The BMW 1 Series Coupe has finally touched down on American soil and is ready to take off where the 1976 BMW 2002 left off. The new BMW 1 Series will go on sale in spring 2008 as the 230 hp 128i and 300 hp 135i.
Both versions are powered by a 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder engine. The 128i uses a Valvetronic valvetrain management to produce 230 hp with 200 lb-ft of torque. The 135i uses twin low-mass turbo's, direct piezo gasoline injectors and air-to-air intercooling to put 300 hp to the wheels with 300 lb-ft of torque.
The 135i comes standard with the M Aerodynamic Kit and both versions come with a choice of two interior options, namely the sporty and comfortable Leatherette or rich Boston Leather. There has been no word on pricing just yet.
[UPDATE - 11.16.07]
Although not officially announced, keen eyed Omar over at eGMCarTech was observant enough to spot the display plaque next to the 135i included the base price of $35,675 plus options. Following Omar's tip, the gents over at Autoblog picked up the trail only to discover the plaque had been removed. But after a couple of minutes of looking around, they discovered it behind one of the display partition walls. Jump over to Autoblog to see an photo of the pricing list with options.
The BMW 1 Series Coupe, which draws inspiration from the iconic BMW 2002 of some 40 years ago, has made its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. By combining sporty rear-wheel-drive dynamics, agile handling, powerful engines and seating for four, the 1 Series Coupe will reinvent the niche created by the legendary BMW 2002.
On sale in the spring of 2008, the 1 Series Coupe will be available in two versions; the 128i and the 135i. Powered by a 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline 6-cyinder engine that generates 200 lb-ft of torque, the 128i Coupe will feature Valvetronic valvetrain management and aluminum/magnesium contruction-core elements of BMW's EfficientDynamics.
The powerful 135i Coupe features BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and an incredible 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. With its direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooling, optimum performance and economy is achieved with no loss in engine response. For the 135i Coupe, acceleration from 0-62 mph is accomplished in 5.3 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Both engines feature on-demand engine coolant pumps that improve fuel economy and reduce parasitic losses for increased output.
Handsome looks with sporting intentions
The new 1 Series Coupe combines unique, dynamic and unmistakable design elements with a powerful and muscular body. The greenhouse with its characteristic "Hofmeister kink" is moved rearward and offers a particularly nimble look with its long hood. The short overhangs, long wheelbase and large frameless doors sit on a body with a striking shoulder line for a modern interpretation of BMW's characteristic look. On the 135i Coupe, an M Aerodynamic Kit is standard.
The 1 Series boasts an aggressive rear end styling. The trunklid has an integrated spoiler chiselled into the rear end of the car to accentuate the short rear section. On the 135i, an additional lip spoiler provides greater downforce on the rear end at high speeds.
Luxurious interior appointments with today's technology
The innovative interior design incorporates high-quality and sophisticated trim elements with luxurious upholstery and color choices. A 60/40 split rear seat is standard. The control console for the entertainment and air conditioning functions is integrated smoothly and harmoniously into the dashboard through its soft radii and flowing surfaces. The controller featured in the iDrive system with the optional Navigation system is integrated in the center console, again following BMW's characteristic philosophy. Galvanized pearl gloss surfaces adorn the interior door handles, the glove compartment handle, the radio's rotary knobs, the knobs of the automatic air conditioning system, the iDrive Controller, and the ornamental trim strips featured on the sports steering wheel.
The BMW 1 Series Coupe is available with a choice of two upholstery options-sporty and comfortable Leatherette or rich Boston Leather. Boston Leather upholstery adds further style to the high-quality impression of the interior. And as a practical feature, map pockets are integrated in the lower part of the doors. The optional Sport Package includes sports buckets seats with enhanced side support and are finished in highly distinctive leatherette materials or Boston leather.
Enhanced iDrive and integration of an external MP3 player
BMW's iDrive is included with the optional navigation system. It enables the driver to control all secondary and comfort functions such as communication, air conditioning, entertainment and navigation functions easily and conveniently.
This latest version of iDrive is equipped with six Programmable Memory Keys that allow the driver to program functions that are used particularly often such as navigation destinations, radio stations or specific telephone numbers. Touch-sensative sensors on these buttons preview the function on the iDrive screen before the button is depressed. This allows the driver to choose the stored function safely and conveniently, keeping his or her eyes on the road in the process.
A wide choice of audio and communication are also available, never before seen in the compact performance market. These features include SIRIUS satellite radio, HD radio, Premium Sound system and Bluetooth interface. For simple and straightforward connection of an MP3 player, an Auxiliary input jack is standard, and a USB port for direct control of an Apple iPod or iPhone media player is available as an option.
High-tech suspension with newly-developed differential
In typical BMW style, the new BMW 1 Series Coupe transmits the power of the engine to the rear wheels. This design concept and configuration - engine at the front, drive wheels at the rear - guarantees optimum traction, good weight distribution front-to-rear, excellent directional stability, and predictable handling.
The new 1 Series Coupe has a sophisticated suspension system with an aluminium double-pivot front suspension and a five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel. BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) also includes a Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function that provides electronic intervention to prevent loss of vehicle control, but at a higher threshold before activation. Active Steering, a variable ratio steering system exclusive to BMW, is available as an option.
M-inspired performance for the 135i Coupe
The 135i Coupe offers more performance and a striking look thanks to M-inspired components. Features include an Aero kit for additional downforce at speed, better brake cooling and enhanced aesthetics while the Sports Suspension offers higher traction and reduced body roll with 18-inch wheels and performance tires. The Sports Suspension also includes with a high-performance brake system incorporating six-piston fixed calipers on the front and two-piston fixed calipers at the rear.
foxhound
November 15, 2007 7:36:45 PM
its a nice car, but it looks kinda bland to me. what do you guys think?
I agree and word out is that the starting price for the 128i is 29k and 35k for the 135i. That is pretty steep for this kind of car and with options you're well over 40+K on the 135i. At that price range people could easily spend a little more and opt for the 335i, which is a much better car.
I must say its really overpriced. Just a smaller uglier version of the 3 series coupe. I don't think there will me much of a market for this car in the US; think of the Mercedes C class sportcoupe, mercedes' attempt at bringing a compact coupe to the US. If I recall correctly, it was not a success.
Wheather it's going to be a succes or not, depends on the marketing strategy. The qualities of the 135i are undeniable.A small coupe with a big engine, is a good recepy for performance. But, I must say it is a kinda expensive.
its a nice car, but it looks kinda bland to me. what do you guys think?