In an interview with Car Magazine, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer confirmed that a range of tii performance options will soon be available on BMW smaller models, specifically the 1 and 3-series.
There have been rumors that BMW was working on an M1 version of the new 1-series, but Reithofer confirmed that, that vehicle is not in the works. The tii spec 1-series will be the most performance oriented 1-series. He feels the the 135i is fast enough with its 0-62 mph time of 5.3 seconds.
There will also most likely be a tii model for the revised 3-series that is going to come out this summer. The revised 3-series is going to receive very mild updates. According to Car Magazine the tii version is going to use the same brakes as the M3. It will also feature 19" wheels, a sports suspension and a twin-clutch transmission. A more performance oriented 3-series tii with a downsized twin-turbo 4-cylinder engine is rumored for the next 3-series in 2011.
BMW Concept 1-Series tii:
Full Story: Car Magazine
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More Images of the 2008 BMW 135i Released...Enjoy!
2008 BMW 135i Starts at $35,675 and the 128i Starts at $29,375
Comments (15)
i saw a sweet looking 1 series yesterday but it looked so damn small i dont know if i could fit in this tiny thing... 6'4" 280lbs???
Posted by dennisil | April 2, 2008 6:32 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 18:32
They are just over priced to begin with and adding sporty options it's going to improve that.
This looks like a fine car just not sure it's $10k better than the class competition. For that kind of money you upgrade the class of competitive vehicles or mod the hell out of it. I guess there is a demographic out there for this but it seem to be a very poor value. I suppose as status symbol for the working class men and women it will serve as an achievement milestone.
Posted by RX-7 Guy | April 2, 2008 7:48 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 19:48
@ RX-7 Guy
I like BMW's and I don't like them because they're a status symbol. I enjoy their performance. I actually have an RX7 now and want my M3 again(15mpg sucks).
I'm pretty sure you've said you had a BMW before, so why are you knocking them, you know they're amazing drivers.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | April 2, 2008 8:24 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 20:24
I too think they're over priced though, my M3 was used.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | April 2, 2008 8:26 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 20:26
The ugliest bimmer ever!
mAYBE PONTIAC g8's alternative choice!
Posted by will | April 2, 2008 8:33 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 20:33
and they didnt even paint the bonnet.
Posted by lowest iq | April 2, 2008 8:45 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 20:45
lol BMWs are excellent machines but their drivers are horrible.
Posted by 09 | April 2, 2008 9:03 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 21:03
Wonderful vehicles but for the price I could just as easily make my Skyline have 800WHP. But if you got the cash and like the car go for it. I have something else to spend my money on.
Posted by Skyline GT-R R-32 | April 2, 2008 9:25 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 21:25
That wasn't a general statement about BMW's just this series. This is a civic sized car, right? Assuming that's correct I don't see this as a good buy from a price point. Even with the impressive numbers of the 133i the drive off price would be around $40k. You can get a low mileage M3 for that price today.
I wish my RX-7 got 15mpg try 10 or less if I keep my foot out it with this alcohol laced super unleaded. Still get around 24 on the highway at 80 with the AC on though.
Posted by RX-7 Guy | April 2, 2008 9:40 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 21:40
Whew, finally a decent car to look at after that nightmare of a Pontiac G8!
Posted by osamaobama | April 2, 2008 11:01 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 23:01
@ Rx7
Any tips on getting better mileage? Something I should check? Mine is a cheap 1990 n/a gxl (I hate AAS) with no mods. The factory Mazda reman engine has about 15k on it. I do drive it relatively hard, but it still seems like I should get closer to 20 than 15. EPA 17/25. My trans makes tons of bearing noise and the wheels don't seem to rotate as freely as my other cars(I could only push them with enough force to rotate around once or twice on jackstands), so I'm pretty sure the bearings are hurting it all around. But still, 15?
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | April 3, 2008 12:30 AM
Posted on April 3, 2008 00:30
Well, you can get a 135i starting at like $36,000. Now, that on the surface makes me cringe -- big time. Then you look at the performance. 0-60 in 4.7 seconds. That makes this (probably) the best bang for your buck out there.
You buy one of these and after a few years get some Dinnan mods to it and you'll most likely be running 0-60 in 4 seconds.
Posted by Totenglocke | April 3, 2008 8:04 AM
Posted on April 3, 2008 08:04
No, that would still make the G8 GXP the best bang for the buck. 0-60 would be the same, and quarter would probably go to GXP thanks to more power. The G8 would also be a lot more car for the money. It also depends on how they try and make more power in the 1 as well. Most of BMW's high performance (M series) models suffer in the gas mileage department. The G8 GXP most likely won't have gas guzzler on it. This is what I believe GM is going for in de-tuning the LS3 for it.
I agree the 1 series from BMW is a little over priced, for a few grand more at that point you can get a 335i, not as fast but much more spacious. For me, I would much rather have some more breathing room and a little less performance, but that's just me.
Posted by Avatar | April 3, 2008 12:23 PM
Posted on April 3, 2008 12:23
BMW's have great engineering and performance. Reliability and value, not so much. I ride in them frequently, at lunch and sometimes evenings out. I find the interiors very bland unless you get some options. Speaking of which:
30K for a base model 128i with vinyl seats. 36K for a base model 135i with vinyl seats. We're talking about no options here, not even a sunroof. Real world prices are around 34k and 40k (or more) with the options you want. I'll bet this tii model will sell at a premium above that, say 40-45k. Personally I can find something better for 45 large. Nice cars though.
Posted by Kell | April 3, 2008 3:16 PM
Posted on April 3, 2008 15:16
"We're talking about no options here, not even a sunroof."
Well you're partially right with that statement. A sunroof is standard on a 1.
If they took about $5k off the price these things would fly off the lots.
Posted by Totenglocke | April 3, 2008 7:36 PM
Posted on April 3, 2008 19:36