BMW announces US 1-Series pricing

[the Teuton]

You were expecting BMW to sell a RWD car with a 230 HP I6 for 26-27k? Seriously? 

You guys sound like you were expecting BMW to build you a RWD WRX/GTI/Mazdaspeed3 competitor? Do you guys know that BMW also builds and sells Minis?

Its a BMW that will sell for approximately 5k less than the 3-series and offer as much, or more, performance and (IMHO) a better (re: smaller) package.

The only way I can see someone not liking this is if they didn't like BMW to begin with. And in that case...oh well, not much BMW can do about that.

This price is almost exactly where I thought it would be. Frankly, there is not much room to price it lower (unless they give it a smaller engine and take out even more equipment). If they go too low...what is the point of Mini?

I like the car, but I was expecting it to take off where the MINI left off at about $26-7k.  For the money, I'd be looking at Mustang GTs or talking to my local Chevy dealer about a Camaro.

[SJ_GTI]

I like the car, but I was expecting it to take off where the MINI left off at about $26-7k.  For the money, I'd be looking at Mustang GTs or talking to my local Chevy dealer about a Camaro.

Okay. I am sure they will miss your business.

[the Teuton]

Okay. I am sure they will miss your business.

Speaking that I have a few more years before I'm in the market, I'm sure I could find one on the used market at a reasonable price in the near future.

[nickdrinkwater]

I agree with SJ.  I think the pricing is just right.

[red_shift]

I paid 29.6K for my 325i in Feb 2005. 128i should have similar interior room, with more power. For around 30K, sounds reasonable to me.

However, I am ready to pull the plug on all ICEs. White Star from Tesla is something I am eagerly waiting for. Supposed to be around 50K, 4 doors, midsize and electric.

[SJ_GTI]

I paid 29.6K for my 325i in Feb 2005. 128i should have similar interior room, with more power. For around 30K, sounds reasonable to me.

However, I am ready to pull the plug on all ICEs. White Star from Tesla is something I am eagerly waiting for. Supposed to be around 50K, 4 doors, midsize and electric.

I'm assuming you paid below MSRP. Most BMW's can be had with pretty good discounts believe it or not. There is a lot of room between inoice and MSRP.

[MX793]

This price is almost exactly where I thought it would be. Frankly, there is not much room to price it lower (unless they give it a smaller engine and take out even more equipment). If they go too low...what is the point of Mini?

1)  Not everybody lives near a Mini dealership.  There isn't a Mini dealer within 2 hours of me (100 miles).  There are at least 2 BMW dealers within 50 miles.

2)  Not everybody likes the looks of the Mini (I happen to like it, but it's not everybody's cup of tea).  Some of us would prefer a coupe to a 2-box hatch.

3)  Some of us prefer RWD to FWD.

[SaltyDog]

Give us the 120d, damnit!

[Eye of the Tiger]

Give us the 120d, damnit!

A 140d would be cooler (you know, two 120d engines put together to make a V8 )

[SaltyDog]

A 140d would be cooler (you know, two 120d engines put together to make a V8 )

Now we're talkin...   

[TheIntrepid]

I don't like the 1-series as much as the 3-series. I remember when the E92 came out I thought it was hideous, but now it's grown on me and I think it's one of the best looking cars out there.

[red_shift]

I'm assuming you paid below MSRP. Most BMW's can be had with pretty good discounts believe it or not. There is a lot of room between inoice and MSRP.

MSRP for a similar configuration was around 32.5K, so yes, I paid below that. Most BMW dealerships in bay area don't negotiate though. I bought mine through carsdirect.

[omicron]

A 130i hatch costs a touch more than a 350Z Touring here (around AUD$63k), so it would be reasonable to assume a 128i coupe to be priced somewhere around that mark; maybe a touch higher

Thus, given a  base 350Z with MSRP of USD$27,980, an extra $1400 for the 128i seems consistent with what I'd expect.

[850CSi]

A touch too much IMO, considering that my car was under $31K (the 3er has gotten more expensive, though). But if that's what the accountants say, that's what they're going to do.

[LonghornTX]

Lighter, but only just.

I would consider 200lbs a significant amount, wouldn't you (numbers lifted from BMW's website)?

[LonghornTX]

It's within 50 lbs of the Mustang GT and costs $5000 more.

