With the tag line: "20 Cars Worth Waiting For" and the caption 2008 BMW M1 (Just kidding, it's the 135i)

The article appears too new to be on the Car and Driver website, so here's what they say about the 1-series coming stateside:

What it is: After learning the hard way that Americans don't want a hatchback BMW at any price, BMW is bringing over a coupe version of the diminutive 1-series.
Why it's important: The 1-series coupe will be BMW's entry-level model, bringing six-cylinder refinement and rear-wheel drive to a primarily front-drive segment. Also, the 300-hp 135i will be quick enough to be regarded as an M1, although BMW won't call it that.
Platform: Based on the previous generation 3-series (E46).
Powertrain: The base engine will be the 230-hp version of BMW's 3.0-liter six you'll find in the 328i, but the more sporting version will be the 135i. Packing a 300-hp twin-turbo inline-six, the 135i will weigh 300 fewer pounds than the 335i and will have a better power-to-weight ratio than the last M3. A 135i should be able to spring from 0-to-60 mph in about 4.5 seconds. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be available.
Competition: Audi A3 and TT, Mazdaspeed 3, Mini Cooper S, Subaru WRX, Volkswagen GTI, Volvo C30.
What might go wrong: The styling might be a turn-off, and the 1 could steal sales from the 3-series.
Estimated arrival and cost: Spring 2008; about $25,000 for a 128i, rising to $35,000 for a 135i.

Stay tuned to Car and Driver for pics (or just open up the magazine when you get it).

Oh geez oh geez oh geez if this is true I am going to cream my pants.
The 130i is a pocket rocket as it is, the 135i would be insane!

Ew... $35K for 135i? Buy a GTi and drop $10K into it and get a sweet 400hp machine.

o i got that zine too its nice ! jus got it today!

Ew... $35K for 135i? Buy a GTi and drop $10K into it and get a sweet 400hp machine.
They are just guessing on the price. Maybe that's a 'fully loaded' version?

plus i'm sure that a few slight mods (chip, intake, exhaust, etc.) would make this thing even more of a killer.

-mike

I like the idea.

135 will be way better than any FWD GTi.

a RWD 135 will be way better than a FWD GTI.

for under 2K the 135 can be modded to nearly 400 hp as well,
and then add a limited slip....... where do I sign up.?

Oh wait.. I signed up on a list at my local dealer 3 years ago when it was first rumored to come out as an M2 :buttrock

Ew... $35K for 135i? Buy a GTi and drop $10K into it and get a sweet 400hp machine.

what are you "ew"ing about? a loaded 335i is around 45,000 w a few options..as we've seen vids of WALKEDU's Procede 335i it doesn't take much and you've got a bonafide e46 M killer.... the 135i which is atleast 200lbs *if not more* less than the 335i will be good for 0-60 in under 5 secs easy...like some said all it'll need is a Lsd... which maybe available before the 1 series is launched in the U.S. Hartge has a company in the Uk making them a lsd diff for the e90/e92......btw if the 1 series is based on the old e46 platform shouldn't a diff from a M3 or 330i Zhp work also??

I would rather see a stroked and bored 2.0L from the 320is in the 1er and make it a CSl model. Buy it and gut it off all the lux crap and interior. I think it could be a track master.



T

Ew... $35K for 135i? Buy a GTi and drop $10K into it and get a sweet 400hp machine.

you should rephrase that the GTi is a sweet 400hp unbalanced understeering made in Mexico (or Brazil) machine.

please note that driving a BMW is not just about power.
A3 might be a closer competitor, but still, not close enough.

A couple months ago I drove my friend's 130i in Hong Kong and its already a killer, cant imagine how much better can 135i goes.

I would rather see a stroked and bored 2.0L from the 320is in the 1er and make it a CSl model. Buy it and gut it off all the lux crap and interior. I think it could be a track master.



T



+1

Ew... $35K for 135i? Buy a GTi and drop $10K into it and get a sweet 400hp machine.
seriously what you talking about man. 135 ftw. base price prob around 30k + 3k to have 430hp 490 ft lbs of torque (at crank) and a limited slip...




....oh and a bmw:D


This thing will haul ass, and it will be a sleeper. :redspot

This car will be an animal once modded. The new M3 and the E60 M5 better watch out.:eek:

Diminutive? C&D is typically clueless (like most of the American rags), but that's a particularly terrible choice of words. The E87 is larger and heavier than the old E46 compact, and it drives quite a bit like an E90. :rolleyes A Fiat Punto is "diminutive."

