Can Ability Be Enough To For The 1-Series To Overcome Ugly Duckling Looks?

Let's begin with a verity, an undeniable truth that is evident from 3 feet away or from the cold distance of outer space: The new 1-series BMW is ugly. Seriously ugly. Ugly with X-wings locked in attack formation. I know an ugly car when one blows past me at 100 mph.

Ugly cars are unusual, for very good reasons. Auto companies are vast organizations, with billions of dollars invested, and tens of thousands of employees, some of whom can actually pick out their own ties. Also, in an age of computer-aided design, virtual modeling and rapid prototyping, ugly usually can be rooted out and burned at the stake before the first tooling is purchased. Usually.

The 1-series compact coupe (in 135i and 128i trim) is actually the latest in a fairly robust line of ugly cars from the Werks. The coupe model follows three- and five-door versions that have been hugely successful in Europe and the rest of the world since 2004. The styling is a vestige of what BMW then called its "flame surfacing" design vocabulary -- although it has less the incandescence of fire than the weary drape of wet canvas. Or old skin. That's it. The1-series looks like it needs a jowl lift to repair its prolapsed cheeks. With the downward bowed accent lines running along its flanks, this car looks like it has suffered a high-speed hernia. Meanwhile, I search the stars in vain for a reason the designers gave this car a notch-back design -- so that there is a discernible trunk in the back -- when it so plainly aches for a fastback.

Agent001 - 3/24/2008 2:39:32 PM

+21 Boost

BMW will be crying all the way to the bank with the 1.

001

JRobUSC - 3/24/2008 4:18:12 PM

+12 Boost

Xero, you need to add "reading comprehension" to the list of skills you are lacking in. When 001 says "BMW will be crying all the way to the bank" in response to the author saying the 1-Series is ugly, it's another way of saying "I don't care what the article says, the 1-Series is going to sell tremendously well".

JRobUSC - 3/24/2008 4:25:38 PM

+10 Boost

and while I think the 128i is a little ugly, the 135i Coupe is cool as hell looking. The bodykit, huge wheels and brakes -- it's a sharp looking car, especially in white or black with the red interior. The view from the front with those hige headlights and airscoops, I imagine if it were coming up behind you it would look like it was just going to devour you. And the drive is absolutely ridiculous. It's like a rocket powered go kart with kidney grills and a roundel. And I mean that in a good way.

Agent009 - 3/25/2008 8:17:03 AM

+2 Boost

Whoa... money to make comments? pass some my way..

Seriously you must be smoking something good to be thinking that.

0to60 - 3/24/2008 2:51:24 PM

-10 Boost

I thought I was the only one that thinks this chic car is ugly.

SHOWTIME - 3/24/2008 3:05:31 PM

-10 Boost

+1

silver1 - 3/24/2008 3:17:40 PM

+6 Boost

I actully think the car is kinda cute

w209w114 - 3/24/2008 3:32:41 PM

-2 Boost

It looks better in pictures :'( (tear)

SHOWTIME - 3/26/2008 10:02:08 AM

+1 Boost

alright alright...i saw it in person today...i kinda do like the 135i now but not cheap enough to win me over the 3 series. The 128i without the aero kit was ugly.

jgf330xi - 3/24/2008 2:53:59 PM

0 Boost

The car is not ugly, but then beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

The BIG Problem is the price.. $4300 less than a 3'er

Terrible Lease rates and Finance rates for 1'er.. Good for the 3'er.

Also NO BMW CCA Member rewards for th 1'er .. $500 for the 3'er..

$3-5K off the price of a 3'er, and $500 rebate (if BMWCCA member) and the Price of the 1'er is the same!

BMW4me4ever - 3/24/2008 3:37:49 PM

+5 Boost

it is going to be a limited production car. The 135 is performance minded and that is the difference for the car. Go and drive a 135 and you will see it is amazing. For the performance and drive of the car in that price segment is absolutely incredible. You can get a pretty well equipped 135 coupe for $43k. That is about the same price for a G37 and the infiniti is not in the same league for handling and performance.

JRobUSC - 3/24/2008 4:20:34 PM

+5 Boost

$3-5k off a 3? Do you live in Narnia or something?

mlevere1992 - 3/24/2008 3:05:25 PM

+11 Boost

You know, I read this guys article and I guess everyone has his own opinion. So I take no offense to his. If you compare this car to a 3-series coupe, yes, the 1er doesn't have the lines of the 3er but that is the point.

