1 Series M Coupe US Base Price Announced: $ 47,010

[spiderz17]

Echoing what others have already said, why the sticker shock? We've been saying for months that the U.S. base price would likely be $45-47k, and they put it right in the middle of that projection with a base price of $46,135.

Don't get me wrong, I would have liked it just as much as the next guy if C&D's prediction of $43k was correct, but I think we all knew that price was probably a bit on the low side. I also remember 3 months ago when there were folks who were utterly convinced that this car would not have a base price lower than $50k. So if you looked at the range of predictions, $45-47k was the general consensus. So yes, $46k is expensive, but we knew that months ago. So I especially don't get the folks who immediately cancelled their orders upon price announcement. What'd you expect?

I'm just excited that USB/iPod is now standard on all 1ers! That means I don't even have to consider ZPP. Now they better not pull some crap and come out later and say, "We meant the non-M line of 1ers. You still have to get ZPP to get it on the 1M." Although I must say, if the statement that power seats are standard on all 1ers is true and that includes the 1M, then how much will ZPP cost? Surely less than $1k, in which case it might be worth the cost to get the BMW Assist/Bluetooth.

Oh, and one more thing. Re: the "it's not a real M car" or "why would anyone in their right mind get this over the vastly superior M3?" These points have been rehashed repeatedly over the past few months. But I'll save you the trouble and tell you that it's all opinion, very speculative, and ultimately an inconclusive argument until 3rd party testers really get a chance to get it out on a track and test it out. So no use muddying up this thread with the same old arguments. Let's keep this thread to the new argument of bitching about the price.

[Jaguar66]

Originally Posted by BimmersMania

Why not call it M1?

It's M3 not, 3M

So it should be M1, not 1M.

This is an M1. That name has been reserved by BMW for the first M car BMW made, hence named the M1.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M1

[Jaguar66]

Originally Posted by 02fireman

heck didn't the E30 M3 have optional power windows in most of the world????!!!!!

Every US E30 M3 had power windows, sunroof, premium stereo with cassette (CD in later models), and leather interior. Was not stripped down.

[Jaguar66]

Originally Posted by igom3

True, but is not a real M car.

Yes.

The ///M on the back is for, uh, let me see, fake M? Mirage?

[e92sport]

Its limited quantity for year 2011???

Would this be the only year they make the 1M?

[sarafil]

Originally Posted by spiderz17

I'm just excited that USB/iPod is now standard on all 1ers! That means I don't even have to consider ZPP. Now they better not pull some crap and come out later and say, "We meant the non-M line of 1ers. You still have to get ZPP to get it on the 1M." Although I must say, if the statement that power seats are standard on all 1ers is true and that includes the 1M, then how much will ZPP cost? Surely less than $1k, in which case it might be worth the cost to get the BMW Assist/Bluetooth.

Be prepared to be disappointed then. The 1M will not have the ipod adapter standard. The press release says it is standard on the 2012 models, which right now is just 128i and 135i... the 1M is a 2011 model. They're still going to charge you for it on the 1M. Pretty sure that the same goes for power seats. Just refer to the ordering guide that was posted the other day, that is accurate in terms of options and standard features.

[spiderz17]

Originally Posted by sarafil

Be prepared to be disappointed then. The 1M will not have the ipod adapter standard. The press release says it is standard on the 2012 models, which right now is just 128i and 135i... the 1M is a 2011 model. They're still going to charge you for it on the 1M. Pretty sure that the same goes for power seats. Just refer to the ordering guide that was posted the other day, that is accurate in terms of options and standard features.

Well, I guess back to hoping that they at least change their minds and make it a stand-alone option.

Edit: Here's the exact quote from the press release.

"Last, but not least, the popular BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible models have received substantial enhancements for an early start to the 2012 model year. The 128i model has received BMW’s innovative Air Curtain system, which smoothes airflow over the front wheels to reduce wind resistance. All 1 Series models receive updated headlight and tail light assemblies, featuring a new “eyebrow” design up front and new tail lights at rear. Xenon Adaptive headlights – standard on 135i models, optional on 128i models – add LED backlighting for the new eyebrow and LED light tubes in the tail lights. All 1 Series models now feature standard iPod/USB integration. Convertible models now feature standard through-loading system for improved storage capacity, while 135i models gain standard power seats with adjustable lumbar support. Convertible models receive larger light-alloy wheels, now 17” diameter on 128i Convertible and 18” diameter on the 135i Convertible."

Assuming we're reading the same thing (if you have more or different info, please post a link), this says "All 1 Series Models..." I don't see anything about 2012 models only. However, this is in the middle of the general 1 series paragraph, not the 1M paragraph. So it looks like it's still up in the air, but... "So you're saying there's a chance!!" (Dumb and Dumber)

[grant]

Originally Posted by RobMason

Every US E30 M3 had power windows, sunroof, premium stereo with cassette (CD in later models), and leather interior. Was not stripped down.

