Thoughts on the 1 Series 3/5 door

[Dunnett]

I find it very frustrating that BMW refuses to bring the 3/5 door 1 Series model to North America. In view of the success of 3/5 models from manufacturers like Audi, VW, Volvo, MB and virtually every other manufacturer I can think of no reason why this model shouldn't be part of the North American product line. It is in Europe and it is in Mexico.

My inquiries to BMW have resulted in only trite replies (AKA : FU).

I've been driving BMW for 15 years. I'd like to continue that. My 318Ti is getting tired and I need to replace it. It pisses me off that I'll be replacing it with an Audi A3, a Mercedez C230, a VW GTI/Golf, or a Volvo.

[bdr127]

A few reasons why BMW is hesitant to bring it here.....

1) Most Americans unfortunately associate "hatchback" with "econo-box" car, like a Chevy Aveo, Ford Focus hatch, Honda Fit, or Toyota Yaris. Trying to market a luxury hatchback with a high price-point in America could be difficult because of this stereotype.

2) The closest (only?) competitor would be the Audi A3. Looking at their sales figures, it's not like the A3 is lighting up Audi's financial statements -- 4700 total US units in 2008, not even 3000 in the US so far this year. The A3 only makes up ~5% of Audi's sales, and far less than that as a percentage of their profits.

3) The existing US 128 and 135 models only account for ~5% of sales (and less than that in profits).

With all that in mind, does it really make sense to do all the work, marketing, and put in all the expense for a car that might sell a couple thousand units per year? Personally, I think it's a great car, but I just don't see the financial sense from BMW's perspective.

[Dominic321]

bdr127 i completely agree with you

[Dunnett]

My thoughts...

1) One look at the 1 series 3/5 door and you know its not an "econo box". I'm thinking the average consumer might have to down 3-4 peyote buttons to draw a line from a 1 series to a Yaris. Then again, we have Sarah Pailin...

2)Sales figures are comprised of a number of things that may be single digit and look insignificant. perhaps sales of Mini's combined with current 1 Series offerings would be a better indicator of potential as would sales of those models in the current markets where they are available.

3) BMW has already invested in the 1 series in North America and the 3/5 door model represent a gaping hole in their product line, the only option being an SUV or a Touring.

The investment in introducing the 1 Series 3/5 would be insignificant.

If there is anything that bears market evaluation it is the bloated X6. Do you have any sales figure percentages on that particular beast?

[xatlas0]

Considering the crash testing has already been done, I would like to see it available as a special order car, that way the additional investment required by BMW is effectively nil.

[Dunnett]

Originally Posted by xatlas0

Considering the crash testing has already been done, I would like to see it available as a special order car, that way the additional investment required by BMW is effectively nil.

+1

[Spahrticus]

I've wanted a white 120i M Sport for so long now. I had hope when BMW first announced the 1 Series was coming to NA, but then no hatch for us . No M5 wagon, no S50B32 is the E36, and no 1 series hatch.... BMW must hate us.

[MandMs]

it makes no sense - we have the money for the car and we don't want to pay for the fuel - why doesn't BMW send it our way? The diesels are very amazing because I've read of 50 to 60mpg! I want one of those! And in a wagon/hatch setup- I'd own a car like that until it turned to dust.

[joey v]

not bad looking at all

[Dunnett]

Originally Posted by MandMs

it makes no sense - we have the money for the car and we don't want to pay for the fuel - why doesn't BMW send it our way? The diesels are very amazing because I've read of 50 to 60mpg! I want one of those! And in a wagon/hatch setup- I'd own a car like that until it turned to dust.

Oh man - don't get me started on the diesel models. They are amazing, and yes - all that fuel economy and more. You'll NEVER see one in the US. It's just too dam good on fuel.

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[Mpowered]

Yeah, I was actually just doing research to see if they were bringing this thing to the states or not. I'm currently in Tokyo and see a bunch of these 1 series wagons running around and absolutely love them.

I totally agree that this should be brought to the US.

[Slateman]

Originally Posted by MandMs

it makes no sense - we have the money for the car and we don't want to pay for the fuel - why doesn't BMW send it our way? The diesels are very amazing because I've read of 50 to 60mpg! I want one of those! And in a wagon/hatch setup- I'd own a car like that until it turned to dust.

Diesel has never caught on here for a variety of reasons.

As for the hatchbacks, they don't seem to be popular in the US at all. Personally, I already think BMW has too many models.

[WolfStrong]

bdr127 hit the nail on the head.