It is suppose to have a more upright stance. It was based on the 2002, supposedly. I feel it has more of a relationship to the e30 body style. Upright, taller greenhouse, lighter (only 200 lbs though) more of a bulldog than a greyhound. But that bulldog has the same bite as the greyhound.

306 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque for both cars....

If you see this car in person, you might just change your mind. It is all about proportions and you can't get a sense of them by looking at pictures on the internet.

Suggestion, go to your nearest BMW dealership (they have received their first allotment) and take a walk around one and sit in it. Then make your judgement before you blindly start following all of these automotive critics. BMW may be my favorite brand but do this with any car that you are looking at to purchase. It will most definately either solidify your thoughts or change your mind about a car. It did when I looked at the new Mitsubshi Evo. I thought it looked great in the magazine ads and on TV but once I walked around it, there was something that I didn't like about it. Felt too much like an econobox I guess.

So to each his own, just experience first before making judgements.

gooch - 3/24/2008 3:23:38 PM

+7 Boost

+1 -- exactly what I wanted to say.

ICON - 3/24/2008 9:04:35 PM

+1 Boost

Great points....Dan Neil the author of this article for the LA Times makes a point of being a drama queen in most of his reviews.

I saw the car in person (135i) and thought it was very cool and reminded me very much of the first 320i series.

It will be a huge success and cant wait to toss it around next time I visit the dealership.

w209w114 - 3/24/2008 3:34:10 PM

-9 Boost

MB CLK cabrio is a great example of a good looking ragtop. The 6 Series unfortunately is not.

w209w114 - 3/24/2008 3:42:21 PM

-9 Boost

And by good looking Im referring to the way the roof integrates with the rest of the car, not the car as a whole.

tattedtwice - 3/24/2008 5:17:15 PM

-8 Boost

The ONLY thing goodlooking about a clk ragtop is seeing britney spears behind the wheel of one. Otherwise, its just as plain and BORING as the rest of the lineup.

bigmotov - 3/24/2008 3:07:26 PM

+6 Boost

I wouldn't say it's THAT ugly, but it's definitely not pretty. The bowed accent lines are suppose to shorten the look of car, but it just doesn't flow right...along with the oversized bug-eyes...IMO.

EL34 - 3/24/2008 3:08:03 PM

+6 Boost

Can Ability Be Enough To For The 1-Series To Overcome Ugly Duckling Looks?

The Bayerische Motoren Werke AG 1-Series is not an ugly duckling like the Maxima and FX are.

tattedtwice - 3/24/2008 3:19:50 PM

-8 Boost

If ugly ducklings like the slk, cls, s550, sl, sc430, g37, xf, and mkz can sell, there's NO reason the 1 wont either.

w209w114 - 3/24/2008 3:48:58 PM

+2 Boost

Wow, you obviously cant appreciate good design.

tattedtwice - 3/24/2008 4:48:46 PM

-8 Boost

I can appreciate the hell out of a good design, when I see one.

stash84 - 3/24/2008 5:21:06 PM

+3 Boost

cls, s550, g37, and the xf are nice !!!

what would you say are good looking cars?

tattedtwice - 3/24/2008 5:57:06 PM

-5 Boost

None of those you listed, thats for sure.

ICON - 3/24/2008 9:08:57 PM

-2 Boost

Yeah, not sure I would place alot of value in your opinion(design or common sense) given the need to brag about your ink- Loser.

tattedtwice - 3/24/2008 10:45:28 PM

-4 Boost

From someone deluded enough to consider themself an 'icon' and stupid enough to take a username literally, your opinion and input is about as worthless as a night out at chippendales is to rosie o'donnell.

ICON - 3/25/2008 1:28:26 PM

0 Boost

Tatted...before you go and get your "Tats" in a twistie -
ICON (my user name) refers to "An important and enduring symbol and/or image" as in automotive classics of design.
This is an auto enthusiast web site after all. Don't take yourself so seriously bro'-good luck with that.

tattedtwice - 3/25/2008 10:13:39 PM

0 Boost

I honestly dont care if you live or die tonight in your sleep, much less the origins of your dumb name. And since you went into b1tch mode first, Id advise you to take your own advice.

ICON - 3/25/2008 10:28:14 PM

0 Boost

Well I would rather it be a 'mode' than a way a life...you are pathetic.

tattedtwice - 3/26/2008 12:58:25 AM

0 Boost

And the menstrating continues. Go your change your pad, maybe take a hot bath, whatever helps the moodiness.

