German Car Zone

Originally Posted by Scott26

The front lights in this (Z8 CGI by Huckfeldt) PS are similar to the upcoming 2er coupe and cabrio - an intense sportier look from the cute and cuddly 1er...

Look at recent BMW annoucements - specially the 02 series which is more commonly known as 2002 which was recently rebuilt in 2006 to celebrate it's anniversary. BMW are subliminally communicating the message of their forthcoming baby coupe.

Everything is now starting to make sense: a mid range 3er Coupe leaves the segment open for an E87 based model . Which to be more USA savvy will adopt the 2er label - the 2002 was very popular in the USA especially with BMW 2002 enthusiasts. Now it's coming back The 1er is conceived to be a 2 stage model , the coupe/cabrio will follow the lead with the 3er coupe with different front end, the rear is exact to the CS1 concept car . And it is these cars that the US market will receive - no sedan is planned for any markets.

Originally Posted by Scott26

History has a habit of repeating itself.
Much change has occurred within BMW to the initial product plan of the platform that has brought the E87 1er - Officially now that the 1er is a success all resources are now on spin off variants from the core platform.
And of course entry into the US consumer market .

The proposed 1er sedan and touring and roadster have now been officially placed on ice for the time being because of the fears of competing with lower based 3er sedan and Touring. The small roadster in this market will be badged MINI - more identical to be a true Miata chaser more the preferred market to be.

In early summer 2006 the 1er 3dr will be launched pitched as the more sporting hatch to go up against VW Golf Gti and other compact performance cars - The 1er 3dr will share engines with the 5dr but most exciting is the introduction of the 120Si utilising the engine from the forthcoming 320Si with 175 BHP to compete with the VW Golf GTi - This is expected to be released in early 2007, Six cylinder power will also come with the current 130i but the forthcoming BMW(with development input from alpina) turbo charged petrol engine soon to be introduced ( dismissing inaccurate US dealer reports) in the forthcoming E92 3er coupe .

The dilema with this engine is the equivalent of going swimming with weights - ie too nose heavy so this has been reserved for the 3er products upward.

The 1er ( With decision still undecided over 2er coupe /Cabrio )
Why 2er - BMW see this as they seen the relaunch of the 6er coupe and cabrio . A new model whithout any iconic reputation to hold on to. as was the dilemma from 4er to 3er. But a sore point is that there is an M1
Although BMW would like customers to see that the 2er is the much loved classic 2002 reinvented for the present especially US 2002 enthusiasts..

Enter Motorsport

Another dilema is the inevitable M version . Originally idea of using current M3 six cylinder engine undertaken but decided against for three reasons .
One - Again it is a heavy engine with weight issue , Two - The BMW MZ4 roadster and coupe will feature these engines and thirdly - That Premium compact performance models due not impact into price structure of other segments. Hence the decision to cap the performance of the new baby M car at just under 300 BHP as rivals do not really go above that territory.

The new engine by BMW Motorsport will be based on engine that will feature in the 120Si but be upgraded to have about under 300 BHP - only four cylinders but with the Z4 at six and M3 and eight and the M5 and M6 respectively at 10 - The perfect family unit.

The desire is the E30 M3 - it was so simple and is today a much remembered BMW. With the modern requirements of space , safety , fuel consumption and technology The M3 has progressed and the next M3 is all about progression - technology , layout , performance and dynamics.
The M2 or M1 has the capability to bring back the love of the E30 - driver focused without liability . A CSL is aso a very realistic possibility

SMG already used to acclaim in the M5 and M6 will also spread towards the M3 but not the M2 . In it's place BMW will offer a six speed manual and it's forthcoming ZSG gearbox. Which will also feature in the 120Si


Will consist of from 2006 onwards :

2006 3dr 1er hatchback.
2007 2dr Coupe / 2dr Cabrio
2008 M1 (M2) Available as coupe and cabrio
2008 Touring 3dr.

The CS1 concept - BMW's modern interpretation of the 2002- introduced in 2002 the anniversary of the 2002 (Geddit?)

