Lingering US 1er Questions

cracka · 12-18-2007, 01:52 AM

So we've got the online configurator and initial allocation numbers are coming out, but there are some new and lingering questions still hanging out there. Some of you have contacts within BMW NA, so feel free to fire away the next time you have someone's ear. :wink:

What, if any, Priority One options will be available?

Is the "Premium Hi-Fi" option a Logic7 system?

Does the 135i Sport Package include an M shift knob?

The brochure lists 2 Boston Leather color options that do not exist on the Build-Your-Own Configurator. Which is accurate?

Is an oil cooler standard on the 135i?

The website specifications indicate a slight rear weight bias. Is this accurate?

Will custom paint orders be possible?

atr_hugo · 12-18-2007, 06:59 AM

Don't forget - the new BMW website says the steering rack on the 135i is electric (as in, 'deja vu all over again' ; -).

1ster · 12-18-2007, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cracka

What, if any, Priority One options will be available?

Is the "Premium Hi-Fi" option a Logic7 system?

Does the 135i Sport Package include an M shift knob?

The brochure lists 2 Boston Leather color options that do not exist on the Build-Your-Own Configurator. Which is accurate?

Is an oil cooler standard on the 135i?

The website specifications indicate a slight rear weight bias. Is this accurate?

Will custom paint orders be possible?

My opinion? None, no, no, the configurator, yes, yes, and no. :smile:

atr_hugo · 12-18-2007, 08:02 AM

Agree with 1ster on all but one - the rear weight bias. If you see how much mass is in front of the front axle centerline you gotta believe that unless they're putting a tungsten boat anchor in the back they have that info 'reversed'.

redwood · 12-18-2007, 08:21 AM

I believe the Sport Package does come with the leather M-shift knob. If you go add the sport package and look at the interior, you'll notice the shift knob changes from aluminum to leather.

1ster · 12-18-2007, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redwood

I believe the Sport Package does come with the leather M-shift knob. If you go add the sport package and look at the interior, you'll notice the shift knob changes from aluminum to leather.

Sweet! I hope you're right. :headbang:

Fast Kiwi · 12-18-2007, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ster

My opinion? None, no, no, the configurator, yes, yes, and no. :smile:

just wanted to add a little tid bit in regards to "custom" paint..
in the past we have done this through BMW so long as it is a current year color.. as in, it's available right now..
it can get pretty spendy to do but it has been possible in the past. not saying you can do it for the 1er but i wouldnt say its not gona happen at all just yet. just sayin.. :iono:

mikeo · 12-18-2007, 09:39 AM

Cracka, those are really good questions that need to move from the 'opinion' stage to 'confirmed' one way or the other.

I'm trying to Priority One order my car with Anthracite headliner. It's available on the production line for European cars.

BimmerMeUp · 12-18-2007, 10:11 AM

I thought this was in a strange place to put "Logic7"; not under "Features & Specs", "Packages & Options", but instead under "Model Highlights", "Entertainment". Since it is listed next to Ipod USB, which is definitely an option, I think they are referencing the optional upgrade. Maybe.

TunedM2C · 12-18-2007, 10:29 AM

Maybe someone can email bmwusa and get the answer to the Logic 7 confusion?

fuhgetaboutit · 12-18-2007, 10:40 AM

I don't see the appeal of "M" branding on a non-M car.

Either call it an M-something (although not M1 obviously), or don't put any "M" stuff on it. They dilute the "M" line by doing that.

Personally I'd rather not see that M logo anywhere on a vehicle unless it was an actual M model.

Brandon26pdx · 12-18-2007, 11:58 AM

Dunno if this has been addressed yet or not, but does anyone know what BMW official sales goals are for this car in the US/North America?

atr_hugo · 12-18-2007, 12:10 PM

Approximately 10,000 units is what I've heard. Keep in mind they sell over 200.000 3ers each year in the US. I suspect that the 1er is the first of a wave of niche vehicles that BMW is going to be sending here. Small niche products that can turn a profit even with small total sales numbers (by reusing platforms - not external skin - the 1er is a spce frame BTW : -). That will make their dealer base happy - fewer discounts more money in their pockets. Customers will get exclusivity for a particular model (1er's will not be as ubiquitous as 3ers - is the example we're seeing). Sounds like a heckuva marketing strategy.

cracka · 12-18-2007, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandon26pdx

Dunno if this has been addressed yet or not, but does anyone know what BMW official sales goals are for this car in the US/North America?

Forbes: 20,000 Worldwide

Just-Auto.com: 25,000 Worldwide, just over half in the US

So figure 11,000-13,000ish for MY2008.

Brandon26pdx · 12-18-2007, 01:30 PM

That's sounds pretty realistic. Maybe even a little conservative.

