1 series 4 door hatch in the States?

A recent trip along California's 14 Freeway has made me beg for more. I was traveling on the North bound side of the freeway when I came upon an unusual 4 door hatchback. Being the car junkie that I am, I knew immediately what it was: a 1 series 4 door hatchback from BMW.

WOW that car is amazing. It was a dealer car according to the license plate but had black tap coving the BMW emblems on the front and back. It also had all other identifying marks removed, but was completely uncovered to show off the signature kidney grills. Luckily I had a camera near by and was able to snap a few pictures.

So i wanna know what you think about this car. Personally, I think this car would make a great Audi A3 fighter here in the states and would be waiting in line to grab one.

SDswtc44 - 1/3/2008 4:17:48 PM

+1 Boost

Ill have more pictures to post up when i get home, my work computer prevents me from posting up other pictures for some reason

M53R - 1/3/2008 4:29:20 PM

+1 Boost

Interesting, but this is the pre-facelift 1 series. The face-lifted one comes with a Z4ish front kit.

bmwfan1513 - 1/3/2008 4:32:05 PM

+1 Boost

I think this car would be great. It would be a competitor of the A3. It would be awesome if they put the twin turbos in it. Wait, what am I saying, no matter what, BMW will put the twin turbos in this car.

SDswtc44 - 1/3/2008 4:46:15 PM

+1 Boost

Only thing is, this car isn't slated for the states yet. The driver didnt look too happy when he saw my camera. I have a picture of the side profile, the car looks great. And with the 335 engine... wow it would be hot

EvoAudi - 1/3/2008 6:53:19 PM

+1 Boost

there has bee an abundance of not for US german cars lately here in socal. mainly 1-series hatches, and the MB-A and B class.

DaHarder - 1/3/2008 9:27:22 PM

+1 Boost

The only way that we'll see a 'hatch' version of the 1-series is if they equip them with far less capable/expensive engines than the coupe.

I just don't see the typical U.S. BMW buyer buying one of these for 35 to 45k...

This is probably little more than a test mule of some sort.

SDswtc44 - 1/4/2008 3:11:20 AM

+2 Boost

I didnt know that they make a Mexican spec 1 series. Well that makes sense then. What intrigued me the most was the fact that the emblems were covered in tape. In any case, BMW should definitely think about bringing the car to the states.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/4/2008 2:32:49 AM

+4 Boost

This would be awesome. I'd love it if the 135i FIVE-door hatch came here, because it would prompt others to bring hot hatches here--like the hot Audi S3 and the Ford Focus ST!

Rupert - 1/4/2008 8:14:25 PM

+1 Boost

The 35i engine is only offered in the coupe at the moment.
You can get the 130i hatch, which is still very fast.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/5/2008 5:26:01 PM

+1 Boost

Well, if I know BMW, the 135i hatch is coming...

TimE - 1/4/2008 11:41:20 AM

+2 Boost

Guys from DesignWorksUSA (BMW owned design studio) drive the 1er hatch. It was designed there.

truckmen - 1/17/2008 5:23:05 AM

+1 Boost

I love it! Many car people say that reliability is bad with BMW but it still is a nice package.