First reviews of the coupe...

[Devon K]

OK, that teaser was a bit misleading - so sue me... :tongue:

Just thinking aloud about when we will see the first leaked or published reviews. Given the Euro release in November and the 4 month lead time needed for the monthly print journals, some testers should be going out overseas next month, so maybe we will see something leaked in the early fall...

[NickmanBMW]

I honustly hope we start getting them by the end of this year, then I can test drive one before I pick mine up in Germany next spring

[BForbes]

Originally Posted by NickmanM3

I honustly hope we start getting them by the end of this year, then I can test drive one before I pick mine up in Germany next spring

I hate teasers!!! We should get them sooner than we think. The next gen M3 goes on sale next year and 3 magazines got there hands on one for a First Drive last week. I'm guessing in the next couple weeks.

[atr_hugo]

Since the intro is in November in Europe the magazines will need a two plus month lead to get articles in their November issues. Car companies will hold press events, known as 'long-leads' to show off the car's technology and provide hands-on driving to journalists. I suspect that we'll see leaks from those events in mid-August or so.

[Wiggum]

Wouldn't you expect BMW to premier the car at Frankfurt before they allow magazine reviews??

[atr_hugo]

Not really - if the magazines need to get to press before the November issue hits the newstands (early October) I suspect there'll be a press event for the 1er before unveiling to the rest of the world at Frankfurt. It'll be 'embargoed' but look at how will that's worked so far. ; -)

[chemhalo]

I was really hoping that it would be reviewed in the fall season of Top Gear. However, they will probably be done filming before they can get a car to test. I really want to know what Clarkson thinks of it as he disliked the practicality of the previous 1 series hatch. Said the MKV VW R32 was much better to live with every day... and easier on the wallet.

For those who have no idea what I am talking about:

[Brookside]

Originally Posted by atr_hugo

Not really - if the magazines need to get to press before the November issue hits the newstands (early October) I suspect there'll be a press event for the 1er before unveiling to the rest of the world at Frankfurt. It'll be 'embargoed' but look at how will that's worked so far. ; -)

Hugo's right- because print media have a lag time they get their hands on product long before the debuts so the published articles can be timed to coincide with introduction.
I expect we'll see some printed "first impressions" type of pieces in September which is when the Frankfurt and Los Angeles shows open.

[The Stig]

Originally Posted by chemhalo

I was really hoping that it would be reviewed in the fall season of Top Gear. However, they will probably be done filming before they can get a car to test. I really want to know what Clarkson thinks of it as he disliked the practicality of the previous 1 series hatch. Said the MKV VW R32 was much better to live with every day... and easier on the wallet.

For those who have no idea what I am talking about:

Clarkson is a one sided british idiot.

Who cares what he thinks...really?


Disclaimer...i have no problem with Brits!

[Devon K]

Originally Posted by chemhalo

I was really hoping that it would be reviewed in the fall season of Top Gear. However, they will probably be done filming before they can get a car to test. I really want to know what Clarkson thinks of it as he disliked the practicality of the previous 1 series hatch. Said the MKV VW R32 was much better to live with every day... and easier on the wallet.

Here are Clarkson's exact words when he chose the 1 hatch as #2 on his list of "Dirty Dozen" cars:

I'm choosing the words for my conclusion with even more care than usual. So here goes. The 1-series is crap.

He did concede in his Top Gear comparison that the 1 was by far the most fun to drive of the cars tested thanks to its rear wheel drive. He "whinged on" about the lack of luggage room and rear seat space, and the premium charged for the 1 over the R32.

[grant]

I hope the 1-series has better steering feel than the E90. Do they both use the identical system? Seems steering feel is more filtered and has less feel/feedback in every new BMW generation.

Here's an interesting review of the E92 M3:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?xml=/motoring/2007/07/14/nosplit/mfbmw14.xml

[Wiggum]

Originally Posted by grant

I hope the 1-series has better steering feel than the E90. Do they both use the identical system? Seems steering feel is more filtered and has less feel/feedback in every new BMW generation.

Here's an interesting review of the E93 M3:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/...it/mfbmw14.xml

150 miles fuel range? Shoot me now!

[atr_hugo]

Originally Posted by Wiggum

150 miles fuel range? Shoot me now!

I think - based on what we've seen so far - that highway range for the 135i may be close to 500 miles (low 30's Highway mileage and a 15.9 gallon tank).

[Wiggum]

Originally Posted by atr_hugo

I think - based on what we've seen so far - that highway range for the 135i may be close to 500 miles (low 30's Highway mileage and a 15.9 gallon tank).

Which is perfect... i was commenting on the new E92 M3's...

[1N54E92]

Originally Posted by HH007

Clarkson is a one sided british idiot.

Who cares what he thinks...really?


Disclaimer...i have no problem with Brits!

the picture on your signature..is this the front of 135i? or 335i?

[bats]

Originally Posted by HH007

Clarkson is a one sided british idiot.

Who cares what he thinks...really?


Disclaimer...i have no problem with Brits!

I take his decades of experience in road car testing for consumers, with high regard. He's a damn good driver. Him, Hammy, and May are awfully funny together.

Yes he has gone into his own unique style of critique, often blowing out of proportion small details, but you have to give him credit, mixing cars with humor.

I don't like reading or watching on tv, the same boring review that tells me how awesome a supercar or affordable hatchback is. He keeps me interested, but I do not take all of his opinion like a prophet.

[Drillslinger]

Originally Posted by Brookside

I expect we'll see some printed "first impressions" type of pieces in September which is when the Frankfurt and Los Angeles shows open.

BMW's Press conference at the 2007 IAA in Frankfurt is scheduled for 0830-0900 (CET) on the 11th of Sept. I'll be there and while I can't promise pics, I can at least let y'all know if the 1-er made an appearance :wink:

[RU_FASTR]

Originally Posted by bats

I take his decades of experience in road car testing for consumers, with high regard. He's a damn good driver.

Every time I've seen him behind the wheel the car looks unsettled. He spends most of his time just sliding around. That really isn't my idea of good driving.

[spudw]

He's good for entertainment, but I would buy a car solely on the basis of his POV. He consistently comes out against BMW, which to me indicates a bit of an agenda. Hardly the kind of ojective journalism I'd be inclined to take seriously...

[chemhalo]

Originally Posted by spudwest

He consistently comes out against BMW

He loves the ///M cars though! He is kind of the same way with Audi and Merc, loves the S/RS and AMG models but is bored by the standard cars.

Price is going to be my biggest factor in deciding whether or not to buy a 135.. reviews will only tip the scales one way or another if the decision is close.. and Clarkson's opinion is one I am interested in hearing.

[Tijuana]

Originally Posted by chemhalo

and Clarkson's opinion is one I am interested in hearing.

I'm thinking he'll like it more than the 1er hatches because it loses most of its guise of practicality. That was his biggest complaint before, so I wonder if the coupe will be more appealing to him.

[Devon K]

Originally Posted by chemhalo

He loves the ///M cars though! He is kind of the same way with Audi and Merc, loves the S/RS and AMG models but is bored by the standard cars.

In fact he chose the M6 over an Aston-Martin V8 Vantage and a 997 Porsche 911 Carrera S in a Top Gear comparo (May and the Hampster voted for the 911).