2008 U.S. BMW 1 Series to Get Special Start/Stop Button

BMW is going to launch the new BMW 1 Series with a special touch for American buyers- a specially engraved Start/Stop button with the details of "Year 1 with One."

This unique button was designed by the same designers who brought you the One Series. Additionally BMW is looking to capture the greatness of the launch of the BMW 2002 with the addition of the button and believes that the "One Series will be as important to the history of BMW in America." Mr. Pitney , Vice President of Marketing at BMW America, also said the button is "a way to directly engage our customers with a simple message of celebration each time they get behind the wheel of the new 1 Series."

We just want the 1 Series to hurry up and makes it debut in the United States. Look for other special announcements in relation to the 1 Series US launch in the future as well.
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007vehispy1 - 11/12/2007 12:27:48 PM

+2 Boost

cant wait to hear what other special additions it will get.

DaHarder - 11/12/2007 12:58:45 PM

+3 Boost

(Potentially) Great Vehicle, but if this is indeed supposed to be the 'spiritual successor' to the famed 2002, then all of this superfluous 'gadgetry' seems very out of place.

The best thing BMW can do is to keep this vehicle all about performance, just a bit more 'feature laden' than Lotus' Elise, and they'd create an Instant Classic.

As it currently stands, there seems little reason to choose this over a 3'er other than the fact that it's a bit smaller, and a newer model.

BMW4me4ever - 11/12/2007 1:34:24 PM

+1 Boost

and the fact it is a coupe, that a person can buy for about $15k less than the 335 coupe. A 335 coupe loaded with Navigation, sports package and such has a MSRP of $ 50k .. I expect a 135 coupe to be fully equipped out for $38k ... I have a 2006 330xi and am inline to get a 335 coupe ... Only options I want are Navigation, Manual transmission and heated seats ... cant wait wicked car

AgentOrange - 11/12/2007 3:33:53 PM

-1 Boost

Fully loaded for $38K? Y'alls gotta be smokin dope, dude...

S4cabriofoxone - 11/12/2007 6:46:11 PM

-3 Boost

You are incorrect. The 135i convertible's BASE PRICE will be $40K... meaning the coupe's won't be under $35K. You're looking at $45K, loaded (coupe).

BMW4me4ever - 11/12/2007 8:17:38 PM

+1 Boost

actually S4 if you put it like that. every conv base price for every conv they have made has been anywhere from $7 to $8k more than the coupe version... 2008 335 coupe base price is $ 40,800 and the conv is $ 49,100 .. I am expecting the 135 coupe to be priced in at about the $33 to $34k base range. Which means that a pretty loaded coupe will come in at $42k to $43k ... This will mean it will still be about $7k to $8k less than the 335 coupe ... Alot of car for that money.

BMW4me4ever - 11/12/2007 1:40:02 PM

0 Boost

135 coupe ..

MunichRob - 11/13/2007 4:17:36 AM

+1 Boost

Yeah the 135i coupes base price is estimated to be at $32k with the 128 coming in at $26k. You could probably get a fully loaded 135i for $40-41k, which is about the base price for a 335i coupe & 335xi sedan.

CarbonBlue - 11/12/2007 2:13:00 PM

+1 Boost

i just can't wait to see what one stripped can do at the track... high power + low weight = fun

lewishamiltonpimp - 11/12/2007 3:11:50 PM

+2 Boost

It would have to be stripped. My biggest complaint as a long-time BMW owner and potential 135i owner is that the thing weighs almost as much as a 3 series and I prefer the 335's looks to the 135.

It's heavier than a C6 Corvette and it shouldn't be. And the bummer is that it is probably purposefully heavy so as not to outperform the 335 by a large margin.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/12/2007 6:48:11 PM

0 Boost

But it won't be a significant margin! There's less than a 100lb difference between the two, and the 335i is already an incredible performer in itself. I would go with the one that looks better, has a nicer interior and can fit people in the back, as long as it's within the price range--because performance is a non-issue in either model. That's the 335i.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/13/2007 10:12:52 PM

+2 Boost

"If you are buying a the cars on pure performance numbers, not badge whore "my car looks better" mentality. Then people will by the faster 135i, for a $5000 to $6000 cheaper price."

PLEASE, re-read my comment.

The 335i's performance is a GIVEN. I already know it's an excellent sports coupe. The looks, space and luxury are just added bonuses that the 135i lacks.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/12/2007 6:47:03 PM

0 Boost

I would still rather have a 335i, sorry guys.

MunichRob - 11/13/2007 4:23:07 AM

+1 Boost

I'd rather have a 335i as well, no question.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/13/2007 10:13:30 PM

+1 Boost

Not a big one, though.

BMW4me4ever - 11/12/2007 8:22:49 PM

0 Boost

It will price in about $7 to $8k less than the 335 coupe ..

135 coupe will be 200lbs lighter than the 335 coupe.
135 coupe is 171.70" long vs 181.1" for the 335 coupe
135 coupe is 68.8" wide vs 70.2" wide for 335 coupe .

The smaller size with the weight will make for a very stable and solid car. The car will be like a gocart on steroids .. cant wait ..

t_bone - 11/12/2007 8:37:58 PM

0 Boost

Unless the car ships with a wireless key, this is lame. Maybe it was cool in the Z8, but the last thing I want is to have to hit another button to start the engine. If I was a German I'd be laughing right now at this "feature" for the U.S. market.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/13/2007 10:14:56 PM

+1 Boost

The Germans have the button, too. Ours is just engraved. Making it slightly more interesting/useful.

BMWfan_Alfredo - 11/13/2007 1:12:53 AM

+1 Boost

all i can say is if i do get one, which 30k for one sounds reasonable...its getting a CF hood ASAP, light weight wheels, good set of tires, and perhaps take out the back seat, and im not getting the fully loaded one..if i wanted a fully loaded car, i'd get a damn suv, not a small, quick car..

S4cabriofoxone - 11/13/2007 10:15:50 PM

+1 Boost

You're looking at $35K for a base 135i coupe and $45K with the aftermarket things you mentioned.

MPowerDK - 11/13/2007 2:51:01 AM

+1 Boost

I live in Denmark, the price for the 135i is around 137.900 USD, and the 335i cost around 149.000 USD. That is for standard models.But our tax system on cars are crazy.

astra09 - 11/14/2007 12:24:40 AM

+1 Boost

i am eagerly awaiting to pick one of these up.