Tag: 1 Series

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BMW

BMW M135i LCI photo gallery

F20 BMW M135i LCI

LCI—the three most important letters to the F20 1 Series range—they stand for Life Cycle Impulse which is BMW speak for get the fugly out of here!

Finally, the 1 Series has been give a front-end makeover and here is the new M135i. True, it’s still not the world’s prettiest car, but at least its dorky eyes have been lost in favour of a treatment more inline with the much more visually pleasing 2 Series.

For Australian readers enjoy these pictures, because they’re as close as you’ll ever get to a three-door M135i. Not only that, the car in these pics is fitted with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Remember them?

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BMW

Front-wheel drive BMW 1 Series sedan spied

F52 BMW 1 Series sedan prototype

Despite previously suggesting it would leave Audi and Mercedes-Benz to play alone in the sand pit with the A3 sedan and the CLA, BMW now appears to making a 1 Series sedan after all.

It’s being reported the F52 1 Series sedan will be built on the front-wheel drive platform which will form the basis of the next-gen 1 and 2 Series ranges. It will also be offered with BMW’s x-Drive all-wheel drive technology.

Engine options will not go beyond four cylinders, although looking at BMW’s current 2.0 litre four pots, that still leaves room for plenty of punch.

[Source: Bimmerpost]

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BMW

Restyled BMW 1 Series on sale early next year

BMW 1 Series LCI

Restyled front noses seem to be a thing right now with new sightings of the facelifted BMW 1 Series out on German roads. The ugly eyes of the M135i are perhaps its greatest weakness and it’s expected BMW will pretty much lift the more attractive 2 Series front-end and replicate it on the 1er.

It’s predicted we’ll see the finished article at the Detroit Auto Show in January with a sale launch to follow shortly thereafter.

[Source: Autocar]

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BMW

Do you care if BMW makes a FWD sedan?

BMW Concept Active Tourer

We all know that BMW is going to make a front-wheel drive hatchback. But while a front-wheel drive hatch may be palatable to purist BMW fans what will they think about a genuine front-wheel drive sedan wearing the famous BMW roundel?

Word is a bum dragging 1 Series sedan has been confirmed by Munich and it will become a reality. Not due until 2017 and currently under the working title of New Entry-level Sedan (NES) the future of the entire 1 Series range is heading for a front-wheel drive platform.

Speaking to Autoweek, a BMW source was quoted as saying: “The NES is integral to our growth plans. It will be an important pillar in the future 1 Series lineup, particularly in the US and China.”

The questions, then, firstly do we care? Will this be a watershed moment for BMW that sees it permanently lose some die hard fans? Do you think BMW could do the unthinkable and build the 3 Series on a FWD platform?

[Source: Automotive News]

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BMW

This is one facelift that can’t come soon enough

BMW 1 Series facelift spied

This spy shot is one we welcome very much, it shows the F20 BMW 1 Series LCI (life cycle impulse) model is drawing closer to release. To you and I that means the facelifted 1 Series should look a lot better than it does now.

Based on this photo we’re not sure it will look quite as smart as the M235i we saw a few months back, but anything will be better than what is currently offered up on the F20 hatch.

Our tip hope is the headlights and grille will be connected, as seen on that M235i and first seen on the F30 3 Series.

[Source: Autoblog | Pic: CarPix]

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BMW

BMW M135i – Australian pricing announced

BMW M135i

Our tip for the pricing of the BMW M135i was $68,900. Turns out we were $500 too expensive!

So, with an officially confirmed list price of $68,400 we think it will only be the M135i’s cumbersome looks that will prevent it from being an overwhelming sales success when it lands down under in October.

Although, BMW Australia boss, Phil Horton, says he’s already sold quite a few: “Since being unveiled the M135i has drawn huge interest both here and overseas and eager Australian customers have already snapped up almost a quarter of our first production allocation.”

Looks aside, who can blame those who have already expressed an interest to buy? The M135i gets pulses racing thanks to its N55-based turbocharged 3.0 litre straight six engine. With 235kW, the M135i has only 15kW less than the now iconic 1 Series M Coupé, yet matches its 450Nm of torque. Coupled to an 8-speed auto transmission, it’s enough to equal the 1M’s 4.9 second 0–100km/h time.

