1 Series - Possible Next Car?

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Stuart_D

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This is a first for me - talking about what car to get next...but I really like the look of the new 1-series BMW.

Have a look at the top photo of this site (four door hatch):
http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/bmw1.htm

My reasoning is that it will be compact, desirable, unique (for a while anyway), and fun to drive.

There are more photos here:
http://www.streetracersonline.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=21

Anyone got any thoughts?

[img=left]http://www.a2forum.net/stuart.gif[/img=left]Stuart Diamond: A2OC Founder | Forum Administrator

2001 TDi SE:http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk1.htm Cobalt Blue Metallic | Open Sky Roof | Kenwood Mask CD | Front Centre Armrest | Front Centre Tray

A2OC Website | 2004 A2OC Competitions | Join the A2OC!
 
I like it. Bring with it the part of the A2 concept-quality and brand at the lower end of the market. The shots of the 1 series so far so it hasn't been "mangled by bangle" so much and sticks to the current 3 series styling.

In the upcoming world where the New Focus, New Astra, New Golf, New Mazda 3 are all accomplished cars, being able to stand out from the crowed will become more difficult. Hopefully the 1 series can provide the "oooh" factor.

Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit
 
I love the new 1 series too - but BMW predict sales of 150,000 wouldn't this take away the prestige and shine of a premium brand motor? Like the 3 series - they are one a penny in London. That's why i love the A2 - its rare!

1.4 Crystal Blue Specced to SE Std Climate Control & Parking Sensors
 
What about the A3-more common these days and I am seeing more new model A3's than old ones already. I think the 1 series will become a Golf challenger....

Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit
 
quote:Originally posted by runboy

What about the A3-more common these days and I am seeing more new model A3's than old ones already. I think the 1 series will become a Golf challenger....

Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit
Click to expand...

You've struck on a good point there Steve. I heard the reasons for BMW taking such a long time to decide over the 1 series was due to the already saturated market.
If they are expecting to sell 150,000 units per year, then something has to give - the problem for BMW is, will they just lose more 3 series sales (their most profitable motor) than gain in 1 series sales (i.e. completely new tooling / new production line etc). A lot of people buy the base model 3 series just for the name, however now they can get a better specced, slightly smaller, better looking BMW for the same money.

Will be interesting to see what happens.

Kaine
 
Had a really good look at the 1 series last night (magazine) - result is, at the moment, I dont like it. To me, the profile is not right and it looks a bit rushed; It looks like they have been forced to use the new styling even though it doesn't quite work. I will hold final judgement until I see it in the flesh.

Kaine
 
I quite like the 1-series-ok only seen it on paper, so maybe in the flesh will be different. But again, like the A2, I think it can be sold on the package-the badge, quality, equipment, neat little touches.

Not sure how the resale value will hold though. How does the 3-series hold its value these days when they are selling more than Mondeos?

Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit
 
I'm a bit unsure of it as well having seen the very good photos in Auto Express last week.
I'm hoping that it'll impress in the flesh but Kaine, as you say, it does seem a little rushed and I'm not sure it looks 100% correct.

[img=left]http://www.a2forum.net/stuart.gif[/img=left]Stuart Diamond: A2OC Founder | Forum Administrator

2001 TDi SE:http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk1.htm Cobalt Blue Metallic | Open Sky Roof | Kenwood Mask CD | Front Centre Armrest | Front Centre Tray

A2OC Website | 2004 A2OC Competitions | Join the A2OC!
 
Doesn't matter what it looks like to the people who buy them, as long as it has the BMW badge!

In a couple of years time there will be more around than Ford Focuses - After all they already sell more 3 Series in the UK than Ford do Mondeo's - and it has the nickname "mundano". Do you really want something this common that you pay a premium for?

Ian

2002 1.4 Petrol SE, silver with climate control.
Why are NEARLY all the A2s in Lichfield silver ? ? ?
 
Ian. True. See how many Merc A and C class are about-and they no longer have a good reputation for quality.

The new Skoda Octavia is said to have better quality build/materials than VW and Audi. So if they can do it for a lower cost....

Thing is, with advances in technology, there is no reason why many new design cars shouldn't be the same in quality. Will we see car makers building in poor quality so they can charge less?

Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit
 
I think a lot will depend on how BMW prices this.

Its key diferentiator is the rear wheel drive, which will be unique in this market. But will people be prepared to pay a premium for a "better" driving experience ? Just don't look at the space in the back ! Judging by the A2 people are prepared to pay a premiumfor quality/image so there could be another niche market , but not sure they will sell enough cars without hurting their own Mini or
the 3 series.

