Hotter Than July! BMW Confirms 1-Series AND 3-Series Tii Model Variants!

Agent001 submitted on 04/02/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 5:25 PM
from: www.carmagazine.co.uk

Tags: BMW Tii, 1-Series, 3-Series

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Hotter Than July! BMW Confirms 1-Series AND 3-Series Tii Model Variants!

BMW chief Norbert Reithofer has confirmed to CAR Online that a range of tii performance options will be launched soon on the company's smaller models. He has finally ruled out a rumoured M1 version of the 1-series and said the tii spec would be the most performance-oriented model, claiming the the twin-turbo 135i was quite fast enough (it does 0-62mph in 5.3sec, after all). Read Article

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macker83 - 4/2/2008 5:31:01 PM

-12 Boost

the 1 series is a terrible car i dont know what all the fuss is about over here. i would much prefer to spend a little more and get the 3 series. the one series is cramped and the vision from the drivers position is terrible!

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kthor - 4/2/2008 6:08:59 PM

+11 Boost

The 1 Series is INCREDIBLY fun to drive and it is not cramped inside! (Unless you are a tub-o-lard.) Sorry, maybe you are, oops. I can't wait for these cars, but then again I am a driving enthusiast and appreciate great driver's cars that are a riot to drive. BMWs are fun on the street and tons of fun on the track. Yes, I take mine to the track.

AdHominem - 4/2/2008 6:18:57 PM

+11 Boost

You have got to love BMW - A company of driving enthusiasts who builds cars for driving enthusiasts. BTW I am over six feet tall and I fit just fine in the 135i. Loads of fun to drive!

jag30 - 4/2/2008 8:19:06 PM

-8 Boost

I agree with Macker83! My brother is a true BMW fan and he would never own a 1 series! pay more and get a 3 series!!

kthor - 4/2/2008 8:25:32 PM

+10 Boost

Well, my sister's friend's brother-in-law had a Celica and wouldn't dream of getting a lexus and he didn't drive one either, just looked at online pictures and stuff. Go back to your xbox please.

SHOWTIME - 4/3/2008 9:34:28 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

macker83, unfortunately I agree with you as well. It's as if they purposely made the 1-series less attractive than the 3-series just so it doesn't dominate sales of the 3er.

I say it is unfortunate because I really want to like the looks of it but I'm just simply not that impressed...and by just sitting in the seat and gripping that thick leather padded M steering wheel tightly, it convinced me that this car must be amazing to drive.

I guess if I had to choose between the 135i, Evo or STI...then 135i it would be, but not over the 3 series for only 5k less.

macker83 - 4/3/2008 11:51:15 AM

-1 Boost

lads its not like i havn't sat in the car i've been in them they have been out in europe for the past 4 years and they are not that impressive at all. kthor u driving guru u, i am a driving enthuaiast aswell so get off your high horse!and i am a BMW man but the 1 series doesnt do anything for me just because its a BMW doesn't make it excellent and the vision from the drivers position is terrible it because of the way the doors are set up(allot of door not much window!). Overall i think they made a mistake with ergonomics of the 1 series or they didn't think it out properly in the first place, overall I think that u should stop being a cheap skate and spend the little extra for the 3 series which is far better in every possible way u miserable C**T.

Chip - 4/2/2008 5:47:28 PM

+6 Boost

I would trade in my E92 335i coupe for a Tii 3-series, especially if they give it a LSD and no stupid runflats. Add that slick new gearbox, and Im sold. (can't afford the $70,000 M3 sedan I want...yet, but this sounds good enough for now)

I dumped my E46 330Ci, when the ZHP performance package was released on the 330i and the difference was huge.

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AE86 - 4/2/2008 8:09:43 PM

+5 Boost

LSD is key.

I don't see how they will be able to have a turbo 4 with an LSD AND lightweight bits and keep it under the 135i cost. If it is OVER the 135i cost, I predict they will sell no more than 3.