This is probably closer to 250lbs when the weight discrepancy that SJ noted is accounted for.  BMW includes driver and fuel when quoting their weight, something Ford does not do IIRC.

I wish it was that close, it would give me more reason to go with the Mustang.

[LonghornTX]

There's no way I could convince myself that the 1-series looks better than the 3

I think this debate is usually split 50/50.  Those that like the E90/2 are usually new to the brand because that car definately is much less "BMW" than the e82 in appearance, at least IMO.  For example, the e82 resembles the old e30 far more than the e90/2 from almost every angle.  I was raised on older BMWs so this car is one of the few recently that recreates that language in any kind of way.  The tall greenhouse so often commented on was a styling cue on ALL BMW sedans for a LONG time.  It was only until very recently did the more turret like look of the e90/2 come into play.

Different strokes for different folks I guess.

[r0tor]

i'd take the 135 over the 335 coupe in styling anytime... the 3er coupe just looks awkward to me, especially from the B pillar back

[cawimmer430]

I'd rather be seen in a Scion that one of those overpriced Kraut cars. 

[ChrisV]

i'd take the 135 over the 335 coupe in styling anytime... the 3er coupe just looks awkward to me, especially from the B pillar back

And I feel just the opposite, the 3er coupe is best from the windshield back, with what looks like a completely different car tacked on the nose. Love the long sweeping line at the door handle, along with the real trunk making it look less stubby. I like the 1er coupe, too, but because it reminds me of the 2002 and earlier 3 series (E21 and E30). The new 3er reminds me more of my 6 series except for the vaguely Pontiac styled nose.

[nickdrinkwater]

I would consider 200lbs a significant amount, wouldn't you (numbers lifted from BMW's website)?

I don't do lbs but in terms of kilograms I think there's only a 40 kg difference.  To say the difference in size is significant, that's not much.  The 1 is a heavy car for how big it is.

[r0tor]

The 1er coupe is not that "small"... its 3 inches short then my RX8 but 5 inches wider and 3 inches taller

[S204STi]

All the guys over at NASIOC will be pissed that the 135i is still way more than the STi, lol.

[Tave]

It's got that bloated new car look, and that super long rear end.

I still don't know where you're comming from with this. It's got a long hood and a short trunk.





For reference, here's a car you do like:





Can't say the rear-end is all that shorter Also looks more bloated (part of that is the low resolution).

[MX793]

This is probably closer to 250lbs when the weight discrepancy that SJ noted is accounted for.  BMW includes driver and fuel when quoting their weight, something Ford does not do IIRC.

I wish it was that close, it would give me more reason to go with the Mustang.

Per EPA CFR (Code of Federal Regulation) 40, "Curb Weight" is defined as:

the actual or the manufacturer's estimated weight of the vehicle in operational status with all standard equipment, and weight of fuel at nominal tank capacity, and the weight of optional equipment computed in accordance with ?86.082?24

Presuming that Ford specifies their curb weight per that definition, then they do indeed include fuel.

[IrishGuy]

...what is the point of Mini?

Yes, what is the point of the Mini. I still don't understand why so many people spend that kind of money on a Mini. 

<note>
Yes, I did test drive one.
</note>

[J86]

Yes, what is the point of the Mini. I still don't understand why so many people spend that kind of money on a Mini. 

<note>
Yes, I did test drive one.
</note>

different strokes...ive driven one several times and if I had the cash would buy one in a heartbeat!

[SVT666]

different strokes...ive driven one several times and if I had the cash would buy one in a heartbeat!

I would spend $25K on a Mini Cooper S. but they want $35K in Canada.

[r0tor]

Per EPA CFR (Code of Federal Regulation) 40, "Curb Weight" is defined as:

the actual or the manufacturer's estimated weight of the vehicle in operational status with all standard equipment, and weight of fuel at nominal tank capacity, and the weight of optional equipment computed in accordance with ?86.082–24

Presuming that Ford specifies their curb weight per that definition, then they do indeed include fuel.

and BMW uses "EU unladen weight" which includes a driver, fuel, and some luggage

[MX793]

and BMW uses "EU unladen weight" which includes a driver, fuel, and some luggage

I thought EU unladen was car, fluids, and 75 kg for a driver?