BMW 1-Series Coupe US Brochure

The guys who're completely addicted to the BMW 1-Series have obtained the brochure for bimmer's compact Coupe which will be available in the N. American market in 128i and 135i guises (click here for the high-res image gallery). Apparently, the most interesting sections of the brochure concern the equipment and color list. However, what caught our attention was the spec paper as BMW announces that the automatic versions weigh a couple of hundred of pounds more than their manual-gearbox siblings. Guess that's what you get with preliminary specs.

my dream car - BMW 1 Series

The new BMW 1 Series goes on sale in Spring 2007 and features a model line up that includes the most fuel efficient production vehicle BMW has ever produced. The introduction of a three-door model and a revised five-door come as a raft of new fuel-saving innovations are rolled out across the range. Technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Automatic Start-Stop function and Electric Power Steering are combined with lower rolling resistant tyres and a gearshift change indicator to encourage economical motoring. These innovations are in addition to the use of variable valve technologies and High-Precision Direct Injection engines on some 1 Series models that boost power output but cut fuel consumption and emissions.

The BMW 118d, BMW's most economical car , manages its record 60.1mpg figure courtesy of these features in conjunction with the use of further lightweight engineering. The car now has an aluminium crankcase to save weight. Aside from the BMW Hydrogen 7, the BMW 118d also posts the lowest ever CO2 emissions of any BMW recording 123g/km (putting it into the Band C category for Vehicle Excise Duty). Other engines in the new 1 Series range record economy improvements of up to 24 per cent compared to the previous model, while emissions have also been cut by up to 21 per cent. These improvements have not been to the detriment of driving pleasure. The new 1 Series is powered by a range of engines whose outputs have increased by up to 20hp with a consequential improvement in performance figures.

Brake Energy Regeneration (iGR) makes its debut on the 1 Series. The system uses an Intelligent Alternator Control (IAC) and an Absorbent Glass Mat battery to recycle previously lost energy, in turn saving fuel. This is achieved as the IAC reduces drag on the engine by only engaging when required to charge the battery, whereas a traditional alternator is always pulling power from the engine. Additionally, the energy generated by the engine on over-run (under braking or descending a hill) was previously wasted. Now this lost energy is utilised by the IAC to charge the battery. iGR alone is responsible for a three per cent improvement in fuel economy. The new 1 Series comes with Automatic Start-Stop function to cut fuel consumption. Standard on all manual transmission models (except 130i), the system automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle is stationary and the driver puts the car into neutral. To restart the driver only need engage the clutch again before pulling away in the normal manner. Should he not want to use the Automatic Start-Stop function it can be manually switched off. The use of Electric power steering results in a 90 per cent energy saving compared to a conventional mechanical hydraulic steering system. Power assistance is now provided by an electric motor that works only when required, such as turning a corner. Other fuel saving enhancements have been made courtesy of various ancillary devices, such as the air-conditioning power supply being disconnected from the drivetrain when not in use. Even flaps behind the kidney grille improve economy, closing up for improved aerodynamic efficiency should the engine require less airflow. The feature also improves cold starting times.

The plethora of new technology showcased in the BMW 1 Series will have a significant impact on cost of ownership for customers. For the company car driver all but two engine variants now sit in the Band C category for Vehicle Excise Duty. This results in a saving of up to £505 for someone paying 40 per cent tax and up to £278 for those in the 22 per cent tax bracket. For all owners fuel consumption improvement means a 12,000 miles-a-year driver will save approximately £250 off the fuel bill. All BMW 1 Series models come with Dynamic Stability Control with Dynamic Traction Control for the best combination driving pleasure and safety. DSC allows drivers to make the most of the 1 Series' 50:50 weight distribution and rear-wheel-drive configuration for the best on-road performance. The BMW 130i comes with five additional functions with its DSC+ system for enhanced convenience and driver safety: Hill Start Assistant, Brake Pre-tensioning, Brake Drying, Brake Fade Compensation and Soft Stop. All BMW 1 Series have six airbags as standard, the Brake Force Display function on the rear lights to highlight sharp braking and Run-flat tyres with Tyre Puncture Warning System.

To herald the introduction of the latest generation of engines, BMW's designers have refreshed the interior and exterior styling of the five-door model. The 1 Series now features a larger kidney grille for improved airflow to the engine. The lower front spoiler has also been reprofiled to create a larger air intake, while the spoiler protrudes further for a more pronounced, sporting look. The headlamp cluster remains the same size but a darker cover gives a subtle, more distinguished front end. At the rear a restyled bumper gives the impression of a wider, lower car. The rear lamp cluster now features a new arrangement of lights, but retains its original shape. The new three-door 1 Series features the same styling cues but its side view is naturally different. The passenger doors are longer than those on the five-door model and are also frameless in the style of a coupé. Inside, customers will also be able to choose between either a four-seat or a five-seat configuration. In the four-seat arrangement rear passengers are separated by a central storage compartment and sit in more sculptured seats. As a no-cost option the five-seat layout offers the traditional bench seat standard on the five-door 1 Series. The introduction of higher quality materials and minor changes to the layout of the interior enhance customer comfort and practicality.

The new 1 Series comes with MP3 and USB stick capability for the best in in-car entertainment. Customers with their favourite music loaded on an Apple iPod or a USB stick can now plug these into the car to continue their listening. Tracks are selected via steering wheel controls or the iDrive system. The optional Adaptive Headlights that turn to follow the intended course of the car have been improved on the 1 Series. Cornering light function is added to the package as standard. This means two additional lights turn at speeds of between 22 and 40mph to further illuminate the direction of travel on a twisting road.

