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04-13-2008, 11:08 PM | #1 |
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If you were BMW
If you were BMW, how would you evolve the current 1er lineup for North America for the 2009 or 2010 model years. My 1er lineup (prices in US$) would be:
123i Coupe (200bhp, $25,000), true entry-level BMW, fewer standard features than current 128i, 16" rims... 130i Coupe (260bhp, $29,900) 130i Convertible (260bhp, $33,900) Standard features would be ~the same as 128i, but xenons, CA and USB connection would also be standard. Same option packages as 128i, except sport package would be an '///M Sport' package. M135i Coupe (more bhp, $39,900) M135i Convertible (more bhp, $42,900) Enhanced N54 motor, more aggressive ///M performance parts and badging, a true ///M model With that lineup, BMW would offer a true entry-level at an entry-level price (123i), and capable and meaty mid-range model (130i), and a truly capable M variant that would play in the M3's sandbox. Fire away...
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04-13-2008, 11:21 PM | #2 |
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I do believe had BMW offered an M135i, many on this forum, including myself, would have stepped up, bought into the concept and price bracket.
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04-13-2008, 11:27 PM | #3 |
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are we not worried about crowding the model line?
plus, turbocharging an M seems wrong... better to have the NA 3.2L from the old M3 dropped in with an aggressive tune... only my opinion though |
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04-13-2008, 11:29 PM | #4 |
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I would have definitely dished out the extra $$ for an M model. Hopefully lighter weight and more power. That would be one fine machine!
Ditch run flats, 350hp, 2k pounds, dual clutch etc.. |
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04-13-2008, 11:44 PM | #5 |
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I don't think BMW will bring out an M car with Turbo engine.. I still remember an ad on the E36 M3 '.... Torque is cheap ....'
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04-13-2008, 11:49 PM | #6 |
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spudwest, great topic.
Here's my opinion: N52 128i Coupe - 230/200 - $27,100 N52 128i Vert - 230/200 - $32,100 N54 135i Coupe - 300/300 - $33,100 N54 135i Vert - 300/300 - $38,100 N54 135 ///M Coupe - 350/350 with lower CW, upgraded suspension, chassis, brakes and M goodies - $44,900 N54 135 ///M Vert - 350/350 with lower CW, upgraded suspension, chassis, brakes and M goodies - $47,900 I tried to keep it pretty simple. Didn't want to add extra models that might cannibalize one another. I think a ///M version should go back to it's roots as a true hardcore club racer, not a heavier, more refined GT car. Prices I lowered across the board because I think BMW over-priced the line. I tried to keep the levels in perspective with the remainder of the BMW vehicle line up. I agree, a turbo charged ///M car would be pretty controversial for BMW but hey, they don't care. It's BMW. They like to rock the boat. Just look at their design history. Bangle designs. Adriaan van Hooijdonk fires up a spliff. Says "hey Chris, it will all work out man" and signs off on it. The industry goes crazy. The fanboys pass out. Everybody denounces them. Then every other manufacturer copies the said designs. They sell like hot cakes. Bangle and van Hooijdonk high five. Cash their six figure bonus checks. And fly down to Amsterdam for a week of hookers and dubious pastries. Cycle. Repeat. |
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04-14-2008, 12:35 AM | #7 |
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Could they possibly build a V6 with the same engine block evolution that they used to build the V8 and V10's for the m3, m5, and m6. Cause that would be very cool, and very lightweight, dropped into an M1.
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04-14-2008, 01:50 AM | #8 |
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What about an ix version with AWD? I'd have probably bought one of those if it were available even if it was a tad slower. AWD gives people peace of mind when driving in winter conditions.