ICON - 3/26/2008 2:15:33 AM

0 Boost

"And the ?menstrating? continues. Go ?your? change your pad"

LMAO -how is that 'English as a second language' course working for you. Go play in traffic and take your meds...your done.

tattedtwice - 3/26/2008 2:27:19 PM

+1 Boost

Obviously better than it's worked for you, but it's that works in your favor; dumb foreigners get plenty of breaks here. And do tell, what meds would you recommend, since you sound like you're on (or should be) quite the cocktail.

bmwman1963 - 3/24/2008 3:23:31 PM

+5 Boost

I agree that the 3 series is a much more beautiful car than the 1 series, but after seeing it in person, I find it very impressive.

I don't think it was intended to be beautiful, but more a statement of minimalism combined with fantastic engineering qualities.

There have been 2002 fans crying for something like this to come out of Munich for years. This may not have the weight loss that many had hoped for, but it has achieved the goal of updating the classic 2002.

gooch - 3/24/2008 3:26:04 PM

-1 Boost

The reality is that the car's performance will sell it, not its looks. There is no doubt as to its speed and handling capabilities, and I'm sure there will be some who will wait for the inevitable "tii" version.
I can't see BMW dusting off the "///M1" badge for this car.

BMW4me4ever - 3/24/2008 3:41:23 PM

+3 Boost

Agent 009. Ugly? So far I have yet to hear anyone that has seen it in person as being ugly. There are far more ugly vehicles out there that alot of fans back on the styling like the New maxima, New Fx, evo, TSX & RL by Acura. I like 135 alot.

bmwdrvr - 3/24/2008 3:43:41 PM

+4 Boost

the 1 series is far from ugly, besides looks are subjective, i saw the real thing and it looks pretty good smaller than i thought but nice looking. add in performance and you have a winning combination. i think this will be a good seller for bmw. alot of mags agree it looks good also,

bmwman1963 - 3/24/2008 3:51:42 PM

+4 Boost

Thumbs up kthor!!!!

no1listensanyway - 3/24/2008 4:04:45 PM

+2 Boost

I saw a couple in the last week. They seem very small and not pratical to me. I would probably pony up a little extra to get into a 3 anyway.

M35MT - 3/24/2008 4:49:43 PM

+3 Boost

It will only help make it more of a cult vehicle...that and, it's price. If it was truly a "cheap" BMW, tons of poseurs would buy one, but it's just out of reach price-wise that only those who really want it will buy one.

I've always liked it but I did think it was the ugly duckling - not ugly, but, just not 'cohesive'.

Need to see it in person. I didnt like the G37 in pictures either, but, in person it has a real presense.

M35MT - 3/24/2008 4:55:35 PM

+1 Boost

I hate the cabrio, but I hate all sedans/coupes that are converted into cabrios/convertables...just looks bad IMO.

Coupe is in another league looks-wise.

ThierryHenry14 - 3/24/2008 5:08:22 PM

+6 Boost

I think the 1er is not ugly. I think that 009 is dumb and just writes headlines to get attention.

tattedtwice - 3/24/2008 5:18:26 PM

-1 Boost

Now THIS post is worthy of a boost!

tattedtwice - 3/24/2008 5:22:19 PM

+8 Boost

lexus makes boring cars. This is the reason why their sales are slumping in the US. The new is-f won't come close to the M3's sales because it is simply nowhere near as good.

*****************
There, fixed it for you.

bmwman1963 - 3/24/2008 5:54:07 PM

+2 Boost

GoObama, you need to really get a life!

After the M3 spankin' the IS-F's Ass you would think you would know when to shut up!

bmwman1963 - 3/24/2008 8:52:53 PM

+1 Boost

Hmmm... I can't wait to see the comparisons in sales one year from now. Even the Japanese prefer the M3...

MZauto - 3/24/2008 6:23:53 PM

-2 Boost

I don't like the look, and I don't look the size.

gooch - 3/25/2008 6:54:59 AM

+2 Boost

Well don't get one.

mini22 - 3/24/2008 7:22:35 PM

+1 Boost

With the 1 series the price gets steep with all the options. If you seriously limit the options you come out with a very nice car.No it's not beautiful but for BMW there have been very few so called "Beautiful cars" during it's history. That has not stopped it's sales success and the 1 series will be no different.