Who was the bonehead that mandated sunroofs on the E30 M3 for the US market? That is a totally misplaced feature in that model?

Porsche has done some similarly silly things lately (sunroofs on all 2007-2008 GT3's in the US).

[Robert]

Here's a back of envelope calculation.

2.8% inflation.
10 years since E46M3 came out
Discount factor = 1.318

1M = $47,000 in 2011
1M = $35,658 in 2001
M3 = $48,000 in 2011

So it appears to be priced correctly and good value. But I want to mention a few things.

1M is targeted at median income family. (Remember M car for everyone who wanted one.) Income for median earner has risen zero percent since 2000. Basically if you were able to afford 35k dollar 1M in 2001 you won't be able to now.

E46 M3 was capable to be mentioned in same sentence as Z06 back then. Will 1M be able to keep up with 2011 Z06? We will see.

[Rxkenny]

47+premium+convene+heated seats+tax= ~$60k. New 2011 m3 I found decentley equipped 1100 miles= $63k WTF??? So much For a poor mans M. Whereas M must stand for Money. sad thing is I still love it and ordered one!

[M3roar]

Funny how fast the track test by many car magazines make the Chevy Cobalt SS out to be some sort of front wheel track beast. It , with much lower power, hangs in there with the big boys like the ISF, C63 and is just seconds away from the M3. The way I see it. This car is gonna BEAST the track test soon. Maybe step foot in M3 territory for a while. But thats ok. Its a different beast. And as far as I see it. You wont be able to buy a BMW Inline 6 Twin Turbo is such a small car ever again. The next 1M is projected to have a I4 Turbo and the M3 a I6 Turbo. I see you arguements about the 1M being comparable to used cars on the market. TRUST me I see it. Im in the same shoes. But nothing beats having the great BMW warranty, having a car that you put all the miles on and when the time comes... tuning it into what to me looks like the next great tuner car of its time.

I agree with the guy a few posts up. The M cars of old were so much about driving and excitement. Not about HP figures and excessive luxuries. I really would like BMW to make the next 1M a very raw I4turbo more focused on weight and Handling. And the next M3 with a I6turbo to be down to 3500lbs.... and also focused more on its handling that its luxury. The only reason BMW has gotten so far from the E30 M3 with its current M3 is cause of the sorry wanna be enthusiasts that cried out for lack of options, power and luxury in a car that BMW claims it builds for the "enthusiast".

[heli_ben]

Originally Posted by spiderz17

Well, I guess back to hoping that they at least change their minds and make it a stand-alone option.

Edit: Here's the exact quote from the press release.

"Last, but not least, the popular BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible models have received substantial enhancements for an early start to the 2012 model year. The 128i model has received BMW’s innovative Air Curtain system, which smoothes airflow over the front wheels to reduce wind resistance. All 1 Series models receive updated headlight and tail light assemblies, featuring a new “eyebrow” design up front and new tail lights at rear. Xenon Adaptive headlights – standard on 135i models, optional on 128i models – add LED backlighting for the new eyebrow and LED light tubes in the tail lights. All 1 Series models now feature standard iPod/USB integration. Convertible models now feature standard through-loading system for improved storage capacity, while 135i models gain standard power seats with adjustable lumbar support. Convertible models receive larger light-alloy wheels, now 17” diameter on 128i Convertible and 18” diameter on the 135i Convertible."

Assuming we're reading the same thing (if you have more or different info, please post a link), this says "All 1 Series Models..." I don't see anything about 2012 models only. However, this is in the middle of the general 1 series paragraph, not the 1M paragraph. So it looks like it's still up in the air, but... "So you're saying there's a chance!!" (Dumb and Dumber)

Having ordered mine in the UK... power seats are a cost option (not to mention heavy) and USB is a cost option.

I don't really get why people are "debating" an option that costs maybe $300 on a $50k car! If you're that worried, perhaps you can't really afford the car in the first place?

I hope the UK model has LED rear lights, given that the US model clearly doesn't. :-(

My E46 M3 did...

[spiderz17]

Originally Posted by heli_ben

Having ordered mine in the UK... power seats are a cost option (not to mention heavy) and USB is a cost option.

I don't really get why people are "debating" an option that costs maybe $300 on a $50k car! If you're that worried, perhaps you can't really afford the car in the first place?

I hope the UK model has LED rear lights, given that the US model clearly doesn't. :-(

My E46 M3 did...

I'm not sweating a $300 option. According to info thus far, USB/iPod is ONLY available as part of the premium package on the U.S. market. I don't want the power seats or the extra $2,000 that comes along with that package. I would be perfectly happy paying $300 (or $400, whatever it costs on every other model) for USB/iPod as a standalone option.

