1-series caught naked!

[JakeC]

http://members.roadfly.org/mr_mike/am_BMW_1Series_1.jpg

And I like it!

[Alex Baumann]

http://assets.in.gr/auto/news/images/big/am_BMW_1Series_7271_04.jpg

:D

The paint color is stunning :yikes:

[The Roadstergal]

That is so cool! And the right size. :D

[BlackChrome]

The headlights are HUGE! :yikes:

[HW]

headlights are ok but i'd wish it'll wipe it's silly @ss grin off it's grill. :mad: :tsk:

[Sean]

Not Bad! :thumbup: :thumbup: I'd buy one if it's really an Ultimate Driving Machine.

[xspeedy]

I actually like it based on these pics. Hopefully the five-door comes to the US.

[JFS]

:D

The paint color is stunning :yikes:
I agree! Awesome color!

Perfect size for a true "Ultimate Driving Machine." Can't wait to order one...

[hts]

I like the looks of it too, and while I have no desire to move up to a current 5-er, I reckon' I could consider going down (hee-hee, I said 'going down') to an M1 or something...

[330Legend]

Kind of has that Matrixy look to it.

[PhilH]

:confused:

http://assets.in.gr/auto/news/images/big/am_BMW_1Series_7271_01.jpg

[milski]

The headlights are HUGE! :yikes:
That's what I thought too. But it's a small car, after all. ;)

[brybarrett]

could be possible be seeing some styling clues for the new 3?

[sunilsf]

Looks cool from the front, but...

What's the point of the rear doors?? Looks like one would have to < 4' tall to sit back there.
I'd like a realistic 5-door, not one that is in name only.... otherwise, just make it 3-door hatch and be done with it.

[Kaz]

Aside from the insanely tall rocker panels (especially as it rises towards the back), it's amazingly un-Banglized. And what's the big deal with the color? It's silver like every other car on the road.

[CaliJeff]

Look it's the Z4-4door hatch!!!

[tgravo2]

I think it looks really cool. It's kind of like a 5er grill and hood with better headlights. :thumbup:

[Raffi]

:yummy: I want one with an M engine! :D

[SONET]

And what's the big deal with the color? It's silver like every other car on the road.
It's hard to be sure from this picture, but it looks like the flecks of metallic are finer like what can be found in the paint BMW used to use back in the day (think Bavaria). It actually does make a big difference in the way the light reflects (it almost glows); if you've ever seen custom paint like this then I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.

Yes, silver cars are everywhere - but it's pretty tough to find a better color to show off the lines of a car. That's what sold me on it. :thumbup:

--SONET

[Maverick]

Looks like they were shooting in Australia. Have been a couple of sightings in Melbourne and is sunny enough to be in OZ considering it's summertime. Looks good :thumbup:

[CaliJeff]

:yummy: I want one with an M engine! :D

LOL Is there ANYTHING that doesn't apply to?

[Raffi]

LOL Is there ANYTHING that doesn't apply to?
:confused: Not sure! :D

[teh_jev]

What is it that you guys find appealing? So far I'm just not feeling the looks of that car at all.

[Iniquity]

I'm diggin it..

looks like a fun little car..

supposed to compete with cars like the Focus.. .. i wonder what the price point will be...

[Kyle325i]

What is it that you guys find appealing? So far I'm just not feeling the looks of that car at all.

i like the fact that it doesn't look like a hippo on wheels :D

[Fisch330ciTB]

Put a 3.0 in it and I may be interested.

A 3.2 at 40k would be awesome. heh

[teh_jev]

i like the fact that it doesn't look like a hippo on wheels :DI just see PT cruiser meets Z3 w/ a big price tag, but hey, to each his own.

[Alex Baumann]

Aside from the insanely tall rocker panels (especially as it rises towards the back), it's amazingly un-Banglized. And what's the big deal with the color? It's silver like every other car on the road.

Hmm, I thought I saw some light blue tint there, but I may be wrong too.

