Full Scoop On The Next BMW 1-Series Line

I wouldn't be surprised by a 4 door model this time, especially for the US. The 1 has basically become the old 3, the 3 has become like the old 5, etc, etc, as each line has grown in size and content. I think it was Automobile mag that did a quick comparison of the 1 and the second gen 3 (I forget the model designation of that one) - they are almost identical in size, room, etc.

— 204E60:

| From the 7 Series and the 5GT PAS down through this
| new 1 Series, it seems we're in for at least seven
| years of BMW's carved-brick styling. That look is dull
| and will age rapidly.

But it sells.

People apparently want carved-brick designs with some flair of stylish modern details like fancy lights. See Audi's success.

— 204E60:

| Sure, Bratwurst, MWs sell... through market/brand dilution

This is enforced by competition. Audi permanently comes up with new overlapping models so BMW has to respond in order to remain competitive.

| and aggressive leasing offers (at least up until now)

True, although they have to know what they're doing. By doing so they likely still make more money than without those leases.


| My point isn't so much that BMW has created the
| designs they have, but rather that I find the new
| designs to be brick-like. I've owned 11 BMWs, but no more.
| The current styling direction leaves me cold
| and I've lost interest.

Such opinion is quite common as the times of agressive sharky cars like the old 6 series http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_E24 are over. I still think some new desigs by BMW are very good. The current 3-series coupe, the new Z4, the current 5-series can serve as example.

This also in... BMW will introduce a new line of children's scooters, automatic "efficient dynamics" tooth brushes, washer/dryer (turbo charged versions soon to follow), Bavarian neckties, line of limited edition M sport pajamas (designed and autographed by Adrian van Hooydonk) and Susan Quadt's home original jars of spicy mustard.

What about the "Pebble Beach Edition." Wait, has already been used to make people feel "special."

204E60, is it really the styling that's preventing you from buying new BMW's? While I may not love the styling, I could get past this IF the DRIVE wasn't becoming so diluted. To me, where the heart of the line is, a basic 5 Series has become a cushy, soft, luxury car. I love my X5 for what it is, but even it just feels too soft to me, even though it handles remarkably well. It just does not have the magic feel of my older E46 3 Series.

As for what you all say is agressive leasing, I just don't see it. Yes, sometimes there's a great, subsidized deal, but most often, it's just the illusion of one. If you compare apples to apples, with no cap cost reduction, no BMW is cheap to lease.

OMG The world is coming to an END. I can't take it...I am personally going to BUY BMW myself and dissolve the company and selll off all of it's assets so help me god!