Honestly guys, when it all comes down to it, sales figures don't add up. The 1 just doesn't have the sales figures for BMW to consider expanding the line; period, end of the story. Now it could be a mistake on their part for not introducing a less costly one (4 cyl? diesel?) that would appeal to a wider market range, but when it all boils down to it, for whatever reason they did not, and probably will not.

Something we have to understand about our fellow Americans here is that they have different wants than those over in Europe. We like trucks, big cars, and big motors. Europe likes small cars that are nimble with great gas mileage (read: difference in fuel prices?). We like automatics, Europe likes manual. We like gasoline, they like diesel. Enthusiasts will always be a different market, but that makes up such a small percentage of overall customer base, that it just doesn't make sense to make a car for them.

[Dunnett]

Originally Posted by Slateman

Diesel has never caught on here for a variety of reasons.

As for the hatchbacks, they don't seem to be popular in the US at all. Personally, I already think BMW has too many models.

And of course hybrids hadn't "caught on" a few years ago either. As for BMW, you can't say diesel never "caught on" because they don't offer anything in diesel - and I'm sure VW and Audi are good with that.

As for the popularity of hatchbacks - c'mon...have a look around. I'm not sure where you live, but in the larger urban centers hatchbacks are prolific.

Prius, VW, Audi, Mercedez, Mazda, Toyota...in fact, apart from BMW (and the stupid Mini) find me one company that doesn't offer a hatchback.

Unfortunately I think the decision not to bring in the 1 - 3/5 has more to do with maintaining Mini sales than anything else.

Originally Posted by WolfStrong

bdr127 hit the nail on the head.

Honestly guys, when it all comes down to it, sales figures don't add up. The 1 just doesn't have the sales figures for BMW to consider expanding the line; period, end of the story. Now it could be a mistake on their part for not introducing a less costly one (4 cyl? diesel?) that would appeal to a wider market range, but when it all boils down to it, for whatever reason they did not, and probably will not.

Something we have to understand about our fellow Americans here is that they have different wants than those over in Europe. We like trucks, big cars, and big motors. Europe likes small cars that are nimble with great gas mileage (read: difference in fuel prices?). We like automatics, Europe likes manual. We like gasoline, they like diesel. Enthusiasts will always be a different market, but that makes up such a small percentage of overall customer base, that it just doesn't make sense to make a car for them.

You are addressing the current trend in the US and over the past 5-10 years that trend IS changing. The Prius and the trend toward hybrids is a perfect example.

As far as I understand it, BMW does not supply the NA market with vehicles that have larger engines. I understand the differences between the NA market and Europe, but that just does not translate into a reason not to bring in the 3/5 door. They introduced the 1 coupe - why stop there? Why does Mexico get the full compliment of the BMW line? And why NOT offer it as a special order item for those who DO want one?

I've always seen BMW as a leader and on the cutting edge, but not these days.

If the 1 Series isn't selling well, its because it is overpriced - it certainly is in Canada. Its a joke actually.

Have a look at the Mexican BMW web site. $26,900 for a base model 3 door hatch. Then consider what that will get you in the current US market. It's no brainer.

http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car...s_hybrid-spied

[MandMs]

Originally Posted by Slateman

Diesel has never caught on here for a variety of reasons.

I think the 'variety of reasons' reside firmly planted in politics. End of. If the US truly wanted to go green, they would and this would be a fabulous start.

[Dunnett]

There are 2 ways of going green - sadly in seems that it is the way associated with greed.

[WILMAR188]

Stupid idea, but here is something I thought of while reading this thread...

Remember when gas prices went up to $4-$5 per gallon and everyone freaked? While the Prius had been out for a year, no one really paid attention until gas prices went up. Could BMW possibly be waiting until gas prices sky rocket again and THEN send them to NA? Imagine the hype if they sold a $25k 1 series hatch capable of 50-60mpg. That's an extra 20 MPG over the Prius within the same price bracket and a lot of fun to drive. Who knows...

[Dunnett]

Originally Posted by WILMAR188

Stupid idea, but here is something I thought of while reading this thread...

Remember when gas prices went up to $4-$5 per gallon and everyone freaked? While the Prius had been out for a year, no one really paid attention until gas prices went up. Could BMW possibly be waiting until gas prices sky rocket again and THEN send them to NA? Imagine the hype if they sold a $25k 1 series hatch capable of 50-60mpg. That's an extra 20 MPG over the Prius within the same price bracket and a lot of fun to drive. Who knows...

Fuel is already expensive. If BMW introduced this vehicle they would do extremely well. They have alientated an entire market share by offering vehicles that appeal only to those interested in increasing their carbon footprint as much as possible. The X6 makes me want to puke everytime I see one. Just buy the Hummer and be done with it.