Basically, the only real advantage this car will have over the 335i is price. I will be very surprised if the weight difference exceeds 200 lbs by any significant amount.

>> $25,000 for a 128i, rising to $35,000 for a 135i

Sounds pretty believable to me - less than a 3, more than a MINI. Figure if they do put together an M version it would be right around 40-43K, and BMW sold a zillion e36m3s at that price.

I'd like to dream of an M version with a new 6 cylinder engine based on the M5/M6 engine putting out 300hp and revving to 9k.

And for god's sake BMW put an LSD on this car, just like the MINI. Even if only a $1500 option or something...

If I get one I'll surely be paying Dinan for a waranteed LSD... no questions...

Sounds pretty believable to me - less than a 3, more than a MINI. Figure if they do put together an M version it would be right around 40-43K, and BMW sold a zillion e36m3s at that price.

And for god's sake BMW put an LSD on this car, just like the MINI. Even if only a $1500 option or something...Actually, if you adjust for inflation, the E36 M3 would cost over 50k if it were sold new today. That 40k price is only similar on paper.

For an idea of how much prices have changed in the past fifteen-twenty years, the MSRP on my 735il was $58,000. That's less than a 550 stickers for today. Of course, $58k in 1989 (based on the CPI) was the equivalent of nearly 100k today - 20k more than the current base model 7 series. Their cars have really gotten a lot cheaper, which is particularly astounding considering how weak the dollar is after such a strong patch in the 90s. BMW must be eating the margins through volume.

As for that LSD, don't count on it. They're now simply using it as an incentive to buy one of their M cars.

I'll find a way to get an LSD in there... I'm hoping I can pirate the guts from a slushy E36 M3... I THINK they have the same case and just different rear covers, but we'll see....

I really don't want to pony up 2500 to diffsonline.

Good point - I guess my budget hasn't kept up with inflation...or perhaps I'm spending all my money on racing instead of driving an M car around. :)

I'm not counting on the LSD, but just hoping. They did start to make it available on the MINI, particularly at the behest of the autocross community since adding an LSD where there wasn't one previously isn't allowed in Stock class. It does make such a huge difference under those conditions. I could just imagine an S2000 or RX-8 or other great-handling RWD car without an LSD - it would suck suck suck.

Actually, if you adjust for inflation, the E36 M3 would cost over 50k if it were sold new today. That 40k price is only similar on paper.

For an idea of how much prices have changed in the past fifteen-twenty years, the MSRP on my 735il was $58,000. That's less than a 550 stickers for today. Of course, $58k in 1989 (based on the CPI) was the equivalent of nearly 100k today - 20k more than the current base model 7 series. Their cars have really gotten a lot cheaper, which is particularly astounding considering how weak the dollar is after such a strong patch in the 90s. BMW must be eating the margins through volume.

As for that LSD, don't count on it. They're now simply using it as an incentive to buy one of their M cars.

I'm not that concerned with the rules, I just want to sort out what I can cannibalize for parts....

I hope it drives better than the 335i, which is just too big

I hope it drives better than the 335i, which is just too big

i think 335i is a "comfortable" size. theyre so much fun to drive. i couldnt imagine how much fun a 135i would be to drive tho. this car should sell fairly easily even though it kinda does come off as a chick car unless you get all the beefy accessory mods to it lol. like the m-aero kit and wheels.

well, you're comparing it to a 745i, I'm comparing it to a z4. conveniently our two cars are at opposite ends of the spectrum

i own a 04 325xi too and oddly it has more leg room for the driver than my 7. its weird but i have to put my seat all the way back in my 7 but i have to scoot it up in my 3 cause all the way back is a stretch for me and im 6'4". i dunno why that is but i guess bmw tries to compromise with stuff like that.

Ew... $35K for 135i? Buy a GTi and drop $10K into it and get a sweet 400hp FWD FTL machine.

Fixed.

I love how everyone said the 335i was the m3 killer, this is the m3 killer. It says it uses the e46 platform meaning that it most likely uses an e46 diff. Intake, exhaust, procede, and 3.64 lsd with a 6 speed MT will beat the new m3, mark my words. It already says it has better power to weight and weighs 300 pounds less than the 335i. This car is going to be a monster, 4.5 0-60 hahah omg, I cannot wait to see some vids of this car lol.