Chip - 4/3/2008 3:40:12 PM

+1 Boost

BMW's new twin-clutch transmission that is available this summer on the M3's.

lexusrox123 - 4/2/2008 5:54:59 PM

-13 Boost

bmw 1 series is "hotter than july"? LOL. i guess july must be pretty cold then..

the 1 series looks hideous!! the headlights are bug eyed, imo

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lexusrox123 - 4/2/2008 6:39:35 PM

-13 Boost

i meant that the normal 1 series is ugly, not the one shown in the picture above, if thats y u deboosted me so lightning fast....

07G35J - 4/2/2008 6:44:59 PM

+4 Boost

I'm thinking you're being sarcastic, right, GoObama? Because the 1 Series doesn't compete with the Prius.
Don't let JRobUSC read this. He'll be on you like white on rice. Or judging by the way he thinks sometimes, he'll probably agree with you.

Chip - 4/2/2008 7:45:58 PM

+7 Boost

Obama is just a total idiot. He speaks before thinking.

JRobUSC on the other hand is usually right on the money.

Chip - 4/2/2008 8:33:21 PM

+6 Boost

BMW tells no one what to do? What are you....5? You think his sales manager gives a crap about what gets spoken about on this website? You're pretty dense huh?

What BMW does do, is set the standard by which all others judge, by offering some of the best cars on the road today, like they have been for the past few decades.

HATE all you want, you're just irritated they're so damn good at what they do....jealous much?

JRobUSC - 4/2/2008 10:29:53 PM

+4 Boost

I can speak for myself, thanks. But I appreciate that I've become so popular recently. And all because I hold the out of this world belief that two similarly sized performance coupes from two brands that compete regularly with one another aimed at the same buyers for the same price might, just MIGHT, be competitor cars. I know, I know, that's just crazy talk. I'm just out there sometimes I guess.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/3/2008 8:37:39 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

LMAO!

Bmw8ter - 4/2/2008 6:43:58 PM

+4 Boost

Where's the BMW 123d hatchback? That's the 1 series I want most.

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DROOPYSAKK - 4/2/2008 6:57:40 PM

-1 Boost

i have no problem saying id much rather have an EVO, than this car. they are both a blast to drive, but come 6 months EVERYONE will be driving a 1 series. an Evo still has that "hey look theres a new Evo" factor. all BMWs (M6 aside) loose that appeal all to quickly

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AdHominem - 4/2/2008 7:28:55 PM

+1 Boost

Did you just say everyone will be driving a 1 Series and that a Mitsubishi Lancer has that "new" look?! That is ridiculous! There are very few 1 Series that are being imported to the USA so they will certainly NOT be common much less will "everyone" be driving one. And, adding wings, fins, slats, scoops, et cetera like the Lancer doesn't add any appeal to adults.

Bmw8ter - 4/2/2008 7:30:15 PM

+2 Boost

Definitely agree. BMW designs are pretty bland, despite their fun factor. Sure, the keen enthusiast will be able to recognize which ones are the faster versions, but the Evolution or STI badge has "don't f**k with me" written all over it.

I can appreciate subtlties like "135". But, I'm a sucker for the more menacing badging that lets people know this car means business.

gooch - 4/4/2008 10:02:57 AM

+2 Boost

If you're buying a car because you think everyone will say "Hey look, there's a new Evo," then yes, go ahead and buy an Evo. I'll bet every man will respect you and all the chicks will flock to you as well. Jeez.
What people would really say is:
"Hey look, there's a new Evo."
"Yeah, I know; I almost got sucked into that grille when it went by."

supermoto - 4/2/2008 7:54:28 PM

+3 Boost

This car is going to smoke some much more expensive competition. Let the games begin!

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AE86 - 4/2/2008 8:10:44 PM

0 Boost

This car will BE EXPENSIVE.

