Spies snap exclusive pics of upcoming BMW 1-Series convertible

This is the kind of thing that really makes me think GOD reads and loves AutoSpies.com.

On my way back to Southern Cal today from the Cadillac CTS press trip, I took a look in my rear view mirror and what did my eyes behold?

The upcoming BMW 1-Series convertible all camoed and in disguise driving in LA!

So I pulled out the trusty cell camera and started snapping away...of course, until he realized I was shooting and then he radioed his teammates, and blew outta there like the poop from a goose.

I ask you...What are the chances I just stumble upon this unless it was meant to be?

Can't wait to drive this bad boy cause when he hit the gas, he was gone!

1-Series is gonna rock, my babies!

WooHoo!!!! Thank you GOD!!!!!

xxxxG37 - 8/22/2007 11:14:13 PM

+4 Boost

BMW 1 Series is already in America. Thank God. I can't wait to see it in person.

mscottc1 - 8/22/2007 11:18:53 PM

+3 Boost

great work 001! what luck.

I got to see/touch/feel the 135i coupe about two weeks ago, and must say I'm very impressed with the whole pkg. I think this car is going to be the perfect combination & I'm sure we'll never be able to keep them in stock (I'm a BMW Center Internet Manager).

I confirmed availability of the anthracite headliner on the coupe for the US! I think I'll have to buy the convertible-- just need to decide the color.... right now leaning to black sapphire with lemon/black....

:)

plugot - 8/24/2007 1:30:01 AM

+1 Boost

Anyone have a real idea what the 135 coupe is expected to MSRP at? If it's say $32K to start (what the 328 was about 4 years back) I'd say it's too pricey even if it goes like hell. Now at 27-28 it's a real seller. Adios GTI, A3, and bye-bye Volvo C30 coupe.

JM24 - 8/24/2007 9:42:56 AM

+1 Boost

mscottc1,

You mention about the rear seat room width. I was wondering how much rear set legroom there is. How does it compare with an E46 convertible?

mscottc1 - 8/26/2007 9:16:13 PM

+1 Boost

Well, I've only been in the 135i coupe, so can't say for sure about the convertible. Rear legroom in the coupe was nearly identical to that of an E46 coupe, maybe even better by a smidgen just because the seat is angled better. I PERSONALLY am hoping that the 135i convertible will maintain enough legroom/rear seat room to be OK for a full-size car seat.... will make it much easier to justify this purchase to my wife!!

minimalist - 8/22/2007 11:31:12 PM

+2 Boost

the convertible 1 series is gonna sell like hotcakes in the US. perhaps it may even be bmw's highest selling car. lol.

i like it... and i still have no clue whether it has rear seats. lol. everything ive read and every picture ive seen is silent on the subject. its like a mini mystery. heh.

mscottc1 - 8/22/2007 11:38:43 PM

+2 Boost

2+2 for sure, rear seat width is about 2 inches narrower than the E46 convertible's.

or so I've "heard"....

mscottc1 - 8/22/2007 11:44:16 PM

+1 Boost

you can even see the rear seat headrests in these pics- look carefully at the first & second ones & you can see them.

This one obviously has nav- the coupe I got to see/crawl all over/drool on did not have nav (like God intended), and it was a 6spd manual. This car above looks like the steptronic with paddle shifters to me-- anyone else see those on the steering wheel?

EL34 - 8/23/2007 12:28:27 AM

+1 Boost

Totally awesome.

dwatson - 8/23/2007 1:12:59 AM

+1 Boost

I want the coupe so badly!!! It's just so cool. I have a n E90 but I might have to get rid of it when this baby comes out. I just can't do the soft top though...

BTW, 001- I love how you made a quick stop on Melrose on your way back to LA.

dwatson - 8/23/2007 1:15:40 AM

+1 Boost

I mean San Diego

ZZZushi - 8/23/2007 2:03:57 AM

+1 Boost

Looks like the driver was so thrilled he took his shorts off.

I'm not so fussed about the convertible, but the Coupe will be absolutely stunning.

EnnNorak - 8/23/2007 8:28:34 AM

0 Boost

dicar9, you call this a car? It's too narrow. It's meant for little people who don't need the shoulder room.

