When BMW updates the 1-series, what changes would you love to see?

[asv]

Almost all of the requests listed so far are pipe dreams.

[TagMan]

Originally Posted by asv

Almost all of the requests listed so far are pipe dreams.

Well... to an extent that is probably very true... in fairness, they are not meant to be accurate predictions. They are simply the changes that members would love to see on the next update. I doubt most members ever really expect to see most of those changes ever really happen... the thread is more about wishful thinking. :smile:

[Robert]

Originally Posted by asv

Almost all of the requests listed so far are pipe dreams.

What? No M3 V8 in 1?

[RickR]

Some changes I would like to see:

* Additional programming options for the display in the instrument cluster; e.g. show speed, elapsed driving time, etc. The steering wheel blocks the speedometer.

* Add tire pressure display - not just the pressure warning.

* Include stowbacks and map netting as standard. There is very little storage space in the cabin.

* Include a coin holder.

* Locking armrest with adjustable height - to provide security and comfort. Since the iPod fits in the armrest it would great if it could lock to provide additional protection.

* Option of spare and no run-flats.

* Improve speed of raising and lowering the convertible top. 22 seconds sounds fast, but it seems slow when you're at a traffic light.

* Add programable option to chime when the top completes its raise or lower cycle.

* Make the sport seats firmer. The bottom of the sport seats are quite soft and cushy. I prefer a firmer seat.

[spudw]

Originally Posted by jraymond

IF you think BMW will EVER, EVER offer cloth seats to a US market, then I have some great oceanfront property for you to checkout here in Arky.

I'd settle for leather side bolsters with color-coded alcantara seating surfaces.

[JasonCSU]

Originally Posted by asv

Almost all of the requests listed so far are pipe dreams.

It shouldn't be for the options that already exist, but just aren't offered in the US.

[asv]

Originally Posted by JasonCSU

It shouldn't be for the options that already exist, but just aren't offered in the US.

Yes, its still a pipe dream. If anything, I wouldn't be shocked to see less configuration options for the US market. The margins for the US sold 1er have to be razor thin.

[JasonCSU]

Originally Posted by asv

Yes, its still a pipe dream. If anything, I wouldn't be shocked to see less configuration options for the US market. The margins for the US sold 1er have to be razor thin.

I'm sure they are. I don't see why it would make a difference on something like the anthracite headliner though. It's just a different color, it shouldn't cost BMW anymore to install.

[IndyMike]

1. LSD as an option ((maybe in conjunction with a Performance Package (see e46 ZHP))
2. Get rid of the infernal RFT's (no vehicle that touts itself as enthusiast oriented should be shod with them because they emit virtually zero road feel)
3. Rectify the biggest styling faux paux imo, the goofy looking headlights
4. Make the side mirrors a bit larger (you can barely see a Smart in them right now)
5. Return the window switches to the center console where God intended them to be
6. Cant the center dash stack even more towards the driver
7. More color choices with some snap on the palette, but at least a Le Mans, Avus or even Estoril type blue. A tight burgundy ala Calypso red wouldn't reek either.
8. Okay, I know this one is totally whack but go retro by bringing back.........a) oil dipstick............and b) the forward tilting front hood (see e30)

[Thud]

Originally Posted by IndyMike

oil dipstick...

True, because I don't want to just know how much oil there is, I want to know what it looks like.

[adc]

Originally Posted by jraymond

IF you think BMW will EVER, EVER offer cloth seats to a US market, then I have some great oceanfront property for you to checkout here in Arky.

In addition to what's available in the M3...

As late as 2006, an Alcantara/cloth interior with black headliner was available if you selected the ZHP option (Performance Package).

I'll put money down they will do this again, to the 3 series for sure, maybe even for the 1 series (not so sure about the 1).


Anytime you want to send me some pics of that oceanfront... :wink:

[Blokatos]

A Torsen LSD
Less weight
No run-flats
Proper sports front seats (cloth)

[Robert]

Better placed cup holders
New iDrive interface found on 09 3 series
Magnetic shocks
Variant of MDCT

[Jackdaws]

Bigger glove box; better standard radio; top dash storage in empty navigation system box.

[Jumpman]

One word: Yellow

[iamthewalrus]

Rather than a 128 and 135, I'd love to see a 130. Take the 3.0 out of the Z3 3.0si and X3 3.0si and drop it in the 1 series. For my purposes, the 3.0 twin turbo is just too much power for this car (or for the 3 series), but the ~270 hp naturally aspirated engine from the Z3/X3/330 would be perfect!

I drove a 335xi coupe through Germany on European delivery two weeks ago and it's simply too much power for here in the States. Cruising at >100 mph on the autobahn is great, but where can you actually use that here in America, besides the track?

-James

[adc]

Originally Posted by iamthewalrus

I drove a 335xi coupe through Germany on European delivery two weeks ago and it's simply too much power for here in the States. Cruising at >100 mph on the autobahn is great, but where can you actually use that here in America, besides the track?

When we did ED in our 2005 X3 3.0i (the old 225HP engine) we routinely cruised at 125mph on the Autobahn.

So I hate to tell you this, but:
- The new 3.0 engine would still be too much for the US, in terms of top speed cruising
- The detuned 3.0 in the 128i is still way too much for the US, in terms of top speed

I think the current spread of the engines is just perfect. There wouldn't be sufficient performance/economy/price differentiation between a 270BHP NA engine and the twin-turbo.

BTW, you can probably take the 128i, add the 3 stage intake from the "3.0" and a reflash - and have your "130i".

[john970]

Turbo Boost and maybe X-RAY as an option

[taylor82]

1. put the window switches back in the right place (don't know how many times i've tried to open the windows by going the to centre console!)

2. Better quality interior plastics, they're rock hard!

3. Pop-out rear windows

4. Staighten out the pot belly.

5. LEAVE EVERYTHING ELSE THE WAY IT IS, ESPECIALLY THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS, they just look downright mean!

[jbenington86]

Originally Posted by RickR

* Add tire pressure display - not just the pressure warning.

the tire pressure monitor does not actually take pressure mesurments....it says when one of you tire gets low it senses slight changes in how fast 1 tire is moving compaired to the others.

by "it" i mean the manual

[Bullitt]

Originally Posted by taylor82

4. Staighten out the pot belly.

I don't understand why some people refer to it as a pot belly. It looks like a flexed muscle! I absolutely love it.

[josh]

Less weight, no sunroof on base model, no runflats.