1-Series US Success?

bozola · 10-20-2007, 03:14 PM

Will the 1 be a success in the US?

Everyone on THIS board will probably answer yes.. but consider the following:

Cost
Size
Niche market
Value/Price ratio

So. Do you think it will be a success?

Are there enough enthusiasts like to keep sales numbers up?

Will it sell enough to keep BMW interested, or will it suffer the same fate as my beloved Ti?

Garrett · 10-20-2007, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bozola

Will the 1 be a success in the US?

Everyone on THIS board will probably answer yes.. but consider the following:

Cost
Size
Niche market
Value/Price ratio

So. Do you think it will be a success?

Are there enough enthusiasts like to keep sales numbers up?

Will it sell enough to keep BMW interested, or will it suffer the same fate as my beloved Ti?

Whaaa..?

Cost is good
Size is perfect
It's not in a niche market
Performance/Price is outstanding

Whats your agenda.. ??

BForbes · 10-20-2007, 03:30 PM

I can honestly care less if its a sales success. As long as I have one and I'm really enjoying myself who gives a sh*t. I have a thing about buying a car that everyone else has but I'm willing to bite the bullet. But since you asked, I believe the 128i will do very very well.

gotgemini2000 · 10-20-2007, 03:32 PM

who cares? I'm planning on buying one and if people don't like it I really could care less. As long as it's fun to drive, it really doesn't matter.

EINSER M · 10-20-2007, 03:38 PM

Almost 1 million people have signed up for updates on 1-series at bmwusa.com. Dealers are getting deposits like crazy. The first few months production will be sold out soon at this rate. After procede and other tune-ups and all it will be better than 335 in 0-60.

bozola · 10-20-2007, 03:38 PM

I have no agenda! (except maybe to make sure that when I buy one they will still be for sale)

I was interested in others opinions about my question.
"Perceived" high price/small cars have a tough time in the US.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garrett

Whaaa..?

Cost is good
Size is perfect
It's not in a niche market
Performance/Price is outstanding

Whats your agenda.. ??

bozola · 10-20-2007, 03:40 PM

That bodes well for BMW! :smile:

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirkx5m

Almost 1 million people have signed up for updates on 1-series at bmwusa.com. Dealers are getting deposits like crazy. The first few months production will be sold out soon at this rate. After procede and other tune-ups and all it will be better than 335 in 0-60.

phastman · 10-20-2007, 03:41 PM

I think it will be a huge success. Some people will buy it because it's the new entry level BMW and affordable to a new group of people. And the enthusiasts will buy it for its light weight, 50/50 balance, twin turbo, and other performance goodies. I don't think it will have the problems the Ti did since this is not a hatch and Americans don't like hatches as much as coupes or sedans.

As an enthusiast myself, I'm going to compare it to cars like the R32, STI, Evo, etc. I think you get a lot more refinement, RWD, and the tuning capability of those rally beasts for a reasonable price. I was hoping BMW would drop that twin-turbo in a 1-series and bring it to the US and I'm so glad they are. I think it will be a hit.

redwood · 10-20-2007, 03:55 PM

I have no doubt the 1 will be a success, with the caveat that pricing could effect that. I think if they brought the hatch only here, that would be a niche market, but the coupe AND convertible being available opens it up fairly wide.

bozola · 10-20-2007, 04:10 PM

Those 2 last replies are very eloquently stated. Which is the purpose of a forum and specifically this thread. Thanks, both make good points!

bimmerfile · 10-20-2007, 04:21 PM

Dunno about the States as the 1er is targetting an ever shrinking demographic there (the non-XXXL Americans).

Up here in overpriced Canuckistan, they'll sell like hotcakes..:headbang:

darknightohio · 10-20-2007, 04:32 PM

Power: Check
Looks: Check (Subjective)
Quality: Check
Reputation: Check

Pricing will make or break the 1-series IMO.

zirrah · 10-20-2007, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darknightohio

Power: Check
Looks: Check (Subjective)
Quality: Check
Reputation: Check

Pricing will make or break the 1-series IMO.

Agreed. They really need to be careful with the price point... if they're smart, the base price on the 135i will be closer to 30k vs 35k. Hopefully the exchange rates will be favorable when they make the decision (if they haven't set it in stone already).

128er · 10-20-2007, 04:58 PM

Pricing will be it's success or its death!

Imola.ZHP · 10-20-2007, 05:09 PM

LOL, I think I read somewhere that 90,000+ people have signed up for more info in the 1, or to test drive it, something like that...

This thread is a joke...

bozola · 10-20-2007, 07:02 PM

If you can guarantee that those 90,000 will sign up and buy then sure... a runaway success. Unlikely.

bozola · 10-20-2007, 07:04 PM

I agree.. but I think it's also based on value for the price.
If it's expensive but there is perceived value, that will go a long ways.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 128er

Pricing will be it's success or its death!

