BMW USA Officially Prices the 1 Series
BMW USA has officially priced the 1 series and as we expected, the base 135i will come in right around $35k. Here’s are the details:
– 128i: $29,375
– 135i: $35,600
>The BMW 1 Series Coupe, which draws inspiration from the iconic BMW 2002 of some 40 years ago, will make 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.
Related MotoringFile Articles:
[ More 135i Reviews Hit the Web ] MotoringFile
[ BMW 135 tii Official Press Release ] MotoringFile
[ BMW 135i Reviews and Why We Still Want One ] MotoringFile
[ BMW 1 Series Coupe: Your Thoughts ] MotoringFile
[ NYT on the MINI vs the 1 Series ] MotoringFile
[ 1 Series Question Gets More Interesting ] MotoringFile
[ EVO’s take on the 1 Series a the US market ] MotoringFile
[ Hatchback Success in the US ] MotoringFile
[ the New BMW 1 Series and what it means for the MINI ] MotoringFile
[ Has the MINI Altered Plans for the 1 Series ] MotoringFile
How is this any cheaper than a 3-series? I mean, add a couple of options (which are packages, since that is all these companies do any more…except MINI, of course!), and you are looking at $40k+?!?!
And it isn’t all due to the dollar being worth less than an empty Corona bottle…
<blockquote>How is this any cheaper than a 3-series?</blockquote>
328i Coupe $35,300
335i Coupe $40,800
Rather spot on for what I thought it would be. Still can say the car doesn’t blow me away totally. Will take one for a test drive for sure. Will be waiting to see if they do anything with the tii, this car still needs to go on a diet but should be interesting to see.
CNBC showed the official unveiling,of the 1-Series,the other day. After which,the reporter interviewed the head of BMW,about the car. One of the answers,that stuck with me,was when the BMW President stated that the prices for the 1-Series would be above a MINI Cooper S;and,lower than a 3-Series.
I then knew who the 1-Series,was truly made for: Folks who wanted the,”fun”,of a MINI;but,still wanted the BMW,”badge”,on their car’s hood.
For the record,I really like the 1-Series;however,not as much,as My MINI Cooper. It will sell very well,here in the states.
…well, based upon my experience with Mini repairs, BMW totally lost me as a client who will trade-up. And some of the service techs are down right dumb as well…shockingly dumb.
Nice car to look at…
I find the 135i very appealing, but priced beyond my reach for right now (just been told I’m being laid off..) I am faced with the quite pleasent alternative of keeping my MCS and eventually replacing it with a newer one.
I went from a r53 JCW to a 335i. From a speed standpoint there is no comparison…BMW quotes 5.3 to 60 but I’d be shocked if we don’t see 4.8 once the magazines get ahold of it. The N54 engine is incredible. Throw a Procede and exhaust on there and you’re at 400whp and 450wtq and running with M5s.
either model specced out will be around $40K out the door … ouch!
If i remember correctly, my 1976 2002 was around $6,000 new. Now its “sucessor” starts at $30,000. That’s alot of inflation!
Way too much money, but every car costs too much these days. If a Cooper S is likely to go out the door in the high 20s, I guess there is no way a BMW could start for any less that it will.
Generally I’m very surprised at the level of… surprise here. We estimated 29k and 35k respectively months back – as did other sites and magazines. And when you think about the price range, that completely makes sense in terms of where the MINI is and where the 3 Series is.
In my eyes both cars are bargains but especially the $35,000 135i.
While I expected similar prices… I was REALLY hoping to be pleasantly surprised.
<blockquote>Generally I’m very surprised at the level of… surprise here. We estimated 29k and 35k respectively months back – as did other sites and magazines. And when you think about the price range, that completely makes sense in terms of where the MINI is and where the 3 Series is.
In my eyes both cars are bargains but especially the $35,000 135i.</blockquote>
I agree. This is where I would have expected the pricing to come in at as well – both based on prior MF reports and logic based on where the 3 and the MINI pricing comes in.
When I’ve spec’d a 335 with all the extras I would want, it comes in a touch over 50k. So that being the case, I can probably spec a similar 135 in the low 40’s range – which is a significant price difference.
I’m looking forward to seeing more on the 1.
What should be interesting to see with this is how the public decision buying public falls between the 328i and the 135i.
135i $35,600
328i $32,400
338i $38,900
Got the prices for the 328i and 338i from the BMWusa site currently. Don’t know but the prices rkw pointed out in a previous response could be the new 2008 prices though.
>Got the prices for the 328i and 338i from the BMWusa site currently. Don’t know but the prices rkw pointed out in a previous response could be the new 2008 prices though.
Those are sedan prices (and btw it’s the 335i – not the 338i). The 3er coupe is about $3k more across the board:
328i Coupe: $35,300
335i Coupe: $40,800
What I want to know if these means less expensive sedan variants of the 1 Series will be coming. I hate to think how expensive the 1 Convertible will be, hardly an entry level car.
The price does not suprise me. I am waiting for a Stage II JCW, but with all the bells and whistles, will take me over 40k. That would have roughly 220hp. Tough to overlook the 135i with the twin turbo 6 and 300 hp. I realize with options it is going to still be a little more, but it also has a heck of a lot more power.
I think the price is fair for an entry level BMW. With shipping and metallic paint the 128 should be just over 30k. Still below what I paid for my 06 JCW. It could run more but seeing that the 1 series has nice standard features I haven’t seen anything we would like as an option.
…and what does the 128 weigh compared to the 135?
Option lists and prices can be found here:
<a href="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/bmw_plaque_1_450-op.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/bmw_plaque_1_450-op.jpg</a>
So, you strike the 1 and the i, and you have roughly the price. Interesting….
If only they made a hatchback version. I can’t stand trunks.
why o, why does it weight more then 2800 lbs???
so sad.
I actually ordered a 335i last fall and cancelled the order. with the sport package and a few other minor ‘essentials’the car sold for around 44K with tax. so if a 135i is +/- 10K less, that’s a bargin.
I’m not sure, based upon my comment way above, I can afford to put 200,000 miles ona BMW product. They’re not perfect longer term daily drivers. This may be a dispassionate view, but that is reality. A Honda will likely perform much better over the long haul, but the driving experience is no where near like the Mini or BMW…compromises…
I’m with drill on this, about what I expected, but really hoping it would be less. And 35,600 rounded is 36,000 and I never exepcted it to be above 35. I’ll have to check the options and pricing to see if my total is within reason.
Jim, dissapointed to not have been pleasently surprised.
If you want the real reason for the price jump, all you have to do is look at the value of the dollar versus the Euro in the last year. The dollar is down over ten percent. There’s your $3000 price differential.