BMW: 1-Series News
#641
Suzuka Master
Saw the 135 coupe today and overall I must say I wasn't impressed. The looks are not great but not terrible either, its just bland. The 128 5 door I saw not to far away looked much better but unfortunately we won't be getting that. I have a feeling this car will win people over with the driving experience. The brakes on this thing are HUGE. That coupled with the power and handling I'm sure it will be a fun car.
#642
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by mclarenf3387
The looks are not great but not terrible either, its just bland.
![Big Grin](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#645
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by TSX Wisc Badger
Anyone think they'd rather have this than an 09 TSX?
![rofl](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
Yeah, I think alot of people would rather have a FWD car with 200hp over a RWD car with 300hp
![Roll Eyes](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
I won't even think to compare the TSX to the 135i... Even if the TSX gets the 240hp RDX engine, the base 128i with 230hp will be a better car to compare the TSX to...
The TSX is a great bang for the buck, but if acura is going to add a Turbo (and maybe SH-AWD), they will also be moving the vehicle "upscale" (i.e. it's going to cost more).
We'll need to see the pricing for both the TSX and 1-series, but I have a feeling that price difference will be probably the same as the TL Vs. 3-series.
If you're planning on keeping the car for 10 years, the acura would be the better choice for long term reliability, but most of the ballers here change cars before they pay them off or the warranty runs out.
I can see lots of manufacturers coming out with smaller RWD coupe to compete with the 1-series. There's already rumors of Toyota/Lexus designing one, Hyundai has a RWD coupe coming out within the next couple years, and even GM is coming out with a cheap RWD platform (see the alpha thread)... Acura is going to lose sales to these vehicles especially to driving enthusiasts.
#647
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
^ So when ya ordering!
![Shrug](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/shrug.gif)
It guess it really depends on pricing... which probably won't be released till next year (NAIAS ??).
I'll probably wait till the hoopla is over too... I won't pay MSRP just to get a coffee table book and a "year one" badge... Sept 08 probably at the earliest, and if pricing for the 128i is over 30k, maybe not at all...
I've only got 66K miles on my CL, so I'm in no hurry. With the Hyundai RWD coupe around the corner, I could wait for that, or other 1-series competitiors...
My CL is paid for, so I should just drive it forever (or at least another 5 years).
#648
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: H-town
Posts: 1,010
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Originally Posted by TSX Wisc Badger
Anyone think they'd rather have this than an 09 TSX?
that 135i looks tempting to me... 0-60 in 5.1 - I'm gettin chills already.
that 135i looks tempting to me... 0-60 in 5.1 - I'm gettin chills already.
#650
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by TSX Wisc Badger
Anyone think they'd rather have this than an 09 TSX?
that 135i looks tempting to me... 0-60 in 5.1 - I'm gettin chills already.
that 135i looks tempting to me... 0-60 in 5.1 - I'm gettin chills already.
![what](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/what.gif)
#651
Race Director
Originally Posted by Ikko
This car only come with 2 doors, right?
And whats with the 128 and 135 having 3.0L engines? I thought it would be 2.8L, and 3.5L engines! What do I know!!
And whats with the 128 and 135 having 3.0L engines? I thought it would be 2.8L, and 3.5L engines! What do I know!!
![Too Cool](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/toocool.gif)
#652
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Ikko
This car only come with 2 doors, right?
And whats with the 128 and 135 having 3.0L engines? I thought it would be 2.8L, and 3.5L engines! What do I know!!
And whats with the 128 and 135 having 3.0L engines? I thought it would be 2.8L, and 3.5L engines! What do I know!!
128i is 230hp I6 and the 135i is 300hp I6 with twin turbos.
#653
B A N N E D
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: in Madison, WI from Chicago, IL
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Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
![what](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/what.gif)
well not really when you think about the fact that the BMW 1 series and new TSX (coupe possibly?) will be in the same price range.
#654
![Thumbs up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif)
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1935
^^ "tii" coupe based off the 135i coupe.. debuting in Tokyo autoshow today.
I love the image BMW is trying to project with this car, like the 2002 and 2002tii![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Modedit: added text and photos from 1addicts thread.
^^ "tii" coupe based off the 135i coupe.. debuting in Tokyo autoshow today.
I love the image BMW is trying to project with this car, like the 2002 and 2002tii
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Modedit: added text and photos from 1addicts thread.
Since the "M1" model name has been used (and rightfully should not be used for anything else), I bet this is the "M" version name BMW will use: "Tii" and here is the concept.
PHOTOS BELOW TEXT
__________
October 24th, Tokyo Japan
2007 Tokyo Auto Show
Based on the new BMW 1 Series Coupé being presented to the world public for the first time at the Tokyo Motor Show 2007, this fascinating design study is the consistent evolution of BMW’s compact two-door with a clear focus on uncompromising sportiness. With its aerodynamically optimised body, a wide range of lightweight features serving to minimise the weight of the car and its axle load distribution, as well as an interior tailored specifically to the ambitious driver, this concept study clearly offers a high level of driving dynamics right from the start.
Character:
• Design study based on the BMW 1 Series Coupé with an uncompromising focus on motorsport.
• BMW Concept 1 Series tii as a young interpretation of classic BMW brand values.
• Implementation of specific requirements for motorsport ensured through the design of the car.
• Design study following the tradition of BMW’s compact, light and extremely
sporting coupés. The characteristic features of models particularly
successful in motorsport have gone straight into BMW Concept 1 Series tii.
• BMW Concept 1 Series tii underlines the extremely sporting potential and the youthful, temperamental character of the BMW 1 Series. The design study raises the focus on pure driving pleasure already associated with the BMW 1 Series Coupé to an even higher standard.
• As the fifth concept car presented by BMW in 2007 alone, BMW Concept 1 Series tii clearly demonstrates the exceptional bandwidth covered by the world’s leading manufacturer of premium cars. Following the BMW M3 Concept Car, the BMW Concept CS and the BMW Concept X6/BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, BMW Concept 1 Series tii stands out as a unique symbol of maximum driving pleasure also in the compact segment.
Exterior:
• Through its unique, completely different design, BMW Concept 1 Series tii clearly emphasises its outstanding potential in driving dynamics.
• Optimised aerodynamics on the body with individual, distinctive design of the front air dam, side-sills and rear air dam. Special gurney flaps generating additional downforce on the rear axle.
• Further enhancement of agility and efficiency through consistent lightweight engineering using carbon components inter alia on the engine compartment lid, the mirror caps, and the inlays for the front air intakes at the side. Significant reduction of weight versus series production cars.
• Sporting, accentuated, contrasting and, at the same time, typical BMW colour scheme on the exterior and interior. The body colour Alpine White is combined with the very dark carbon structure of the CFP elements, with further highlights added in Blue.
