Edmunds Inside Line - No M1, probably 135is instead

[lsdless]

This sucks. I was really looking forward to a 1 series M. I have been planning on getting a 135i to replace my 335i and then when I heard they were making an 1 series M, I got really excited and started planning for it. Now I guess I don't have to wait to get my 135i because I wouldn't pay extra for a 135is. I would rather get a used 135i with an N54 and mod it on my own. I'm guessing a 135is will start at about $40,000.

[kmarei]

well maybe the spy pics of the M1 were just running mules for the next 1 series
it seriously doesn't make sense to all this R&D on the current shape in its lats years
by the time the next shape comes out
the new m3 will have been released
i.e it will have around 450-hp
plenty of room for a 375hp M1

[jayparry]

I would say a 135is makes a lot more sense, seems the only evidence we have of a M1 is flared wheel houses of that prototype and one insider dude who might be working on it but not have mgmts ear---

135is - Cosmetic bumper modifications, different wheels, N54 a'la 335is which is already certified, $39,000 price.

M1 - Widebody chassis, integrated spoiler, M-vents (all necessitating body panel changes), lightweight wheels, some kinda engine w/ more than 20 hp increase. $44,000+

[mshahidz]

if an m1 wont be released...maybe they are doing all this "testing" for the next gen? who knows...bmw might just pull a rabbit out of the hat at one of the next autoshows

[marvinp]

Originally Posted by kmarei

well maybe the spy pics of the M1 were just running mules for the next 1 series
it seriously doesn't make sense to all this R&D on the current shape in its lats years
by the time the next shape comes out
the new m3 will have been released
i.e it will have around 450-hp
plenty of room for a 375hp M1

I don't see why BMW couldn't release the M1 on the current 1-series platform. While the 1-series hatch has been around since 2004, the coupe version came out in 2007. Most likely the M1 would be based on the coupe version. We don't know when BMW will release the coupe version of the upcoming 1-series (F20). Currently the only test mules we've seen for the F20 are in hatch form. So it could be that BMW would release the coupe version of the F20 2 to 3 years after the initial launch of the F20 hatch (which will come out in 2011 or 2012?).

The reason I think we'll see an M1 for the current platform is because I just don't see why BMW would bother testing stuff on the current platform if it's supposed to be for the new platform. If they were building it for the new platform then why don't we see M-versions of the F20 test mules similar to how we see M-versions of the F10 (5-series) test mules.

[amdmaxx]

If you would have followed geneva, you would have seen it already.
Its an overpriced hybrid only and based on Corolla.. aka: garbage

Originally Posted by Replay

Does anyone know what Lexus are doing? I heard they were soon to be releasing a "1 Series".

[Optherion]

What a sad day for the 1 addicts

On the other hand I figured there wouldnt be an M1 anyways. I figured all along there was no way BMW in their right minds would put the M1 badge on a 1 series. Sorry guys. 135is sounds more like it with the z4 and 335 getting dct.

[cracka]

My business case for the 1-Series M...

1. M Division cars don't have to recoup their R&D expense directly. As halo cars, they do so indirectly, by attracting devotees to the brand, not necessarily to a specific model. If some of their tech filters down to the mass market models, that's a bonus.

2. The 1-Series is already a niche car, at least in the NA market. In that way, its value to growing the business is similar to an M-division car. It's there to lure new customers to the brand, but this time to a specific model. Adding an M variant just amplifies the effect.

3. The R&D of the 1-Series coupe was relatively cheap, and was largely paid for by the E9x. So many bits are shared, and so many E9x have been sold, that the the 1-Series owes its existence to the 3 in more than one way.

4. Wouldn't it follow that M Division would use the same approach in developing a 1-Series M model? Bastardize as much of the E9x M3 as possible (engine notwithstanding) to slash R&D costs, and focus on optimizing existing parts for the E8x.

5. Based on photos we've already seen, the R&D $$ for the 1-Series M has already been spent. I agree with everyone who's said that a 135is model would not warrant a drastically wider track & the accompanying bodywork.

6. In terms of growing future business, if you can ensnare brand (and especially M Division) devotees when they're young, you are in a great position in years to come. A sub-50k M coupe would be a powerful tool towards that end.

[LemonOne]

To me, M1 just doesn't make any sense to current M line-ups.
Why would BMW put M1 badge on the cheapest M car ever made? Think about it.
Those who are dissapointed, I understand you guys are mad because you're not getting the M badge on the 1 series.
I mean is the M badge really that important when the car can handle just as good as the M car?

[Vintage]

so sad if true - I was thinking about buying one of these for a pure track car (I guess that will be a Boxster Spyder)

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by GhostRideTheWhip

We'll all accept your opinion as fact.

.

You don't have to accept it as anything. It's obviously my opinion, based on the information that's been available to everyone here. I don't mind if you don't agree with it.