While an official spec sheet is yet to be published by BMW Australia their press release below states the M135i will come with the following standard equipment (and more):

  • 18″ M Double Spoke alloy wheels (225/40R18 front and 245/35R18 rear tyres)
  • M Sport Brake System (four-pot up front, two-pots at the rear)
  • M aerodynamics exterior body package
  • M leather steering wheel
  • Sports Seats with Dakota leather upholstery
  • Bi-Xenon headlights
  • Extended connectivity of Bluetooth devices including voice control

Hmm, are you about to put in a call to your local BMW dealer too?

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BMW

BMW M135i revealed

BMW M135i

BMW has today released images and details for its three-door 1 Series. In amongst that material is info on the new M135i. We figured that was of more immediate note and so have prepared these pictures for you, starting with a handful of five-door pics.

The M135i is the first petrol powered model from the M Performance Automobiles division. And it’s plenty fast, too, able to reach 100km/h in 4.9 seconds with optional 8-speed automatic transmission (5.1 seconds for standard 6-speed manual).

On paper, then, it’s a near match for the mighty 1 Series M Coupé. Here’s the relevant bits from the introductory BMW press release:

First ever BMW M Performance automobile to feature a petrol engine: BMW M135i with a 3-litre, straight six-cylinder engine and 235 kW/320 hp as well as M-characteristic suspension components and aerodynamically optimised body features; Highest level of performance and the most outstanding efficiency within the competitive environment; Typical M-style coherence between drive, suspension technology and aerodynamic balance as well as model-specific interior design for unmistakeable driving pleasure in a compact model; BMW M135i also available as a five-door version.

In addition, an all wheel-drive xDrive spec M135i will be available from November 2012 production.

More pics, including the three-door M135i, and further press information can be seen below. There’s also a promo video included that will never make it to Australian TV screens.

UPDATE: BMW Australia has advised the M135i will be coming to Australia, but at this stage in five-door configuration only. A launch date is yet to be confirmed, but they are hoping to have it in showrooms before the end of the year.

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BMW 1 Series – Australian pricing

BMW 1 Series

BMW Australia has announced the local launch of the new F20 1 Series will take place on 22 October. To begin with dealerships will have three models on their floors: 116i, 118i and 118d.

The 116i and 118i will be powered by a 1.6 litre four cylinder petrol engine fitted with a twin-scroll turbocharger. The 118d is helped along by a 2.0 litre four cylinder diesel featuring common-rail direct injection.

BMW’s marketers have come up with TwinPower Turbo to label the 1 Series engine range. Terms such as “new generation”, “sporty personality” and “exceptionally low fuel consumption” follow close behind.

Entry level pricing is marginally less than the outgoing 1er and BMW boasts improvements in efficiency and equipment across the range. One example is the optional 8-speed auto transmission, which joins the standard 6-speed manual box. BMW say the 8-speed slushbox is a first for its class.

Other standard equipment includes Bluetooth, cruise control with brake function, dual zone climate control, auto stop/start, a 6.5 inch colour display, 17″ alloy wheels and more.

BMW Australia’s introductory press release is available below. For more coverage of the new 1 Series click here.

BMW 1 Series – Australian pricing*

  • 116i – $36,900 (1.6l 4 cyl petrol, 100kW/220Nm, 5.7l/100km, 0–100km/h 8.5s)
  • 118i – $42,800 (1.6l 4 cyl petrol, 125kW/250Nm, 5.9l/100km, 0–100km/h 7.4s)
  • 118d – $43,500 (2.0l 4 cyl diesel, 105kW/320Nm, 4.5l/100km, 0–100km/h 8.9s)
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OFFICIAL: The new BMW 1 Series hatch

BMW 1 Series hatch (F20)

Here are the official words and images for BMW’s new world order 1 Series. For now, we’re still in rear-wheel drive mode, but don’t forget there is a front-wheel drive 1er is on the way, too.

The slightly bloated F20 1 Series is 85mm longer and 17mm wider than the E87 model it replaces. Overall height remains the same. Other measurements of note to change include the wheelbase, 30mm longer, and, significantly, the front track is now 51mm wider and the rear track has had 72mm added. All that means there’s now an extra 21mm legroom for rear seat passengers and the rear cargo area now offers 360 litres of space, up from 330 litres.