• BMW Concept 1 Series tii takes up striking features of former motorsport models in many of its details: fins along the engine compartment lid to optimise the flow of air, contrasting colour scheme on the engine compartment lid, decal strips on the roof of the car and the rear lid in contrasting colour, visible, open towing fixture.
Interior:
• Authentic interpretation of specific motorsport standards through the concept of the interior design as well as colours and material design.
• Sports bucket seats with integrated headrests and side airbags, three-spoke sports steering wheel and gearshift knob with alcantara cover, model-specific door linings, door closing handles and armrest on the driver’s side.
• The contrasting colour scheme (Black, White, Blue) and the various functions and features derived from motorsport also characterise the interior of BMW Concept 1 Series tii.
• The white rev counter highlights this instrument of particular significance in motorsport, the sports steering wheel with its white spokes and trim taking up the exterior colour scheme.
• Use of dark alcantara on the door linings and the instrument panel prevents reflections and accentuates the driver-oriented design and configuration of the cockpit. Alcantara on the seats, the steering wheel rim and the gearshift knob optimises side support and, respectively, the driver’s grip.
• The newly developed structure tissue for the footwell accentuates the sporting and functional character of the interior.
The BMW Concept 1 Series tii.
Agility, lightness, youthfulness and superior sportiness – all these features are presented and highlighted impressively in BMW Concept 1 Series tii.
Based on the new BMW 1 Series Coupé being presented to the world public for the first time at the Tokyo Motor Show 2007, this fascinating design study is the consistent evolution of BMW’s compact two-door with a clear focus on uncompromising sportiness. With its aerodynamically optimised body, a wide range of lightweight features serving to minimise the weight of the car and its axle load distribution, as well as an interior tailored specifically to the ambitious driver, this concept study clearly offers a high level of driving dynamics right from the start. BMW Concept 1 Series tii thus offers a very highly concentrated rendition of the brand’s sporting genes, at the same time proving the dynamic character of BMW’s compact two-door in offering the ultimate in driving pleasure.
In its design, BMW Concept 1 Series tii clearly takes up the traditional features and characteristics of successful BMW sports cars in the past: At very first sight the beholder will see features which made numerous BMW Coupés an outstanding success on both the road and the race track back in the 1960s and ’70s. These were cars characterised by compact dimensions, low weight with perfect balance front-to-rear, as well as powerful engines conveying their superior muscle to the rear wheels.
Particularly the BMW 02 introduced back in 1966 was acknowledged as the epitome of supreme agility and thrilling, highly dynamic driving characteristics based on these success factors. And now the new BMW 1 Series Coupé represents the same philosophy: Light, agile, and powerful, this compact two-door with its unparalleled, ultra-sporting handling provides an unprecedented experience at the wheel. The similarities between these two models result in particular from the concept of the car, BMW Concept 1 Series tii bringing out all these strengths and clearly demonstrating how much the development principles applied more than four decades ago are still most appropriate today in creating sports models truly fascinating in every respect.
Traditional and modern: lightweight construction as the basic principle, CFP as the solution.
BMW Concept 1 Series tii combines visual features carried over from the past with the most advanced technology in development and production. Particularly the basic principle of the car rests on traditional values, while high-tech materials and applications are used in the implementation process.
To save weight and ensure a harmonious balance of axle load, selected components on BMW Concept 1 Series tii are made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFP): Apart from the engine compartment lid and the mirror caps, the inlays on the side air intakes in the front air dam, the gurney flap on the rear lid, and the inlay in the rear bumper are all made of this extremely light and exceptionally strong material.
From a distance the components made of CFP would appear to be black – it is only at closer sight that the fine carbon-fibre structure of the surface covered by transparent, matt paintwork becomes visible. The dark surface of the CFP engine compartment lid reduces the reflection of sunlight and promotes driver concentration in the process. The wide, white sunglare strip at the top end of the windscreen serves the same purpose, preventing any dazzle effect when the sun is low on the horizon.
Black, white and blue – typical BMW colours all the way.
The contrasting effect resulting from the Alpine White paintwork and the dark CFP components results from fundamental functional requirements. But at the same time this contrasting colour scheme is also a major styling feature characterising the look and appearance of BMW Concept 1 Series tii. Indeed, to really accentuate the appearance of the car, BMW Concept 1 Series tii comes with decal stripes extending from the front headlight units all the way to the air flow lip on the rear lid, the gurney made of CFP and particularly large in size covering the entire body of the car. On the engine compartment the stripes come in white, on the roof and the rear lid they continue in black.
A third colour is used at less exposed points to provide yet another optical highlight: This is the colour blue proudly displayed on the brake callipers, on one of the five wheel bolts on each rim, and on the towing fixture in the front air dam which – as is generally the case with cars in motorsport – is not covered by a cap or seal. The contrast of black and white and the discreet use of features finished in blue creates a trinity of colours also taken up by the exterior and generating an extroverted but well-balanced effect also because the choice of colours is the same as on BMW’s brand logo, thus bearing clear testimony to a great heritage.
Front-end design: aerodynamics optimised to the last detail. Not only the colour scheme, but also the design of the car sets BMW Concept 1 Series tii distinctly apart from the standard versions of the BMW 1 Series Coupé. Indeed, the unique character and class of the design study is visible immediately from every angle and perspective: Apart from the components made of CFP, the front air dam, the side-sills and the rear bumper as well as the rear lid are all brand-new in design. The objective in this design process was to optimise the car’s aerodynamic qualities, consistently reflecting the extremely dynamic commitment of BMW Concept 1 Series tii.
To meet the particular requirements made of such a car, the structure of the front air dam differs significantly from the air dam in regular production models: The particularly muscular side air intakes are coated inside with CFP and the front air dam comes on both sides with so-called air splitters.
These air guidance elements standing out slightly to the front ensure a specific downward flow of air, part of the air flow going into the side intakes, the rest beneath the car.
Yet another feature carried over from motorsport and serving to optimise the flow of air is the arrangement of fins on the engine compartment lid.
These air guidance strips extending along the outer edges of the engine compartment lid promote the car’s aerodynamic qualities and enhance driving stability at high speeds. The positive effect ensured in this way was already proven back in the mid-1970s on the BMW 3.0 CSL.
The BMW kidney grille also comes in special design on BMW Concept
1 Series tii, omitting the kidney grille bars otherwise found on the BMW 1 Series Coupé and other production models. Instead, the cooling air flowing into the car goes through a wide honeycomb grid.
Yet a further sign of distinction is the dark trim bars on the headlights additionally highlighting the striking dual round headlights behind clear glass so typical of BMW.
Side view: classic silhouette, muscular design.
The BMW 1 Series Coupé comes with all the proportions so characteristic of BMW Coupés for many decades. The defining feature is the so-called three-box architecture, the clearly chiselled distinction between the engine compartment, the passenger cell, and the luggage compartment.
