BMW on the verge of creating the next revolution in USA motoring?

When I first saw the announcement of the BMW 1-Series coming to the USA I thought it was a good move.

Then when I read that they weren’t going to wimp out and put some lame engines in their low end stuff like every other manufacturer has done in the past (including BMW on the old 318ti), I thought it was REALLY cool.

But the more I think about this move, the more I think they have a revolution in the making.

And the Spies say it will be both a trend revolution and a sales revolution.

Our sources tell us their competitors are watching this play closer than any other move BMW has made in the USA in a long time.

Even closer than their move into SUV’s.

Why?

Because they have an opportunity if done right, to post even higher sales numbers than what they did in the SUV market.

How, you say?

Because we think the USA is finally ready to change their driving habits and downsize if necessary.

But they don’t want to give up performance.

And the 1-Series will have great performance and good gas mileage.

One of my good friends who writes for one of the really cool European mags said it this way when I asked him to describe the main difference between the European manufacturers and the USA manufacturers.

His exact words and I quote were; “In the low end in the USA they make shitboxes but in Europe they make REALLY GOOD shitboxes.”

And boy, is he right!

Just look at Peugeot and others…they make inexpensive cars that you would actually want to drive and own.

One of the reasons Americans don’t like small cars is because there are very few good ones here.

BMW dipped their toes in the water with MINI and what a homerun that has been.

But even when you buy a Cooper S, the image is there but the performance is lukewarm.

Drive an Audi A3 and it is wonderfully made but it’s heavy and slow.

But put a 328 and 335 engine in an even lighter BMW body, with BMW suspension and handling, make it affordable and you see the AutoSpies.com revolution detector reading off the charts!

Let us make a few predictions about this 1-Series hitting our shores…They are gonna sell like there is no tomorrow, even greater variants will follow (convertibles, diesels etc.) and every competitor will have something in the segment within 3 years of their introductions.

And BMW will move further away from its competitors and will be real lonely at the top for some time to come.

Are we right?

Let us hear your opinion.

MrGunFun - 7/31/2007 12:20:56 AM

+6 Boost

I agree, 1-series is just another fabulous alternative to BMW MINI.

BimmerFan - 7/31/2007 1:47:57 AM

+3 Boost

MrGunFun...you are so right! I was thinking of buying a Mini Cooper S as a small commuter car and for a tax write off, but now with the one series approaching, Im changing my mind! The 1 series coupe is going to sell like hotcakes. Ive said it before, this 1 series reminds me more of the old E30 in size and shape and will appeal to those older BMW fans that remember when BMW made light, small compact bahnburners!!!

enthusiastx11 - 7/31/2007 12:51:43 AM

+5 Boost

this car will sell in massive numbers.

so many people aspire to owning BWMs for their good looks and fun-to-drive factor.

and this cars appears to meet both those criteria...

Chip - 7/31/2007 12:57:17 AM

+7 Boost

I think this car will be amazing. BMW continues to set the standard.

02chuck - 7/31/2007 2:12:07 AM

+7 Boost

As a 2002 and E30 driver the 1 series looks like a ton of fun. My daughter has a e46 330i coupe (stick of course), it is a fun car to drive, but I like the smaller tossable toys. I was working of getting the pieces to put a e36 M3 engine in the e30. Now I just may wait.

MPowerDK - 7/31/2007 2:13:03 AM

+3 Boost

Here in Europe and specially here in Denmark, we drive a lot of hatchbacks, they are cheaper and practical, and cars are so expensive here in Denmark.

BMW just started about 2 years ago to lease cars, and they lease lots of 1 series. But we talk 116i 116bhp, or diesel.

I like the 3 door, the coupe will be more expensive so will problably not sell well here.

But the idea are good, a small light car like the e30, i used to own a 318i, lovely car.

I have driven the 5 door 130i, and that car drives so good, i just kept smiling. What a drivers car.

SupraNeverBack - 7/31/2007 2:19:27 AM

-11 Boost

I cannot wait to see the next Auto Revolution, BMW ZERO-series. ^0^

enthusiastx11 - 8/1/2007 2:46:35 AM

+3 Boost

as usual...you're adding nothing to the discussion

CBR2200 - 7/31/2007 3:24:27 AM

+6 Boost

If the 135 performs as advertised then I would buy it at the same price as a 3 series. I could care less about BMW status, I just want a fun ass hell little car to play with and there just aren't any good rwd choices right now.