[LmtdSlip]

Size is right...style dosent do much for me.

It sparks absolutly no desire in me to own it.

I love those wheels though :thumbup: :thumbup:

[Jetfire]

:) Looks good to me. If it was priced REASONABLY, I'd have to consider one very seriously.

[Chris90]

So is the US gonna get one of these or what? BMW NA said no hatches for the US, and rumor is no 4 door will be made, so that leaves us holding a very short stick.

I think it looks ok in those pics - but I'd have to see the rear - after all the 5 looks ok from some angles.

[Sean]

I'd be all over one in a coupe version! :thumbup: :thumbup: BMW AG hurry up!

[jumpingmatt]

Anyone else think maybe the "oversized" look of the headlights stems from them removing the eyebrows from the headlights but not adjusting the size of the lights themselves, making the opening seem too large for the lights enclosed? It would be way cheaper to just redesign the headlights themselves not to have the eyebrows without having to redo all of the cutlines of the hood, fenders, bumper, etc to accomodate a smaller overall headlight shape... :dunno:

Just a thought, I actually kind of like it. In person it should look better because from these pics the grill looks more sloped back, ala the 5-series, than the profile side pictures in various spy shots suggest is the case.

[Jayhox]

In the February "Bimmer" Magazine, they interviewed the CEO of BMWNA. He stated that we would not get the hatch "because a hatchback would not sell well in the U.S." He stated this right after raving over the success of the Mini. :confused: :eek: :tsk:

[ed325i]

Will there be a sedan version as well, or 5 door only?

Ed

[LmtdSlip]

...He stated this right after raving over the success of the Mini. :confused: :eek: :tsk:


:rofl:

Remember BMW is now about Luxury....so if Lexus wouldnt sell it why should BMW...Ohh wait they do sell a hatch....mever mind.

[Mr. Bimmer]

Whoa, I'm all over the 1! That thing looks absolutely stunning! I especially like the nose and profile. Very curvacious and aggressive. I sincerely hope BMW reconsiders bringing the hatch to the U.S. ,with the introduction of an M version, and if they keep the weight down, this could possibly be the next E30! :D

Does anyone know if the powerplant will be a straight 6 or a 4 cylinder?

[Maverick]

I think we have covered this before, but what are the rumoured engine sizes (obviously not in USA) for 1er? Thanks :thumbup:

[swchang]

Just curious, but would any of you 1-series fans consider a smart forfour, Audi A3 (are they still bringing that to the US?), MB A-class (which seems to be nixed), or MB CST?

[Maverick]

Just curious, but would any of you 1-series fans consider a smart forfour, Audi A3 (are they still bringing that to the US?), MB A-class (which seems to be nixed), or MB CST?

Only one worth it is S3 but don't sell any version of A3 in USA. :(

[damills]

Looks good, would like to have one, when does it come out, this fall?

[e46shift]

does anyone think this could be a bad thing for current owners. if the 1series is affordable, it will clog up the service bays even more. service dept can barely handle the load now :eeps:

[nate]

Where's TD? :dunno:

[Chris90]

The VW R32 is a better car than the S3, according to CAR and EVO magazines. But the US is getting the next A3, though only the 5 door wagon to my knowledge.
A3 1.6L is a great rental car if you're ever in Europe. Love those free revving little engines!!

Only one worth it is S3 but don't sell any version of A3 in USA. :(

[TGD]

There is a minisite for the 1 already on air at the internation BMW site. It only shows the mirrors though.

From the rumors department (in increased uncertainity):
1. More views of the 1-series will be revealed online by the end of March.
2. Official photos and specs will be available in June.
3. The car will be sold in Europe in end of September or early October.
4. Initially only the 4cyl Valvetronic and the 4cyl Turbodiesels (1.8 and 2.0 lt) will be available.
5. The 1 has the same length as the current Compact, which means that sedan and coupe versions will be approximately the same size as the current 3.