135iMAN · 10-20-2007, 07:25 PM

BMW will have one of its best years in sales because of this car and will only attract more enthusiasts.

bozola · 10-20-2007, 08:16 PM

I hope that you are right!

GreenMonster · 10-20-2007, 09:52 PM

Depends on pricing...

The price might kill it... I'm still not sure I'm even going to buy one... Depends on pricing.

Imola.ZHP · 10-21-2007, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bozola

If you can guarantee that those 90,000 will sign up and buy then sure... a runaway success. Unlikely.

Lol, trying to justify the post?

If 90,000 people were to order, I doubt they could build them all in enough time before people would give up and cancel their order...

They do not need all 90,000 to purchase at launch, or even the first year for it to be a success...

The thread is a joke, IMO, of course its going to be a success...

bozola · 10-21-2007, 08:51 AM

Marcus,

I think you missed my point. I know that there are a lot of enthusiasts out there just like you. And you sound as excited about the 1 as I am.

I hope the car is successful and that BMW AG sees it that way, because I will be buying one in the future.

Not every product launch is successful in the US and my question is valid and just because there are enthusiasts, it does not guarantee success.

The VW R32, Civic Si H/B, Audi A3 even the Ti are good examples of cars that have a lot of enthusiasts but have not fared well in the US Market.

So far, the forum posts seem to indicate that

Power is not an issue
Looks is not an issue
Price may be a sticky point.
Size may also be an issue.

I wish the 1 the most successful BMW product launch ever.

Time will tell!

Sincerely
Frederic.

