M1 not green lighted yet?

[cap_freez]

http://www.egmcartech.com/2010/01/27...een-light-yet/

[Numb3rs]

Originally Posted by rockrboy

http://www.egmcartech.com/2010/01/27...een-light-yet/

/end thread

[amdmaxx]

getting my deposit back..

[Jaguar66]

!

[Hind]

[dmboone25]

That would really piss me off.....

[Cuz5150]

wow! Its like listening to air letting out of a tire, <going flat>.....psssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss ssssssssssssssss

[Jaguar66]

!

[dmboone25]

That picture is one of the reasons I initially became interested in getting a 1er coupe once it made it to the US....

I guess Geneva will tell us a lot about the true direction of this project? I can't see BMW having a prototype M1 at such a big event and not even having the intent to move forward.....

[TunedM2C]

Scott, if you're out there now would be a good time to chime in.

[Mark M]

Personally, if it doesn't happen I would be cool with it.

That would give our 135s more exclusivity.

As it is now, there is nothing in the BMW lineup that piques my interest more than the 135. Whereas if there was an M1, well then the 135 would somehow feel less adequate because I would long for the M1.

So, for me. Yes i am curious about an M1. However, if it does not happen, I will be a bit relieved and take solice in knowing that I am driving the best 1er. Plus if it does not happen, it only further justifies the money I'll spend to mod the 135. Aka....Limited slip, tune, etc. Whereas if the M1 is released....well then do I mod my 135, or just trade the sucker in and get a M1?

[escobar929]

Originally Posted by Mark M

Personally, if it doesn't happen I would be cool with it.

That would give our 135s more exclusivity.

As it is now, there is nothing in the BMW lineup that piques my interest more than the 135. Whereas if there was an M1, well then the 135 would somehow feel less adequate because I would long for the M1.

So, for me. Yes i am curious about an M1. However, if it does not happen, I will be a bit relieved and take solice in knowing that I am driving the best 1er. Plus if it does not happen, it only further justifies the money I'll spend to mod the 135. Aka....Limited slip, tune, etc. Whereas if the M1 is released....well then do I mod my 135, or just trade the sucker in and get a M1?

i feel the same way and its no surprise BMW has not given the green light yet

[FJUNO78]

Originally Posted by escobar929

i feel the same way and its no surprise BMW has not given the green light yet

I bet we never see an M1, I hope I'm wrong. It seems like it would be priced around the same as a 335i coupe. I doubt BMW would put an M car at the same price point of their bread and butter car.

[Mark M]

Well we should know for sure by March. If there is an M1 at the Geneva auto show...then chances are high that it will make its way into production. If it is not present......then I really doubt we'll see it at all.

We really need to keep in mind that if 2011 is the last year for the E82 chassis then as a business it becomes VERY difficult to cost justify such a project.

The estimated sales volumes and estimated per unit margins will be spread over only one year of possible production / sales. Under that assumption, it is highly unlikely they could cost justify it becuase it is doubful only one year's worth of sales could bring such a project into a profitable catagory. Even if they let the M1 run for a second year after they kill off the standard 1er, it is doubtful that would be enough. Most M models have a lifecycle of at least 4 years.

The real potential killer to this project is the lifecycle of the E82 chassis. Now if the F20 is to be delayed into 2013, then there could be hope for an M1 based E82 which would breakeven.

Another option is if they skipped the M1 alltogether and just released it as a 135is. However, as a non M car it would not have Limited Slip, and other M appointments that would boost sales volumes. So, I dunno exactly what to expect here.

[JimD]

Business considerations would seem to limit the changes we should expect. If BMW just pulls stuff off the parts bin, so to speak, then development costs are reduced and viability is enhanced. That suggests some M3 parts and a tuned N54 or maybe N55. Maybe a limited slip if a 3 series unit fits or they can easily get something from a normal supplier. The BMW production line seems to be able to easily handle some variety so I am guessing the primary "killer" cost would be parts developmed just for the M1. Low sales volume for the 1 in general plus a limited amount of time to recover the costs if the chasis is on its way out says you can't do much development. But you could put together a neat car just by using parts you have already developed.

Jim

[ChrisK]

I really want an M1, but I just don't see how BMW can keep the M1 from encroaching on the M3's territory. An M3 isn't any faster than a 135i with mods. - I'm not diminishing the other M goodies.

Bottom line, I'm just not sure what the heck BMW is doing with the 135,335, 335is, and the two motors (N54,N55).

The lines (1 series->3 series->M cars) are blurred.

[My135]

I can see 135"S" coming instead of "M1".

[ChrisK]

That's what my gut says Time will tell.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by ChrisK

I really want an M1, but I just don't see how BMW can keep the M1 from encroaching on the M3's territory. An M3 isn't any faster than a 135i with mods. - I'm not diminishing the other M goodies.

Bottom line, I'm just not sure what the heck BMW is doing with the 135,335, 335is, and the two motors (N54,N55).

The lines (1 series->3 series->M cars) are blurred.

I truly believe that the 1 series is a newer and more refined version of what many would consider the "classic" 3 series--smaller, lighter (by a little ) and a bit more tossable...I have owned both and E92 and E82, so I can attest to all of those things....in effect, a way to have both the newer 3 series (bigger, more comfortable) and a taste of the old in the 1er (see list above)......

I think, with the introduction of the 135, 135is, M1, 335, 335is, M3, you truly have a different kind of beast/luxury at all pricing levels, sizes, and at all different purposes...which is where the ///M vs. modded comes into play....

The ///M vs. Modded _35 has been discussed ad naseum. It comes down to different strokes for different folks. But having a lineup like what we will eventually have, BMW has positioned itself as an automaker that will meet all of your needs. It isnt necessarily blurring the lines--it seems to me to be to be about more choices, and more sublte differences between models in the overall lineup...that no matter what you want, there is a model already waiting for you and your particular niche whilst still remaining with BMW....

Just my $.02

[DBFIU]

Mfail

[Garduna]

The M1 will appear eventually. It just will. If they got Ms for the suv segment, surely a M for the 1 will happen as well. Closest indication will be at Geneva.

[NYC6]

Ms for the suv segment


That makes good sense.