Together with the greenhouse moved far to the back and the gently tapered roofline extending to the rear end at a striking angle, the long engine compartment lid gives the car a truly unmistakable silhouette. The combination of the muscular car body and the light-looking roof structure, finally, gives this compact two-door a particularly dynamic and sporting look from the side.
The side view of BMW Concept 1 Series tii is further enhanced in its sportiness by the side-sills developed specifically for this design study:
The side-sills are particularly muscular in design, the light contour edge rising slightly towards the rear accentuating the wedge shape of the silhouette and giving the entire car an even lower and more dynamic look. The round opening in the side-sills directly in front of the rear wheel also provides a clear sign of sporting performance, acting as a further element in optimising the flow of air and at the same time guiding the beholder’s view to the rear wheels, where the power of the engine is conveyed to the road.
BMW Concept 1 Series tii comes on 18-inch light-alloy rims in five-spoke design and a dark chrome colour scheme developed specifically for this design study.
Perfect flow of air determining the design of the rear end. This clear focus on optimum aerodynamics continues into the design of the rear end, where the body of BMW Concept 1 Series tii is again specially designed for a smooth flow of air and the specific requirements of outstanding driving dynamics. The air contour lip on the rear lid, the so-called gurney, is far larger than on the “regular” BMW 1 Series Coupé. Indeed, through its shape and dimensions this component also made of CFP offers all the qualities required for generating maximum downforce on the rear axle at high speeds to give the car even greater driving stability.
The inlay in the rear bumper is likewise made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, its three-piece structure taking up the graphics of the air intakes at the front end of the car. The diffuser split by two bars, in turn, ensures a controlled flow of air also along the lower part of the car, reducing air swirl at the rear to a minimum. Interior design continuing the car’s sporting line. The interior of BMW Concept 1 Series tii is certainly an ideal place to experience pure driving pleasure, with the emphasis consistently on sporting qualities and performance. This is borne out, first, by the colour scheme carried over from the exterior and, second, by a wide range of features derived directly from motorsport and thus offering supreme function in perfect control and management of the car.
While the interior takes up the black-and-white contrast of the car’s exterior finish, the balance of colours is precisely the other way round: Like the dark CFP elements on the exterior, white-painted surfaces inside the car add highlights at a few carefully selected points – the grab handles on the doors and the spokes on the sports steering wheel. Even so, the visual effect created in this way is striking and powerful, since these features are not only important eye-catchers, but are actually used relatively often in practice.
The colour blue provides a clear focus on the driver within the interior, blue seat seams and a blue decal ring at the bottom of the gearshift lever knob providing visual highlights most befitting the BMW brand. A further point is that the seat belt on the driver’s seat also comes in this colour.
The seat belts on the other three seats, by contrast, are in silver, which is also the colour of the seat seams. Clearly, this distinction is restricted to the look of the seat belts as an eye-twinkling sign as to which of the four seats is the most appealing in a car of this nature.
Tailored to the driver, built for driving pleasure.
The interior design of BMW Concept 1 Series tii is tailored specifically to the driver, applying principles known to offer an intense and successful driving experience also in motorsport.
Dominant use of dark colours within the interior, for example, makes it easier for the driver to concentrate fully on the road and the traffic around him.
The surface trim on the A-pillars and roof lining in anthracite forms one unit with the instrument panel, the door and side panels.
Finished in black alcantara, the instrument panel – like the dark engine compartment lid on BMW Concept 1 Series tii – helps efficiently to avoid any reflection of light which might impair the driver’s concentration.
The design of the instrument cluster also reflects the usual style and focus in motorsport, the white face of the rev counter with its red indicators attracting even more attention than the dark face on the speedometer.
The sports steering wheel is the perfect interface between man and machine. Finished in alcantara all round, the steering wheel rim offers particularly good grip, giving the driver maximum precision at the wheel even in fast manoeuvres and when suddenly changing direction.
The seats in BMW Concept 1 Series tii are yet another new development for sports motoring: Finished in a combination of alcantara and leather, the sports bucket seats offer perfect stability at the side. Further highlights are the integrated headrests and side airbags. And last but not least in this context, the rear passengers also enjoy a sporting and low seating position.
The model designation on the door cutout strips rounds off the individual ambience within BMW Concept 1 Series tii. The linings in the footwells, finally, are made of a new, particularly hard-wearing textile tissue reminiscent in its surface structure of the CFP components. Traditional values, modern concept, unique result. Outside and inside, from every perspective and in all its details, BMW Concept 1 Series tii conveys a clear message: the objective to offer uncompromising driving pleasure. So in developing this design study, BMW’s engineers, designers and other specialists took the opportunity to combine traditional values with the latest technology. In the process they benefited from the new BMW 1 Series Coupé offering a modern car concept authentically presenting the sporting roots of the brand.
Precisely this is the underlying character further enhanced by BMW Concept 1 Series tii following a clear-cut philosophy with no cause for moderation – on the contrary: BMW Concept 1 Series tii shows impressively which highlights were applied in the car’s development and what potential the BMW 1 Series Coupé has to offer in terms of sporting performance.
The looks and appearance of BMW Concept 1 Series tii bear out all the fascination of motorpsort, the heritage of the BMW brand giving the designers additional inspiration. In particular, they focused in the design process on BMW’s compact two-door models in the 1960s and ‘70s, cars which at the time made an important contribution to the development of the brand and BMW as a company, becoming the very epitome of unparalleled driving pleasure.
Indeed, these cars owed their success to features typical of BMW even at the time and still offering a unique thrill today: low weight, powerful engines, supreme agility.
These factors for success therefore still apply in today’s world. But at the same time the demands made by the customer have changed significantly, as have the potentials offered by modern technology and BMW’s model range.
The number of segments in which BMW is represented today is larger than ever before. So the brand offers Sheer Driving Pleasure in all kinds of different manifestations. But the concept of Sheer Driving Pleasure remains just as up-to-date and popular as before, coming out particularly in the BMW 1 Series Coupé: No other car offers equally dynamic driving characteristics, simply because no other brand offers comparable heritage and experience in the production of sporting and compact two-door models.
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor1.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor2.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor3.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor4.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor5.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor6.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor7.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor8.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor9.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor10.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor11.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor12.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor13.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor14.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor15.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor16.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor17.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/tii1a.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/tii2a.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/tii3a.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/tii4a.jpg)
PHOTOS BELOW TEXT
__________
October 24th, Tokyo Japan
2007 Tokyo Auto Show
Based on the new BMW 1 Series Coupé being presented to the world public for the first time at the Tokyo Motor Show 2007, this fascinating design study is the consistent evolution of BMW’s compact two-door with a clear focus on uncompromising sportiness. With its aerodynamically optimised body, a wide range of lightweight features serving to minimise the weight of the car and its axle load distribution, as well as an interior tailored specifically to the ambitious driver, this concept study clearly offers a high level of driving dynamics right from the start.
