3-door picture...

[spudw]

Anyone seen this picture of the three-door (red)? The spy shots show a three-door tht shares the same hatch shape as the 5-door. But this one is far more appealing. I would even consider this along side a coupe version. Very nice...

[Brookside]

Pretty nice-by changing the slope of the roofline;like in the red photoshop- would mean metal stamping an entirely different car.
If that were the case then I think BMW would use the oppurtunity to totally redesign the 1-series 3 door to differenciate it from the 5 door....which I doubt they'll do this time around.
But yes, this looks very formidable. Very sweet.

[spudw]

Would that not be required for any 3-door variation?

The overall aesthetic is sportier in this version of the two door, as compared to spyshots of the 3-door. But on second glance, I would be concerned (were it an actual BMW design) that it would look a little bit generic, say, a la Mazda3. I think that's a pothole lurking for just about any hatchback design.

But I still prefer the 3-door pictured above to the test mules in the spy shots...

It's quiet around here these days. We need a rumor or a photo to stir things up a bit.

[Brookside]

No. I'm no expert, but I think I read that they can pretty much modify window/pillar/door and not have to radically change the main stampings when it goes from 4 side doors to 2. That's an option.
But altering the roofline- that's the core of the body/chassis structure- the main assembly.
Like I said, they may as well build a brand new model when they were give us the new 1-er hatch.
I know that BMW's new 3 series coupe did change all of it's panels for the coupe from the sedan...very expensive tooling...but that's the way they do it, and it's one of the reasons I respect the company.
It'd be great if they were to do the same thing to the 1-er 3 door. But I doubt it on this cycle.
I've heard that the next gen 1-ers will be able to acccomodate BMW's awd option.

Yeah, I'm ready for some hot topics. Maybe things'll heat up once we get into the fall and everyone returns from their summer vacations.

[kere]

The 5 door look is not my favourite but the red PS looks great and I really hope bwm makes the 3 door version sportier than the 5 door (like 5 door astra vs. 3 door). I guess if that would be the 3dr hatch, it would look too much like the 2er Coupe.

[Brookside]

[Will L.]

I'd prefer a true coupe, but if they sell that in the US with the 335 turbo, I'd definitely be interested.

[bmwfreak]

Oh hell yes Im so inlove with that car the way it is, especially with the 335 motor in it. About the only part that im not totally fond of is the front end design with the headlights, they are too large and goofy, bmw usually has well defined headlights. Otherthen that I love the car the way it is, sure its a bit different and quirky. But a small BMW should be different and quirky. The 3.0 TT engine is just the kicker that will make everyone in the marketplace think twice

[Brookside]

I love how this sits...maybe they are dialing in suspension settings here- but it looks perfect with low ground clearance.

[Advevo]

i drove 335i coupe today. The engine is nice but somehow i find a non turbo better. So for now i stick with the 3.0 NA and wait for a real M version.

[Brookside]

Just for comparison's sake...2005 European Version...5-door hatch and the new 135ti 3-door




And somewhat old news but just posted on NYT's "Drivetimes" section..

"After much hemming and hawing and keeping a close eye on the competition, BMW has decided that it will, after all, bring its 1 Series to the American market.
Helmut Panke, BMW's Chairman told Inside Line that the launch will coincide with the introduction of new bodystyles in the European market.

He wouldn't confirm that it would be a sedan, but he did note American distaste for hatchbacks.
Regardless of which bodystyle is used the 1 Series will be built on the same platform as the current 1 Series hatchback.
It's expected that the U.S. version of this vehicle will be powered by a 3.0-liter inline six, which produces roughly 218 horsepower.
It will have a long wheelbase for its size for maximum passenger room and will probably sell for about $25,000.
All-wheel drive could be featured on some variants, but it will not likely be available as a standard feature."


Interior pic of 2005 European model....note i-Drive.

[Brookside]

It can’t be named M1



Text by Andreas Conradt/AUTOMEDIA

This is going to be the ultimate sports-hatch by packing an extra 50+ bhp over the current BMW 130 or VW Golf R32.
Munich would love to call the car M1, but that would take away the glory from the legendary late 1970’s M1 supercar,
so the range-topping 1-Series will have to do with a 135ti badge on the rear,
hinting to the sophisticated 3.0-litre turbo engine delivering no less than 306 bhp!
It’s just been presented in the 3-Series coupe and should be able to turn the 1-Series into a real cannon ball on wheels.

[spudw]

Sign me up!!!!!

Those cows are going to get an ass full of something if they don't get off the racing line

[spudw]

BTW, the comparisson shots posted above make the 4-door look horribly pedestrian, as though it was designed for shy librarians and bland tax accountants (no offence to those in either high-value occupation). The two-door, likely due to the glossy black paint and lowered suspension, is approaching the purposeful look I would hope for...

[spudw]

Me again... I would presume that with the 3.0 litre turbo, they would be running a more impressive exhaust. Aesthetically, symetrically arranged quad tailpipes would make the rear view look suitably aggressive...

[Brookside]

Yes...I just noticed that...like two straws coming out of the rear bumper.
I think BMW funnels it thru there on the drivers side because of the placement of the gas tank. That's just my guess......?
I think the shot with the cows is hilarious. & pretty countryside- probably a joy to drive those roads.