BMW 1-series tii at Chicago Show

[IrvRobinson2]

I will post just a few photos now and small impressions, I will get back later with more when my editor is done with everything.

http://www.edbmw.com/blog/2008/02/06...-1-series-tii/

[TunedM2C]

Lots of angles happening in this pic.

[asv]

Irv, I noticed on your blog post:

"Also, according to Mr. Birkmann, the U.S Performance Parts Catalog will be released sometimes in the Spring, but…it won't include the carbon fiber parts."

When you say "parts" does that include trim as well?

[ChrisK]

I can't wait!! I will be at the show in the morning!

[IrvRobinson2]

Originally Posted by asv

Irv, I noticed on your blog post:

"Also, according to Mr. Birkmann, the U.S Performance Parts Catalog will be released sometimes in the Spring, but…it won't include the carbon fiber parts."

When you say "parts" does that include trim as well?

yes

[Robert]

Wait so what will actually make it here?

People say the seats won't be available and now the CF as well?

So the rear valence is out, so is the mirror, hood, and how about the front structs brace that is made of CF as well. All we get are the shift knob, steering wheel?

[ScullyD]

Originally Posted by robert

Wait so what will actually make it here?

People say the seats won't be available and now the CF as well?

So the rear valence is out, so is the mirror, hood, and how about the front structs brace that is made of CF as well. All we get are the shift knob, steering wheel?

You can get the Carbon Fiber front strut brace for the old 3 series on BMW's performance parts website here:
http://accessories.bmwusa.com/ItemVi...=0&subItemId=4

Nearly 1k though, just doesn't seem worth it.

[IrvRobinson2]

update: we have added another 20+ photos. We're really tired so we won't be copy and paste them on here also, but if one of the moderators has more time, you can link them here if you want. I apologize for that

http://www.edbmw.com/blog/2008/02/06...-1-series-tii/

[02cruzer]

Any shots of the 02 next too it?

[Dave]

ekk that dash is pretty ugly... esp the gauges and the white trim

love the seats thou!

[IrvRobinson2]

Originally Posted by robert

Wait so what will actually make it here?

People say the seats won't be available and now the CF as well?

So the rear valence is out, so is the mirror, hood, and how about the front structs brace that is made of CF as well. All we get are the shift knob, steering wheel?

pretty much.

[Year1of1]

not as crazy of a BMW fanatic as most ppl on the board. love the exterior look but i think that car's interior is hideous ... why would u want suede wrapped seats, dash and steering wheel?

[IrvRobinson2]

Originally Posted by Year1of1

not as crazy of a BMW fanatic as most ppl on the board. love the exterior look but i think that car's interior is hideous ... why would u want suede wrapped seats, dash and steering wheel?

better grip on the steering wheel and more of the sporty cars have the suede interior.

[imported_135Driver]

SWEET! Love the pics! Thank you for sharing!

[IrvRobinson2]

more photos









































the old tii

[Endgame]

Originally Posted by IrvRobinson

pretty much.

That just totally sunk my ship. I like the 1er, but without those parts, I really am uninterested now.

If BMW will not make a Tii, they need to empower consumers to do it themselves. Maybe the means they will be releasing a performance version of the 1er.

[SpeedFrq]

Originally Posted by Endgame

That just totally sunk my ship. I like the 1er, but without those parts, I really am uninterested now.

If BMW will not make a Tii, they need to empower consumers to do it themselves. Maybe the means they will be releasing a performance version of the 1er.

it's not what you buy, it's what you build :wink:

[larryn]

Originally Posted by Klaus

I may not take delivery of my vehicle now because of this.
Why does Germany feel the need to stiffle American consumers?

I hope you're kidding! Exactly how do YOU feel stifled? We have the best prices (by a large margin) in the world. I know that this is to compete with other marques, because nobody would buy a $50kUSD base 135i, but that's exactly what it costs most other places (if not more in many markets). BMW isn't making a boatload of cash on cars sold in the US.

If they have eliminate some of the flexibility to us, a few colors, and make them a bit more cookie-cutter to save a few dollars, so be it. I can start form their mold to make my car exactly how I want it.

And why do you think we do not have the BMW Individual Program? It's because in this country, you can walk from a car AND get your deposit back. The Individual Program allows you to order a orange car with purple leather, if you wanted to. I'm pretty sure that would sit on a lot for a few weeks if the ordering party walked. Although I wish we had access to this program, I can certainly understand why we do not have it.

The Tii being shown isn't even a N54 powered car. That car isn't a lightweight version. It's a exercise in slapping on BMW sourced aftermarket parts. Nothing more than a showcase of products, much like you see at SEMA. There will be plenty of CF parts available for this car within a year from somebody, if not BMW.

[crzy4135i]

Originally Posted by Year1of1

not as crazy of a BMW fanatic as most ppl on the board. love the exterior look but i think that car's interior is hideous ... why would u want suede wrapped seats, dash and steering wheel?

Function over form.. more grip to hold you in place and better grip on the steering wheel.

[Endgame]

Originally Posted by SpeedFrq

it's not what you buy, it's what you build :wink:

Touche!

[Drawarms]

suede looks killer, its like a M5.

[1ForAll]

Originally Posted by Year1of1

not as crazy of a BMW fanatic as most ppl on the board. love the exterior look but i think that car's interior is hideous ... why would u want suede wrapped seats, dash and steering wheel?

Originally Posted by Drawarms

suede looks killer, its like a M5.

It's alcantara. It is the same material use in Formula 1 seats. It provides more grip, and looks like suede. Alcantara came on the E39 M5 and standard on the E46 ZHP 330ci's. I love it on my car minus the steering wheel. I have replaced it twice. It feels and looks great for man made suede.