BMW going retro for next 1-Series. Is this a good idea?

I see this as a good idea for BMW. If this was to come out within the next few years, i have a feeling no other car company would be able to touch their sales.

1. BMW appear to be encouraged by great 1 series sales figures in Europe, particularly in Germany (significantly above Audi A3) despite current car looking rather controversial.

However, the last thing they should do, IMO, is to present a yet another car with challenging and polarizing exterior. New VW Scirocco has flawless design and together with the likable Golf mk6 GTI and Audi A3 may easily dispatch weird 1 series.

2. Why is this article talking about the new M3 switching from the V8 to forced induction straight six? Someone will be disappointed here.

3. Will BMW apply such misleading plate engineering as mentioned in the article?

115i, 1.3-litre/105bhp
116i, 1.3-litre turbo/136bhp
118i, 1.3-litre turbo/177bhp

4. Finally, BMW is catching up with VW/Audi in small turbocharged petrol engines department.

They have ambitious plans just like everyone else, but BMW's profits are down 90%. If they can't recover, they will fail. Chris Bangle jumped ship at a good time.

Probably the biggest issues surrounding BMW's 1-Series relate to both its styling and its pricing. Though some may argue, the fact is, the (US) 1-Series looks like little more than a seriously 'stunted' 3-Series without the additional length to balance out the overall design. It's comically goofy from some angles, and unfortunately awkward from others... either way, it's far less than elegant enough to merit its premium car position/pricing. The other, and far more egregious error, was pricing it so close to the 3-series. Its understood that BMW wanted the US version 1 to include a selection of premium powertrains, but if said decision meant utilizing 3-Series engine options that would push the 1-Series' price anywhere near the 35k-40k range, they should have simply waited until more suitable, less expensive to manufacture/produce options became available. I've driven the 135i, and it is a fine driving experience, but it's all wrong for a market that has come to expect BMWs to provide the finest of everything, and in this case (with the exception of performance) the 1-Series simply does not, especially for its asking price. Going retro seems interesting enough, but doesn't BMW already have a 'retro-styled' premium small vehicle with its Mini line? Maybe BMW should just write the (US) 1-Series off as a HUGE FAIL, and allow the 3-Series to fill their US entry-level position - After all it's done pretty well thus far....

Remember the retro Z8? It had front shock towers would deform from a pothole impacts. LOL! Clarkson also said it had terrible handling.

Clarkson on the 135i

Then you leave the motorway and the road gets twisty and it’s like settling into your favourite armchair. The steering, the feel, the way you can adjust your line through the bend with the throttle. There is no other car made today in this sector of the market that gets even close. If you love driving, this is up there in a class of one.

The fact of the matter is this. The 135 coupé is the best car BMW makes. I have no hesitation at all, then, in giving this long-awaited return to form the rare accolade of five stars.


Perhaps you should test drive a BMW before hating it.

"Its understood that BMW wanted the US version 1 to include a selection of premium powertrains, but if said decision meant utilizing 3-Series engine options that would push the 1-Series' price anywhere near the 35k-40k range, they should have simply waited until more suitable, less expensive to manufacture/produce options became available"

the 135i Coupe costs basically the same as a G37 Coupe, the car it most directly competes with, so I don't agree with that logic. Considering the 135i runs rings around the G37, is more spacious inside, and includes maintenance, I don't see why it would have to be cheaper than the G.

As for the "it costs almost what a 3-Series does" argument, you're right, but a G37 Coupe can get pretty close in price to an M35 sedan, too. I don't hear anyone saying that makes the G37 overpriced. That's because they're two different cars, just like a 135i Coupe and a 335i sedan are two different cars even though the pricing is within a few grand of one another. You can also make a 335i cost the same as a 528i, an E550 to cost close to the same as the S350 (outside the U.S.), an M5 to cost more than a 7-Series, etc. Again, different cars.

It doesn't matter if they go retro or not. One thing is for sure...they will be in the top like always continuing to make the Japanese cheerleaders cry. It is actually funny to see how much pain and desperation this incredible piece of technology, this ultimate dream car that BMW is, can cause to the blind, frustrated Japanese fanbois. Every single thread about BMW is soaked in their tears. You can almost hear them whispering between tears...if I could only afford one. LOL...