I don't think all the tweener models would go over well. Give people too many choices and they get confused. I think the current performance split between the 128 and the 135 is plenty. Dan |
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04-14-2008, 02:14 AM | #9 | |
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Nice idea. I completely forgot about that. A 135Xi would be a pretty interesting combination. It would make economic sense also. I know that a lot of the current Evo, STi, R32 etc drivers are now cross-shopping the 135i. However, a lot will eventually stay away due to their need/desire for an AWD platform. If BMW could squeeze in a 135Xi for $40K I think it would be extremely hard to ignore. AWD with a sweet TT engine. Awesome performance. Slick 6spd. Typical BMW build quality. Luxury interiors. Subjectively better aesthetics. Brand recognition. Scheduled maintenance. With the new Evo MR and STi around $38K and the R32 around $35K, this would be a pretty hard package to ignore I think. I think it could possibly steal many a buyer away (except for the fanboys of course, not much you can do with them). |
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04-14-2008, 02:51 AM | #10 |
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I actually came over form the Evo camp. I had my name on a list to get an Evo X MR. However after several delays I decided to look at other options and that's how I found the 135i. I ultimately "compromised" by coming over to the 135i by saying to myself "we don't get that much snow around here". Had there been an 135xi option I would have been all over it from day one.
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04-14-2008, 02:57 AM | #11 |
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I would have to take a long hard look at a diesel version and the xi version.
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04-14-2008, 03:11 AM | #12 |
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Diesel, really? Last time I looked diesel fuel was almost $0.30 per gallon more then premium gasoline. Seems like any fuel economy savings you might get from a diesel would be out the window with the added cost of the fuel.
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04-14-2008, 04:00 AM | #13 | |
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04-14-2008, 06:29 AM | #14 |
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An XI version would weight more...or am I wrong about this?
If yes then I don't think we will see an XI version. (anyway, snow tires will get the job done) I don't think we will see an M version either. A diesel? Possible. |
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04-14-2008, 07:37 AM | #15 |
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the car has just come out... BMW will not do any facelift nor major price change for a few years.
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04-14-2008, 08:40 AM | #16 | ||
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The thinking behind my speculation is that BMW will stratify the lineup more than this year's. Everybody knows that the N52 in the 128i could easily produce 30 bhp more, as it currently does in the X3is and in the Euro 130i hatch. There is also precedent for BMW waiting to introduce the real entry level models. Canada got a 323i in 2007 when the 3 Series lineup shifted to the 328i/335i models. I think in introducing a 123i, they could scrap the 323i and have an entry-level model that would actually make BMW a more accessible brand for first-time buyers. The N54 demonstrates that BMW has mastered the turbo. I can't see why a ///M turbo would be a bad thing. If they take my advice, we'll have a 3-model lineup instead of 2 models that cover off a broader spectrum. The 130i Coupe that I have speculated would be a very credible enthusiast model (slightly more so that the 128i), but an accessibly priced daily driver. The ///M model would push the limits as a halo model.
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04-14-2008, 08:44 AM | #17 | |
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Actually that has been the recent history...in the past BMW has waited about halfway thru a line cycle to do facelifts...about 2/12 to 3 years... I think we will see a slight facelift on the 1 series for the 2010 model...just my opinion. |
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04-14-2008, 08:48 AM | #18 |
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yeap... precedent is a mid-life face lift including a mild power increase. Now there are exceptions but on the whole there will be one update in a series life.
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04-14-2008, 02:17 PM | #20 |
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04-14-2008, 02:32 PM | #21 | |
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That's the line-up for sure. Diesel MUST be added, though. The increase in fuel economy is so freakin' dramatic, it would MORE than outweigh any increase in fuel costs. Diesel is imperative... and it would promote the further availability of diesel-powered vehicles in the USA... something that is greatly needed, and long overdue!
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04-14-2008, 02:32 PM | #22 |
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I could see a 120d, a 128 and 135xi and perhaps a Tii.
Honestly BMW did too much “right-sizing” with the 1. If they offered the 250 or 265hp as the 130 I probably would have been satisfied with that. As it stands now the 128 is too slow for me but I could afford it, whereas the 135 is probably faster than I need (but I’d still love it) but out of my price range. I bet there will be a sedan version after the next redesign. |
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