Was of course the first ideas for the compact BMW this decade.
And the production Coupe and cabrio will follow this idea closely.
The car that will be presented as the 1er (or 2er) Coupe and Cabrio is basicly the production version of the concept - differences will take shape in seperating the hatch from the Coupe and cabio such as different shape sharper triangular headlights and overall front styling changes in the shape of the cooling grill. - The simple aesthetic rear end design of the Concept simplifies the design of the Coupe and Cabrio not too fussy and over detailed.

The coupe will be the most dynamic car in it's class thanks to the attention that has been placed on the cars weight , ride quality and dynamic response due the rear bulkead of the Coupe with offers greater rigidity.

So much excitement is aimed at the 2er that the coupe and cabrio will follow the pattern shown by the 6er coupe and cabrio. coupe first then followed four months later with the cabrio. The coupe and cabrio will be the first models to go sale in the USA - a market that although people are crying out for the 1er BMW AG has denied the current hatch due to current attitudes to small premium cars. In order to anticipate excitment for the upcoming Coupe and Cabrio - BMW are said to be toying with the idea of showing a 1er hatch to gain feedback at the Detroit motor show in January 2006.


Finally an interesting 3dr fastback which recalls the original 1800/2000 Touring is something that is quickly gaining momentum in the product plan.
The 1er has the ability to do something completely challenging to defy convention and this idea has rekindled love from the original 2002.


Based on the incoming coupe a sleek roof folds back on to the rear deck with a sloping glass tailgate a targa sliding roof is a feature that has made the possibilities for production. the initial project came about as a designer just decided to add it on the a cabrio design - they saw the drawing and where convinced on the spot of the potential - The design has attracted attention and BMW would like to offer something new as it will with the RFK and the SAC.

Originally Posted by Scott26

1. When 3-door 1er will hit the markets?

In Germany the 3dr will be on sale about late April , early May.

2. Will the existance of this car anyhow influence decision of (not)building other variants of 1er: 2er coupe, cabrio, roadster, shooting-brake?

The product plan for the E8 platform calls for no overlapping with the 3er 's market. So with the 1er we can be adventurous - The success of the 1er means that we can enhance flexibility and create niche premium compact cars. That is why a sedan is (for now) out of the question as is a conventional wagon ( Touring) .
Confirmed for this product plan is a Coupe and a Cabrio (Cs1 Concept) - models that will appeal to the USA market where premium compacts are shunned.
A roadster is also expected. The most exciting will be a 3dr Touring coupe like the old 1600/2000 touring which along with the roadster is undergoing project evalutation , The touring is easily done as developed off the Coupe which will be flexible to accomodate the Touring and of course the cabrio body design.

3. Is it known yet which models will US market get?

For certain the Coupe and Cabrio and possibly the Roadster- Like I said models that will be more appealing to the U.S marketAnd of course the M variants..

Originally Posted by Scott26

1 - 2 - 3,4,5
2007 will see the first variant planned off the 1er e87 platform . which will be known as the 2er. Why 2er - BMW see this as they seen the relaunch of the 6er coupe and cabrio . A new model whithout any iconic reputation to hold on to. as was the dilemma from 4er to 3er.
Although BMW would like customers to see that the 2er is the much loved classic 2002 reinvented for the present.

So much excitement is aimed at the 2er that the coupe and cabrio will follow the pattern shown by the 6er coupe and cabrio. coupe first then followed four months later with the cabrio. The styling stays true to the CS1 concept car except the 2er gets smaller sleeker front lamps and flattened shapely twin kidney grille . The rear stays to the same as the CS1.

Much change has occurred to the initial product plan - The proposed 1er sedan and touring have now been axed for fears of competing with lower based 3er sedan and touring. in it's place comes an entry level roadster - BMW's true Miata chaser and an interesting 3dr fastback which recalls the original 1800/2000 touring.

based on the incoming coupe a sleek roof folds back on to the rear deck with a sloping glass tailgate a targa sliding roof is a feature that has made the possibilities for production. the initial project came about as a designer just decided to add it on the a cabrio design - they saw the drawing and where convinced on the spot of the potential - The design does look good.

