Autoblog

Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series hybrid spotted in Munich

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Europe, Hatchback, BMW

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

At the launch of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, officials acknowledged the automaker would be producing several additional hybrid models in the near future. Rumors have been floating around that the new 5 Series - due to launch in 2010 - will get the same mild hybrid system going into the ActiveHybrid 7 and its crossover counterpart, but what about BMW's smaller offerings?

Testing near Munich, a BMW 1 Series mule was caught wearing "Hybrid Test Vehicle" badging, proving that BMW's hybrid system won't be used exclusively on its larger models. Given the small size of the 1, this will undoubtedly use a version of the same mild hybrid system, a modular setup that has the motor/generator sandwiched between the engine and transmission with a compact lithium ion battery in the rear.

The 1 Series hybrid will take on the production version of the Lexus LF-Ch concept recently shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show when it hits the market in late 2011 or early 2012. The Lexus is similar in size to the 1er, but will only be offered as a hybrid, while the 1 will retain conventional powertrain options. There's no word whether the Lexus or the 1 Series Hybrid will make it onto U.S. shores, but if both automakers plan to recoup development expenses, sales in North America are almost assured.

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series Hybrid

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series hybrid spotted in Munich originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW recalling 2008MY 1- and 3-Series; plus 2009MY X5 and X6 models over safety concerns

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

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

A potential fault with the side airbags fitted to 2008 BMW 1- and 3-Series cars has lead to a recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Apparently, possible fitment of the wrong crimp connector can cause the airbag not to properly deploy.

In a separate recall, 2009 model year BMW X5 and X6 crossovers are also being called back to dealers, as they may have been fitted with rear brake discs that don't meet specifications. In extreme cases, the flaw could cause the rear disc to break, which would obviously then hurt the vehicle's ability to stop.

Unusually, the number of vehicles possibly covered under the actions has not been released, and BMW has not yet released the protocol for either repair. In any case, you can contact the company or NHTSA for more information. Complete information can be found in the NHTSA notices after the jump.

Gallery: BMW 135i Official Shots

[Source: NHTSA -- 1-Series / 3-Series, X5 / X6]

Continue reading BMW recalling 2008MY 1- and 3-Series; plus 2009MY X5 and X6 models over safety concerns

BMW recalling 2008MY 1- and 3-Series; plus 2009MY X5 and X6 models over safety concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 BMW 1 Series gets two new engines abroad, additional trim levels

Chris Shunk — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, BMW

2010 BMW 1-Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

The BMW 1-Series is a much bigger deal in Europe than it is here in the States. In the US, we can choose among the 128 and 135, and both options come standard with a six-cylinder engine. Overseas, you can pick up the 1 with two, three, four or five doors, and with a wide variety of four cylinder gasoline and diesel powertrains.

To keep the good times rolling, team Bimmer is again expanding the 1-Series lineup for 2010. Two new models, the Lifestyle and Sport models, will offer RWD performance in a three- or five-door package beginning this September. The Lifestyle model offers special edition Marrakesh Brown Metallic paint, unique brown body color interior components, chrome-tipped exhaust and 17-inch light aluminum rims. The Sport model includes the M Sports Package, with a sports tuned suspension, unique dual spoke aluminum rims, stainless steel pedals, and an M steering wheel and gearshift lever.

On the engine front, a pair of 2.0-liter engines find their way under the bonnet of a 1-Series. The petrol engine utilizes direct injection tech and packs 170 ponies to go along with 155 lb-ft. With the gas-powered 2.0-liter engine, the 1-Series can hit 60 in 7.8 seconds, and it carries a top speed of 149 mph.

The diesel variant packs 143 hp and 221 lb-ft, helping to propel the 118d to 60 in nine seconds. The story of merit is fuel economy and CO2 emissions, where where it achieves 4.5 liters/100 kilometers (about 52 mpg US) and a CO2 emission rating of 119 grams per kilometer. Hit the jump for more info from BMW's painfully detailed press release.