1995e34 - 4/2/2008 9:17:07 PM

+2 Boost

then get a 128i

AE86 - 4/3/2008 2:48:25 AM

+1 Boost

128i with EPS? No thanks! (electronic power steering for the choads on this site)

gooch - 4/3/2008 10:43:21 AM

-1 Boost

What difference will electronic power steering make? Can you detect whether your steering is electronic or hydraulic? I don't think I can.

AE86 - 4/3/2008 2:25:20 PM

0 Boost

You haven't driven an IS-F

stash84 - 4/4/2008 2:43:06 AM

+2 Boost

gooch..u can definitely feel the difference

ZBL1414 - 4/2/2008 7:56:54 PM

+5 Boost

I love the idea of the Tii, but only if the pricing is reasonable and there is a noticeable performance difference... we don't need a 1 series variant of the $30,000 Mugen Civi Si.

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AE86 - 4/2/2008 8:11:31 PM

+1 Boost

Great parallel. I do like the Civic Si though, but the Mugen version is all fluff and no extra performance.

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1995e34 - 4/2/2008 9:22:43 PM

+3 Boost

no extra performance? lightweight wheels and track tuned suspension don't add performance? do you mean no added hp?

AE86 - 4/3/2008 2:47:27 AM

0 Boost

lightweight wheels?

PLEASE

How about a "Cold Air Intake"???

jag30 - 4/2/2008 8:17:21 PM

-2 Boost

I love BMW its hot young, and aggressive but sometimes enough is enough! Stick with your popular 3 series, 5, x5, 6, and 7 and stop making smaller vechicles. It sounds like you just trying to compete for another type of consumer and yet your not able to sell these 1 series, please stop and think and stick with the cars mention above! Smaller may be better for the environment but not here in america, you should leave it for europe thanks love you!! JAG

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1995e34 - 4/2/2008 9:25:01 PM

+5 Boost

america needs smaller cars MUCH more than europe does right now. i wonder what's the difference in average vehicular weight from one side of the pond to the other.

DROOPYSAKK - 4/2/2008 8:17:25 PM

-3 Boost

dont kid yourself, if this 135 is well received bmw will flood the market with it.

the 135 is filling the void the 3 left when it grew in size. if you think bmw wont maximize this models sales potential your mistaken.

give me my Evo.

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S4cabriofoxone - 4/2/2008 10:15:49 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I am really excited to see the 3 Series Tii.

But what will differentiate it from the 335i, M3 and M3 CSL?

1995e34 - 4/2/2008 9:47:58 PM

+6 Boost

technically, it is nothing new. good point. but it is reviving something that has been lost: small, efficient, fun cars. i know it's not as lightweight as i'd hope it was, but heating up this segment could have great results world wide.

suppose it sells well, and audi decides to ship their s3 to the states, alfa revives their gt, toyota churns out a trueno, nissan makes a 240sx...etc.

this is a car that could have a profound impact on the future of automobiles. and i don't think it takes a delusional "fan boy" to think that.

i think the industry is at a cross road right now, they're getting greater pressure from the feds daily to offer more efficient models.

let me ask, what is currently the most fun, efficient, rwd model out there? there really aren't many.

efficiency aside, how many small rwd coupes are on the market?

i don't think anyone was claiming bmw invented something new, but revived a great forgotten set up.

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bmwfan1513 - 4/2/2008 9:18:46 PM

+5 Boost

Awesome. BMW us doing everything right. The 1 Series is so sweet but I don't know if I would like a 3 Series Tii.

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Jordanski - 4/2/2008 11:14:55 PM

0 Boost

Hotter than July? Not in Australia. >=D

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investor27 - 4/3/2008 1:09:13 AM

-1 Boost

The 3 series is big and heavy. A 3 series Tii is going in the right direction, but does little for the BMW track-loving enthusiasts. I agree with the poster above that there will already be a 335i, M3, and M3 CLS in the every crowding 3 series line. A 3 series Tii doesn't make sense.

On the other hand, a 1 series Tii makes a lot of sense. BMW should concentrate their efforts and resources into making the perfect, performance oriented 1 series in the 1 series Tii.