Apart from that, I wish manufacturers would stop playing the camo game. I'm buiung a car, not camo. Every time I seee a stupid markeing teaser with camo I get really negative about the product. Potential customers need to get product info well in advance as it takes a long time to apply due diligence to car research so you don't kick yourself afterwards for having made the wrong choice.

Camo is a bad marketing practice as it makes the purchasing process more difficult for potential customers. Good marketers know that one should make it easier and not more difficult to do business.

Kinger - 8/23/2007 9:35:30 AM

+3 Boost

Its too narrow? For who? People in the American market? Over here in Europe i'm sure people will have more than enough room in it. How much space do you want in a car?

This is a small sporty car that wraps around the driver and makes you feel as if you're one with the car. We don't have big wide streets everywhere over here for wide cars to drive around on.

I'm fairly broad shouldered but i'm more than comfortable in my e46 3-series, I don't imagine this will be much narrower than that.

And camo is needed because car companies don't like showing their new models to their competitors ahead of time, it keeps other car makers on their toes ina hugely competitive market place.

BenzW124 - 8/23/2007 10:06:50 AM

-1 Boost

The ultimate driving machine! This will kill Infiniti and Lexis sales no dout. Who wants a POS G35 over this?

Kinger - 8/23/2007 6:57:35 PM

+2 Boost

He didn't in that comment anyway...

rkdiddy - 8/23/2007 10:28:10 AM

+1 Boost

001 or others,

For those of you that have seen this car in person, what car size-wise would you compare this to?

I'm considering ordering one, but I'm a little torn if I should go with a 335iC or the 135. I'm concerned the 135 is going to be too small. BMW or not I don't want a Miata sized car.

Kinger - 8/23/2007 10:36:45 AM

+2 Boost

Its larger than a miata, the hatchback we have over here in Europe is roughly the same size as a VW Golf.

Because of the rear-drive layout it has less rear seat room however.

ctski1 - 8/23/2007 10:56:40 AM

+1 Boost

The 135i will be/is very close in size to the old e46 325ci.
135i
Length 171.7
Width 68.8
Height 55.4

2003 325ci
L 176.7
W 69.2
H 53.9

The 135i is build on a revised e46 chassis, however the interior packaging should be better - hence more passenger room.

mscottc1 - 8/23/2007 3:52:48 PM

+2 Boost

Those dimensions are right- I've owned several e46 coupes & after being in a 135i coupe I can honestly say the front seat space/controls/etc. are like a nice cross between the things we all miss about the e46's and the things we love about the e90s. Size is "just-right", seemingly more headroom than an e46 coupe, back seat is strictly a 2-passenger thing, just like in the e92/e93, and seat room is very similar- I'd say less than 2 inches narrower in the back seat area, probably only an inch narrower in the front seat area of the cabin (vs. e46). Trunk was smaller than I thought it would be, but still looks very usable.

rkdiddy - 8/23/2007 11:19:12 AM

0 Boost

^ Great guys...thank you, that definately helps.

Cheers!

1970toyotamarc - 8/23/2007 2:31:15 PM

-1 Boost

Could that driver look any more cramped in there? Unless they price this right, it will be a tough sell. Oh what am I thinking, it has a propellor on it, it will sell like hotcakes.

gsh23 - 8/23/2007 3:55:40 PM

+1 Boost

yah pretty much, did you have to even ask?

autopro - 8/23/2007 7:35:37 PM

+1 Boost

Another POS from bmw how low can you go.Their trying so hard to catch up with Lexus they might bring out a 1000.00 car next.

mikeydred20 - 8/23/2007 7:43:48 PM

+1 Boost

I hope this is due to the camo because this car looks horrible, and the rims look like they were taken from a early generation bimmer.

mkco - 8/24/2007 10:09:54 AM

+1 Boost

Problem is: It's looks better to me with the camo than it will when they take it off. I hate those sucked in "flame-surfaced" body panels. Honestly, this car is supposed to be around the same size as the E46 coupe. Does anyone think it looks better than that classic? I sure don't, and I'm a BMW owner. BMW has jumped the shark, IMO!

pitang - 8/24/2007 10:03:43 PM

+2 Boost

As the 3 series price goes up and away from the reach of potential buyers,I believe the 1 series is a great idea.BMW claims this car will be like their old 2002.If thats true they may have made entry level car thats tough to beat.