners claim software update degrades performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:27:00 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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BMW bringing aero kit for the 1-series to Geneva, tii variant rumored

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

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

Among the assorted wares BMW will be showing off in Geneva, the Bavarian boys will also be displaying a complete accessories package for the 1-series that includes a number of the aerodynamic features we've seen already.

According to Winding Road's sources, the concept that will be sitting on BMW's stand will gauge the public's interest in a tii model that could be powered by a twin-turbo, four-cylinder engine that would put a premium on (thank God) weight savings, thorough to lighter brakes, wheels and exterior elements.

Make the jump for BMW's press release about its performance parts for the 1-series.

Gallery: BMW 1-series performance parts catalog

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

[Source: BMW via Winding Road]

Continue reading BMW bringing aero kit for the 1-series to Geneva, tii variant rumored

BMW bringing aero kit for the 1-series to Geneva, tii variant rumored originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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