On the 3-series:
1. The new 3 will be almost as large as the old 5.
2. Expect official photos around Christmas.
3. The official launch will be at 2005 Geneva Show.

[swchang]

4. Initially only the 4cyl Valvetronic and the 4cyl Turbodiesels (1.8 and 2.0 lt) will be available.
5. The 1 has the same length as the current Compact, which means that sedan and coupe versions will be approximately the same size as the current 3.

On the 3-series:
1. The new 3 will be almost as large as the old 5.


So the new 1 will be the same size as the current 3, but with smaller engines? :thumbdwn:

And the new 3 will be as large as the old 5... Reminds me of the old thread about car lengths and how the Corolla expanded by a foot over a 10 year period. This trend is also :thumbdwn:

[Alex Baumann]

Official pictures of the new 1 Series will be available on March 23rd.

[SARAFIL]

Official pictures of the new 1 Series will be available on March 23rd.

How about official pics of the E90? :angel:

[Mr. Bimmer]

WHERE IS TD?

The lack of Bangle bashing on this thread is beginning to worry me. :angel:

[Maverick]

The VW R32 is a better car than the S3, according to CAR and EVO magazines. But the US is getting the next A3, though only the 5 door wagon to my knowledge.
A3 1.6L is a great rental car if you're ever in Europe. Love those free revving little engines!!

VW R32 wasn't given as an option. S3 is a little boy racer but VW is a lot! A3 is good but rather S3. :thumbup:

[Chris90]

About the US 1 series, now I think we are getting a coupe (2 series) in 2005 - which is supposedly when it comes out in Europe. I think the US won't get a 1 series (hatch or sedan) at all. We will get a 225i, 230i and M2, or something like that.

What do you guys think? After all, BMW NA just said no hatches, they never said we'd get a 4 door.

[Motown328]

does anyone think this could be a bad thing for current owners. if the 1series is affordable, it will clog up the service bays even more. service dept can barely handle the load now :eeps:

One of the sales guys I talk with is dreading the relase of the 1er even though it might make him a better salary....says he would then have to put up with all the Grand Am freaks and NASCAR dads wanting to know if and when their will be any $5000 incentives available....hahahaha..... :rofl:

[Motown328]

There is a minisite for the 1 already on air at the internation BMW site. It only shows the mirrors though.

From the rumors department (in increased uncertainity):
1. More views of the 1-series will be revealed online by the end of March.
2. Official photos and specs will be available in June.
3. The car will be sold in Europe in end of September or early October.
4. Initially only the 4cyl Valvetronic and the 4cyl Turbodiesels (1.8 and 2.0 lt) will be available.
5. The 1 has the same length as the current Compact, which means that sedan and coupe versions will be approximately the same size as the current 3.

On the 3-series:
1. The new 3 will be almost as large as the old 5.
2. Expect official photos around Christmas.
3. The official launch will be at 2005 Geneva Show.

WOW! Thanks for the info. If the new 3er is going to be sized up like the old 5er....then it looks like it'll be a new 1er for me....for better or worse.

Unless, BMW starts the "R-Series", as in RETRO-SERIES, and brings back the body designs of the e30 completely fitted with modern technology, luxury, and hp. Now THAT would be $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. :bling: HEY BMW! ARE YOU LISTENING!?!? :bigpimp:

[Motown328]

About the US 1 series, now I think we are getting a coupe (2 series) in 2005 - which is supposedly when it comes out in Europe. I think the US won't get a 1 series (hatch or sedan) at all. We will get a 225i, 230i and M2, or something like that.

What do you guys think? After all, BMW NA just said no hatches, they never said we'd get a 4 door.

Didn't Purves and Panke say we (USA) will be getting one variation of the 1er only? The sedan. That seems fine with me as it looks like they want something small (current-3er small) to replace the 3er here when it moves up to 5er size. I think Americans would be frazzled or bewildered if the only new BMWs on the road were medium to full size. Hence, the 1er.