Agent63 - 3/24/2008 8:13:34 PM

0 Boost

That front end brings chills down my spine. It's horrific!

However the idea of having a the 335i engine in their 135 is a good proposition.

SteedPub - 3/24/2008 8:16:01 PM

+1 Boost

Ugly Duckling Looks?

I know there are a million responses to this already.

But Ugly Duckling Looks?

Has the person who coined this question looked at the rest of the BMW lineup lately? Bangle has bungled the entire line of BMW's turning them into melted looking manifestations of an fringe artist on a 12-day acid trip.

But, EVEN THAT has not hurt them from selling somehow.

So I would say that the 1 Series, the soberest looking BMW will sell just fine.

BennyILL - 3/24/2008 8:40:39 PM

+1 Boost

The BMW 1 series will sell well, but its market is going to be geared towards a certain crowd. I can definitely see the gay world falling in love with this car. Small, cute and peppy.

bmwman1963 - 3/24/2008 8:50:21 PM

-1 Boost

And rightly so...

2ndbimmer - 3/24/2008 8:54:16 PM

0 Boost

i dont think it is ugly at all. some colors I dont like in the vehicle, but at the same time, that is subjective as well.

valhallakey - 3/25/2008 1:17:38 AM

+1 Boost

BMW hardly ever tries for pure beauty (except the Z8 and 507), IMHO they prefer the brute in a suit look, the E39 M5 is a perfect example of that philosophy. Personally I like that... if I wanted beautiful and flashy I would get a used Ferrari 328 or NSX or the previously mentioned Z8 or a Gallardo or.... The 135 is a young Brute in a suit and it fits perfectly ;-)

S2000VS911 - 3/25/2008 2:24:04 AM

-1 Boost

34567 series all look ugly because bangle design ... this 1 series is no exception. For cute car i will buy mini instead.

gooch - 3/25/2008 6:56:55 AM

+1 Boost

There's a "4" series? Your credibility was just destroyed.

johnct - 3/25/2008 2:33:36 PM

-1 Boost

The first 135 I saw was 42,500. I am not sure what BMW is thinking, but for that price I would be buying the 328xi coupe. Even the 128 is priced more like the 328 sedan. Whats the point? This is becoming a joke. How arrogant are the people at BMW?

1BadMan - 3/25/2008 3:41:47 PM

+1 Boost

Can Ability Be Enough To For The 1-Series To Overcome Ugly Duckling Looks? Interesting question. My girlfriend and I just got out of a test drive in a Black/Coral Red 135iA. She smiled for the whole 19 mile test drive.

She stated she would not get the 135i, as it was too fast and would get lots of tickets. She took a clover leaf at 52 MPH. She liked it a lot. She has two Lexus cars. A RX 400h & SC430. She is able to by any car she wants under $80,000. She stated they are both going and she is getting a 1 Series. This car is real cool. Drive it and let your a** decide!

Stop reading blogs, go to a BMW dealer, ask them for the keys to a 135i, drive it, and then say something about it. Which usually after a BMW test drive is "Where do I sign"!

And the car is set at the Upper end of the lower segment (BMW speak). They filled a hole in the US line-up with the E92 Coupe & E93 Cabriolet moving up market. Slotted ahead of the MINI and below the 3 Series. So compared to FWD VW,etc, yes it is expensive. Just go drive the damn car!

MunichRob - 3/26/2008 1:49:02 AM

0 Boost

The whole point of the 135i package is to have an extremely well equipped, capable, & semi-lightweight package with a premium brand name for under 50 grand.

If you ask me that's a pretty dam good deal considering you could pay 40 grand for similar equipped VW R32 & Mazda RX8.

The only car that really makes the 135i look like a rip-off is the G37 which has the same base price, but even so the G37 it upstaged by the 135i in the performance deprt.

SSP350 - 3/26/2008 10:48:54 PM

+1 Boost

Maybe it does perform well, but try to equate that for everyday driving. I'll skimp on this ugly looking one series for a regular 3-series anyday.

gsh23 - 3/27/2008 6:37:19 PM

+1 Boost

exactly, if i have to choose an everyday driver or a car to pick up the ladies with, the 1 series is dead last on the list. i dont care if it moves fast. the corvette moves fast on the cheap too, but its not exactly a looker either.

oh i forgot, badge whores like picking up other badge whores.