1 Series is out...

[James Crivellone]

I will hold back judgement until I see it in person

[Brew]

I will hold back judgement until I see it in person

Me too. It seems that all these new "Bangle-ized" bimmers look completely different, and way better, in person. The new 545i is SEX.

And about those diesels, I really wish that the EPA or whatever would lighten up so that we could get some more of them over here. Car and Driver did a great article a couple months ago about some of the newer diesel engines, comparing them with their gasoline equivalents. It amazing how much development has gone into those engines and how well they compare. Pretty interesting stuff. The V10 TT Touareg is going to be absolutely :twisted: .

[M3 Ryan]

mad diesel motors=European market.

wonder what we'll get?

I bet we get the I-6 model with all power options and leather... seeing as other countries pay WAY more for gas than out $2.XX a gallon... and we here in america be liken our big motors to be gas guzzlin. word. 8)

[Smoove1]

I like it. If it has a I-6 I hope it's faster than a GTI so I can talk shit to my VW driving friends :P

[Jordan]

Since when did BMW change its slogan to "Sheer Driving Pleasure." That's crap.

Jon

Pure fucking crap, just like Bangle, and all his bastardized creations with BMW roundels.

[Fred]

And about those diesels, I really wish that the EPA or whatever would lighten up so that we could get some more of them over here.

That's not the EPA's decision, it's BMWs. According to them, the diesels are noisier than gasoline engines (duh), and because of the sounds it makes it does not fit with the American image of BMWs. Idiots.

[mikey]

i like the overall package, but i'm waiting for the supposed "2-series" two-door saloon to come out.

HIGH OUTPUT 4cyl....nuff said

exactly :twisted:

EDIT: I don't know how reliable Automotive News is, but they have a big headline in the first few pages, "BMW may not bring 1-series to U.S."

BMW AG may scrap plans to export its new 1-series small car to the United States.
Company executives had 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. BMW officials say the plans have changed.
"I am not prepared to say what sort of car we will bring," says Tom Purves, CEO of BMW North America. He says the 1 series had been on track for sale in the United States, but "lots of things have changed."
He says U.S. dealers haven't vetoed the plan, and that a four-door hasn't been approved for production. He said it may be up to BMW North America to make a case that the 1 series can sell in the United States.
Burkhard Goeschel, BMW's top product development executive in Germany, said, "Despite the success of our Mini, U.S. customers still have to get used to small models." Asked if the 1 series will come to the United States before 2007, Goeschel said: "This is not very likely. It has been a decision of BMW U.S.A. not to bring the 1 series to the U.S. for the near future." He added: "If we go to the U.S., it will be with another body variant (than the hatchback)."

Backpedaling
A Europe-based consultant working with BMW says the company is "backpedaling" because of the strong euro and because other 1 series derivatives are being considered.
"BMW is toying with changing the name of one of the body styles - it could be called the 2 series," the source said. "The U.S. may get a four-seat, two-door model with a trunk, but they would make it sleek and coupelike."
Calling the coupe a 2 series would follow BMW's strategy of making even-numbered models either coupes or sportier versions of sedans. That would allow BMW to price a 2 series higher - a strategy used in positioning the new 6 series coupe and convertible above the 7 series sedan.
The 1 series is based on the 3 series, which debuts next year. The 2 series also would use 3 series components.
The 1 series hatchback, which will be built in Regensburg, Germany, is 166.5 inches long - 9.5 inches shorter than the 3 series sedan.

Currency an issue
A European stock analyst who had heard that BMW is reconsidering plans to sell the 1 series in the United States said: "The fact that there has been this wobble suggests there has been rethinking because the exchange rate has changed dramatically."
The analyst, who spoke on condition that he not be named, added: "It raises the issue whether you can sell this vehicle profitably and if it helps you in terms of image and profitability."
BMW has currency-hedging arrangements with banks that provide partial protection from a weak dollar. But those arrangements end after 2005, near the time the 1 series would enter the U.S. market.
"If the euro stays strong and climbs, then the 2006 horizon will get difficult," the analyst said. "They'll have to increase prices, and that could put the viability of the 1 series program on hold."

sorry for the long post, hope it helps ;)

[Erick]

:dot:

[mikeedler]

I think it is crap. it is ment to compete against tiny little cars like VW lupos, VW polos, and ghey little french pieces of crap! it will be the next (LE CAR) in the US.As far as diesels go, i own a 320d E46wagon, and I hate the underpowered motor makes the car not very enjoyable to drive-- but it does get 600miles to a tank(especially when it costs over $70. just to fill the tank in my E30!)here in germany

[rscheiring]

At first I thought it was a Hyundai Tiberon!!

[Old'n'Slow]

Since when did BMW change its slogan to "Sheer Driving Pleasure." That's crap.

Jon

Pure fucking crap, just like Bangle, and all his bastardized creations with BMW roundels.

Damn, Jordan!!! Don't mince words! What do you really think???

[nando]

And about those diesels, I really wish that the EPA or whatever would lighten up so that we could get some more of them over here.

That's not the EPA's decision, it's BMWs. According to them, the diesels are noisier than gasoline engines (duh), and because of the sounds it makes it does not fit with the American image of BMWs. Idiots.

it doesn't.. diesels only account for something like 1.2% of the total volume of car sales in north america. it makes up 30% in europe! AFAIK, VW currently owns the entire 1.2% of the market for diesels in NA :)

[Charlie]

And about those diesels, I really wish that the EPA or whatever would lighten up so that we could get some more of them over here.

That's not the EPA's decision, it's BMWs. According to them, the diesels are noisier than gasoline engines (duh), and because of the sounds it makes it does not fit with the American image of BMWs. Idiots.

it doesn't.. diesels only account for something like 1.2% of the total volume of car sales in north america. it makes up 30% in europe! AFAIK, VW currently owns the entire 1.2% of the market for diesels in NA :)

Mercedes also sells diesels over here, albeit in very light volume.

You're obviously leaving out the very large diesel pickup categories, I would say at least half of the full ton, and a good 35% of the 3/4 sales of trucks are diesels.

-Charlie

[MattM20]

Since when did BMW change its slogan to "Sheer Driving Pleasure." That's crap.

Jon

Pure fucking crap, just like Bangle, and all his bastardized creations with BMW roundels.

thats been the international slogan for years, BMWUSA is still the Ultimate Driving Machine.

btw i think the 2.0L I-4 is still an evolution of the M42. i know the the recent 318's with 2.0L's have been M44's.

[shahe]

its not bad, here is a quick mod from crappy paint

:)