And with a coupe version of the Z4 expected quite soon the touring could be seen as a younger family member.

The crowning achievement will arrive in the shape of the 2008 M powered cars.
With development beginning on a new engine to replace the current and now classic M3 six cylinder the new engine will be based on the new six cylinder n-gen engine , Regular cars will also see arrival of a 235i turbo as seen in the forthcoming 135i.

With the disappointment of no US sales for the current 1er . The 2er will be sold in the USA as BMW know how iconic the 2002 is amongst US enthusiasts. And of course that such lifestyle cars will be extremely profitable in the USA.

Originally Posted by Scott26

1er will come as a 3-door in early 2006, and as 3-dr or 5-dr touring in 2007
2er will come as a coupe and soft top cabrio in late 2006/ early 2007, and debuts in U.S. market in 2007; we will see no M1 (hatchback), but M2 coupe and cabrio will appear (engine yet unknown)
With the 1er BMW are astounded by the success. It has already been rumoured that the 1er is not selling as well as it should be . But this is rumours and anti-Bangle bullshit . The car has entered respective markets and achieved objectives. Plus you have to understand the 1er is not just one car - You will see an expanded product range 2006 will be the beginning of the roll out for the variants that will be offered with the E87 platform. Platforms that will increase profitability of the E87 project. 1er was new segment for BMW in current times. A year or two gives time for product to be established in it's respective market and then the roll out of other body styles begins.
The first model lays the groundwork and then we build on that. If we didnt expand our product portfolio and our design innovation we believe we would not be as successful as we are today.
A 3-door hatch will be the second body style, ready for launch in early 2006. Touring version is seriously considered. Also under feasibility study is a 3dr Touring fastback - sharing history and idea with the old 1600/2002 Touring.
The 2er will be expected in 2006. The CS1 concept is really the 2er. BMW describe the 2er as reinventing the fun era of BMW the 2002 and the E30. Cars which were about the joy of driving - icon cars. In respect the 2er is a spritual ancestor of these great products forever etched in BMW's history. BMW know they cannot afford to miss the North American market, in spite of weak dollar. They know the 2er will be very,very popular not only with younger buyers, but with traditional 2002 enthusiasts, and also domestic and Japanese brand owners.Though the 2er coupe and 2er cabrio will expectedly be sold in US as BMW are pitching the 2er as the 21st century 2002, as per USA/Canada popularity of the 2002 is extremely popular. Marketing will be forged to that era with a family link as BMW tend to woo the 2002 enthusiasts.
The 2er will be available as soft top cabrio and as hard top coupe. A folding hard top was discussed but found to be impractical .
Engines will be the same as 1er .

Originally Posted by Luwalira

Thanks for sharing Tine. It seems like BMW got their hand full and I though that MB was the only manufacturer throwing out new car models every year.

Originally Posted by shonguiz

So will we have a 135i or not ?

Originally Posted by Luwalira

Thanks for sharing Tine. It seems like BMW got their hand full and I though that MB was the only manufacturer throwing out new car models every year.

Originally Posted by Tine

Let's summarize:
2006: 1er 3-door, Z4 Coupe (also: 3er Coupe, 3er Cabrio, X5, Z4M, M6 Cabrio, M5 Touring)
2007: 1er/2er coupe & cabrio (also: M3)
2008: 1er Touring coupe, M1/M2, V5 RFK, X6 SAC (also: 7er)

And do not forget scheduled facelifts, new MINI (hatch & cabrio) and RR cabrio.

Plus new models under consideration: MINI Traveller, MINI roadster, RR small limousine, RR small coupe, BMW 8er 4-door coupe, BMW 9er (SLR killer), V3 RFK, X2/X4 SAC, ...

Originally Posted by Stuttgarter

Some q's?..

-When's the "3er" coupe to be released(quarter/autoshow?)? I thought the model designation was "4er"?

-Did Scott mention anymore details on the "8er"? Where did you hear/read this info?

-"9er" sounds very intersting, at one point I heard this was to be some sorto f ultra 7 series? I guess w/ the model split to occur w/ the next 7er, there's no need for that now? Any details on this supercar?