Character:
• Design study based on the BMW 1 Series Coupé with an uncompromising focus on motorsport.
• BMW Concept 1 Series tii as a young interpretation of classic BMW brand values.
• Implementation of specific requirements for motorsport ensured through the design of the car.
• Design study following the tradition of BMW’s compact, light and extremely
sporting coupés. The characteristic features of models particularly
successful in motorsport have gone straight into BMW Concept 1 Series tii.
• BMW Concept 1 Series tii underlines the extremely sporting potential and the youthful, temperamental character of the BMW 1 Series. The design study raises the focus on pure driving pleasure already associated with the BMW 1 Series Coupé to an even higher standard.
• As the fifth concept car presented by BMW in 2007 alone, BMW Concept 1 Series tii clearly demonstrates the exceptional bandwidth covered by the world’s leading manufacturer of premium cars. Following the BMW M3 Concept Car, the BMW Concept CS and the BMW Concept X6/BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, BMW Concept 1 Series tii stands out as a unique symbol of maximum driving pleasure also in the compact segment.
Exterior:
• Through its unique, completely different design, BMW Concept 1 Series tii clearly emphasises its outstanding potential in driving dynamics.
• Optimised aerodynamics on the body with individual, distinctive design of the front air dam, side-sills and rear air dam. Special gurney flaps generating additional downforce on the rear axle.
• Further enhancement of agility and efficiency through consistent lightweight engineering using carbon components inter alia on the engine compartment lid, the mirror caps, and the inlays for the front air intakes at the side. Significant reduction of weight versus series production cars.
• Sporting, accentuated, contrasting and, at the same time, typical BMW colour scheme on the exterior and interior. The body colour Alpine White is combined with the very dark carbon structure of the CFP elements, with further highlights added in Blue.
• BMW Concept 1 Series tii takes up striking features of former motorsport models in many of its details: fins along the engine compartment lid to optimise the flow of air, contrasting colour scheme on the engine compartment lid, decal strips on the roof of the car and the rear lid in contrasting colour, visible, open towing fixture.
Interior:
• Authentic interpretation of specific motorsport standards through the concept of the interior design as well as colours and material design.
• Sports bucket seats with integrated headrests and side airbags, three-spoke sports steering wheel and gearshift knob with alcantara cover, model-specific door linings, door closing handles and armrest on the driver’s side.
• The contrasting colour scheme (Black, White, Blue) and the various functions and features derived from motorsport also characterise the interior of BMW Concept 1 Series tii.
• The white rev counter highlights this instrument of particular significance in motorsport, the sports steering wheel with its white spokes and trim taking up the exterior colour scheme.
• Use of dark alcantara on the door linings and the instrument panel prevents reflections and accentuates the driver-oriented design and configuration of the cockpit. Alcantara on the seats, the steering wheel rim and the gearshift knob optimises side support and, respectively, the driver’s grip.
• The newly developed structure tissue for the footwell accentuates the sporting and functional character of the interior.
The BMW Concept 1 Series tii.
Agility, lightness, youthfulness and superior sportiness – all these features are presented and highlighted impressively in BMW Concept 1 Series tii.
Based on the new BMW 1 Series Coupé being presented to the world public for the first time at the Tokyo Motor Show 2007, this fascinating design study is the consistent evolution of BMW’s compact two-door with a clear focus on uncompromising sportiness. With its aerodynamically optimised body, a wide range of lightweight features serving to minimise the weight of the car and its axle load distribution, as well as an interior tailored specifically to the ambitious driver, this concept study clearly offers a high level of driving dynamics right from the start. BMW Concept 1 Series tii thus offers a very highly concentrated rendition of the brand’s sporting genes, at the same time proving the dynamic character of BMW’s compact two-door in offering the ultimate in driving pleasure.
In its design, BMW Concept 1 Series tii clearly takes up the traditional features and characteristics of successful BMW sports cars in the past: At very first sight the beholder will see features which made numerous BMW Coupés an outstanding success on both the road and the race track back in the 1960s and ’70s. These were cars characterised by compact dimensions, low weight with perfect balance front-to-rear, as well as powerful engines conveying their superior muscle to the rear wheels.
Particularly the BMW 02 introduced back in 1966 was acknowledged as the epitome of supreme agility and thrilling, highly dynamic driving characteristics based on these success factors. And now the new BMW 1 Series Coupé represents the same philosophy: Light, agile, and powerful, this compact two-door with its unparalleled, ultra-sporting handling provides an unprecedented experience at the wheel. The similarities between these two models result in particular from the concept of the car, BMW Concept 1 Series tii bringing out all these strengths and clearly demonstrating how much the development principles applied more than four decades ago are still most appropriate today in creating sports models truly fascinating in every respect.
Traditional and modern: lightweight construction as the basic principle, CFP as the solution.
BMW Concept 1 Series tii combines visual features carried over from the past with the most advanced technology in development and production. Particularly the basic principle of the car rests on traditional values, while high-tech materials and applications are used in the implementation process.
To save weight and ensure a harmonious balance of axle load, selected components on BMW Concept 1 Series tii are made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFP): Apart from the engine compartment lid and the mirror caps, the inlays on the side air intakes in the front air dam, the gurney flap on the rear lid, and the inlay in the rear bumper are all made of this extremely light and exceptionally strong material.
From a distance the components made of CFP would appear to be black – it is only at closer sight that the fine carbon-fibre structure of the surface covered by transparent, matt paintwork becomes visible. The dark surface of the CFP engine compartment lid reduces the reflection of sunlight and promotes driver concentration in the process. The wide, white sunglare strip at the top end of the windscreen serves the same purpose, preventing any dazzle effect when the sun is low on the horizon.
Black, white and blue – typical BMW colours all the way.
The contrasting effect resulting from the Alpine White paintwork and the dark CFP components results from fundamental functional requirements. But at the same time this contrasting colour scheme is also a major styling feature characterising the look and appearance of BMW Concept 1 Series tii. Indeed, to really accentuate the appearance of the car, BMW Concept 1 Series tii comes with decal stripes extending from the front headlight units all the way to the air flow lip on the rear lid, the gurney made of CFP and particularly large in size covering the entire body of the car. On the engine compartment the stripes come in white, on the roof and the rear lid they continue in black.
A third colour is used at less exposed points to provide yet another optical highlight: This is the colour blue proudly displayed on the brake callipers, on one of the five wheel bolts on each rim, and on the towing fixture in the front air dam which – as is generally the case with cars in motorsport – is not covered by a cap or seal. The contrast of black and white and the discreet use of features finished in blue creates a trinity of colours also taken up by the exterior and generating an extroverted but well-balanced effect also because the choice of colours is the same as on BMW’s brand logo, thus bearing clear testimony to a great heritage.