[PrimoM3]

Originally Posted by LemonOne

To me, M1 just doesn't make any sense to current M line-ups.
Why would BMW put M1 badge on the cheapest M car ever made? Think about it.
Those who are dissapointed, I understand you guys are mad because you're not getting the M badge on the 1 series.
I mean is the M badge really that important when the car can handle just as good as the M car?

What are you smoking? Yeah, I just want the badge, not a real ///M car. The 135i does NOT handle "as good as the ///M car(s)"

[madfast]

M1, 135M, 135is, whatever. something is coming. so be glad for that right?

lets just hope whatever it is has nice go fast bits for a cheap price. if they skimp on the LSD then you know what's up: they purposely holding it back....

[John Tanglewood]

the M1 will KILL sales of the M3, so I think its for the best.

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by John Tanglewood

the M1 will KILL sales of the M3, so I think its for the best.

Please xplain yourself. How would a car that would bring people to the BMW and M brand "kill" the sales of the M3. They are two different classes of cars people!

[Remonster]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

Please xplain yourself. How would a car that would bring people to the BMW and M brand "kill" the sales of the M3. They are two different classes of cars people!

More importantly, explain why lower sales of a halo car would even be a bad thing.

I'd be interested in an M1 but from what we've seen so far, the is models are mostly cosmetic upgrades and a negligible increase in power with no handling upgrades at all.

I think the mules we've been seeing are for the next gen 1 series M car, whether it will be the M1 or the M Coupe with the turbo 4 we've been hearing about. It doesn't make sense to spend money developing an M version of a car which will only be on sale for a year or two.

[corrupt23jj]

Originally Posted by John Tanglewood

the M1 will KILL sales of the M3, so I think its for the best.

Exactly, why would one bother going for an M3 when M1 comes just as close? The 135i should have just gone straight to being an M1 (or whatever name you wish to call it) from the get go, now there's really no room amongst the lineup for cars. Seems like it's the same reason they keep the M3 (E90 of course) from encroaching sales on the M5.

[amdmaxx]

They are just quoting Edmunds article, aka this topic.

Originally Posted by Javier

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/04/r...135is-instead/

[BForbes]

KEEP THE FAITH MY 1ADDICTS.com brothers.

Don't let others tell you what "makes sense." Clearly the car isn't being marketed to them.

[BForbes]

Originally Posted by corrupt23jj

Exactly, why would one bother going for an M3 when M1 comes just as close? The 135i should have just gone straight to being an M1 (or whatever name you wish to call it) from the get go, now there's really no room amongst the lineup for cars. Seems like it's the same reason they keep the M3 (E90 of course) from encroaching sales on the M5.

1.) Because the M3 has more heritage

2.) Because the M3 looks more elegant

3.) Because the M3 has more space

4.) Because the M3 has a high revving naturally aspirated V8

I can go on and on. Why do people act like an M1 is going to be a cheaper miniature IDENTICAL version of the M3 is BEYOND ME. The major vice of an M1 is that it will be highly tunable. Then you have the task of making sure the motor doesn't overwhelm the chasis.

[Beemer323]

Originally Posted by BForbes

1.) Because...just because

Dude you hit the nail on the head. I hope all the disbelievers go and re-lease a new 135i and suck on that just before they bring out an 'M1'!

[southlight]

There'll be an E82 M1

• Dr Kay Segler, CEO of BMW ///M, told German Auto Motor und Sport in November 2009:
  "Currently, we concentrate on evaluating the feasibility to produce an M variant based on the current generation 1 series. [...]
  Usually, the development for such a car needs 3 years. But, we're planning to communicate the first details on the car around Christmas 2010
  with its market launch scheduled for Spring 2011".

• UPDATED: Road & Track citing a BMW source regarding a BMW 1 series M: "First, that 'there seems to be something to the rumors.'
  Second, it will happen during the North American coupe’s current lifecycle." (see HERE)

• Several spy pictures of an M1 prototype being tested, both in Germany and in Scandinavia
  (for example: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=351072)

• Teaser pictures of M1 details, including wheel design, front design, rear quarter and side profile teasers.

• Scott providing detailed information on the features and design options of the car.

• Mario Theissen, director of BMW Motorsport Division, when asked whether it's too late for an M version of the current 1 series:
  "Yes, certainly, it is too late, although you can always look forward to it… but I cannot talk about product plans for the future”.

There won't be an E82 M1

• No appearance of the M1 Concept at Geneva 2010

• Edmunds Inside Line Blog citing a source inside BMW:
  "'If we do something, it'll be a 135is like we've done with the Z4 and the 3 Series,'
  the source told us with a wink."
  Autoblog reported the same, but apparently cited this Edmunds report.

• Different publications considering above mentioned spy shots to be early mules of the next generation 1 series

• Mario Theissen, director of BMW Motorsport Division, when asked whether it's too late for an M version of the current 1 series:
  "Yes, certainly, it is too late, although you can always look forward to it… but I cannot talk about product plans for the future”.

Best regards,
south