[Chris90]

Everyone assumed they meant sedan, but I don't think he said anything besides no hatches. Now the reports are saying BMW will not make a 4 door 1 series, to avoid competing with the 3 series (which doesn't make sense, but that's what we're hearing now).

Didn't Purves and Panke say we (USA) will be getting one variation of the 1er only? The sedan. That seems fine with me as it looks like they want something small (current-3er small) to replace the 3er here when it moves up to 5er size. I think Americans would be frazzled or bewildered if the only new BMWs on the road were medium to full size. Hence, the 1er.

[swchang]

Everyone assumed they meant sedan, but I don't think he said anything besides no hatches. Now the reports are saying BMW will not make a 4 door 1 series, to avoid competing with the 3 series (which doesn't make sense, but that's what we're hearing now).

So they're just going to make a bigger 3-series? At least before it seemed like they were just going to offer a cheaper, lower quality, crappier 3 in the guise of a 1. Now all they're doing is offering a cheaper, lower quality, crappier 5 in the guise of a 3? Great.

[aardvark]

One of the sales guys I talk with is dreading the relase of the 1er even though it might make him a better salary....says he would then have to put up with all the Grand Am freaks and NASCAR dads wanting to know if and when their will be any $5000 incentives available....hahahaha..... :rofl:
Awww... poor thing's 'dreading' selling all those 1ers to the riff-raff, eh?

And some folks complain about 'attitude' at BMW dealerships... Where do they get that stuff?? :rolleyes:

[Motown328]

Awww... poor thing's 'dreading' selling all those 1ers to the riff-raff, eh?

And some folks complain about 'attitude' at BMW dealerships... Where do they get that stuff?? :rolleyes:

No seriously, most of the people that come into my home dealership are rather savvy in autos and love their BMWs. The sales guy is a top-notch fellow who is down with all the latest news and BMW info. He's very fun to talk to. I agree with him, even though I think the 1er would be great for BMW, that if it does come out, all the garbage from the r1cers and NASCAR crowd that he'll have to deflect will definitely spoil the neat atmosphere that currently exists within the dealership. Pompousness? That's what's at the local MB dealer. Yeck....

[swchang]

No seriously, most of the people that come into my home dealership are rather savvy in autos and love their BMWs. The sales guy is a top-notch fellow who is down with all the latest news and BMW info. He's very fun to talk to. I agree with him, even though I think the 1er would be great for BMW, that if it does come out, all the garbage from the r1cers and NASCAR crowd that he'll have to deflect will definitely spoil the neat atmosphere that currently exists within the dealership. Pompousness? That's what's at the local MB dealer. Yeck....

Eh, I like BMWs as much as the next person on this board, but I can't say that there isn't any pomposity at BMW dealers...

[Motown328]

Eh, I like BMWs as much as the next person on this board, but I can't say that there isn't any pomposity at BMW dealers...

Right, there are, but not at my local dealer...or I wouldn't have bought from them. Like I said, I got that at the local MB dealership. I suspect NY and CA get the most pompous dealers...

[Alex Baumann]

http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/BMW/1series/images/01.jpg

http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/BMW/1series/images/02.jpg

http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/BMW/1series/images/03.jpg

http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/BMW/1series/images/04.jpg

http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/BMW/1series/images/05.jpg

http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/BMW/1series/images/08.jpg

http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/BMW/1series/images/10.jpg

[nate]

http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/BMW/1series/images/08.jpg


hmmm...not too much larger than a Mini....

[Jetfire]

Damn. :-\ If the cargo area reall is Mini-esque, it's a no-go. I'd take one with a bit more space, on the lines of the "compact wagons" out there today: Golf, Mazda3, Impreza wagon, etc.

[JST]

http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/BMW/1series/images/01.jpg

http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/BMW/1series/images/02.jpg

http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/BMW/1series/images/03.jpg

http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/BMW/1series/images/04.jpg

http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/BMW/1series/images/05.jpg

http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/BMW/1series/images/08.jpg

http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/BMW/1series/images/10.jpg


Is it just me, or does it look a bit pregnant?

