Monday 25th February 2008

BMW: No Production 1 Series Tii

Firm launches retrofit range instead of production Tii

---

BMW has decided against a production version of the BMW 1-Series Tii, instead launching a range of performance parts for customers to add to their cars. The company has stressed the Tii concept was just that, but today BMW told PistonHeads it was unlikely a factory version would ever see the light of day. BMW Performance is a new range of driving-oriented aftermarket accessories that build on the success of the M cars and M Sport models.

They are all retrofit components, including upgrades to the engine, braking system, suspension and alloy wheels, as well as interior and exterior enhancements, all for BMW 1 and 3 Series cars. The Tii Concept was very well received when it broke cover at the end of last year, with many suggesting it would be a turbocharged reincarnation of the original E30 M3. It was named after the performance version of the 70s 2002 saloon and promised affordable performance for a younger market.

But a BMW spokesman told PistonHeads: 'There won't a be a factory production version but if that is what customers want then this is how they would do it.' BMW Performance does allow owners of six-cylinder 1 and 3 Series models to specify a carbon fibre air intake system. This system offers improved air flow and additional engine air supply, as well as making a particularly sporting induction note.

A BMW Performance sports braking package for enhanced stopping power can be specified. Featuring cross-drilled and vented brake discs on the front axle as well as motorsport-derived six-piston fixed callipers, finished in BMW Performance yellow, the package sharpens braking response as well as cutting braking distances. Those drivers wanting to enhance the agility of their cars will select BMW Performance suspension. 

The BMW Performance suspension package comprises recalibrated shock absorbers and coil springs, and it also lowers the ride height of the car by 10mm to reduce the centre of gravity. 

Cars equipped with BMW Performance suspension can be identified by their yellow coil springs. A BMW Performance carbon fibre front suspension strut brace that adds torsional rigidity to the front of the car can also be selected. There is a number of exterior body styling parts available, including a new front spoiler with fully integrated black high-gloss kidney grille surround as well as sculpted and contoured side sills.

Model-specific exterior carbon fibre accessories are also available.  BMW 1 Series owners can opt for carbon fibre exterior door mirrors. Alternatively, 1 and 3 Series drivers can select the new BMW Performance carbon fibre rear spoiler or carbon rear diffuser to enhance the appearance of the car as well as the aerodynamics. 

Inside owners can specify BMW Performance carbon fibre components. Weight-saving carbon fibre components for the dashboard, front and rear door panels and centre console are available.  Customers can also specify foot pedals and a footrest made from lightweight aluminium. Prices are yet to be announced.

[GingerWizard]

It would be a nice little German rice rival..... Evo's and Scoobies would have a new toy to play with, and with speccing options even be put to shame....

GingerWizard

[Della]

Changing a couple of square inches of plastic for carbon fibre in the dashboard isn't exactly going to make much difference to these lardy little Beemers.

[[AJ]]

It looked pants anyway.

[SJobson]

It was never going to be cheap, so probably the right thing to do.

[[TW]Fox]

Why are none of the new BMW Performance Range parts suitable for the 5 Series? It's all E46 and E90 parts.

[Twincam16]

So BMW's basically saying 'instead of making a small, lightweight coupe for a change, we thought it would be better if we launched a range of parts that make it heavier instead.'

[johnniek]

Saw this dumpy little horror on tv the other week, cannot believe how crap it looks. Mind you the whole BMW 1 series is so ugly and this is just the horror of horrors... Reminds me of that dismal suzuki coupe 4x4 from thet late 80's/90's, think it was called the 'Ken and Barbie'... Pass the sick bag beemer...

[Beefmeister]

What a cop out.

[ScoobieWRX]

This is what i had age 19. My dad bought it for me from an auction and it was in great condition. Properly lovely car and N reg same as this one. The only troubles i had with it were the drivers seat (subsequently changed) that looked as though someone with razorblades in their ar5e had been driving it, the diff went bang once, and it seemed to like going through the centre bearing and rubber coupling on the gearbox end of the proshaft (twice).

Other than that it was relaible, fast and good looking car for the day!!

There will only be one Tii

[LathamJohnP]

17" brake discs on a 1-series? Is that a typo? Holy mother of god.

Apparently a Bentley Continental GT has 16" discs (or 16.5" on the Diamond Series/Speed).

John

[CommanderJameson]

LathamJohnP said:

17" brake discs on a 1-series? Is that a typo? Holy mother of god.

Apparently a Bentley Continental GT has 16" discs (or 16.5" on the Diamond Series/Speed).

John

If that's not a typo, I predict many face/windscreen interactions in the first few miles of ownership.

[Turbobanana]

johnniek said:

Saw this dumpy little horror on tv the other week, cannot believe how crap it looks. Mind you the whole BMW 1 series is so ugly and this is just the horror of horrors... Reminds me of that dismal suzuki coupe 4x4 from thet late 80's/90's, think it was called the 'Ken and Barbie'... Pass the sick bag beemer...

Yep, it's ugly. That Suzuki you refer to was the X-90, and was only marginally uglier than this.

I guess BMW don't want to bother putting it through a Type Approval test, although it looks as though it has already done the "drive it into a brick wall" part anyway.

[Milks]

[quote]lowers the ride height of the car by 10mm to reduce the centre of gravity.
[/quote]

how do you reduce a centre of gravity?

[Trundlebug]

Lightweight aluminium pedals!!

That should make it go a lot faster.

I bet the Saxo / 106 boys are rubbing their han ds with gleeful anticipation.

Wonder if they do any 8" dia drainpipe exhausts that drag on the ground?

[B10BRW]

As if the Base model BMW isn't expensive enough.

[cvegas]

The Tii could have been a desirable model (if it had an lsd). Sticking bits of expensive carbon fibre to other models seems absurd.

[dtmpower]

They could have built a tii and it would have sold

no aircon , no cd/radio , fixed back seats , no fog lights , etc etc

It would be what a 320si should have been

[Mike Roberts]

I have a depost sitting on a tii, if they make one... I guess that's looking like it's a dead duck now.

There's a link to the PDF of the German BMW Performance parts catalogue and a rough translation of what's available here:
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38...

If it's all retro fitted, then it's going to be pushing the 135i into the 40k bracket - I'll be shopping for something else.

[Negative Creep]

So then, how long until 116 owners paint their calipers yellow?

[Gizmo535]

Milks][quote said:

lowers the ride height of the car by 10mm to reduce the centre of gravity.

how do you reduce a centre of gravity?

By making it 10mm closer to the ground?