Front-end design: aerodynamics optimised to the last detail. Not only the colour scheme, but also the design of the car sets BMW Concept 1 Series tii distinctly apart from the standard versions of the BMW 1 Series Coupé. Indeed, the unique character and class of the design study is visible immediately from every angle and perspective: Apart from the components made of CFP, the front air dam, the side-sills and the rear bumper as well as the rear lid are all brand-new in design. The objective in this design process was to optimise the car’s aerodynamic qualities, consistently reflecting the extremely dynamic commitment of BMW Concept 1 Series tii.
To meet the particular requirements made of such a car, the structure of the front air dam differs significantly from the air dam in regular production models: The particularly muscular side air intakes are coated inside with CFP and the front air dam comes on both sides with so-called air splitters.
These air guidance elements standing out slightly to the front ensure a specific downward flow of air, part of the air flow going into the side intakes, the rest beneath the car.
Yet another feature carried over from motorsport and serving to optimise the flow of air is the arrangement of fins on the engine compartment lid.
These air guidance strips extending along the outer edges of the engine compartment lid promote the car’s aerodynamic qualities and enhance driving stability at high speeds. The positive effect ensured in this way was already proven back in the mid-1970s on the BMW 3.0 CSL.
The BMW kidney grille also comes in special design on BMW Concept
1 Series tii, omitting the kidney grille bars otherwise found on the BMW 1 Series Coupé and other production models. Instead, the cooling air flowing into the car goes through a wide honeycomb grid.
Yet a further sign of distinction is the dark trim bars on the headlights additionally highlighting the striking dual round headlights behind clear glass so typical of BMW.
Side view: classic silhouette, muscular design.
The BMW 1 Series Coupé comes with all the proportions so characteristic of BMW Coupés for many decades. The defining feature is the so-called three-box architecture, the clearly chiselled distinction between the engine compartment, the passenger cell, and the luggage compartment.
Together with the greenhouse moved far to the back and the gently tapered roofline extending to the rear end at a striking angle, the long engine compartment lid gives the car a truly unmistakable silhouette. The combination of the muscular car body and the light-looking roof structure, finally, gives this compact two-door a particularly dynamic and sporting look from the side.
The side view of BMW Concept 1 Series tii is further enhanced in its sportiness by the side-sills developed specifically for this design study:
The side-sills are particularly muscular in design, the light contour edge rising slightly towards the rear accentuating the wedge shape of the silhouette and giving the entire car an even lower and more dynamic look. The round opening in the side-sills directly in front of the rear wheel also provides a clear sign of sporting performance, acting as a further element in optimising the flow of air and at the same time guiding the beholder’s view to the rear wheels, where the power of the engine is conveyed to the road.
BMW Concept 1 Series tii comes on 18-inch light-alloy rims in five-spoke design and a dark chrome colour scheme developed specifically for this design study.
Perfect flow of air determining the design of the rear end. This clear focus on optimum aerodynamics continues into the design of the rear end, where the body of BMW Concept 1 Series tii is again specially designed for a smooth flow of air and the specific requirements of outstanding driving dynamics. The air contour lip on the rear lid, the so-called gurney, is far larger than on the “regular” BMW 1 Series Coupé. Indeed, through its shape and dimensions this component also made of CFP offers all the qualities required for generating maximum downforce on the rear axle at high speeds to give the car even greater driving stability.
The inlay in the rear bumper is likewise made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, its three-piece structure taking up the graphics of the air intakes at the front end of the car. The diffuser split by two bars, in turn, ensures a controlled flow of air also along the lower part of the car, reducing air swirl at the rear to a minimum. Interior design continuing the car’s sporting line. The interior of BMW Concept 1 Series tii is certainly an ideal place to experience pure driving pleasure, with the emphasis consistently on sporting qualities and performance. This is borne out, first, by the colour scheme carried over from the exterior and, second, by a wide range of features derived directly from motorsport and thus offering supreme function in perfect control and management of the car.
While the interior takes up the black-and-white contrast of the car’s exterior finish, the balance of colours is precisely the other way round: Like the dark CFP elements on the exterior, white-painted surfaces inside the car add highlights at a few carefully selected points – the grab handles on the doors and the spokes on the sports steering wheel. Even so, the visual effect created in this way is striking and powerful, since these features are not only important eye-catchers, but are actually used relatively often in practice.
The colour blue provides a clear focus on the driver within the interior, blue seat seams and a blue decal ring at the bottom of the gearshift lever knob providing visual highlights most befitting the BMW brand. A further point is that the seat belt on the driver’s seat also comes in this colour.
The seat belts on the other three seats, by contrast, are in silver, which is also the colour of the seat seams. Clearly, this distinction is restricted to the look of the seat belts as an eye-twinkling sign as to which of the four seats is the most appealing in a car of this nature.
Tailored to the driver, built for driving pleasure.
The interior design of BMW Concept 1 Series tii is tailored specifically to the driver, applying principles known to offer an intense and successful driving experience also in motorsport.
Dominant use of dark colours within the interior, for example, makes it easier for the driver to concentrate fully on the road and the traffic around him.
The surface trim on the A-pillars and roof lining in anthracite forms one unit with the instrument panel, the door and side panels.
Finished in black alcantara, the instrument panel – like the dark engine compartment lid on BMW Concept 1 Series tii – helps efficiently to avoid any reflection of light which might impair the driver’s concentration.
The design of the instrument cluster also reflects the usual style and focus in motorsport, the white face of the rev counter with its red indicators attracting even more attention than the dark face on the speedometer.
The sports steering wheel is the perfect interface between man and machine. Finished in alcantara all round, the steering wheel rim offers particularly good grip, giving the driver maximum precision at the wheel even in fast manoeuvres and when suddenly changing direction.
The seats in BMW Concept 1 Series tii are yet another new development for sports motoring: Finished in a combination of alcantara and leather, the sports bucket seats offer perfect stability at the side. Further highlights are the integrated headrests and side airbags. And last but not least in this context, the rear passengers also enjoy a sporting and low seating position.
The model designation on the door cutout strips rounds off the individual ambience within BMW Concept 1 Series tii. The linings in the footwells, finally, are made of a new, particularly hard-wearing textile tissue reminiscent in its surface structure of the CFP components. Traditional values, modern concept, unique result. Outside and inside, from every perspective and in all its details, BMW Concept 1 Series tii conveys a clear message: the objective to offer uncompromising driving pleasure. So in developing this design study, BMW’s engineers, designers and other specialists took the opportunity to combine traditional values with the latest technology. In the process they benefited from the new BMW 1 Series Coupé offering a modern car concept authentically presenting the sporting roots of the brand.
