Frankfurt 1-er Debut... Satisfied?

AMB · 09-13-2007, 10:32 PM

completely disappointed. too much information (then lack thereof) before the big unveil perhaps? But it didn't seem like they were seriously pushing this as a re-branding type vision. I still don't agree with the 2002 comparisons. So it makes me wonder how serious they are about making sure the driving dynamics fulfill it's true potential.

what I would love to have seen is a white 135i in line with these bad boys...

(i know, i know... the 135's not an ///M)

GreenMonster · 09-14-2007, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khobin~

Ummm...what pics were of a 128i?...I seen pics of a 135 and a 123d.

I'm guess the non-M package 128 will look like the 123d so I'm happy. Personnally I like it better then the M styling, but that's just my opinion.

Oops, my bad... I meant 123d, but had a brain fart since someone mentioned a 128i possibly being at the show on thursday or friday (today).

palou · 09-14-2007, 09:42 AM

I think that the 1er coupe presence at Frankfurt was certainly quite lackluster. To me that indicates even more that BMW AG is focusing the 1er coupe for the North American market. Sure they'll sell it in Europe too, but that's not its main market. Or even the reason for its existence. I think this could be confirmed if the 1er coupe presence at the LA show (in November?) is a bigger affair.

Robert · 09-14-2007, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by palou

I think that the 1er coupe presence at Frankfurt was certainly quite lackluster. To me that indicates even more that BMW AG is focusing the 1er coupe for the North American market. Sure they'll sell it in Europe too, but that's not its main market. Or even the reason for its existence. I think this could be confirmed if the 1er coupe presence at the LA show (in November?) is a bigger affair.

Or they just don't care. :iono:

joelk · 09-14-2007, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by palou

I think that the 1er coupe presence at Frankfurt was certainly quite lackluster. To me that indicates even more that BMW AG is focusing the 1er coupe for the North American market. Sure they'll sell it in Europe too, but that's not its main market. Or even the reason for its existence. I think this could be confirmed if the 1er coupe presence at the LA show (in November?) is a bigger affair.

+1

chessie1629 · 09-14-2007, 01:05 PM

I disagree that currency rates are not a prime mover. BMW is still German and any profits are translated into Euros, even USA profits. What I wonder is whether BMW will reprice the entire line upwards for 2008 and slot the 1 somewhere south of the 3 series but still more than all the current speculation.

mikeo · 09-14-2007, 02:48 PM

2008 3 & 5 Series prices have already been announced and there was little or no price increase, IIRC.

AMB · 09-14-2007, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by palou

...To me that indicates even more that BMW AG is focusing the 1er coupe for the North American market...

Very good point.

kurichan · 09-14-2007, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vpalm

I would think that BMW wants to avoid a committment to price until the last possible moment. The Euro has been climbing (or the US Dollar tanking) lately and that will have a great effect on the US price. So I think it natural that they will save the big news until a US show.

+1

There's zero incentive for them to give up a valuable press nugget now.

Drillslinger · 09-19-2007, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robert

Or they just don't care. :iono:

Well, "BMW" may not, but Herr Rodomski seemed very excited about bringing the 1er to the US. He was very animated while he explained to me that the 6er-style cupholder for 1er Coupes with IDrive will be (at least initially) a US exclusive

SCOTT26 · 09-19-2007, 05:26 PM

There was no 128i on show because the USA is the only market to receive two petrol engined 1er Coupe's.

The initial choice will be for the rest of the world 120d , 123d and 135i . Incidentally to further the appeal of the 1er Coupe in Europe a 2.0i four cylinder model will be introduced at Geneva 2008.

mikeo · 09-19-2007, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

... Incidentally to further the appeal of the 1er Coupe in Europe a 2.0i four cylinder model will be introduced at Geneva 2008.

Any speculation on horsepower for the 2.0i four? It's really too bad U.S. dealers are set on the "no 4-cylinder models" strategy. Mercedes sells fours in the U.S. just fine.

SCOTT26 · 09-19-2007, 05:43 PM

Quote:

I think that the 1er coupe presence at Frankfurt was certainly quite lackluster. To me that indicates even more that BMW AG is focusing the 1er coupe for the North American market. Sure they'll sell it in Europe too, but that's not its main market. Or even the reason for its existence. I think this could be confirmed if the 1er coupe presence at the LA show (in November?) is a bigger affair.

