Better spy shots of BMW 1 Series Coupe

[r0tor]

is BMW allergic to LSD's?

[ro51092]

is BMW allergic to LSD's?

The M division sure as hell isn't.

[Danish]

The M division sure as hell isn't.

And therein lies the answer

[565]

And therein lies the answer

BMW takes this "only M gets LSD" thing a bit too far.  I always figured that the 335i was the BMW that suffered the most from this, but recently I learned about one that I overlooked.  The BMW Z8.  M5 engine, 400hp, no LSD  .

[850CSi]

BMW takes this "only M gets LSD" thing a bit too far.? I always figured that the 335i was the BMW that suffered the most from this, but recently I learned about one that I overlooked.? The BMW Z8.? M5 engine, 400hp, no LSD? .

There must be a reason for that, mechanical or otherwise. The reason the others lack it is basically marketing, a 335i with an LSD would make an M3 pointless. Porsche doesn't give the Boxster an LSD for the same reason.... It would outhandle the 911s.

Although if I could afford a Z8 I could easily afford to add an LSD.

[Danish]

There must be a reason for that, mechanical or otherwise. The reason the others lack it is basically marketing, a 335i with an LSD would make an M3 pointless. Porsche doesn't give the Boxster an LSD for the same reason.... It would outhandle the 911s.

Although if I could afford a Z8 I could easily afford to add an LSD.

On a related note, I've read that Porsche gave the Cayman S a high first gear so it wouldn't be faster than 911s going 0-60.

[LonghornTX]

If the R32 had 500 more horsepower, the 130i wouldn't stand a chance.

We can play the if game all day.

I guess.  The point I was trying to make is that HP for HP and equipment for equipment the 130i is IMO a more capable performance platform and this distinction would be even greater as you added HP to both.  If equipment needs to be added in the aftermarket, then so be it.  I look at cars as platforms, some might say balls of clay, not as finished, untouchable products.  With that in mind, I see the 130i as a substantially better platform to begin with.  It is lighter, has better weight distribution, has more HP stock, from a more fuel efficient engine, and most importantly, it is RWD, not AWD.  Some might not see it that way (like you), and that is ok, I am simply expressing my opinion.

Plus, you put these two cars stock on a longer track and I would bet the 130i is going to come out ahead because of its better acceleration and more HP.  But again, that is just my opinion.  Forums are fun, huh  ?

[LonghornTX]

This is pretty much what the coupe will look like, as confirmed by reliable insiders:


You should see official pics on LLN any day now  .

[LonghornTX]

And the front:

[850CSi]

That's awesome; I really really like the rear and how the C-Pillar came out, it looks almost like an E46 from some angles. I'm still not crazy about the front but it's not bad.

[ro51092]

I want one. Hatch or coupe, I don't care. Just give me one.

[Raghavan]

The rear end reminds me of an accent. I'd much rather have the 3 door hatch they get in Europe (i think).

[MX793]

It would look better sans some of the flame surfacing on the sides.  I'm speaking specifically of the curved crease along the lower door that makes it look as though the car is sagging a bit in the middle.

[LonghornTX]

[SJ_GTI]

The more I see, the more I like it.

I would love to buy a 125i.

[LonghornTX]

Some more information from our faithful informer over at GCZ and 2addicts.com:

"The drive I was on was a clandestine introduction for the media who will report their conclusions shortly. As we had to drive both 1er hatches and Audi A3 , Mercedes SportCoupe (Snigger!) before getting the keys to the Coupe. As they have stressed the Coupe is the more performance , sporty dynamic interpretation of the 1er platform and you can feel this in it's enhanced steering and suspension modifications - coupled with this new diesel, show it's beginnings as a born winner. The balance and agility with this engine is second to none - No nose heavy feeling everything just fits like a glove.

As mentioned throughout my reports over the last couple of years. The development focused on returning to reinterpreting the days of the E30 especially the E30 M3 in advocating an exciting concept of an enthusiast's driving machine. Purely the Coupe is a sporty dynamic car first and the (useful) rear interior space signify's this, as the driver is positioned in about the centre of the car which gives the design a kicked back look squat on it's haunches.

Agility could not be tested thoroughly as we were confined mainly to city streets and autobahns. (It is fast and remember with 204 PS at your disposal !) - But that opportunity will come but so far I liked what I saw and I am sure it will live up to it's expectations - "We don't work so hard to deliver a disappointment, if we did we cannot be called enthusiasts if we are not passionate about what we do" Someone said with a great big grin.

Some American Tourists saw the car as we parked outside a Kaffehaus - Cooing "It's the new 2 series!" Unfortunately I was not allowed to answer questions so in my best pronounced English "I say sorry but I do not speak English" They asked if they could photograph the car but I said no But I am sure they did. There was two in two colors - (working title as)" Charcoal Mist and Saltire Blue"."



BTW, these pics are of a base model 4-cylinder model.  We won't see it here....

[Raza]

I hope the production taillight cluster isn't so small.  They're not even on the back of the car.

[MexicoCityM3]

I hope the production taillight cluster isn't so small.? They're not even on the back of the car.

They won't be so small. If you look closely you will see the trunk is totally covered with tape.

[Raza]

They won't be so small. If you look closely you will see the trunk is totally covered with tape.

Yeah, I see that.  I figured as much, but I thought, since I was in the thread, I'd already clicked Quick Reply.  I didn't want the effort to go to waste.

[JYODER240]

Yeah, I see that.? I figured as much, but I thought, since I was in the thread, I'd already clicked Quick Reply.? I didn't want the effort to go to waste.

post whore

[MidnightDave]

It'll be interesting to see one in person. Spy shots with body camo' can make any car look pretty ugly...

Somebody in my MINI club said they're doing a 300hp variant? Could just be net jibberish?

[Raza]

It'll be interesting to see one in person. Spy shots with body camo' can make any car look pretty ugly...

Somebody in my MINI club said they're doing a 300hp variant? Could just be net jibberish?

They made a 130i M Sport, I don't see why they wouldn't make a 135i. 

[LonghornTX]

Some new pics:



I really love the look of the car in these pics.  Very athletic looking in appearance (look at those fender flares  ).  This particular car is rumored to be the 135i with the TT N54 from the 335i along with an M-sport body kit.  Some are saying that the 135i will come with the M kit as standard.  I know I sure wouldn't mind  .

[omicron]

Love it. Can't wait for it to be released.

[Sir_CARzy]

oh wow i haven't read much on the 1 in a while, there's going to be a 135i? holy shit - SIGN ME UP!!!!! 

[Raghavan]

Why are the taillights so small???

[ChrisV]

Why are the taillights so small???

That was covered already: they are mostly covered up, as the entire rear of the trunklid has a cover over it. The actual lights extend onto the trunk lid like the 3 series does.

[NomisR]

What's the weight of the 1 series?  Oink?

[MX793]

What's the weight of the 1 series?  Oink?

The 130i weighs roughly 3200 lbs.  IIRC, 4 banger models are around 2900.

[LonghornTX]

The 130i weighs roughly 3200 lbs.? IIRC, 4 banger models are around 2900.

The coupe will weigh probably ~100 lbs less (maybe more) than the 4-door model, of equivalent engine type, through the use of aluminum in the suspension and elsewhere.