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MunichRob - 4/3/2008 8:16:16 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Wow how time flies, they're already talking about introducing a face-lifted 3-series this summer.

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07G35J - 4/3/2008 12:05:25 PM

+1 Boost

"I'm going to say something even crazier...I found the actual closest competitor to the 1....the 911 Carrera!"

The 911 Carrera?! Ooooh, it's on now!!! Just wait 'till JRob sees this...

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Heyhuub - 4/3/2008 12:13:17 PM

-5 Boost

The 135i can't even outperform the 265hp Audi S3 on the track. How is it gonna compete with the 997 Carrera?

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validus00 - 4/3/2008 1:28:41 PM

+5 Boost

highly doubt it since s3's 265hp can't beat the underrated 300hp in the 135i. the 135i destroys the s3 on its way to 60mph.

it's well known that s3 is an understeering sucker under full throttle

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JRobUSC - 4/3/2008 1:55:10 PM

+3 Boost

hey, if you want to keep ignoring price and call the 135i a 911 competitor, you go right ahead. You keep ignoring price for the G37 to 135i/335i comparison, why would this be any different? The 135i did beat a Cayman on a track, by the way, and I'll be up front and tell you I don't think they're competitors. It's that whole price thing again. But obviously that doesn't matter to you.

Maybe BMW should feel flattered that you don't consider a BMW that is aimed directly at the same buyers of your Infiniti for the same price to be in the same class. The Infiniti "has to be less expensive" than the BMW, anything BMW sells for the same money must be in a lower class, BMWs are supposed to cost more. Even when BMW tries competing dollar for dollar, you can't accept it, something is wrong. I guess that says a lot about how much brand cachet BMW has, and how much Infiniti has by comparison.

That's fine by me.

And I do think it's funny that you just basically gave your own stats to prove my point. You just said that despite the price difference you keep ignoring that in your mind the 135i is a 335i competitor based on size. And we all know you think the G37 is a 335i competitor. So how can the 135i compete with the 335i and the G37 compete with the 335i, and yet somehow the 135i and G37 are not competitors? I seem to recall the transitive property in grade school math, if A=B and B=C, then A=C. And that's YOUR stats, personally I don't think they're equals any more than the G37 and S5 are equals. Now apply some logic and stop ignoring price, where A=C and B is $6k more, and I just don't get how the 135i and G37 are not competitors. I just don't. But hey, all of us BMW fanboys, which you caught me, I am, certainly appreciate how much regard you obviously have for BMW. They came out with a car designed to go heads up with the G and yet if it doesn't cost more money than the Infiniti something is wrong. Thanks, on behalf of BMW.

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JRobUSC - 4/3/2008 2:26:23 PM

+3 Boost

dugit, if that happens then it would be a miracle of engineering, because if Infiniti made the G37 any smaller inside it would be a two seater. Maybe it could go up against the Z2 BMW is supposedly coming out with. And if so I hope it is $4000 less, because if they are the same price like these are we'd just be having this same conversation again where even Infiniti owners can't comprehend a BMW costing the same as a comparable Infiniti.

What's that saying about a gift horse?

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07G35J - 4/3/2008 2:32:58 PM

+2 Boost

I told you dugit... you were gonna get it from JRob sooner or later, and there it is. :)

Now, I have a theory for you, JRob: Could it be said that the G37 is the competitor for BOTH the 135i and 335i, depending on the consumer's idea of what a sports coupe is? Or on how much the consumer is willing to pay and how much he/she expects to get for his/her money?

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07G35J - 4/3/2008 2:36:18 PM

+1 Boost

dugit: "It's fun arguing with you, I'll give you that"

It is, isn't it???