Remember Stat, at you not with you...

Can't afford one, LE43? LOL...

I actually like the 1 series very much. It is my favorite BMW. Unlike you, I am not a blind fanboy. I have considered purchasing on myself.

Remember Star, at you not with you. I see that you're still struggling with your dyslexia.

LE43,

I have no idea what you are talking about. You sound like you completely lost your mind.

Surprise, surprise, you don't understand something...Remember, at you not with you.

43LE,

it doesn't bother you that everybody thinks you are the biggest joke on Autospies? What kind of loser lurks on a car for the sole purpose of taking cheap shots at the other posters? Get a life!

LOL Star! If only that were true. Judging by how many people have argued with you and how many people you have insulted we all tend to disagree with you on that one. Keep it coming! Remember, at you not with you...

BMW might go bankrupt, so none of this really matters right now. Audi and Mercedes-Benz should be pretty happy about this news.

German carmaker BMW AG said Thursday its net profit fell 90 percent in 2008 as the global economic crisis cut into demand for its sports and luxury cars.

In an unexpected preliminary earnings release, the Munich-based company said its net profit for the full year dropped to 330 million euros ($416 million) in 2008 from 3.1 billion euros in 2007.

Total revenues fell 5 percent to 53 billion euros from 56 billion euros in 2007.

You're either stupid, or you're trying to act stupid. Either ways, your comment is stupid. Do you realise that BMW is still making profit?! 330 million is STILL profit. Not loss. I think BMW bashers like you need to grow up.

No need to get angry, these are just the facts.

Teknik, did you just say facts? You...facts...LOL...

VAG or Toyota might be able to salvage what is left of BMW. If Mercedes takes over, BMW will end up like Chrysler unfortunately.

I think this is a desperate move for redemption (due to sales declining). Just look what Chevy, Ford and dodge did to boost sales...created the "Retro" design Camaro, Mustang and challenger.

I'm not a fan of retro styled cars, but if they can do it correctly, it should be a hit.

Has anyone else noticed that the revenue figures are only down 5%? yes, their profits my be down, but that just means that their spending was also up for this past year, not taht their sales were down as much as some of you would like to suggest. Although every car company has been hit with less sales given the current economy, the loss in profit could also be attributed to stuff such as R&D?

I'm still eagerly waiting for BMW or Audi to deliver a shooting-brake model to the U.S.

Audi's concept was kick-ass.

great!they just need 2 get it right kause theyre in triouble

lol seriously...
I love reading Autospies, but everytime I do...I see this guy: 'DocMarten' make a comment about BMW. All I see from DocMarten are comments about 'BWM 90% loss, BMW is a sinking ship' etc and followed on with a bunch of other bull$hit. You don't even post anything productive, but preach your hate towards BMW just to tell everyone Mercedes and Audi are better. Okay - they're better. Big deal! Like all industries - automotive, finance, internet, gaming consoles, soft drinks, all companies experience a time where 'when they go up; they must come down'.

BMW will sometimes be more successful than its rivals, Audi will sometimes take that spot, and so will Mercedes-Benz. Its a competitive rotation! Everyone knows that Audi has finally 'picked up its gam'e and now its moving up ahead of BMW AND Mercedes. Mercedes-Benz has also had a few problems in the past with regards to its 'quality' and 'image'. And now, BMW are experiencing some financial problems.

Your aggressive and degrading attitude towards BMW makes you look like you care about BMW more than an actual BMW fanboy does. Look at yourself - after clicking on 10 links; I've seen the same topics relating to BMW and maybe an additional sentence to encapsulate the actual topic being discussed.

Now, you can flame back at me, give me a whole page essay, say this and that; but bottom line...talk about something else! So what if Toyota or Merc buy/takeover BMW, it doesn't say anywhere that Toyota or Merc will last forever ;) You'd be surprised. =)

If DocMarten can go around posting the same shit about BMW, I might as well repeat myself with this comment. And change it a little to pass it as not being spam. -_-