CBR2200 - 7/31/2007 3:25:21 AM

+2 Boost

Uh, make that fun AS hell.

chewy - 7/31/2007 3:45:08 AM

-1 Boost

2 seat car

chuck717 - 7/31/2007 12:04:41 PM

+1 Boost

Very nice, i have a good friend who is a Dr. and drives a S class i guess since he is of Mexican decent you won't be seen in a S class either, may i sugest a Vespa for you???

Will_ - 7/31/2007 6:39:03 AM

+1 Boost

With the 330i edging out a Toyota Camry in comparable lease deals, I expect we'll see similar deals in comparison between the 1-Series and the Corolla and Civic. It's got the BMW badge, and it's inexpensive: sell like hotcakes.

JRobUSC - 7/31/2007 9:29:08 AM

+1 Boost

Civic's and Corolla's lease for under $200 a month. You're not going to see that with this car, and for proof look no further than the Mini. It has had no lease support on it whatsoever, despite resale values that as so high they literally could allow it to lease for dollars a day. BMW wouldn't want to cannibalize sales of the 3-series and Mini, so I don't see BMW offering crazy leases.

My guess is they'll make the 1-series coupes lease for roughly what the 3-series sedan leases for (or they'll make the 135i lease for whatever the G37 is leasing for and the 128i slightly less). Either way that keeps it lower than the larger 3-series coupe without undercutting the Mini or 3-series sedan, so all of its sales aren't just cannibalization of those vehicles.

enthusiastx11 - 8/1/2007 2:49:22 AM

+1 Boost

huh? this comments makes no sense.

civic and corollas can be had for $179/month.
at best, this will run in the $300-$400 range for a lease.

lewishamiltonpimp - 7/31/2007 7:19:53 AM

+1 Boost

The 135 with a PROCede mod will be awesome. 330 - 350RWHP

It will be the new Evo/Sti

The only complaint fro me is that it isn't that lighter than the 3er.

STJ88 - 7/31/2007 7:48:44 AM

+1 Boost

@lewishamiltonpimp

No sorry it wont be the new EVO/STI because it doesnt have the tecnologie and 4WD.

enthusiastx11 - 8/1/2007 2:50:21 AM

+1 Boost

it also won't be the EVO because it's NOT UGLY. and doesn't have a tacky 2 foot tall rear spoiler.

M35MT - 8/1/2007 12:13:44 PM

+1 Boost

If you were a real enthusiast you'd love the Evo.

enthusiastx11 - 8/1/2007 12:16:56 PM

+2 Boost

i'm an enthusiast who wants it all...great performance, innovative styling and comfort.

EVO only meets one of those criteria: performance. and i'm not willing to compromise.

farabira1 - 7/31/2007 7:58:46 AM

-1 Boost

The idea behind the car is fine, that many people want to acquire a BMW and 1 series is an inexpensive way to experience that BMW feel. But, i just hope that BMW does not go too far into the economic market, and try to sacrifice the goods and techs to make the 1 series that much more inexpensive than the 3 series. Having said that i am sure that the idea of owning a BMW under probably 25 grand will appeal to many and this car does seem to have a very good opening sale, but if it shows lowering of quality then, it may do what the X type did to Jaguar, bring in a bad reputation for the whole lineup. I just love the really machinelike looks of the BMW interiors (very functional looking, looks as if like you are in a toy tank) and driving, well it is the benchmark before Porsche, and Ferrari. But i am a big fan of British cars, and hope to see jaguar becoming reestablished and pushing its competitor to stake some market share.

david999 - 7/31/2007 8:03:47 AM

-2 Boost

The badge whores will eat this car up. After all, a lower priced BMW will sell well no matter if it is a good car or not.

enthusiastx11 - 8/1/2007 2:56:48 AM

+2 Boost

do you really think that consumers are that stupid?

they buy products that offer the qualities that matter to them. and if the products don't live up to their expectations, sales tend to go down the toilet.