10-20-2007, 03:14 PM	#1
bozola Unloved BMW Addict 91 Rep 1,185 Posts Drives: Z3 Coupe, 3 318Ti Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: King County WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1999 Z3 Coupe [10.00] 1998 318Ti [0.00] 1998 318Ti [10.00] 2008 128i [9.00]	1-Series US Success? Will the 1 be a success in the US? Everyone on THIS board will probably answer yes.. but consider the following: Cost Size Niche market Value/Price ratio So. Do you think it will be a success? Are there enough enthusiasts like to keep sales numbers up? Will it sell enough to keep BMW interested, or will it suffer the same fate as my beloved Ti?
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10-20-2007, 03:30 PM	#3
BForbes Moderator 575 Rep 4,240 Posts Drives: BSM 135i/AW E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0)	I can honestly care less if its a sales success. As long as I have one and I'm really enjoying myself who gives a sht. I have a thing about buying a car that everyone else has but I'm willing to bite the bullet. But since you asked, I believe the 128i will do very very well. __________________ - 04 Honda S2000(gone)*
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10-20-2007, 03:32 PM	#4
gotgemini2000 Private First Class 24 Rep 158 Posts Drives: G80 & E46 M3, 6 speed manuals Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	who cares? I'm planning on buying one and if people don't like it I really could care less. As long as it's fun to drive, it really doesn't matter.
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10-20-2007, 03:38 PM	#5
EINSER M Major General 417 Rep 5,730 Posts Drives: BMW i3 rex Join Date: May 2006 Location: SoCal iTrader: (44) Garage List 2018 I01 i3s \| CURRENT [10.00] 2018 G01 X3 \| CURRENT [10.00] 2017 I01 i3 \| SOLD [10.00] 2017 F48 X1 \| SOLD ... [0.00] 2016 I01 i3 \| SOLD [0.00] 2017 F22 M240 \| SOLD [8.00] 2016 F25 X3 diesel ... [0.00] 2006 E60 550 \| SOLD [6.00] 2011 E90 335 \| SOLD [8.66] 2012 E82 135 \| SOLD [5.50] 2011 E82 1M \| SOLD [7.94] 2007 E85 Z4M\| SOLD [4.50] 2003 E53 X5 4.6is S ... [9.00] 2008 E92 328 \| SOLD [0.00] 2008 E82 135 \| SOLD [0.00] 2008 E90 335 \| SOLD [0.00] 2003 E46 M3 \| SOLD [7.50] 2006 E90 330 \| SOLD [10.00] 2003 E46 330ZHP \| SOLD [0.00]	Almost 1 million people have signed up for updates on 1-series at bmwusa.com. Dealers are getting deposits like crazy. The first few months production will be sold out soon at this rate. After procede and other tune-ups and all it will be better than 335 in 0-60.
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10-20-2007, 03:41 PM	#8
phastman Autocrosser 0 Rep 27 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2007 iTrader: (0)	I think it will be a huge success. Some people will buy it because it's the new entry level BMW and affordable to a new group of people. And the enthusiasts will buy it for its light weight, 50/50 balance, twin turbo, and other performance goodies. I don't think it will have the problems the Ti did since this is not a hatch and Americans don't like hatches as much as coupes or sedans. As an enthusiast myself, I'm going to compare it to cars like the R32, STI, Evo, etc. I think you get a lot more refinement, RWD, and the tuning capability of those rally beasts for a reasonable price. I was hoping BMW would drop that twin-turbo in a 1-series and bring it to the US and I'm so glad they are. I think it will be a hit.
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10-20-2007, 03:55 PM	#9
redwood Second Lieutenant 2 Rep 292 Posts Drives: 1999 BMW 328i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	I have no doubt the 1 will be a success, with the caveat that pricing could effect that. I think if they brought the hatch only here, that would be a niche market, but the coupe AND convertible being available opens it up fairly wide.
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10-20-2007, 04:10 PM	#10
bozola Unloved BMW Addict 91 Rep 1,185 Posts Drives: Z3 Coupe, 3 318Ti Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: King County WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1999 Z3 Coupe [10.00] 1998 318Ti [0.00] 1998 318Ti [10.00] 2008 128i [9.00]	Those 2 last replies are very eloquently stated. Which is the purpose of a forum and specifically this thread. Thanks, both make good points!
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10-20-2007, 04:21 PM	#11
bimmerfile Colonel 623 Rep 2,067 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X2 F39 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: GTA, Canada iTrader: (0)	Dunno about the States as the 1er is targetting an ever shrinking demographic there (the non-XXXL Americans). Up here in overpriced Canuckistan, they'll sell like hotcakes..:headbang:
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10-20-2007, 04:32 PM	#12
darknightohio Second Lieutenant 45 Rep 281 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2007 iTrader: (0)	Power: Check Looks: Check (Subjective) Quality: Check Reputation: Check Pricing will make or break the 1-series IMO.
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10-20-2007, 04:58 PM	#14
128er Captain 92 Rep 900 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2007 iTrader: (0)	Pricing will be it's success or its death! __________________ 2006 BMW 330i -Premium -Sport -Steptronic -Premium Sound -Xenons
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10-20-2007, 05:09 PM	#15
Imola.ZHP Colonel 129 Rep 2,218 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW i3 BEV EE Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mud Island, TN iTrader: (0)	LOL, I think I read somewhere that 90,000+ people have signed up for more info in the 1, or to test drive it, something like that... This thread is a joke... __________________ - 2014 CPO i01 BEV Electronaut Edition Capparis White Tera World, '17- - 2015 CPO i01 BEV Laurel Grey Tera World, '17- - 2015 i01 REx Laurel Grey Tera World, '15-'17 - 2003 CPO 330i ZHP Imola Red Build 03/03/03, '06-'15
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10-20-2007, 07:02 PM	#16
bozola Unloved BMW Addict 91 Rep 1,185 Posts Drives: Z3 Coupe, 3 318Ti Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: King County WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1999 Z3 Coupe [10.00] 1998 318Ti [0.00] 1998 318Ti [10.00] 2008 128i [9.00]	If you can guarantee that those 90,000 will sign up and buy then sure... a runaway success. Unlikely.
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10-20-2007, 07:25 PM	#18
135iMAN New Member 2 Rep 11 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	BMW will have one of its best years in sales because of this car and will only attract more enthusiasts.
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10-20-2007, 08:16 PM	#19
bozola Unloved BMW Addict 91 Rep 1,185 Posts Drives: Z3 Coupe, 3 318Ti Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: King County WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1999 Z3 Coupe [10.00] 1998 318Ti [0.00] 1998 318Ti [10.00] 2008 128i [9.00]	I hope that you are right!
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10-20-2007, 09:52 PM	#20
GreenMonster Private First Class 1 Rep 150 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jun 2007 iTrader: (0)	Depends on pricing... The price might kill it... I'm still not sure I'm even going to buy one... Depends on pricing. __________________ 03 SMR Acura CLS 6spd 79 VW Westfalia - 2.0L, 4spd, 67hp 87 Craftsman 11/36 - lawn tractor 78 John Deere 316 - garden tractor
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10-21-2007, 08:51 AM	#22
bozola Unloved BMW Addict 91 Rep 1,185 Posts Drives: Z3 Coupe, 3 318Ti Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: King County WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1999 Z3 Coupe [10.00] 1998 318Ti [0.00] 1998 318Ti [10.00] 2008 128i [9.00]	Marcus, I think you missed my point. I know that there are a lot of enthusiasts out there just like you. And you sound as excited about the 1 as I am. I hope the car is successful and that BMW AG sees it that way, because I will be buying one in the future. Not every product launch is successful in the US and my question is valid and just because there are enthusiasts, it does not guarantee success. The VW R32, Civic Si H/B, Audi A3 even the Ti are good examples of cars that have a lot of enthusiasts but have not fared well in the US Market. So far, the forum posts seem to indicate that Power is not an issue Looks is not an issue Price may be a sticky point. Size may also be an issue. I wish the 1 the most successful BMW product launch ever. Time will tell! Sincerely Frederic.
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