Precisely this is the underlying character further enhanced by BMW Concept 1 Series tii following a clear-cut philosophy with no cause for moderation – on the contrary: BMW Concept 1 Series tii shows impressively which highlights were applied in the car’s development and what potential the BMW 1 Series Coupé has to offer in terms of sporting performance.
The looks and appearance of BMW Concept 1 Series tii bear out all the fascination of motorpsort, the heritage of the BMW brand giving the designers additional inspiration. In particular, they focused in the design process on BMW’s compact two-door models in the 1960s and ‘70s, cars which at the time made an important contribution to the development of the brand and BMW as a company, becoming the very epitome of unparalleled driving pleasure.
Indeed, these cars owed their success to features typical of BMW even at the time and still offering a unique thrill today: low weight, powerful engines, supreme agility.
These factors for success therefore still apply in today’s world. But at the same time the demands made by the customer have changed significantly, as have the potentials offered by modern technology and BMW’s model range.
The number of segments in which BMW is represented today is larger than ever before. So the brand offers Sheer Driving Pleasure in all kinds of different manifestations. But the concept of Sheer Driving Pleasure remains just as up-to-date and popular as before, coming out particularly in the BMW 1 Series Coupé: No other car offers equally dynamic driving characteristics, simply because no other brand offers comparable heritage and experience in the production of sporting and compact two-door models.
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor1.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor2.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor3.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor4.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor5.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor6.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor7.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor8.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor9.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor10.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor11.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor12.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor13.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor14.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor15.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor16.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/motor17.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/tii1a.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/tii2a.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/tii3a.jpg)
![](http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/tii4a.jpg)
#656
Despite Greenmonster's post on the first page
I'm going to agree with LT. Looks sweet (the understated intercooler?
)!
If it ever does see production I bet it's going to be pretty expensive. Oh well very nice looking vehicle
![rofl](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
![Drool](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/drool.gif)
If it ever does see production I bet it's going to be pretty expensive. Oh well very nice looking vehicle
![2 Cents](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/2cents.gif)
#657
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by nicholbr
Despite Greenmonster's post on the first page ![rofl](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
![rofl](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
![Tongue](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
Merging this thread with the 1-series thread in autonews...
#658
has Gloryhole Girls in
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Ballston Lake, NY
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Originally Posted by coco
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1935
^^ "tii" coupe based off the 135i coupe.. debuting in Tokyo autoshow today.
I love the image BMW is trying to project with this car, like the 2002 and 2002tii![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Modedit: added text and photos from 1addicts thread.
^^ "tii" coupe based off the 135i coupe.. debuting in Tokyo autoshow today.
I love the image BMW is trying to project with this car, like the 2002 and 2002tii
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Modedit: added text and photos from 1addicts thread.
I think this car would be 100x cooler if it was called the 2002 rather than the 1 series.
![2 Cents](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/2cents.gif)
#659
Originally Posted by coco
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1935
^^ "tii" coupe based off the 135i coupe.. debuting in Tokyo autoshow today.
I love the image BMW is trying to project with this car, like the 2002 and 2002tii![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Modedit: added text and photos from 1addicts thread.
^^ "tii" coupe based off the 135i coupe.. debuting in Tokyo autoshow today.
I love the image BMW is trying to project with this car, like the 2002 and 2002tii
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Modedit: added text and photos from 1addicts thread.
interior is smoking. no slippage with those seats, wheel, and stick.
#660
First Drive: 2009 BMW 135i
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...hotopanel..1.*
A Return to BMW's Core Values
By Andreas Stahl, Contributor Email
Date posted: 10-22-2007
To put it plainly, the 2009 BMW 135i is more than merely good. It raises the standard of measure for small coupes to a whole new level of excellence. It is one of the purest expressions of the BMW character since the 1971 BMW 2002 tii.
This is not another space-efficient front-wheel-drive hatchback. Instead BMW's classic configuration of front-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive brings an emphasis on driving to the segment of premium small cars that includes the Volkswagen R32 and Volvo C30.
Search if you will, but you can take it from us; there is simply no more accomplished car for $30,000 than the 2009 BMW 135i.
The Numbers Tell the Story
The numbers tell the story. The 2009 BMW 135i coupe gets to 100 kph (62 mph) in just 5.3 seconds and the standing kilometer (fast becoming a standard performance benchmark among Europe's more sporting carmakers) in 24.6 seconds. To give this speed some perspective, the new 2008 BMW M3 is just 0.5 second and 1.3 seconds quicker to the same marks respectively. Even more important, this 135i coupe will rip from 50-75 mph in 4th gear in just 5.0 seconds — just 0.1 second slower than the latest M-car.
These figures are important, because there is little about the styling of the new 1 Series coupe to hint at such performance potency. Its compact dimensions, strongly creased character lines and taut surfacing can be jarring from some angles and certainly won't be to everyone's taste, but they do provide the new two-door with an alluringly muscular appearance that expresses its sporting aspirations.
Right Size
Dimensionally, the new car measures 171.7 inches in length, 76.1 inches in width and 56.0 inches in height, making it noticeably smaller than the 3 Series coupe, some 8.7 inches shorter in length, 2.0 inches narrower and 1.1 inch taller.
The coupe shares its front-end styling with the 1 Series hatchback that has been in production for the last three years, and indeed both cars will share BMW's assembly plant in Leipzig, Germany. For the coupe, the front bumper has been slightly reprofiled to direct additional cooling air into the engine bay. In addition, the coupe has frameless doors. Aft of the B-pillar, the coupe is unique, executing the traditional three-box silhouette.
Inside, it is all pretty familiar to anyone who has spent any time in the 1 Series hatchback. The wide transmission tunnel restricts the rear seat to just two passengers, and rear-seat legroom is limited. Trunk space is 13.0 cubic feet, only 2.1 cubic feet less than the 3 Series coupe.
Front-engine, Rear-drive
Though its front engine, rear-drive configuration is pretty unpopular in this size category because of its lack of space efficiency, BMW reckons its layout has unique appeal to people who care about driving, not passengers.
After the failure of the BMW 318Ti hatchback in the U.S. in 1995-'98, the BMW marketing people have decided to offer the 1 Series with a choice of premium-class powertrains. The naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 will develop 228 horsepower. But it is the top-of-the-line 135i and its sublime twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 to which we're drawn for this first drive of the new BMW in the Netherlands. With 306 hp available at 5,800 rpm, the magnesium-block six has the sort of power you might expect from a V8, giving the 1 Series coupe some genuine muscle car credentials.
You'd never know it lurks under the hood of this 1 Series unless you detect the oil temperature gauge beneath the tachometer, a feature previously reserved for BMW's high-performance M models. Thumb the starter button on the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel and you're presented with a delicious throaty resonance through the exhausts. When you blip the throttle, you can feel the little coupe shimmy in excitement as the engine and drivetrain wind up.