BMWs are know for great performance and distinctive styling. and they live up to it. and sales keep rising.... this car will continue to show that.

enthusiastx11 - 8/1/2007 2:59:27 AM

+2 Boost

david:

how do you explain the fanatically loyal lexus ES buyer who's really just buying a rebadged camry? or an LX buyer in his rebadged land cruiser? or the GX buyer in her rebadged highlander? maybe a badge whore?

Brembo - 7/31/2007 8:16:51 AM

+1 Boost

I want the hatchback version.

Htay7500 - 7/31/2007 1:16:49 PM

+1 Boost

same.

Qwazywabbit - 7/31/2007 10:00:55 AM

+1 Boost

28k base. Verified source.

Qwazywabbit - 7/31/2007 10:01:41 AM

+1 Boost

oops. meant to say UN-verified source.

Qwazywabbit - 7/31/2007 1:54:20 PM

+1 Boost

Yep

BMW995 - 7/31/2007 9:48:49 AM

+1 Boost

A couple of months ago I thought the 135i would be a great low-cost competitor to the Porsche Cayman in performance and handling. Of course it will be a smashing success. But I worry that this car may replace the 350Z in high death rates by youngsters driving this super-fast, low-cost supercar.

BMW4me4ever - 7/31/2007 10:41:57 AM

+2 Boost

I love it and will be trading in my 2006 330i for this car. My fiance just saw some pictures of it and she thinks it looks hot and such. I think the 128 will be a huge success and the 135 will be off the charts.

BM3W - 7/31/2007 11:20:14 AM

+3 Boost

Is BMW on the verge of creating the next revolution in USA motoring? Yes!!!

You're looking at the next entry level luxury vehicle. BMW is recreating the cycle, similar to what they did with 3 series. The 135i will set the new standard and move up in size and perforamce. This car is the real deal, a baby M3 with a 0-60 mph in 4.5 to 4.6 seconds. The sells of this car will be off the charts.

Qwazywabbit - 7/31/2007 12:55:57 PM

+1 Boost

I have a very strong opinion that puts the base of the 128 at 28k and the 135 at 32k before options. This places the base neatly in the middle of Mini and the 328 respectively.

Bmw8ter - 7/31/2007 1:49:37 PM

-2 Boost

What's up with the comment deletions? My comment wasn't even remotely offensive, unless comments that "sound" like they're against BMW are considered derogatory.

Someone on the "OK Fanboys! Let Us All Know What You Drive" thread wrote:

"Lexus LS400 on 20's....pimpin'", and that was deleted too. What's going on here?

JRobUSC - 7/31/2007 3:52:55 PM

0 Boost

let's see, you said it would be bad for the 1-Series to be a certain price because then that would allow a specific ethnic group to afford them, which would bring down the image of the company. And you used a derogatory term for that ethnic group on top of it. Hmm, yeah, I'd say that's slightly offensive.

Bmw8ter - 7/31/2007 4:15:43 PM

-1 Boost

since when has "supposed mexican racism" been classified as an ethnic slur? I was referring to the fact that any nitwit with a bit of sense is going to realize the 1 series is practically a steal for performance on the dollar, and then we'll be seeing them all over the place in the hands people who should otherwise be puttering around in 4cylinder Honda's...i.e....idiot teenagers. I'm just assuming it was perceived as Mexican racism by the way.

I'd like to take a minute to thank autospies for putting me in my place and pointing out that I'm being racially insthenthative.

JRobUSC - 7/31/2007 4:40:20 PM

+1 Boost

I'm pretty sure just about everyone considers the term you used to be an ethnic slur, not just the moderators on Autospies. If you wanted to say "don't make it too cheap because then everyone will get one" then you could have said that, but you didn't. You used a racial slur, and now you're defending its use by saying that term is just another way of saying "nitwit". Nice.

And the 1-Series isn't going to be an exclusive car. You see zillions of 3-series around because it was the cheapest BMW, now the 1-series is the cheapest so I'm sure you'll see plenty of them. This is a business and the 1-Series will be BMW's new volume coupe -- BMW should charge the most they think they can sell them for and make exactly as many as they think they can sell for that.

Bmw8ter - 7/31/2007 6:38:55 PM

0 Boost

All silly slur stuff aside, the general message was infact that everyone will be able to afford one. I just don't see the relavance in putting such a powerful engine into a smaller car, and then pricing it in a bracket that makes it available to the younger, population, that will buy this car in droves.