Gallery: 2010 1-Series Sport, Lifestyle

Continue reading 2010 BMW 1 Series gets two new engines abroad, additional trim levels

2010 BMW 1 Series gets two new engines abroad, additional trim levels originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW plans assault on the premium entry-level segment with X and Y models

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:01:00 EST

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

BMW's equivalent of Deep Throat has divulged a host of information on the marque's coming plans for its premium entry level range incorporating the 1-Series and Z2, and a new line of Y vehicles. According to the mole, Scott26, the 1 will break into three different levels: Traditional, Lifestyle, and Sporting. They will be underpinned by a modular platform that could be differentiated among models and also serve as the basis for the next MINI.

The Traditional line will include the 1-Series along with Active Hybrid and Sport Compact versions. Sporting will comprise the 1-Series and Z2 coupe and cabriolet, plus a Supersports version of the 1 and a 135i Lightweight Performance Concept. Lifestyle counts the 1-Series Gran Turismo, the X1, X2, and the Y1.

As Scott27 breaks it down, the full lineup will advance the capabilities of Efficient Dynamics, and a hybrid version of each car will be offered. As well, the cars will "resist the usual jump in weight by using lightweight materials and sophisticated bonding techniques." What would be weighty at that point is the number of BMW's offerings, with 12 cars alone mentioned here, not counting the hatch models.

And what is the Y1? Strictly a proposal at this point, the line would be for those who want more "identity and creativity" in their Sports Activity Vehicles. A "dynamic , lighter and more personal" SAV than the X6, the Y1 is laid out as a 2-door, 2-seat "hybrid of an X with the aura of a Z." Think of a de-Bangled X Coupe. Thanks for the tip, Andrew!

[Source: 1 Addicts]

Rumormill: BMW plans assault on the premium entry-level segment with X and Y models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 135i tii up against V8 supercar, F1 racer at Australian Grand Prix

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, BMW, Australia

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

BMW's little 1 Series has proven itself to be a credible performer that's able to hang with nearly anything else it likely to encounter on the road. But against an Australian V8 Supercar and BMW's own Formula 1 racer? Not a chance. Regardless, these three vehicles will indeed face off at the upcoming F1 season opener Down Under. To help level the playing field, each vehicle will start with a handicap, so the real excitement will begin near the end of the lap when the three cars close in on one another as they sprint to the finish line.

The 1 Series that's taking part in the event will be equipped with the German automaker's potent 3.0L twin-turbo inline six and will wear 18" alloys bolted up to a tuned suspension set up with cross-drilled brakes. A set of tii decals and a full BMW Performance aerodynamic body kit top things off. The race will be repeated 5 times starting on Thursday, March 26th.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW 135i tii up against V8 supercar, F1 racer at Australian Grand Prix

BMW 135i tii up against V8 supercar, F1 racer at Australian Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More Reports: Next BMW 1 Series could spawn Super Sport version

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

You can't please everybody. Customers complain that the current BMW 1 Series is too small, while others say it's too heavy. Some want it to offer more space, while others want it to be sportier. You can't please everybody, but BMW is evidently going to try.

Although the next version of the compact 1 Series is expected, as most new models are, to grow in size, BMW is also reportedly planning a lightweight two-door sport model. Referred to in the interim as the 1 Series Super Sport (to avoid confusion with the original mid-engine M1 exotic), the hot 1 would be a spiritual successor to the '60s-era 2002 (pictured above) and the original '80s-era M3. Motivation could be provided by a turbo- or supercharged four-cylinder driving as much as 300 horsepower through a dual-clutch gearbox, coupled with all the electronic bells and whistles of modern day BMWs for a 0-60 sprint in five seconds flat. With those kind of stats, we hope this is one of those rumors that turns out to be true.

[Source: AutoBild via Motor Authority]

More Reports: Next BMW 1 Series could spawn Super Sport version originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:58:00 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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BMW could be developing 1-Series "Shooting Brake" wagon

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Hatchback, BMW

BMW's 1 Series is stuck between a rock and a hard place, neatly slotting in between BMW's perennial best-selling 3-series and the FWD wunderkind, MINI. Loaded-up Coopers pass the $30K mark with ease and the base 3-Series model starts in the same neighborhood. This doesn't leave much wiggle room with the 1 Series, but BMW is looking to make the most of what little extra market share is available. One segment that the Bavarian automaker is looking to explore is the "shooting brake" body style (think 2-door wagon) that would add a dose of practicality to the small coupe in the form of a rear hatch.