I'm standing in line. Piss on the baby seat.

edit:

I shouldn't have said that. I don't have any kids yet, but her and the mother-in-law will be wanting some soon.

It will be a monster.

Can't wait!

I wonder if a 135i with the same powerplant of the 335i will cannibalize sales of one of their highest selling series of cars (the 3 series). I bet a bunch of 335i owners who paid close to $50K for their cars will be scratching their heads at how BMW could sell a similarly powered car for much less. It just doesn't make sense to me from a marketing or financial standpoint.

If they price it at $35K, my guess is that they would detune the engine or face the wrath of plenty of loyal 3er owners feeling they got screwed. If they price it in the $40K range, my guess is that it will actually cannibalize the 3ers.

The 135i will appeal to a slightly different crowd the the 335i.It will be smaller,less $$ and have less "glamor".But it will also be faster,lighter and more nimble.:redspot

I'm telling you right now that if the 135i were available, I would seriously be debating whether I should have gotten that instead of my current 335i. That car appeals to me and I'm sure it will appeal to many current 3 series owners. The only way it wouldn't appeal to me is if it were detuned and less "well-appointed" without leather options, NAV, sportier suspension, etc.

i cant say that a 135 would really be a "chick" car but whatever you say man. and i agree with amalan the 325 has more leg room up front than any 7 series i have driven...but thats just my opinion

I'll be ordering mine with "big motor, sport package, and nothing else.... well, maybe CWP"

no power seats, no leather, no extra weight!

btw, Phil, what's up buddy?

I'll be ordering mine with "big motor, sport package, and nothing else.... well, maybe CWP"

no power seats, no leather, no extra weight!

btw, Phil, what's up buddy?

Hey Jeremy, I've been in the background for a while. But, I'm back now.

Anyway, I just get this sneaky feeling BMW will butter us all up and will release a detuned version of the 135i.

honestly, i'd rather have a 135d (drooooooooooooooooooooool), but historically a "2.8" is the same accross the lines and whatnot, I can't think of a similarly badged model with a detuned output...

even if pricing is way out of hand... the 128i (I sooo wish they'd do the 130i...) will be almost identical in specifications to the E36 M3... the interior just won't fall apart!

Just think, what if Lexus put the IS 350's engine in the IS 250? Can you imagine the hellstorm that would create? If the 135i does come out with the 300hp TT powerplant, my guess is that it will stay in Europe.

Can someone clear this up for me?

1.How much smaller will the 1's be than the 3's inside and out?
2.Since BMW is making a 135, will they be capable or would they even need or want to build an m1? I find it weird to have the same engine in the 3 and 5 let alone the 1?!
3.I'm 19 years old and I plan on keeping this next car for a while(5-10 years) so which would be a better fit: 135 or 335?

if you are 19, you should have an E30.

Phil... I talked to the dealer here a couple weeks ago, and they are confirming "135i with turbos" direct from bmw-na. I'm first on the list too! :D:D:D:D:D

if you are 19, you should have an E30.

Phil... I talked to the dealer here a couple weeks ago, and they are confirming "135i with turbos" direct from bmw-na. I'm first on the list too! :D:D:D:D:D

Wow! That is really interesting. Do you think it will be the same turbos or smaller than the 335i? Did they tell you if the software will detune the output of the engine?

honestly, i'd rather have a 135d (drooooooooooooooooooooool), but historically a "2.8" is the same accross the lines and whatnot, I can't think of a similarly badged model with a detuned output...

even if pricing is way out of hand... the 128i (I sooo wish they'd do the 130i...) will be almost identical in specifications to the E36 M3... the interior just won't fall apart!

A 135d manual hatch would be about the only thing better (to me, anyway) than a 135 twin-turbo manual hatch. Same or better performance, fewer parts, no ignition issues, absolutely absurd gas mileage, and the potential to go bio and brew my own. That is a car I would buy new.

Wow! That is really interesting. Do you think it will be the same turbos or smaller than the 335i? Did they tell you if the software will detune the output of the engine?



those questions have yet to be answered, but "three liter turbo" was cited.

should have specs and details in early august is what he was saying, and I have no reason to doubt him.

