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First official pics BMW 1 series.(page 3 new pics)

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Old 03-23-04, 08:42 AM
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Default First official pics BMW 1 series.

BMW has released the first official pictures of its new entry-level 1 Series. The company says that the model is poised to shake up the compact executive segment. Featuring four engines, three gearboxes and rear-wheel drive, a combination not found in any of its competitors, the BMW 1 Series makes its entrance in autumn 2004.

A 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 150Nm of torque at 4,300rpm powers the entry-level BMW 116i. The 115bhp unit achieves a zero to 62mph time of 10.8 seconds and a top speed of 125mph. The 116i achieves an economical fuel consumption of 37.7mpg.

The high-performance four-cylinder petrol model is the BMW 120i with its 150bhp and 200Nm (at 3,600rpm) 2.0-litre VALVETRONIC petrol engine. The 120i covers zero to 62mph in 8.7 seconds before going on to achieve a maximum speed of 135mph.

The BMW 1 Series launch line-up is completed with two versions of the powerful yet frugal 2.0-litre common rail diesel engine. The 122bhp BMW 118d averages 50.4mpg while posting a zero to 62mph time of 10 seconds and reaching a top speed of 125mph. The higher-performance 163bhp BMW 120d achieves 49.6mpg yet is capable of a 7.9 second zero to 62mph time and a 137mph top speed. Instant turbo power results in the 120d posting sharper performance figures than its 2.0-litre petrol equivalent.

BMW says that in-gear overtaking in both diesel models should prove rapid thanks to a maximum torque of 280Nm and 340 Nm respectively, with much of this urge available from a low 2,000rpm. Both diesel-engined derivatives and the two petrol units are EU4 emission compliant.

Power is delivered to the road via a six-speed manual in 118d, 120d and 120i models, while the 116i has a five-speed manual gearbox. An optional six-speed automatic will also be offered on 120i and 120d models.

Although a new car in a new premium segment, the 1 Series has the traditional BMW design trademarks – the front kidney grille, double headlamps and ‘Hofmeister kink’ on the C-pillar all feature.

The car has a drag coefficient of just 0.29 and comes with 16-inch run-flat tyres.

Measuring just 4.23 metres long, but with a relatively long wheelbase of 2.66 metres, BMW says that driving dynamics have been cleverly worked into a practical four-seater. Luggage capacity is between 330 to 1150 litres of storage space.

Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control and Electronic Differential Lock provide active safety. An airbag system includes head airbags for all occupants. BMW says that the high level of standard safety features combined with structural integrity means that the new 1 Series is aiming for five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test.

Optional extras on the car include Bluetooth capability, sports seats with backrest width adjustment, acoustic Park Distance Control at the front and the rear and Bi-xenon headlights. The iDrive controller when mated to a navigation system is also an option. Keyless access and voice-activated radio and navigation systems will appear after launch.

Prices for the all-new 1 Series will be announced later in the spring.
Attached Thumbnails First official pics BMW 1 series.(page 3 new pics)-0403_bmw43899_01.jpg  
 
Old 03-23-04, 08:43 AM
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GERMANY: BMW rethinks 1 Series exports to US
23 Mar 2004
Source: just-auto.com editorial team




BMW may not go ahead with plans to export its new 1-series entry-premium car to the US, its biggest market, reports Automotive News Europe.

Company executives had previously said a version of the 1 series, most likely a sedan, would come to America 18 to 24 months after the five-door hatchback is launched in Europe this summer.

Tom Purves, CEO of BMW North America, said the 1 series had been on track for sale in the US, but now "lots of things have changed." Purves said it may be up to BMW North America to make a case that the 1 series can sell in the US.

Burkhard Göschel, BMW's top product development executive in Germany, said, "Despite the success of our Mini, US customers still have to get used to small models."

Asked if the 1 series will come to the US before 2007, Göschel said: "This is not very likely. It has been a decision of BMW USA not to bring the 1 series to the US for the near future."

A Europe-based consultant working with BMW said the company is "backpedaling" because of the strong euro and because other 1-series derivatives are being considered.

A European stock analyst said: "The fact that there has been this wobble suggests there has been rethinking because the exchange rate has changed dramatically." The analyst added: "It raises the issue whether you can sell this vehicle profitably and if it helps you in terms of image and profitability."
 
Old 03-23-04, 08:58 AM
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bluelex
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doesn't look that bad...love that color
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Old 03-23-04, 11:30 AM
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Richie
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Could they have made it look any uglier
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Old 03-23-04, 11:40 AM
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Originally posted by Richie
Could they have made it look any uglier

What do you expect from another lousy Chris Bangle product?

Anyhow, 1SICKLEX....if you check out this week's issue of AUTOWEEK, they got a story on the 1-series....apparantly we're not going to get the hatchback here in the U.S. because of BMW's conviction that Americans just won't buy small hatchbacks, so we won't get it until the sedan is ready late in the year.

Begs the question, doesn't it ?.....If we Americans won't buy small hatchbacks , then how does BMW explain the sales success of its own Mini Cooper and the VW Golf ? And the small Subaru hatchbacks?
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Old 03-23-04, 12:41 PM
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Old 03-23-04, 12:44 PM
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I'd take Mazda 3 over this
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Old 03-23-04, 01:12 PM
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Hm.. I'm gonna go with very ugly.

-Anthony
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Old 03-23-04, 01:22 PM
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mmarshall, great point. Maybe they are scared of the poor 318ti (hatchback) results previously?
 
Old 03-23-04, 01:45 PM
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Maybe their fears are based on the fact that the 318TI of old was such a leper. It's not a valid comparison because the 1 is actually a new design whereas the TI was like a regular 3 series without a trunk. People who have 318Tis usually get made fun of.
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Old 03-23-04, 01:54 PM
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I hope Lexus does not come out with atrocities like this.
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Old 03-23-04, 02:16 PM
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does anyone else see a mini-Infiniiti FX35/45 in the hood and rooflines from the side shot????
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Old 03-23-04, 02:29 PM
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wow that is ugly!!!! and it even looks like it has I-Drive, what a car.

Last edited by thisguy_06; 03-23-04 at 02:29 PM.
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Old 03-23-04, 03:04 PM
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Am I the only one that likes it?

The rear could use a facelift but other than that its nice for a compact sedan!
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Old 03-23-04, 03:32 PM
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You're not alone. I like it. If it comes to the US in any form, I'll take one. Especially if it's an ///M version...
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