[TGD]

Only a bit larger than a MINI? It is 2ft longer!
The MINI is 3.6m long, the 1 Series is 4.2m the same as the current Compact.

[hector]

Only a bit larger than a MINI? It is 2ft longer!
The MINI is 3.6m long, the 1 Series is 4.2m the same as the current Compact.
any estimates of what the wheelbase might be?, i had read a while ago 2650mm which equates to about 104in.

[ARCHER]

Is it just me, or does it look a bit pregnant?

Exactly what I thought upon seeing the full-profile shot. It looks like a pregnant, swaybacked horse.

[andy_thomas]

So the new 1 will be the same size as the current 3, but with smaller engines? :thumbdwn:



Remember that the current 3 already has those smaller engines, and goes fine with them (Mercedes needs superchargers and Audi needs turbochargers to keep pace). Besides, the 1 will be lighter, giving very good performance especially from the 2 litre diesel. Considering how quick the 320d is with a 1,500 kg kerb weight, the same motor in a 1er will make it a bit of a pocket rocket.

[Motown328]

Well, now thanks to Alex posting those "real life" pictures (in the streets, dirty, etc.), it seals the deal...I want one. Then again, I am partial to small autos...I loved the Fiero, Mini, etc. So a small Bimmer in the States once again will make me dance... :fruit:

[Chris90]

Well, now thanks to Alex posting those "real life" pictures (in the streets, dirty, etc.), it seals the deal...I want one. Then again, I am partial to small autos...I loved the Fiero, Mini, etc. So a small Bimmer in the States once again will make me dance... :fruit:

What difference does it make if you want one, we aren't getting one in the US.

At best we'll get a 2 door coupe. Which will likely be really cramped in the back seat and have a small trunk. God knows why Americans like useless tiny coupes instead of roomy hatchbacks.

[Motown328]

What difference does it make if you want one, we aren't getting one in the US.

At best we'll get a 2 door coupe. Which will likely be really cramped in the back seat and have a small trunk. God knows why Americans like useless tiny coupes instead of roomy hatchbacks.

And where's the solid info. that you have to back that up? Purves and Panke have both said that it is coming to the U.S......the sedan. That seems like it's coming here to me!

[Chris90]

And where's the solid info. that you have to back that up? Purves and Panke have both said that it is coming to the U.S......the sedan. That seems like it's coming here to me!

They said that like 8 months ago, but now all the info from Europe says no 1 series sedan at all. Have you seen any 1 series sedan pictures or drawings in the last 6 months? It's looking like no sedan 1 series, which means either we get a hatchback, or we get nothing - I'm betting the latter. BMW NA is not your friend.

[Chris90]

Actually, seeing as how BMW forecasts like 150,000 1 series per year, there's no way they can make that without the US market, so maybe we'll get a 3 door hatch, if they don't build a sedan. I wish they would just tell us, so i can plan my next car purchase.

[swchang]

Actually, seeing as how BMW forecasts like 150,000 1 series per year, there's no way they can make that without the US market, so maybe we'll get a 3 door hatch, if they don't build a sedan. I wish they would just tell us, so i can plan my next car purchase.

Would you really buy a first-year model?

[Chris90]

Would you really buy a first-year model?

Hell yeah, my car is 9 years old! And if I have to drive a BMW loaner car while my 1 is being fixed, life is rough. :)

[Spectre]

Would you really buy a first-year model?From BMW, probably not. And as I've said before, I might give it at least 2 years. With all the quirks that modern, highly computerized cars have, it's nice to let someone else discover the unexpected "features". :D

[Motown328]

Actually, seeing as how BMW forecasts like 150,000 1 series per year, there's no way they can make that without the US market, so maybe we'll get a 3 door hatch, if they don't build a sedan. I wish they would just tell us, so i can plan my next car purchase.