Five four-cylinder engines are offered in this initial release and, for the first time in the compact class, an 8-speed auto is available. The 135kW 120d is the quickest model announced to date and can reach 100km/h in 7.2 seconds. You can thank a generous 380Nm of torque for that.

There are two other diesel engines provided, as well. The 118d has 105kW/320Nm and reaches 100km/h in 8.9 seconds. The entry-level 116d offers 85kW/260Nm and requires 10.3 seconds to reach the speed limit. All feature common rail injection, TwinPower Turbo technology and use around 4.5 litres of diesel per 100km.

Completing the engine range is a 125kW/250Nm 118i (7.4s 0-100) and a 100kW/220Nm 116i (8.5s 0-100). Like the diesels, the petrol engines rely on forced induction and boast fuel consumption in the high 5s per 100km.

So far it looks like the new 1 Series isn’t winning many fans for its looks. We’re still convinced feelings will soften once we start seeing the 1er on the road, but tend to agree it’s certainly not the prettiest car BMW has ever made.

After the break there’s a concise press release and a massive image gallery of 85 pics to help you get used to the new look.

UPDATE: The press material released by BMW Australia only lists info on the 118i, 116i and 118d; surely giving a hint to their model plans for the F20. They’ve also offered a far more detailed press release, which has now been added below.

UPDATE 6 June: BMW Australia is expected to launch the new 1 Series some time after October this year.

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BMW 1M Coupé really makes its mark

BMW 1 Series M Coupe

A couple of weeks ago we showed how the BMW 1 Series M Coupé was beginning to make its mark with owners. Since then the press reviews have started rolling in and it’s all good news for the baby M.

First, 1addicts brings news that German rag Sport Auto has run the 1M through one of its famous track tests at Hockenheim. The result? A best lap time of 1:14.1. That’s one tenth slower than a manual equipped Porsche Cayman S. Impressive, hey? Well, consider this; it’s one tenth faster than an E92 M3 with DCT.

Autocar said: “The longer you spend at the wheel of the M Coupé, the more you come to appreciate its overall ability. Its focus is perhaps a little broader than we’ve come to expect from BMW M… It’s not a junior M3, as many suggested it would be. No, it has its own distinct character and, in real-world terms, is a good deal faster than its more expensive sibling.”

Car said: “The 1-series M is a proper M car, no doubt… It’s definitely not a hotted-up 135i, and now we’re looking forward to the future of M.”

Inside Line said: “Let’s not extend the suspense any longer. The 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe is a fantastically compelling machine. It is fast… It has a truly brawny engine that sounds great at wide-open throttle, handles with all the precision expected of a car wearing the evocative M badge, and is super practical given its performance brief.”

Yeah, you’d like one too?

[Pic: Sport Auto]

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BMW

BMW drags out 1M Coupé tease even more

BMW 1M Coupe at the 2010 Autosport awards

The world’s longest ever new car launch took another step at the recent Autosport awards when BMW revealed yet another 5cm2 of 1 Series M Coupé bodywork. This time it is the rear valance we are seeing uncovered, in full, for the first time. The pics have been added to the Closed Room of the M-Power.com website and show Dr Kay Segler and British racing driver Andy Priaulx uncovering a bit more skin.

Thankfully, we won’t need to endure too much more of these shenanagins as it is expected the 1 Series M Coupé will be revealed, in full, on 12 December (likely to be Monday 13 December Australian time).

More pics after the break, showing even less than the one above!

[Source: M-Power.com]

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Could BMW make a 332kW 1M “CSL”?

BMW 1M CSL rendering

Apparently, by this time next week BMW will have lifted the wraps from its highly anticipated 1 Series M Coupé. But that hasn’t stopped the rumour mill from working overtime and we think most will like the latest 1M news to emerge.

Remember a couple of weeks back when we showed you that screen grab of engine specs, believed to be from an internal BMW source. Well, on that list was an N54B3OTO engine spec listed with 332kW (445hp). That’s a fairly healthy increase over the expected 250kW we will see in the 1M Coupé, right.

Turns out there is a chance that BMW, through a new Performance Program, could be getting ready to make a CSL-style 1M. The theory being this will be a nice little earner for the Munich massive while they’re busy developing the next model M3.

Is it really going to happen; well, we don’t know for certain. But it would be the perfect way to see out the 1 Series Coupé model cycle in 2012, that’s for sure!

[Source: Jon Sibal via BimmerFile]