And re: the LED rear lights, I thought the 1M gets the new LCI tail light assemblies which includes LED lights.

[Technic]

If we are going to be doing this kind of MSRP comparisons then we should be fair and accurate, IMO...

Originally Posted by SamS

More like $15K more (gotta add leather and competition package to make it comparable). $15K is quite a bit more expensive, and "much stronger performance" probably remains to be seen.

The actual MSRP difference is about $12,000 between the E92 M3 and the 1M comparably equipped, vis á vis. Cut another $6000 -average BMW upcharge for a V8 in all their models- so effectively the difference is just $6000. A M3 Sedan will be effectively $4000 away from an 1M price as no carbon roof which is a $1000 value in the Coupe.

$10K more when you add OEM 19" wheels and leather. The DCT option on the 335is is pretty appealing, but by the time you start adding some packages, you're up to a $65K car. Heck, at that point, it's M3 all the way!

This is slightly more difficult to compare as the 335is is not a M car, so although the difference in MSRP is actually some $9400 -leather and non-factory offered 19" option, so wheels have to be bought as accessory which effectively triple the regular optional price- in reality the 1M is in a different class altogether.

At the end of the day, the 1M is what it is, the entry level M car and nothing else.

[Diver]

M3Roar, I think after the 2012 year, there will not be an I6 anything in the 1 series, let alone a tuned N54. Your predictions for the engines in subsequent 1 and 3 series M cars look pretty accurate to me. We might see something like Porsche's flywheel energy storage system and a 100 hp electric motor on each front wheel.

Overall, I don't think the price on the 1M is out of line with the rest of BMW's pricing. As for the 135i, it is going to look even worse than a $2700 boost when the full price list is released.

[02fireman]

Originally Posted by RobMason

Every US E30 M3 had power windows, sunroof, premium stereo with cassette (CD in later models), and leather interior. Was not stripped down.

In th US.... We have always been spoiled. The rest of the world always gets stripped down cars, including Ms. That has always been the case.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by formula M

Hunh..? I am saying I will take an M Coupe over the current M3 any day...


The V8 is the only thing most of the BMW newbies love.. the reason they flocked to the M brand. My E30 M3 handled... 20 years later we have a $70K M3 that doesn't. The current M3 is piggish & nearly 3,800lbs.

If you own, or buy a M car solely because of horspower, then no wonder why you are concerned with a Mustang. I have already driven the 302 Boss, I cannot stand the interior, the ride, nore the balance.

But (again), I bet that makes no difference to you, because on paper, the Mustang has more horsepower... thus it is better. Right?



After a car's 0~60 is under 5 seconds, then I no longer car about it's acceleration and my focus becomes skid pad and grip. ie: handling.

The M Coupe will out handle the M3, because that is what it was engineered to do.

Why this crap is being repeated after so many corrections? The M3 Coupe is around 3600 lbs.

[auggiem3]

IMO people are making some apples to oranges comparisons.

This car is an all around better performer than the 135 and less capable than the M3. It is priced accordingly.

In fact, it is very similar in performance to the e46 M3 (possibly even a bit improved) with more updated technology and standard features. When I bought an e46 M3 in 2002, the base price was in the 48k range. That is a more applicable benchmark for me and, when incorporating the 135 and e92 m3 prices, I feel like this price-point was set appropriately.

People rant about the affordability of the e30 M3. Thats bull. Those cars were in the $35k range in 1986. The US government CPI (consumer price index) calculator demonstrates that $35,000 in 1986 represents over $71,000 in 2010 buying power.

These cars are actually getting cheaper in real monetary terms although notional prices went up. Quite complaining. People got what they asked for - an entry level M car.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Brian W

X5/X6 M are built in Spartanburg. Makes ED slightly more complicated when the car starts out stateside

Heh heh, true dat. Just a little brain fart on my part.

[Franklin Joseph]

Originally Posted by auggiem3

People rant about the affordability of the e30 M3. Thats bull. Those cars were in the $35k range in 1986. The US government CPI (consumer price index) calculator demonstrates that $35,000 in 1986 represents over $71,000 in 2010 buying power.

my old 89 m3 had a pricetag of $38k. So $46k isnt that far off (just have to make my budget work with it.)

Agreed that we have been spoiled in the US, but the rest of the world do get more car options. i bet many m3 owners would love to own (or even drive) a Sports Evo M3.

[TheStig]

Originally Posted by emthreeboy

Dayum, $47K for base? That means so with tax + option that be close to $60K?

I really hope you're wrong,

[JN2009]

Originally Posted by TheStig

I really hope you're wrong,

With a M car it pretty easy to drop the price up to 4 000$ when is time to
negociate the price.My only concern is the % interest.I got a very good 2.4% for my 135 but at this time a M3 2009 is at 8.5%.I hope the 1M will keep the 135 rate.