Since its launch in September 2004, the BMW 1 Series has proved a popular choice. In the UK with 51,492 sold to date and in excess of 200,000 worldwide. The new three- and five-door BMW 1 Series models have been on display at the Geneva Motor Show in March and go on sale in the UK at the same time.

BMW 1 Series Coupe - Clearest Spy Shots Yet

Almost completely free of disguising Finally, these shots show the new Coupe of the BMW 1-Series almost completely free of disguising. Engine options for the stylish 1-series Coupe have yet to be confirmed, but BMW officials have said they do not plan to offer a four-cylinder engine in America – although we believe they will be available in European markets.

But we are expecting a version of the magnesium/aluminium 3.0-liter six-cylinder that is currently found in the 130i, as well as the 3- and 5-series, Z4 Coupe and Roadster, and X3 and X5. There is also a strong possibility the 3.0-liter turbo-charged six from the 335i coupe and sedan could find its way into an M version of the 1-series Coupe. Among driving enthusiasts, there is strong sentiment that the 3-series Coupe has grown too large and luxurious to be a true sports coupe. Many of them long for a smaller, simpler car with the driving dynamics BMW has become known for. The 1-series Coupe could possibly deliver on that desire, all the while holding its head high as a true BMW

First Drive: 2009 BMW 135i - Previews

Its everyday appeal outweighs what we had hoped would be a mini M car.
BY JUERGEN ZOELLTER AND MARK GILLIES,
October 2007
When BMW first entered the compact car segment with its 1-series (E87) hatchback in Europe in 2004, the car was immediately castigated as too expensive in light of the less-costly Volkswagen Golf (Rabbit) that had ruled the compact segment for decades.
Since then, BMW has silenced the disdain by selling almost 450,000 units of its three- and five-door 1-series premium compacts; everyone now agrees that it’s a success. It drives sweetly, too, which leaves its not-so-elegant design as the only remaining complaint with the hatchback models.
But nearly all premium hatchbacks brought to the U.S. have met with failure. Remember the BMW 318ti? How about the slow-selling, then promptly discontinued Mercedes-Benz C230 Sport Coupe?

In an attempt to continue its European success in North America, BMW designed this new coupe version of the 1-series to appeal to American tastes. As a four-seater (comfortable space for two adults on a short trip in back) with a trunk as well as a standard 60/40 split backseat, the 1-series coupe offers a high level of all-round functionality for everyday use, even though the 5-door hatchback version sold in Europe is more versatile. This sub-3-series rear-drive coupe will be basically in a class of its own when it arrives in the U.S. in February.
We drove only the 135i coupe, which should be a fantastic deal if the price comes in at the mid-$30,000s that BMW promises us, is powered by the excellent twin-turbo, direct-injection 3.0-liter inline-six which you already know from the 335i coupe and sedan. This powerhouse also won the International Engine of the Year Award—twice. Fitted into this 3450-pound 135i—yes, the 1-series is only about 100 pounds lighter than an equivalent 3-series—the 300-hp engine sounds fabulous and spins up quickly to its 7000-rpm redline. On the other hand, it delivers a 300-pound-foot punch between 1400 and 5000 rpm with infinitesimal turbo lag. Basically the throttle response is as spontaneous as that of a naturally aspirated engine, which we’ll also get in the U.S. in the form of the 230-hp 128i; that one we expect will cost under $30,000.
BMW says the 135i scoots to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, but we expect it to at least match the 335i coupe’s 4.9-second run to 60 mph, and 13.6-second quarter-mile. Top speed is a governed 155 mph. It is equipped with a precise-shifting six-speed manual, which operates quickly and smoothly with a pleasing feel. A nearly 50/50 weight distribution delivers a fantastic balance and the suspension is the BMW-brilliant mix of competence and smooth-ride that we know from the 3-series. Of course, massive torque is always compelling, too. And strong, but easy-to-control brakes add a measure of confidence.
But, if you were expecting some sort of baby M3 (that's kind-of what we were hoping for), based on the car's superior power-to-weight ratio over a 335i coupe, think again. BMW tuned the car to be a sporty coupe that was also a daily driver, rather than a road burner. So, while the 135i is plenty fast and has lots of grip, it's tuned as much for comfort as handling prowess. The ride is almost plush, for instance, and the car pushes doggedly on the limit, despite the 300 hp at your behest.
With wider tires at the back than the front and a tiny rear anti-roll bar, the car emphasis is on safety rather than entertainment. Still, the brake feel, steering weight, and shifter action are beautiful and the chassis is nicely communicative. The engine makes delicious noises and, boy, it provides a lot of performance for the money.

This is the second generation of BMW’s direct injection which plays a key role to reduce fuel consumption and to offer excellent power at the same time. The injectors are positioned directly next to the spark plug, which allows a very precise metering of the injected fuel. A little indicator in the instrument cluster suggests which gear you should be in to maximize your fuel economy, which should come in slightly better than the 335i’s respectable 17/26 city/highway EPA mileage numbers.
Of course, the 128i and 135i will also be available with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Similar to the automatics found in the 3-series, it will use an innovative torque converter complete with an integrated torsion damper in order to reduce energy losses and shorten the reaction time for changing gears. Naturally, a manumatic function as well as paddle shifters (in the 135i) will be included.
So, if the 135i isn't quite at an M-car level of entertainment, what about an M version of the 1-series? “There always must be space for improvement,” is the only answer we could coax from 1-series project leader Gerd Schuster about the probability of a high-performance version of the 1-series. But we have reason to believe an M1 is in the works with a twin-turbo four-cylinder. It won’t necessarily have more horsepower than the 135i, but with sharper reactions and a lighter body and engine, the M1 would clearly be king of the compact-car segment.