First off I would like to say I will never know why it they did not decide to call it a
2 series. Rumor is we will never get a 1 series M version in this country, but what are they going to call them elsewhere? Somehow calling them M1 seems out of the question because we all know this will not be an M1!

So I'm reading through my January Automobile magazine last night and I see this chart comparing the new BMW 1 series to the Audi A3 (and some people think the Z3 coupe looks ugly, they should see the A3!) and I got the strange feeling I had read some of these engine specs before. Anybody else recognize these specs?
2.0-litre in-line 4 cylinder
240 horsepower
9,000 rpm redline

So here are a few other random thought. 2004/2005 is a ways away so Honda does not have to worry about getting bumped off the podium for a while, but they had better be working on an upgrade already, which could be very good news for us. Because the 1series is a hatchback forgive me for thinking about the Civic Si, but when I see the projected weight of 2,425 for the 1 series all I can think is the Si had better go run and hide because this thing will eat it alive and spit out the bones, in fact the S2000 had better tighten its belt because the 1 series will be several hundred pounds lighter. And yes I know comparing the 1 series to these Honda models is like comparing apples to pomegranates.

Sign me off as VP, UUNYBAS - some will know

 

Are there any pictures of the 1 series? I too thought that they would call their new smaller model a 2 series (in my mind the MINI is BMW's 1 series anyway!) especially if is being pitched against the Audi A2...

I've seen similar performance spec's to those being touted for the M Compact in the UK Do you get the 3 series compact in the US?

 

Tifosi Red- I totally agree with you! With the success of the 2002 I can't imagine why they are avoiding the 2 series name. There are lots of people I know who would love an M2 because they don't like the M coupe and the M3 is to darn over weight for them. I never thought of the Mini being a 1 series but I would say that is very much on target.

There are pics of the 1 series in Automobile magazine, but I can't scan them and post them because I know that would be a copyright no no, I work in advertising, sorry. There must be some images on the web somewhere though.

The M compact- that one I'm not familiar with unless that is what we call the M coupe which is the "Z3 Hatchback" with the glorious M goodies, but I suspect you are referring to a different animal all together. So yes, you got my curiosity up!

The 3 series compact has dropped out of the US lineup. What we got was called the 318 ti. Nice car but oh so gutless when it comes to power.

 

The M Compact is being touted as a VR6/S3/Impreza beater in europe, the current 3 series compact line up (in the UK) is the 316i and the 325i. The M Compact will weigh in with a 2l I4 with 220 to 240 bhp.... should be interesting...

3 series Compact (BMW UK)

 

Very, very, cool. Thanks for the link.

http://www.bmwusa.com/welcome.cfm?code=Home

I just saw the Z5 thread, I'm a bit speechless...

I'm wondering if BMW is the single most popular car talked about on this forum, other than the S2000???

 

Here's a link that has a ton of BMW news, including a pic of the 1 series. Look at the new redesigned Z3.

http://www.theautobahn.com/bmw/

 

Thanks MarkS2K.

OH NO
a BMW X5 Pickup????

 

When the time comes in a few years for the BMW M1 to surface, I will be there to get one ... No doubts about that if the styling and looks is up to par with what is being floated around the rumor world.

 

I'd wait until the actual pictures and specs come out.

Remember the 318 ti hatchback ?


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After months of speculation, BMW served a welcome surprise by announcing in Geneva, February 2001, that it would be expanding its model offerings with both a 1 and 6 Series. Although official information is quite slim, the puzzle pieces have started to come together, painting a clearer picture of what these range-expanding offerings will be like.
First off, the 1 Series will not be an Isetta redux, nor the much loved 2002 reborn. Rather, it will be a true "series" of models, encompassing several traditional body styles with a volume sales mission. BMW AG CEO, Prof. Joachim Milberg, said these affordable cars will exude BMW virtues, with excellent handling, high quality, and driving pleasure as hallmarks. The 1 will be slotted between the Mini and 3 Series in the lineup.

Rather than employ elements from the stillborn front-drive Rover R30, the 1 Series will use a new BMW-proper rear-drive platform. All-new British engines ranging from 1.2-liter/75-horsepower to 2.0-liter/220-horse turbo are reportedly being considered. Among other things, we expect the four-cylinder engines to be a key distinguishing element separating the 1 from the six-cylinder 3 Series. (If the 3 Series Compact does finally come to the U.S. market, it is expected to boast the 2.5-liter inline six, not a four like last generation.).......

Entire Article:

http://www.motortrend.com/may01/6series/6series_f.html

 

Great link there ...