Exactly. After I saw those number forecasts last week, I KNEW IT WAS COMING. Something like 157,000 for 2004....in Europe alone? With the A3 and Golf as well in Europe? Nope...it's coming.

[Chris90]

Exactly. After I saw those number forecasts last week, I KNEW IT WAS COMING. Something like 157,000 for 2004....in Europe alone? With the A3 and Golf as well in Europe? Nope...it's coming.

I wasn't sure if those forecasts were real or not, since it seems to indicate full production on the new 1 and 3 in 2005, which seems a bit early. If they are true, then I can't wait for 2005! BMW NA has misled us before, about no M3 sedan etc. Maybe we'll get that nice looking 3 door 1 series.

[Motown328]

I wasn't sure if those forecasts were real or not, since it seems to indicate full production on the new 1 and 3 in 2005, which seems a bit early. If they are true, then I can't wait for 2005! BMW NA has misled us before, about no M3 sedan etc. Maybe we'll get that nice looking 3 door 1 series.

Hopefully. I am not to picky as to what body style they send us, I just want them to send it!!! There's a market now for a small, compact sports car like never before thanks to the r!cers and tuners...a market that wasn't as huge during the heyday (?) of the 318...

[Peter46i]

I just received the April issue of Road and Track. It provides pictures of the 4 series and the back of the 2 series.

I am impressed! Does anyone have pictures of the front of the 2 series?

Also, I found this on the net (sorry if it already posted): http://cgi.thehanlons.plus.com/viewtopic.php?t=69

It mentions that the M2 may come with the ZSG transmission, which is similar to Audi's DSG transmission. Anyone knows more?

[Motown328]

I just received the April issue of Road and Track. It provides pictures of the 4 series and the back of the 2 series.

I am impressed! Does anyone have pictures of the front of the 2 series?

Also, I found this on the net (sorry if it already posted): http://cgi.thehanlons.plus.com/viewtopic.php?t=69

It mentions that the M2 may come with the ZSG transmission, which is similar to Audi's DSG transmission. Anyone knows more?

Yeah, I saw those pics too. While I like the 1, the 2 looks strange and strangely unrelated to the 1. Or perhaps maybe it was just the pic. It looked like it was smushed horizontally... :dunno:

[Chris90]

1 series 3 door hatch drawing looks great, the 2 series coupe looks terrible - looks like a WWII landing craft or something. There is going to be no headroom at all in that thing.

[Chris90]

From Autoweek - good news and bad - more confirmation that we'll get a 1 series in 2005, but it won't be a hatch.

It’s no Mini
We’re not sure how they explain the Mini, but BMW blamed the alleged U.S. aversion to hatchbacks for the German automaker’s position that the entry-level 1 Series won’t come to the United States until a sedan or coupe body style is developed. A spokesman for BMW said the company hasn’t changed its mind that the 1 Series five-door hatch, which launches this fall in Europe, won’t come to the States as a hatch. We’ll see the 1 Series in late 2005 as an ’06 model, most likely as a sedan.

[Thertorch]

Two words...


Ford Focus

[Motown328]

From Autoweek - good news and bad - more confirmation that we'll get a 1 series in 2005, but it won't be a hatch.

It’s no Mini
We’re not sure how they explain the Mini, but BMW blamed the alleged U.S. aversion to hatchbacks for the German automaker’s position that the entry-level 1 Series won’t come to the United States until a sedan or coupe body style is developed. A spokesman for BMW said the company hasn’t changed its mind that the 1 Series five-door hatch, which launches this fall in Europe, won’t come to the States as a hatch. We’ll see the 1 Series in late 2005 as an ’06 model, most likely as a sedan.