It's hard to say how well a car like this will do once the initial rush wears off. Some of the hottest cars ever made were floppy-Mcfloppos in the sales category. You have to wonder how many people will actually shell out 38k+ for a car that small with only 2-doors in the long run.

12-18-2007, 01:52 AM	#1
cracka Captain 26 Rep 780 Posts Drives: VO 1M Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: DFW iTrader: (0)	Lingering US 1er Questions So we've got the online configurator and initial allocation numbers are coming out, but there are some new and lingering questions still hanging out there. Some of you have contacts within BMW NA, so feel free to fire away the next time you have someone's ear. :wink: What, if any, Priority One options will be available? Is the "Premium Hi-Fi" option a Logic7 system? Does the 135i Sport Package include an M shift knob? The brochure lists 2 Boston Leather color options that do not exist on the Build-Your-Own Configurator. Which is accurate? Is an oil cooler standard on the 135i? The website specifications indicate a slight rear weight bias. Is this accurate? Will custom paint orders be possible?
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12-18-2007, 06:59 AM	#2
atr_hugo No longer moderate 325 Rep 4,401 Posts Drives: '13 135i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: - iTrader: (0)	Don't forget - the new BMW website says the steering rack on the 135i is electric (as in, 'deja vu all over again' ; -).
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12-18-2007, 08:02 AM	#4
atr_hugo No longer moderate 325 Rep 4,401 Posts Drives: '13 135i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: - iTrader: (0)	Agree with 1ster on all but one - the rear weight bias. If you see how much mass is in front of the front axle centerline you gotta believe that unless they're putting a tungsten boat anchor in the back they have that info 'reversed'.
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12-18-2007, 08:21 AM	#5
redwood Second Lieutenant 2 Rep 292 Posts Drives: 1999 BMW 328i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	I believe the Sport Package does come with the leather M-shift knob. If you go add the sport package and look at the interior, you'll notice the shift knob changes from aluminum to leather.
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12-18-2007, 09:39 AM	#8
mikeo Santa Fe Concorso 103 Rep 2,984 Posts Drives: '11 M-sport 328i, '13 X1 28i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Santa Fe, NM iTrader: (3)	Cracka, those are really good questions that need to move from the 'opinion' stage to 'confirmed' one way or the other. I'm trying to Priority One order my car with Anthracite headliner. It's available on the production line for European cars. __________________ Santa Fe Concorso - The Southwest's Premier Automotive Gathering.
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12-18-2007, 10:11 AM	#9
BimmerMeUp Private First Class 12 Rep 118 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0)	Logic7 I think, strange site organization I thought this was in a strange place to put "Logic7"; not under "Features & Specs", "Packages & Options", but instead under "Model Highlights", "Entertainment". Since it is listed next to Ipod USB, which is definitely an option, I think they are referencing the optional upgrade. Maybe. Attached Images
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12-18-2007, 10:29 AM	#10
TunedM2C Brigadier General 829 Rep 4,190 Posts Drives: 2016 LBB M2 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Earth iTrader: (2)	Maybe someone can email bmwusa and get the answer to the Logic 7 confusion?
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12-18-2007, 10:40 AM	#11
fuhgetaboutit Private First Class 10 Rep 121 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Charlotte,NC iTrader: (0)	I don't see the appeal of "M" branding on a non-M car. Either call it an M-something (although not M1 obviously), or don't put any "M" stuff on it. They dilute the "M" line by doing that. Personally I'd rather not see that M logo anywhere on a vehicle unless it was an actual M model.
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12-18-2007, 11:58 AM	#12
Brandon26pdx Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,938 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (1)	Dunno if this has been addressed yet or not, but does anyone know what BMW official sales goals are for this car in the US/North America?
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12-18-2007, 12:10 PM	#13
atr_hugo No longer moderate 325 Rep 4,401 Posts Drives: '13 135i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: - iTrader: (0)	Approximately 10,000 units is what I've heard. Keep in mind they sell over 200.000 3ers each year in the US. I suspect that the 1er is the first of a wave of niche vehicles that BMW is going to be sending here. Small niche products that can turn a profit even with small total sales numbers (by reusing platforms - not external skin - the 1er is a spce frame BTW : -). That will make their dealer base happy - fewer discounts more money in their pockets. Customers will get exclusivity for a particular model (1er's will not be as ubiquitous as 3ers - is the example we're seeing). Sounds like a heckuva marketing strategy.
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12-18-2007, 01:30 PM	#15
Brandon26pdx Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,938 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (1)	That's sounds pretty realistic. Maybe even a little conservative. It's hard to say how well a car like this will do once the initial rush wears off. Some of the hottest cars ever made were floppy-Mcfloppos in the sales category. You have to wonder how many people will actually shell out 38k+ for a car that small with only 2-doors in the long run.
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