The USA receives a smaller, cheaper Bimmer
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BMW’s compact 1 Series has been on sale in Europe in hatch form since 2004. When it comes to America in spring 2008, it will be a coupe (at least initially), powered by BMW’s impressive straight-six 230-hp, 3.0-liter engine (the 128i), or its much-lauded, award-winning, twin-turbocharged, 300-hp, 300lb-ft, 3.0-liter six (the 135i).
At the same time, a 128i Convertible will also be available, although a more powerful 135i soft-top won’t arrive until the summer. Both cars have electro-hydraulically operated hoods, taking just 22 seconds to run the sequence, even on the move (up to 25mph).
The car is typically BMW, with rear-wheel drive, MacPherson struts up front and a trapezoidal-link rear axle. It doesn’t have a spare tire, deploying run-flat tires instead. Early Euro models—coupled with emerging run-flat technology—gave a hard ride, but BMW should have this issue well and truly addressed by the time the car reaches here.
The combination of small body, great engine and rear-wheel drive puts the 1 Series in contention for the title of Instant Classic, especially if a rumored M version goes into production. Prices haven’t been announced yet, but expect a ballpark of $35,000 for the Coupe.
-- Colin Ryan