Spyshots of a PRODUCTION BMW 1-series coupe

[Raza]

Okay, I'll weigh in.

There is no rule.  My E320 was much better in the snow than our S320.  Different engines (V6 vs. I6), yes, but the power outputs were similar, and the S class weighed probably over 500 pounds more.  The E320 was easy to handle, whereas the heavier, bigger S320 could barely keep a straight line and was a mess in corners. 

But, the main this is traction on the drive wheels.  Extra weight on the drive wheels helps the tires "dig in" and get more traction off the line.  As far as turning and stopping, I think it goes to lighter car. 

The 1 series weighs about 2900 pounds or so.  It's not heavy, but it's no lightweight either. 

[MX793]

The 1 series weighs about 2900 pounds or so.  It's not heavy, but it's no lightweight either. 

A 130i 3-door weighs 1450 kg, which is a few pounds shy of 3200.  I don't suspect a coupe will be much lighter.  For a car smaller than a Ford Focus, I'd call it pretty heavy, though as cars in general go it's not heavyweight.

[Raza]

A 130i 3-door weighs 1450 kg, which is a few pounds shy of 3200.  I don't suspect a coupe will be much lighter.  For a car smaller than a Ford Focus, I'd call it pretty heavy, though as cars in general go it's not heavyweight.

Oh wow.  I don't know why 2900 pounds stuck in my head.

That is heavy for a small car (but then again, it's still lighter than a 350Z).

[MX793]

4 cylinder models are around 2950 lbs.

[Raza]

4 cylinder models are around 2950 lbs.

Ah, so that's where that came from.

A turbocharged version of the 120i does seem in order then doesn't it?

[850CSi]

Here, the 1 series isn't going to be a hatch.? And if VW isn't screwed in the rest of the world, what makes you think the all mighty, all conquering, infallible BMW is going to slay it here?

The 1-Series is more expensive than the Golf everywhere else similarly equipped.

[Raza]

The 1-Series is more expensive than the Golf everywhere else similarly equipped.

Was that my point?

[850CSi]

Was that my point?

My point about VW being screwed was only if BMW priced a 123i the same as a GTI. I said they wouldn't do it, and that's why it competes with the A3 rather than the Golf.

But then again, since we're only getting the coupe, I don't think it really competes with either.

[Raza]

My point about VW being screwed was only if BMW priced a 123i the same as a GTI. I said they wouldn't do it, and that's why it competes with the A3 rather than the Golf.

But then again, since we're only getting the coupe, I don't think it really competes with either.

The coupe would seem to compete more with the 350Z and RX-8 than anything else.  And the dead C sports coupe.

Of course, when Mercedes tried the small car thing, it failed miserably.

[MX793]

My point about VW being screwed was only if BMW priced a 123i the same as a GTI. I said they wouldn't do it, and that's why it competes with the A3 rather than the Golf.

But then again, since we're only getting the coupe, I don't think it really competes with either.

Base price on the A3 isn't that much higher than the GTI.  3 to 4 thousand, IIRC.  Hopefully BMW will price the 1-er to match the A3.

[850CSi]

The coupe would seem to compete more with the 350Z and RX-8 than anything else.? And the dead C sports coupe.

Of course, when Mercedes tried the small car thing, it failed miserably.

Well, yeah - but only something like a 130i. It's fair to say that a 123i would almost be in a class of its own.

Oh, and when BMW tried it with the E36, it also failed miserably.

I don't think this well flop as bad as the E36 did, but it's not going to be a best-seller.

[850CSi]

Has the A3 been selling well? I never see any on the road.

[Raza]

Has the A3 been selling well? I never see any on the road.

I've seen a bunch, especially back home. 

[sandertheshark]

Looking at this I'm starting to miss the 318ti.

[JYODER240]

I thought of this after last night's discussion:

In the snow, all else being equal, a heavier car will understeer into a turn before a lighter one.

Maybe you can answer my question; if heavier cars do better in the snow, why do small cars consistently win ice-races? Why is that form of competition being dominated by CRX's, Rabbits, etc...?

All I know is that I've driven a lot of different cars in the snow. I live in NE Ohio and work at a car dealership. A heavier car has more traction for acceleration, turning, and stopping. If I take a IS300 out in the snow it is no where near as good as a LS430.

[HurricaneSteve]

Looks like a Kia. It should have stayed a hatchback.

[TurboDan]

I've seen a bunch, especially back home. 

I see plenty of A3s in NJ/NYC/Philly.

[Raza]

I see plenty of A3s in NJ/NYC/Philly.

Yep.  Back home tends to be included in that area.  Up here at school, I see dozens of red A3s.  Or, it's quite possible that I've seen the same red A3 dozens of times.  You can never be sure.

[TurboDan]

And FWIW...  I'm sure I'll like the 1er.  I'm sure it'll be a great car.  I'm just not sure I'd want to look like the "guy who can't afford a real BMW so he bought the 1-Series."  If only I lived in the U.K., where the 1-Series would be socially acceptable.  Guess I'll just spend the extra $$$ on the 3, even though I love very small cars.

[Raza]

And FWIW...  I'm sure I'll like the 1er.  I'm sure it'll be a great car.  I'm just not sure I'd want to look like the "guy who can't afford a real BMW so he bought the 1-Series."  If only I lived in the U.K., where the 1-Series would be socially acceptable.  Guess I'll just spend the extra $$$ on the 3, even though I love very small cars.

Who cares, man? 

[MexicoCityM3]

And FWIW...? I'm sure I'll like the 1er.? I'm sure it'll be a great car.? I'm just not sure I'd want to look like the "guy who can't afford a real BMW so he bought the 1-Series."? If only I lived in the U.K., where the 1-Series would be socially acceptable.? Guess I'll just spend the extra $$$ on the 3, even though I love very small cars.

If I worried about some people thinking I'm gay because they see me in my ORANGE MINI CONVERTIBLE I'd never get out of my house. I don't give a s**t. If you like the car, get it.

[LonghornTX]

Some more pics for those that care.  Notice the M3 like front bumper and taped over roof.  This could indeed be the M1 prototype running around or simply a car with a future M bodykit.  I am thinking the latter considering the presence of what looks to be an intercooler in that front bumper.  Maybe the 135i?

[HurricaneSteve]

Still looks terrible.

[LonghornTX]

Still looks terrible.

Ok, would you care to elaborate?

[HurricaneSteve]

Ok, would you care to elaborate?

I don't think it's a pleasing design. It looks scrunched, cheap, and could be mistaken for any ugly hatchback with slightly swoopier lines. I don't see anything special about this car.

[LonghornTX]

I don't think it's a pleasing design. It looks scrunched, cheap, and could be mistaken for any ugly hatchback with slightly swoopier lines. I don't see anything special about this car.

Fair enough.  However, I don't know why would you compare it to a hatchback when it is obviously a coupe.  Maybe you are mistaking it for the HB model?  Also, I am curious as to why you think it looks cheap?

[TheIntrepid]

So...when the M version of this comes out, will it be called the M1?

[HurricaneSteve]

Fair enough.  However, I don't know why would you compare it to a hatchback when it is obviously a coupe.  Maybe you are mistaking it for the HB model?  Also, I am curious as to why you think it looks cheap?

It's a coupe? It has the proportions of a hatchback. Either way, this design reminds me of something Kia would put out. Outside of the kidney grille, is there anything about this car that screams anything other than econobox? If there is, I don't see it.

[LonghornTX]

So...when the M version of this comes out, will it be called the M1?

Indeed it will. 

[sandertheshark]

Indeed it will. 

Won't look as good, but it may well be faster.