This type of vehicle has historically fared rather poorly in the style-conscious United States, but Europeans seem more apt to choose practical hatch-like styles, so we'd expect the new model to debut across the pond for sure. BMW is expected to launch a new version of its entry-level model that will be larger and offer downsized engines with direct injection and forced induction burning both gasoline and diesel fuel.

[Source: Auto Bild via Motor Authority]

BMW could be developing 1-Series "Shooting Brake" wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Confirmed: BMW working on 4 cylinder turbo, may come to U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 07:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Government/Legal, Green, I.C.E., BMW

Click above for high-res photo gallery of the BMW Concept 1 Series tii

Rumors of a new four cylinder engine from BMW have been confirmed by BMW's North American leader Jim O'Donnell. Questions on whether it will be offered in the United States, though, are still very much in the air. "We can't really confirm or deny when it is going to come into the US, or if it is going to come into the US, until after the election and the government makes it clear what is going to be the platform that manufacturers have got to work to," says O'Donnell. It really seems so simple to us. If an automaker has a new engine that offers both good performance and good fuel economy, it should be offered in the U.S. market.

Granted, the last effort to sell four-cylinder Bimmers in the States didn't go over so well. But BMW's reputation was earned first by cars like the 2002, which was motivated by a sprightly little four-banger. Considering the fact that BMW owns the MINI brand, the automaker should know better than anyone else that Americans are now willing to spend a good deal of money on small cars with small engines. We'll gladly support a revival of the tii badge on a lightweight 1 Series platform powered by a nice turbo four.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

[Source: BimmerFile]

Confirmed: BMW working on 4 cylinder turbo, may come to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 07:28:00 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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Marketing 101: Make stuff up, make it visible - BMW's subtle 1-Series shilling

Dan Roth — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 10:47:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, BMW

Marketing campaigns are always in search of a new hook, and BMW's gotten creative to help keep the 1-Series on boil. Readers of the March 24th edition of Autoweek were treated to a smattering of tiny-Roundel factoids at the bottom of the mag's pages. Some of them might be true, while others seem entirely made up. The hard facts are naturally spot-on, but subjective impressions like back seat comfort, desirability, and a link to the 2002 are all tenuous at best. The effort is charming in its cleverness, even if we're not entirely sold on the idea that we're going to regret it if we neglect to buy a 1-Series.

[Source: AutoInsane.com]

Marketing 101: Make stuff up, make it visible - BMW's subtle 1-Series shilling originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Apr 2008 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Rampenfest the movie, now playing on the screen in front of you

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:27:00 EST

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

Click above for a few stills from the sham documentary.

Last week we reported on the literal, if untrue, launch of a BMW 135i from a 454 meter-high ramp in the fictional Bavarian village of Oberpfaffelbachen. Now, the faux documentary film producer who decided to cover this historic event (bought and paid for by Bimmer's boffins) has finally released his masterwork for the world to see. We've embedded it after the jump, but be forewarned, you'll never be able to get that 30+ minutes of your life back.

Gallery: Rampfest

Continue reading VIDEO: Rampenfest the movie, now playing on the screen in front of you

VIDEO: Rampenfest the movie, now playing on the screen in front of you originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes planning 1-series rival in 2011

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:22:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz

It's no secret that the Mercedes-Benz A-class hasn't been a resounding success and that the automaker is looking to revamp its entry-level line-up to better compete with rivals. According to Autocar, M-B boss Dieter "Dr. Z" Zetsche has green-lighted a new model that's taking aim at the BMW 1-series and Audi A3, and will accompany the rest of the revised A-class models when it debuts in 2011.

The new model will replace the aging, if just recently facelifted, CLC and will initially come to market sporting a coupe body style instead of a three-door hatch. Mercedes plans to expand the rest of the A-classes to include at least three different body styles of each model, coinciding with the launch of the new B-class, which will be designed to compete with the upcoming BMW X1.

Power will supposedly come from a combination of direct-injection gasoline and diesel powerplants, with output ranging from 120 to 200 hp. Pricing should be competitive with BMW's 1-series models, with the new A-class falling right around the £19,000 mark.