Effortless Speed
Once underway the 135i delivers effortless acceleration; the crushing effect of 295 pound-feet of torque arriving at just 1,300 rpm makes this engine terrifically flexible all the way through the rpm range. You can pull away in 1st gear and slot directly into 6th without any major objection from the drivetrain.
To do so, however, is to deny yourself what is arguably this car's most appealing feature — its strapping midrange acceleration. There's no discernible turbo lag as you pile on the revs through the gears, just one fabulously linear flow of drive to the rear wheels. Remain committed and you find that there's absolutely no let-up in the urgent rush until 7,000 rpm, when the electronic rev limiter softly retards the ignition.
When you couple this with excellent straight-line stability and superb levels of mechanical refinement, you've got the makings of not just an impressively sporty coupe but also a supreme long-distance touring machine capable of 360 miles between fill-ups (if you can duplicate the 26 mpg that BMW says this car will achieve in European highway mode).
Turn the Corner
The 135i coupe inherits the same excellent rear-wheel-drive chassis as the 1 Series hatchback, so it doesn't come as too much of a surprise to discover it boasts excellent body control on challenging sections of blacktop. Few cars at any price manage to dish up such entertaining handling as this new BMW.
Balanced weight distribution clearly plays a role in its willingness to change direction, as does an aluminum-trimmed suspension setup that is little changed from the 3 Series.
As the premium model, the 135i has 18-inch wheels as standard equipment and features run-flat tires: 215/R4018s in front and 245/35R18s in the rear. It hangs on extremely well in the corners, with an eventual tendency to understeer on the entry to decreasing-radius corners, yet there's enough torque to induce oversteer in the right conditions.
Cost constraints have ruled out a mechanical limit-slip differential, but the 135i gets an automatic brake differential. The electronic stability control can be switched off, leading to engaging oversteer for those who seek it.
Thanks to an added measure of structural rigidity from the coupe's body shell, the car has more forgiving rates for its springs and dampers than the hatchback, although for marketing purposes it is described as an M-sport arrangement. The result is a more compliant ride, although the stiff sidewalls of the run-flat tires continue to generate an inordinate amount of noise on less-than-smooth road surfaces, notably at the front end.
Its brakes, meanwhile, are tremendously robust. With 13.3-inch vented discs in the front and 12.8-inch vented discs in the rear, there's plenty of stopping power that doesn't fade even after repeated hammerings from high speed.
BMW 2002 Redux
BMW's 1960s-era 2002 made famous all the attributes we associate with BMW today — its spare form, responsive handling and willing engine. As the 3 Series has evolved over time, it has left behind much of the 2002's iconic goodness as it became larger, heavier and more sophisticated.
The 2009 BMW 135i cuts right to the heart of what a BMW is meant to be about. You can argue about its appearance and complain about packaging, but in just about every other respect, it delivers a unique and exhilarating driving experience, which is what matters most.
By Andreas Stahl, Contributor Email
Date posted: 10-22-2007
To put it plainly, the 2009 BMW 135i is more than merely good. It raises the standard of measure for small coupes to a whole new level of excellence. It is one of the purest expressions of the BMW character since the 1971 BMW 2002 tii.
This is not another space-efficient front-wheel-drive hatchback. Instead BMW's classic configuration of front-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive brings an emphasis on driving to the segment of premium small cars that includes the Volkswagen R32 and Volvo C30.
Search if you will, but you can take it from us; there is simply no more accomplished car for $30,000 than the 2009 BMW 135i.
The Numbers Tell the Story
The numbers tell the story. The 2009 BMW 135i coupe gets to 100 kph (62 mph) in just 5.3 seconds and the standing kilometer (fast becoming a standard performance benchmark among Europe's more sporting carmakers) in 24.6 seconds. To give this speed some perspective, the new 2008 BMW M3 is just 0.5 second and 1.3 seconds quicker to the same marks respectively. Even more important, this 135i coupe will rip from 50-75 mph in 4th gear in just 5.0 seconds — just 0.1 second slower than the latest M-car.
These figures are important, because there is little about the styling of the new 1 Series coupe to hint at such performance potency. Its compact dimensions, strongly creased character lines and taut surfacing can be jarring from some angles and certainly won't be to everyone's taste, but they do provide the new two-door with an alluringly muscular appearance that expresses its sporting aspirations.
Right Size
Dimensionally, the new car measures 171.7 inches in length, 76.1 inches in width and 56.0 inches in height, making it noticeably smaller than the 3 Series coupe, some 8.7 inches shorter in length, 2.0 inches narrower and 1.1 inch taller.
The coupe shares its front-end styling with the 1 Series hatchback that has been in production for the last three years, and indeed both cars will share BMW's assembly plant in Leipzig, Germany. For the coupe, the front bumper has been slightly reprofiled to direct additional cooling air into the engine bay. In addition, the coupe has frameless doors. Aft of the B-pillar, the coupe is unique, executing the traditional three-box silhouette.
Inside, it is all pretty familiar to anyone who has spent any time in the 1 Series hatchback. The wide transmission tunnel restricts the rear seat to just two passengers, and rear-seat legroom is limited. Trunk space is 13.0 cubic feet, only 2.1 cubic feet less than the 3 Series coupe.
Front-engine, Rear-drive
Though its front engine, rear-drive configuration is pretty unpopular in this size category because of its lack of space efficiency, BMW reckons its layout has unique appeal to people who care about driving, not passengers.
After the failure of the BMW 318Ti hatchback in the U.S. in 1995-'98, the BMW marketing people have decided to offer the 1 Series with a choice of premium-class powertrains. The naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 will develop 228 horsepower. But it is the top-of-the-line 135i and its sublime twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 to which we're drawn for this first drive of the new BMW in the Netherlands. With 306 hp available at 5,800 rpm, the magnesium-block six has the sort of power you might expect from a V8, giving the 1 Series coupe some genuine muscle car credentials.
You'd never know it lurks under the hood of this 1 Series unless you detect the oil temperature gauge beneath the tachometer, a feature previously reserved for BMW's high-performance M models. Thumb the starter button on the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel and you're presented with a delicious throaty resonance through the exhausts. When you blip the throttle, you can feel the little coupe shimmy in excitement as the engine and drivetrain wind up.
Effortless Speed
Once underway the 135i delivers effortless acceleration; the crushing effect of 295 pound-feet of torque arriving at just 1,300 rpm makes this engine terrifically flexible all the way through the rpm range. You can pull away in 1st gear and slot directly into 6th without any major objection from the drivetrain.
To do so, however, is to deny yourself what is arguably this car's most appealing feature — its strapping midrange acceleration. There's no discernible turbo lag as you pile on the revs through the gears, just one fabulously linear flow of drive to the rear wheels. Remain committed and you find that there's absolutely no let-up in the urgent rush until 7,000 rpm, when the electronic rev limiter softly retards the ignition.