Takes me back to driving my old Mk II Escort...

Rumour is that the next A4 will be rear wheel drive...

Dave

1.6SE
 
I received the first brochure yesterday from my local BMW dealer. The design is growing on me, but the spec looks to be basic and the number of ticks in the options boxes will soon grow - as an example alloys are not standard on any of the models. Quickest in the range is the high output 2.0 diesel and still returns about 50 mpg - the badging on the diesels is confusing - there is a 118d and a 120d, but both use the same engine - didn't the number used to relate to the engine size? Prices are rumoured to be about £15,000 for the basic 1.6 - but you'll be up to A3 prices before you leave the showroom! Colour choice also leaves something to be desired, most of the metallics look very bland.
 
Here is the pricing:

116i: Base £15,690, SE £17,640, Sport £17,640
120i: Base £18,320, SE £20,270, Sport £20,170
118d: Base £17,340, SE £19,290, Sport £19,290
120d: Base £18,850, SE £20,800, Sport £20,700

I am not sure about the pricing of the 120d SE-nearly £21k!

A nearly new (like 6 months old) 3 series in the same spec would be cheaper surely!

Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit
 
quote:Originally posted by runboy

...3 series in the same spec would be cheaper surely!
Click to expand...

not to mention better looking with actual space for rear passenger's feet and knees...

Look in this week's AutoCar magazine at the new Volvo 1-series car. Now that is a stunner. Pretty much the same as the original show car of Frankfurt in 2001. Here's a picture I took of it in 2001:

AB007C.JPG


____________________________________________________________________________________
[img=left]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-2/11882/a2andme2.gif[/img=left]
2001 A2 TDI SE Crystal Blue with Open Sky, 6CD Symphony II, BOSE upgrade, DIS and HALF a winterpack!

iPAQ 3970 with Sat-Nav sleeve, rear cupholders, luggage net and floppy wiper!

http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk23.htm
 
quote:
116i: Base £15,690, SE £17,640, Sport £17,640
120i: Base £18,320, SE £20,270, Sport £20,170
118d: Base £17,340, SE £19,290, Sport £19,290
120d: Base £18,850, SE £20,800, Sport £20,700

I am not sure about the pricing of the 120d SE-nearly £21k!
Click to expand...

That is a serious rip-off!! I too have got the initial brochure and despite the impressive performance and economy of the 120D, it hardly comes with a thing; and with a starting price of £20,800 for the SE, it'll probably top £25k once metallic paint and some decent options have been added.

Now what else could you get for £25K?

- An ex-demo BMW 320D with leather + other options
- A new Saab 9-3 2.2TDi Vector (top model) Sports Saloon with sat nav, full leather, parking sensors, folding mirrors
- A used Porsche Boxter
- A new shape Volvo S40 fully kitted out
etc

I know that BMWs are supposed to be slightly exclusive but at this price it is just not good value at all - not with the spec list that it comes with. The BMW 120D is slowly slipping off my 'most wanted' list!

Am going to the motorshow in a week or so, so I'll have to wait and see what else catches my eye (although BMW won't be there anyway!).

[img=left]http://www.a2forum.net/stuart.gif[/img=left]Stuart Diamond: A2OC Founder | Forum Administrator

2001 TDi SE:http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk1.htm Cobalt Blue Metallic | Open Sky Roof | Kenwood Mask CD | Front Centre Armrest | Front Centre Tray

A2OC Website | 2004 A2OC Competitions | Join the A2OC!
 
I've been looking at the 5 series. For £15-£16k you can get a 2001 520d SE, 528SE etc, fully loaded with nice kit. A a damm decent motor to boot. And from the BMW network so serious back-up.



Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit
 
I have regarded BMWs as a rip off for years, to get a 320d with the same spec as my Hoda would cost over £8k more, and it is a smaller car!

With the sales figures rising the second hand values will plumet soon, not a good time to be getting one!

Ian

2002 1.4 Petrol SE, silver with climate control for SWMBO, Honda Accord Tourer 2.2 iCDTi for me.
 
You can't really compare new prices with the prices of second hand. Using the same argument for the price of a new A2 you can get a second hand A4! At these prices for the '1' is there overlap with prices for the '3'? I was under the impression the '1' was a competitor for the A2 and MB A class, with these prices its out of this league.

Update - received prices and specs from my local BMW dealer yesterday. The spec of the SE includes alloys, climate control and other goodies. I still need to see one in the flesh though. Would have gone to the Motorshow to see it , but it won't be there.
 
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