This IMO destroys the nostalgic value of the car, if people buy it up like hotcakes purely for the power to weight.

adambravo - 7/31/2007 2:16:02 PM

-1 Boost

"The next revolution in USA motoring"? What BMW PR hack fabricated that headline?

Is the 1 Series coupe a nice car? Yes. Will it go fast? Yes. Will it sell well? Probably--but $28-$35,000 for a Civic-sized 2+2 is by no means affordable--and if it really takes off, don't look for any amazing lease deals. 300hp in a small coupe or sedan for ~$30K is also not a radically new idea--think VW R32, new WRX STI and Mitsubishi Evolution.

enthusiastx11 - 8/1/2007 3:01:43 AM

+1 Boost

one of those cars is not so attractive....and the other two are hideously ugly.

some of us what a car that performs AND looks great.

investor27 - 7/31/2007 8:28:16 PM

0 Boost

I agree. $28 thousands for a small, 2-seater is not a deal, not by a long shot.

I wish there are great leasing deals on the 335i. You can't even find one around to purchase, let alone leasing, if you try. There are only 50 335i in the inventory for the entire US market right now. Why can't BMW turn-up productions of the 335i? Are they really having problems producing oil coolers?

enthusiastx11 - 8/1/2007 2:53:33 AM

+1 Boost

what are you talking about?
there are about 50 335i within 6 blocks of my house in LA.

rg12345 - 7/31/2007 8:41:24 PM

-1 Boost

Ugly.

enthusiastx11 - 8/1/2007 2:52:01 AM

+1 Boost

wow. you're really out of touch huu.

quite literally millions of people in this country aspire to own a BMW. fun and good looking cars. and now more people will be able to afford one.

THIS CAR WILL SELL LIKE MAD.

Whelan - 8/1/2007 12:03:55 PM

+1 Boost

The price of this car and its target market just keep showing me that their other models are getting too pricy for their market. An entry level model that starts in the high 20's that is meant to pull people into the luxury market from their Altima's? I can see where they are trying to fit in, but by offering a BMW at the price range of a IS or Acura TSX I feel they have missed something. I always said you could get a BMW for $30,000. But your not really driving a BMW until you jack the price up to $40,000 for the model 3 series with the HID option (standard on Lexus, Acura, Infiniti now), a good looking set of wheels (upgrade), expensive navigation add on, leather, etc.

I'm not saying I dislike BMW, they are fantastic cars and I would love to own one. But by the time I can afford one, I will be driving an entry level 1 series with nothing in it, cloth interior, base engine as opposed to what I wanted. I just think they should rethink how they position these cars.

enthusiastx11 - 8/1/2007 12:24:28 PM

+1 Boost

but most people buying a BMW don't put 'luxury' first on their list. it's about handling and styling.

no matter what BMW you drive, you are REALLY driving a BMW. they're all fun to drive. i'd take a base 328i any day over some loaded up acura or lexus because those cars prioritize luxury features at the expense of performance.

net/net: BMW has one of the strongest, most consistent positionings in the car market built all around DRIVING.

Whelan - 8/1/2007 1:14:36 PM

+2 Boost

I totally agree driving a BMW is an experience. But I fall into the category of if you are going to get a car, get it loaded. Unless you need that Aveo or Prius for commuting. I myself drive a 05 Matrix XR AWD and love it, it fits my needs and I also made sure to get the top of the line with the leather wheel, moonroof, side skirts, lip kit, fog lamps, 6 disc in dash, pwr. everything 16" alloys. Instead of getting the base with nothing on it, hubcaps, etc.

I understand the need for base models cause people just want a car and it gets them into the one they want at a cheap price. But I guess I am the other side of the coin in saying I would rather have a loaded Lexus or Acura vs. a base BMW cause I want my options and add-ons.

Either way yes the BMW is more performance oriented which is what they market towards. But if I see one more M6 in the slow lane doing 50 or an M5, M3, 740iL going nowhere fast or at least pushing it a lil bit so I can get the thrill of hearing the engine or seeing it fly by, then I'm gonna scream. It kills me to see people buy these performance cars and cruise with them like they are my grandparents on a Sunday drive in their Buick Century.

supermoto - 8/1/2007 1:57:31 PM

+1 Boost

135 is going to be a rocking performance car. It'll blow a lot of heavier more expensive cars out of the water. I'd love to see an M version.