When you couple this with excellent straight-line stability and superb levels of mechanical refinement, you've got the makings of not just an impressively sporty coupe but also a supreme long-distance touring machine capable of 360 miles between fill-ups (if you can duplicate the 26 mpg that BMW says this car will achieve in European highway mode).
Turn the Corner
The 135i coupe inherits the same excellent rear-wheel-drive chassis as the 1 Series hatchback, so it doesn't come as too much of a surprise to discover it boasts excellent body control on challenging sections of blacktop. Few cars at any price manage to dish up such entertaining handling as this new BMW.
Balanced weight distribution clearly plays a role in its willingness to change direction, as does an aluminum-trimmed suspension setup that is little changed from the 3 Series.
As the premium model, the 135i has 18-inch wheels as standard equipment and features run-flat tires: 215/R4018s in front and 245/35R18s in the rear. It hangs on extremely well in the corners, with an eventual tendency to understeer on the entry to decreasing-radius corners, yet there's enough torque to induce oversteer in the right conditions.
Cost constraints have ruled out a mechanical limit-slip differential, but the 135i gets an automatic brake differential. The electronic stability control can be switched off, leading to engaging oversteer for those who seek it.
Thanks to an added measure of structural rigidity from the coupe's body shell, the car has more forgiving rates for its springs and dampers than the hatchback, although for marketing purposes it is described as an M-sport arrangement. The result is a more compliant ride, although the stiff sidewalls of the run-flat tires continue to generate an inordinate amount of noise on less-than-smooth road surfaces, notably at the front end.
Its brakes, meanwhile, are tremendously robust. With 13.3-inch vented discs in the front and 12.8-inch vented discs in the rear, there's plenty of stopping power that doesn't fade even after repeated hammerings from high speed.
BMW 2002 Redux
BMW's 1960s-era 2002 made famous all the attributes we associate with BMW today — its spare form, responsive handling and willing engine. As the 3 Series has evolved over time, it has left behind much of the 2002's iconic goodness as it became larger, heavier and more sophisticated.
The 2009 BMW 135i cuts right to the heart of what a BMW is meant to be about. You can argue about its appearance and complain about packaging, but in just about every other respect, it delivers a unique and exhilarating driving experience, which is what matters most.
#662
Cruise Missile Lobber
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Newington, CT
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Originally Posted by GreenMonster
![Shrug](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/shrug.gif)
It guess it really depends on pricing... which probably won't be released till next year (NAIAS ??).
I'll probably wait till the hoopla is over too... I won't pay MSRP just to get a coffee table book and a "year one" badge... Sept 08 probably at the earliest, and if pricing for the 128i is over 30k, maybe not at all...
I've only got 66K miles on my CL, so I'm in no hurry. With the Hyundai RWD coupe around the corner, I could wait for that, or other 1-series competitiors...
My CL is paid for, so I should just drive it forever (or at least another 5 years).
I'm just like you, could afford more of a car, but really don't want to pay for it. A nice house is more important to me.
Rumors over a 1addicts seem to think that the pricing will come out November time frame when BMW USA releases a configurator on their website, apparently the same day it is revealed at the LA Auto Show.
I'm chomping at the bit here.
#665
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by SSN_FT1(SS/DV)
Rumors over a 1addicts seem to think that the pricing will come out November time frame when BMW USA releases a configurator on their website, apparently the same day it is revealed at the LA Auto Show.
I'm chomping at the bit here.
I'm chomping at the bit here.
But I think that this car is more than just making money. It's about bringing younger customers (i.e. Civic buyers) into the brand. They might take a hit on the 1-series, but if the 1-series is done right, they may have earned customers for life.
If cars are going to be delivered in March/April, and ordering sheets out in January, they'll have to release pricing either at the LA show or at NAIAS at the latest.
#666
Inevitably, everyone will talk about this car being the new M1. I challenge you to spend the next few days counting how many headlines appear in various car mags or websites with those letters. But this isn't. Far from it.
It's much more a cruising GT than that, courtesy of the uninvolving steering and relaxed but rapid engine. Just tool around in sixth and let the torque do the work for you. That should also help BMW keep more cars under that 140g/km figure.
It's much more a cruising GT than that, courtesy of the uninvolving steering and relaxed but rapid engine. Just tool around in sixth and let the torque do the work for you. That should also help BMW keep more cars under that 140g/km figure.
#667
The sizzle in the Steak
Suite!!!!!
#672
Originally Posted by FutureBagdA4
no.
#673
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Irvine, CA
Age: 36
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Originally Posted by msl82
Oh, i see. hahaha. yea, for some reason the front of that car is ugly for me. The headlight is oversized and have flat face, kind of resemble Bull dog face...
#674
Good news for anyone worrying about not having an LSD for this car.. it's going to be offered directly from BMW as a "performance product":
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1960
I still think too many people obsess with whether a car has LSD or not, 95% of us will never even drive the car in a way which benefits much from having one.
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1960
I still think too many people obsess with whether a car has LSD or not, 95% of us will never even drive the car in a way which benefits much from having one.
#675
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by coco
I still think too many people obsess with whether a car has LSD or not, 95% of us will never even drive the car in a way which benefits much from having one.
![Werd](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/werd.gif)
I still like to obsess about how heavy it is
![Big Grin](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#676
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Cedar Park, TX
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So no where in that arrticle about the tii did I see anything about powertrain improvements. Did I miss something? So is the tii just going to be a 335i with reworked body panels and interior bits? Enlighten me please.
#677
Originally Posted by coco
Good news for anyone worrying about not having an LSD for this car.. it's going to be offered directly from BMW as a "performance product":
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1960
I still think too many people obsess with whether a car has LSD or not, 95% of us will never even drive the car in a way which benefits much from having one.
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1960
I still think too many people obsess with whether a car has LSD or not, 95% of us will never even drive the car in a way which benefits much from having one.
![Tongue](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
On a more serious note, I agree with you about the 95% thing. The part that sucks is that installing an LSD basically means a transmission rebuild.
A Civic open diff costs 200 bucks, a new Si LSD costs 700. If Honda installs them from the factory, it's 500 bucks on top of the car price, but to add it later means 700 for the LSD, plus 1000 or however much it costs to tear out my goddamned transmission, take every last gear out, swap the diffs, put the whole @#$%ing thing back together, and put the tranny back in. 500 bucks on top of a glorified you were charging 23 grand for?
I think the Acura product planner needs a good kick in the ass. A 2700 lb FWD "sporty" platform doesn't need an LSD, but a 3600 lb cruiser does? How many people by the TL for its cornering prowess? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
Anyway, sorry about the rant ... carry on people.
#679
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by shrykhar
Anyway, sorry about the rant ... carry on people.