You know, there have been rumors that the current 3.0l turbo has been factory-detuned so as not to steal the thunder of the current M3 and to also allow the newer M3 to show a "significant" power gain over the current 335i. I could imagine a scenario where the engine is detuned further for the 135i.

You know, there have been rumors that the current 3.0l turbo has been factory-detuned so as not to steal the thunder of the current M3 and to also allow the newer M3 to show a "significant" power gain over the current 335i. I could imagine a scenario where the engine is detuned further for the 135i.

that is what i'm thinking there is no way a 1 series should compete against an m3

we'll have to see... I'm cautiously optimistic.

I was hoping for the 135i to be the size of the E36 M3, weigh about 3250lbs, 6 MT, 3.0 tt inline 6. Do a reflash, intake, exhaust, LSD, and better rubber, and it should be quite happy on the street as well as the track. Hopefully it will be priced in the very low 30's.

the key will be a way to sort a modestly priced LSD upgrade.

then, I'll be all over it.

that is what i'm thinking there is no way a 1 series should compete against an m3

I think the way might be release the 135 with the same power as the 335, then upgrade the 335 power. Easy to do, BMW has mentioned that the only reason that the 335 doesn't make more power is that its transmission isn't up to the task.

I think the way might be release the 135 with the same power as the 335, then upgrade the 335 power. Easy to do, BMW has mentioned that the only reason that the 335 doesn't make more power is that its transmission isn't up to the task.

Well, even if they did detune the engine via software, I'd still plan on flashing it, which should put it in the same territory whether or not it was detuned from the factory. For those used to the low hp/$ ratio of NA I-6's, this is a dream come true.

Finally, tuning to keep up with HP numbers from VW and Audi owners will not be so expensive. I'm not saying it'll be cheap, but it'll be so much better than it used to be....

Ew... $35K for 135i? Buy a GTi and drop $10K into it and get a sweet 400hp machine.

Uh, there are already chips available for this engine that produce over 400 HP (350 HP to the wheels!). I can't think of a better bargain as far as the power you get for the money. This car will beat the new M3 with a simple chip.

Why am I having buyer's remorse on my 335i? The 135i seems to be materializing as predicted WITH the monster power. Damn it! I've been had!

;)

Can't wait to hear the stories from you guys who end up getting one.

Why am I having buyer's remorse on my 335i? The 135i seems to be materializing as predicted WITH the monster power. Damn it! I've been had!

;)

Can't wait to hear the stories from you guys who end up getting one.

Sell the 335i quick while there is still a demand for it. Once the 135i gets here, I have no doubt sales numbers (from an enthusiast's standpoint) for the 3 series will drop.

Ew... $35K for 135i? Buy a GTi and drop $10K into it and get a sweet 400hp machine.

:lol

Or buy a 135i and drop $5k into it for an almost 500hp machine.

GTFO. n00b.

I was hoping for the 135i to be the size of the E36 M3, weigh about 3250lbs, 6 MT, 3.0 tt inline 6. Do a reflash, intake, exhaust, LSD, and better rubber, and it should be quite happy on the street as well as the track. Hopefully it will be priced in the very low 30's.

Thats basically what it's going to be. It is 3/4" more narrow than the E36, 2 inches shorter and an inch taller. Should weigh between 3100-3200lbs depending on options. Most likely not any lower than $33k. If all this hype keeps up, they will have no problem selling them for $40k.

Supply vs. demand people. Let the hype die down until prices are announced.

:lol

Or buy a 135i and drop $5k into it for an almost 500hp machine.

GTFO. n00b.

you already bashed that post a month ago :confused

personally, there is a pretty good chance that i will buy a 135.. but the GTI idea isnt really that bad. the MKV gti is an awesome car. plus, a 4-dr hatch kicks the crap out of a 2 dr coupe. theres also something to be said for a $10k+ price difference.
it would be a handful though w/ "400" HP and FWD.

you already bashed that post a month ago :confused

personally, there is a pretty good chance that i will buy a 135.. but the GTI idea isnt really that bad. the MKV gti is an awesome car. plus, a 4-dr hatch kicks the crap out of a 2 dr coupe. theres also something to be said for a $10k+ price difference.
it would be a handful though w/ "400" HP and FWD.

Lol I forgot I already bashed it. I re-read it again today and I just had to bash again I guess.

:confused

Getting very excited about this car....haven't been this excited since I first drove an E36 M3.

Now I don't feel so bad about letting the M go...