PureBMW - 8/1/2007 7:54:09 PM

+1 Boost

LOADED CARs are the only way to go. This new 1 Series is one hot idea. I personally cannot wait for this thing to arrive. I hope they do a hybrid or diesel option. That turbo 6 d they have would be killer over here, and the hybrid system they are planning to put in the X3 would be nice in a car this size. If i could sleep at night knowing the world is in a better place id buy the 135, but alas one must do his/her part.

Kinger - 8/3/2007 9:06:40 AM

+1 Boost

But you were never going to like it anyway were you?

Kinger - 8/3/2007 9:07:32 AM

+1 Boost

Yeah, right. More biased fanboy BS, you'll fit in well here.

Flyingdog5000 - 8/6/2007 7:22:02 PM

+1 Boost

Ugly is all in the eye of the beholder. As a driver of a Toyota I honestly don't think of them as real lookers. Frankly it's getting harder to tell most of the Japanese cars apart. BMW has maintained a distinctive look which you either love or hate. I'm looking forward to seeing a 1-series in the flesh.

As far as hybrid technology being revolutionary - I don't think that's really the point, but just for the sake of argument, what about the Bimmer diesel variant that gets 58 MPG?

85bmw745i - 8/3/2007 3:10:41 AM

+1 Boost

Funny I have had my 300,000 mile e30 for over 3 years and I drive the piss out of it hard, and I have not had one problem with it. I agree that Toyotas and Lexus and most jap cars are more reliable, despite the fact I am a BMW fan, but the driving experience is more on par for the serious driver. I aplaud lexus for the comfort decent performance and outstanding reliability, but I love the steering feedback, brake pedal and clutch feel of the BMW, makes you feel one with the road. It's like the car talks to you and you can feel what it is doing. I am not biased or narrow minded but I do have my favorites and BMW to me is the best driving, car of its class. All of my BMW's have been pretty reliable, considering most of them arfe older models, and I like the older ones because they have more character and soul to me. My 99 323i was super reliable and the entire time I had it I never had a problem. I say to each his/her own. Some people want the posh comfortable ride and reliability of a lexus, some want the exhilirating performance of an ///M, RS, or AMG and don't care so much about the comfort, and some even like the out dated, sloppy handling cheap interior and unreliablility of a front wheel drive Cadillac Deville for reasons I will never understand. I will be in line for a 1 series. I will gladly take the 128i being smaller and lighter than a 3 series even the 128i will still be a blast to drive, not to mention the power and torque of the 135i. I wouldn't be surprised if a M sport package equipped 135i doesnt steal alot of M3 sales, but I guess the exclusive v8 in the M3 will keep enough buyers interested.

Victory203 - 8/3/2007 2:03:25 PM

+1 Boost

Geez... Reading these comments is like watching Jerry Springer. How many of you have your cars on blocks in front of your mobile homes or trailers? I never realized that promoting ignorance was a sport, but apparently it is... at least here. At the same time, it sure is entertaining! Keep up the (add your fave word here) work!

boidz - 8/4/2007 12:15:30 AM

+1 Boost

The 1er will sell incredibly well. BMW knows it, and there is already proof. The number of 1 series on the streets in Europe has exploded (I travel to Germany and Italy several times a year). The same thing will happen here.

The companies that will be blind sided by the 1 series is LEXUS and INFINITI. Performance oriented buyers who like the 3 series but think it is too expensive will buy the 1er over the G37, etc. Lexota and Infinisan will be left scratching their heads.

investor27 - 8/17/2007 2:45:59 PM

+1 Boost

How much cheaper are the 128i and 135i in Europe compared to their 3 series counter-parts? I'm trying to get a better since of how much BMW USA will price the 1 series here. Remember when the 318ti was released here a while ago? BMW bottomed out with that release, and the car never sold well at all here in the US. If BMW wants to be successful this time around with their smaller car introduction to the US market, BMW has to price it right this time.

I would consider $25K for the 128i and $28K for the 135i reasonable. If the 135i comes in at what others here believe it will ($35K), I will not be getting one for sure. There are many good cars at $35,000 that have a lot more standard equipment at that price.