HEY! Thanks for posting the great news! Sad that we'll see no bloody hatch, thank you very much! :thumbdwn:

But excellent, nonetheless, that we will see the 1er. A sedan will be fine enough as long as it looks just as nice as the coupe/hatch. So we should say 18 months from now, eh?!?!! :thumbup:

[Chris90]

You're welcome - I'm also starved for 1 series news. 18 months is a long time to wait knowing so little. I don't like the 5 door hatch anyway, but I thought a shorter 3 door hatch could look really good. Trying to add a trunk and 4 doors on such a short car might be tough, but if it looks good, it's my next car. 3 liter inline six in a 3000 lb or less car - yum!

[Motown328]

You're welcome - I'm also starved for 1 series news. 18 months is a long time to wait knowing so little. I don't like the 5 door hatch anyway, but I thought a shorter 3 door hatch could look really good. Trying to add a trunk and 4 doors on such a short car might be tough, but if it looks good, it's my next car. 3 liter inline six in a 3000 lb or less car - yum!

Yep!

What's good news for us is, that with it coming out in October in Europe, I don't think U.S. fans will be as starved for info. as we might think. I am waiting for a pleasant surprise come next year!!! (just in time for a new purchase, perhaps...hahaha)

[MJS]

Two words...


Ford Focus

Hey, the Focus ain't a bad car, I got one(winter beater! and definitely needed it today!). If I could get a Focus like car from BMW with better features inside and out, better handling, etc, I'd buy it. 2700 lbs.... of course I doubt the BMW would come in at that weight.

[Motown328]

If I could get a Focus like car from BMW with better features inside and out, better handling, etc, I'd buy it.

Why in the world would you want a "Focus-like BMW"??!?!?! :eek: That's insane!!!! Are you saying the Focus is a better auto? That's like saying if I could just get a Kia-like auto from Ferrari, a little cheaper with better cupholders, I'd be set.... :rofl:

[Chris90]

I don't think the 5 door 1 series looks like a Focus. Yes both are ugly, but they don't look similar. :)

Focus SVT does drive great though. I drove a Focus SVT, MazdaSpeed Protege, and Civic Si, and the SVT was by far the most fun and most like my E36. I would never buy one though, cause of the depreciation and reliability problems.

[MJS]

Why in the world would you want a "Focus-like BMW"??!?!?! :eek: That's insane!!!! Are you saying the Focus is a better auto? That's like saying if I could just get a Kia-like auto from Ferrari, a little cheaper with better cupholders, I'd be set.... :rofl:

No, I'm not saying the Focus is a better auto. I'm saying I'd like a better Focus.

Why would I want a Focus-like BMW?
- Lightweight hatchback. Versatile, yet sporty.
- Good MPG
- Better features/controls with BMW

The Focus was recently voted most fun car to drive in the one of the car rags. I'd agree. The turn-in and sporty nature on my base model ZX3 is phenominal. I'd say even better turn-in than on my M3(until I made the camber adjustment!).
The things I hate about my Focus are the crappy interior, lack of ABS/DSC, lack of RWD, and the seats. I HATE those seats.
If you're comparing a compact BMW to a Ferrari, you need to open your eyes. Just cause it's a BMW doesn't make it Gold.... Who do you think BMW is targeting with models like this? It ain't the 5/6/7 series owners. And it certainly ain't Ferrari owners...

[OBS3SSION]

Right. The 1er is supposed to compete in Europe with the likes of the VW Golf/GTI, Audi A3, Ford Focus and other Euro sport hatches (Peugot, Citroen, etc.)

[Motown328]

Right. The 1er is supposed to compete in Europe with the likes of the VW Golf/GTI, Audi A3, Ford Focus and other Euro sport hatches (Peugot, Citroen, etc.)

Well, I'm about as obsessed with small autos as one could be (except perhaps OBSESSION...hahaha) :confused: so I would even take a nicely-equipped 1er over a 3er, especially since the 3er is rumored to be hitting 5er-size territory. An M3 is a whole other proposition though...hahaha...

[chocapic]

:confused:

http://assets.in.gr/auto/news/images/big/am_BMW_1Series_7271_01.jpg


Does this foto have the 17" or 18" wheel? Is this the actual sport edition?With this front and back different than the standard model?
thanks