The plan I have heard is to introduce the Coupe alongside the Cabrio @ Detroit in January because this is closer to the launch date in North America .
The plan for LA is all about the M3.

Incidentally in the VIP room for BMW AG personell only. Alongside a production X6 there were two 1er Cabrio's and two 1er Coupe , The Cabrio's were in Cashmere Silver in 123d and a Sedona Red 135i M-sport. And the 123d Coupe in Sedona Red that debuted the day before.

Oregon · 09-19-2007, 07:15 PM

Driller,

Thank you so very much for your efforts to bring the boys all those terrific photos and info.

Cody

ducati · 09-20-2007, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeo

Any speculation on horsepower for the 2.0i four? It's really too bad U.S. dealers are set on the "no 4-cylinder models" strategy. Mercedes sells fours in the U.S. just fine.

Not anymore they don't.

Mercedes used blown fours, too. BMWs NA fours would be derided by American consumers. It's a smart move NOT to bring them, unless they make a sub-3000 lb. enthusiast model.

My wife and I were watching the newest Top Gear on the BBC last night. In it, Jeremy compared a Mazdaspeed 6 (MPS there) vs. a BMW 318. The 318 had, I believe, 127hp and did 0-60 in 10 seconds. My wife laughed. That would be the average consumer's reaction... Sure, on a windy road the 318 would be entertaining. But on the open road it would be slow, and that's what most people look at.

Drillslinger · 09-20-2007, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surname

Driller,

Thank you so very much for your efforts to bring the boys all those terrific photos and info.

Cody

No worries, glad I could be there to provide it

I agree with comments above, it DID kind of appear as though the 1 coupe debut was an afterthought but I don't care as long as I can get a test drive within the next few months

09-13-2007, 10:32 PM	#23
AMB Second Lieutenant 143 Rep 202 Posts Drives: 05 M3CS\|05 E46XiT\|18 Model 3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: MPLS iTrader: (0)	completely disappointed. too much information (then lack thereof) before the big unveil perhaps? But it didn't seem like they were seriously pushing this as a re-branding type vision. I still don't agree with the 2002 comparisons. So it makes me wonder how serious they are about making sure the driving dynamics fulfill it's true potential. what I would love to have seen is a white 135i in line with these bad boys... (i know, i know... the 135's not an ///M) __________________ -ANDY '05 M3 CS \| Silver Grey \| M Cloth OEM CSL Front - Rear - CF Roof \| Dinan S2 Performance Pack \| 19" RAC Monolite RG4s
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09-14-2007, 09:42 AM	#25
palou New Member 0 Rep 16 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jun 2007 iTrader: (0)	Erupe vs North American markets I think that the 1er coupe presence at Frankfurt was certainly quite lackluster. To me that indicates even more that BMW AG is focusing the 1er coupe for the North American market. Sure they'll sell it in Europe too, but that's not its main market. Or even the reason for its existence. I think this could be confirmed if the 1er coupe presence at the LA show (in November?) is a bigger affair.
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09-14-2007, 01:05 PM	#28
chessie1629 Enlisted Member 0 Rep 42 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2007 iTrader: (0)	I disagree that currency rates are not a prime mover. BMW is still German and any profits are translated into Euros, even USA profits. What I wonder is whether BMW will reprice the entire line upwards for 2008 and slot the 1 somewhere south of the 3 series but still more than all the current speculation.
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09-14-2007, 02:48 PM	#29
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)	2008 3 & 5 Series prices have already been announced and there was little or no price increase, IIRC. __________________ Santa Fe Concorso - The Southwest's Premier Automotive Gathering.
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09-19-2007, 05:26 PM	#33
SCOTT26 Major General 5306 Rep 5,824 Posts Drives: A big F-off German Truck. Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: WORLDWIDE iTrader: (0)	There was no 128i on show because the USA is the only market to receive two petrol engined 1er Coupe's. The initial choice will be for the rest of the world 120d , 123d and 135i . Incidentally to further the appeal of the 1er Coupe in Europe a 2.0i four cylinder model will be introduced at Geneva 2008.
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09-19-2007, 07:15 PM	#36
Oregon NRA Life Member, BMW CCA 30 year member 179 Rep 2,614 Posts Drives: 04' M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Oregon iTrader: (1) Garage List 1971 2002 [0.00] 2004 M3 [0.00] 2008 135i [0.00]	Driller, Thank you so very much for your efforts to bring the boys all those terrific photos and info. Cody
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