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JRobUSC - 4/3/2008 2:50:26 PM

+5 Boost

07G35, not only is that possible, I'd say it's 100% accurate. My point wasn't that prospective G37 buyers would never look at a 3-Series coupe. Of course they will, they have been for years. My point was the 1-Series gives BMW an opportunity to do something they never could before -- offer a vehicle to someone who'd been considering a G a similar BMW for the same or less money. Instead of "you can have the price but not the performance in a 328i Coupe or you can pay more for the 335i Coupe", which is what would have happened previously, BMW can now offer that customer more options. Now when someone walks into a BMW dealership after looking at the G they can look at a 128i if they want something less expensive, a 135i if they want similar space and more performance for the same money, a 328i if they value space and plushness over performance for similar/slightly more money, and a 335i that encompasses all the aforementioned items if they're willing to step up and pay for it. It takes the value card the G coupe has always held and eliminates it. And I guarantee that pricing strategy will sell some 1-Series models to people who previously would have bought G's because the 3 was more expensive.

Isn't that logical? I don't get what all the uproar was about.

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07G35J - 4/3/2008 3:09:22 PM

+2 Boost

Yes, it does sound logical, and I agree with you NOW.

Before, your comments were suggesting that the G37 could not even touch the 335i, when the G37 is head to head with it, and it has even beat it in a Motor Trend comparison. That's what I disagreed with.

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JRobUSC - 4/3/2008 3:45:13 PM

+4 Boost

well, I still think the 135i is a BETTER comparison to the G than the 335 Coupe, I'm just conceding that there's overlap. In the two tests I saw where the G37 beat the 335i coupe, one was because the BMW overheated (which has since been remedied by BMW adding an oil cooler), and one was because the G was less money (which is where the 1-Series comes in). The G still lost the majority of the comparisons it was in, even with the lower price. Edmunds even said when they first tested the (at that time yet to be priced) G37 against the 335i Coupe "I don't know how much more the BMW is than the Infiniti, but it FEELS $15k more..."

Personally I just think BMW has moved the 335i Coupe so far up in class that it's a closer competitor to more expensive cars (S5 being the closest one in my opinion, and both the BMW and the Audi kill the CLK) than it is to lower priced cars (G37). But that's me, I like the 335i Coupe a lot and I think it skews high, not low. They're close enough to warrant consideration, but there's a gap there I think the 1-Series fills nicely.

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07G35J - 4/3/2008 4:07:36 PM

+1 Boost

I agree with you on the 335i coupe being moved far up in class. A friend of mine owns one and I've driven it. I like it a lot. I've never driven the G37, but judging by my G35, I'd say that the G is pretty good, too.

And yes, dugit, I agree with you in a miracle being "if they could make the car transform into a robot"? (you're a funny guy, dugit... :) )

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Heyhuub - 4/3/2008 4:33:50 PM

0 Boost

@Validus00

I looked up some figures from fastestlaps.com

Audi S3 (8P) vs BMW 135i Coupe (E82)

Hockenheim Short 1:17.5 1:17.4
Autozeitung test track 1:46.0 1:46.9
Nurburgring GP (3.7 km) 1:50.04 1:50.29

Not much difference huh. What the S3 lacks in power, it makes up in grip and handling.

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validus00 - 4/4/2008 12:51:17 AM

+2 Boost

actually that posted laptime at autozeitung was conducted in poor weather conditions (wet/damp) when they were comparing the 135i to the tt quattro.

you know the track is damp that day when the same tt 3.2 quattro posted a laptime 1.9 seconds slower than the laptime they got on a good day with the same car on the same track.

you gotta understand that laptimes can vary, but horsepower rating never lies.

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Heyhuub - 4/4/2008 3:47:46 AM

+1 Boost

And the one on Hockenheim where done on a dry day by the same driver.

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2ndbimmer - 4/3/2008 1:21:16 PM

+2 Boost

this seems to be more on the confirmation side of having "options" for building your own tii, not ordering one from the factory.

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racer2046 - 4/4/2008 12:16:26 PM

+2 Boost

I just test drove the 135i and just loved it. Lots of torque and lively handling. Way faster than my 04 Audi S4. And, for $180 a juice box level 1 takes the RWHP from 267 to 300hp.

Alas, the lower sills on the side make it look like a pregnant toad...

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