[Source: Autocar]

Mercedes planning 1-series rival in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: BMW 1-series looks pretty good on paper

Alex Nunez — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:02:00 EST

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

BMW has definitely ramped up its marketing for the launch of the new 1-series coupe. We've already seen the fruits of its advertising partners' ingenuity on the cover of Vice magazine, and today we've been tipped off on the attached video. In it, you'll see a group of agency types assemble a two-dimensional 1 out of paper and poster board. When complete, they go out for a Flintstones-powered "test drive" in Manhattan to try it out for size. Just remember, crosswalk and sidewalk operation is safe for pretend 1-series Bimmers only. Watch the full video after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Jon!

[Source: BMW via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: BMW 1-series looks pretty good on paper

VIDEO: BMW 1-series looks pretty good on paper originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:02:00 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 Canada sets Vice magazine aglow

Alex Nunez — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 21:01:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, BMW, Canada

Magazines and ads are forever tied at the hip. After all, without the latter, the former can't exist. A magazine's front cover is one of the few spots left that's devoid of commercial encroachment -- until now. BMW Canada and Vice magazine have managed to give the 1-series top billing in the April edition. By day, it's just another issue of Vice, but douse the lights and you see some very clever marketing in action. That's because the mag has a special glow-in-the-dark treatment that turns the cover into a full-page ad for the BMW 1-series. As advertising stunts go, it's brilliant. Here's a front-page ad that's both unobtrusive (on newsstands, you just see the standard cover) and highly effective, since people are likely to talk about it and show it to friends. It couldn't have come cheap, either, as the covers had to be shuttled between two facilities during the manufacturing process to get the glowy look. No matter. Good ads get noticed and generate buzz. Mission accomplished. Thanks for the tip, Karen!

[Source: Media In Canada via Auto North]

BMW Canada sets Vice magazine aglow originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Mar 2008 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2008: BMW 1-Series accesories not carbon neutral

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:09:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

Click the image above for more hi-res shots of the carbon-heavy BMW 1-Series performance parts

P. T. Barnum already answered how many people you could fit in an itty bitty car. BMW is now trying to figure out how much carbon you can fit into the same. The BMW 1-Series performance parts will keep carbon weavers in business for some time (we figure they'll be quite popular). The only sizable component not made out of carbon was the silencer, and no one will see that after it's installed. If nothing else, it could be the best and most agreeable way to raise your carbon footprint. It's a shame about that hood, though... Check out the gallery of hi-res photos below.

Gallery: BMW 1-series performance parts catalog

Geneva 2008: BMW 1-Series accesories not carbon neutral originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: More 1-Series goodness

Chris Shunk — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 12:56:00 EST

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

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]

Continue reading VIDEO: More 1-Series goodness

VIDEO: More 1-Series goodness originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 12:56:00 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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1-Series on BMW website with official pricing

John Neff — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, BMW

The 1-Series has officially joined BMW's line up in the United States, having finally been added to the brand's official website. Along with its place among the Ultimate Driving Machines online, the 1-Series also gets officially pricing, which turns out to be exactly what we thought it would be. The 135i will have an MSRP of $34,900 plus a $775 charge for delivery and all the whatnots involved with a purchasing a car. The 128i, meanwhile, will start at $28,600 and carry an identical $775 charge for destination and delivery.

The 128i is powered by BMW's 3.0L inline-six producing 230 horsepower, while the top shelf 135i is motivated by the superlative twin-turbo 3.0L inline-six producing 300 HP. Both are, of course, rear-wheel drive, small, and relatively light weight at around 3,200 lbs. - the purest coupes from BMW we've seen in a while. We optioned up a 135i with everything and arrived at an MSRP of $48,995 (that's it above - how you like the Cashmere Silver Metallic?). Frankly, that's ridiculously expensive for a car this size, regardless of what wheels are being driven or the engine under the hood. Do you think they're worth the high asking price? Answer in our poll below.

View Poll

Thanks for the tip, Boris!

[Source: BMW]

Gallery: BMW 1-Series Coupe

1-Series on BMW website with official pricing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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