RE: BMW 1 Series facelift details
Discussion
new666uk said:
Still not sure why the 1er comes in for so much aggro over it's looks. It's not as elegant as an old 7er or 3er (say e38 or e36 vintages) but it's a hatch so will always suffer stunted looks as the lines can't flow along a longer body.
There are some truly hideous motors out there -
Skoda Roomster
Mini Roadster (hardtop)
Toyota Yaris Verso
Each has serious problems with poorly flowing lines that make them look like 2 cars assembled like a Frankenstein's monster.
I've had e36, e46 coupes and now an M135. Given a preference, I'd do for a coupe again rather than the hatch as the lines suit a longer form but I'd hardly see it as having been hit by the ugly stick.
I guess we just need a lightening rod to project onto and this time round the 1er is it.
I agree, its a bit like trying to decide which of the ugly sisters is the worst, even with this facelift - there aren't any (5 door) hatchbacks out there that look like Cinderella to me, so you have to dig a bit deeper - I was after utility plus a bit of fun at a reasonable price and the M135i was my choice last year with, seriously, no regrets so far.There are some truly hideous motors out there -
Skoda Roomster
Mini Roadster (hardtop)
Toyota Yaris Verso
Each has serious problems with poorly flowing lines that make them look like 2 cars assembled like a Frankenstein's monster.
I've had e36, e46 coupes and now an M135. Given a preference, I'd do for a coupe again rather than the hatch as the lines suit a longer form but I'd hardly see it as having been hit by the ugly stick.
I guess we just need a lightening rod to project onto and this time round the 1er is it.
My son took it on a BMW track day recently and it was the only one there, a BMW guy in an M3 was released behind him and it took him six laps to reel him in - they have put some serious thought into the M135i; it's no M car but it's close - put a proper diff on it (the inside rear does light up on power exits) and some harder pads (easily done at the track) and you have the makings of a good day out and can still pick up some IKEA flat packs and a set of step ladders on the way home.
So back to the analogy; not the best (or worst) looking sister out there, but good in bed and will cook your dinner willingly, a good pedigree when you are seen out together, and importantly, won't break the bank. Just need to get a Cinderella for the weekend...
Front definitely looks better but rear not so. Shame as the pre-facelift had grown on me over time! I'll definitely be taking a look at the 125d when it's out anyway
EDIT: Actually the 120d would do the job too, didn't realise it was quicker than the Golf GTD
EDIT: Actually the 120d would do the job too, didn't realise it was quicker than the Golf GTD
Edited by va1o on Saturday 17th January 14:04
fatboy b said:
B10 said:
The dashboard still looks a messy dogs dinner.
Agreed. I get sea-sick just looking at it.As for being one of the best selling cars... Well it's a cheap way into a BMW badge, so it's always going to be popular.
A former colleague had an early 1 series, and I was amazed at how small and cramped the interior is.
That big 1/4 window in the back door doesn't help with the shape of the 'C' pillar either. IMHO it makes the back end look awkward.
A former colleague had an early 1 series, and I was amazed at how small and cramped the interior is.
That big 1/4 window in the back door doesn't help with the shape of the 'C' pillar either. IMHO it makes the back end look awkward.
Petrolheads judging cars by looks, image and brand.
When looking at the 1 series, I see a hatchback that is rear wheel drive as standard and available with a straight six engine, symmetric induction system and probably the most efficient engine in its power band (please post if you know of a more efficient engine).
The one series always was a high-tech ugly house in a nice Victorian neighbourhood.
Sadly, this facelift will be the last of its kind; with the next generation being FWD as standard, and unlikely to get RWD hatches from BMW any more. From then on, petrolheads don't have anything else to distinguish the 1er from its competition other than looks, image and brand, and possibly technology in details.
When looking at the 1 series, I see a hatchback that is rear wheel drive as standard and available with a straight six engine, symmetric induction system and probably the most efficient engine in its power band (please post if you know of a more efficient engine).
The one series always was a high-tech ugly house in a nice Victorian neighbourhood.
Sadly, this facelift will be the last of its kind; with the next generation being FWD as standard, and unlikely to get RWD hatches from BMW any more. From then on, petrolheads don't have anything else to distinguish the 1er from its competition other than looks, image and brand, and possibly technology in details.
Bodo said:
Petrolheads judging cars by looks, image and brand.
When looking at the 1 series, I see a hatchback that is rear wheel drive as standard and available with a straight six engine, symmetric induction system and probably the most efficient engine in its power band (please post if you know of a more efficient engine).
The one series always was a high-tech ugly house in a nice Victorian neighbourhood.
Sadly, this facelift will be the last of its kind; with the next generation being FWD as standard, and unlikely to get RWD hatches from BMW any more. From then on, petrolheads don't have anything else to distinguish the 1er from its competition other than looks, image and brand, and possibly technology in details.
When looking at the 1 series, I see a hatchback that is rear wheel drive as standard and available with a straight six engine, symmetric induction system and probably the most efficient engine in its power band (please post if you know of a more efficient engine).
The one series always was a high-tech ugly house in a nice Victorian neighbourhood.
Sadly, this facelift will be the last of its kind; with the next generation being FWD as standard, and unlikely to get RWD hatches from BMW any more. From then on, petrolheads don't have anything else to distinguish the 1er from its competition other than looks, image and brand, and possibly technology in details.
Once the 1-Series goes FWD and a 6-pot is no longer available, it'll be indistinguishable from every other Hyundai / Golf / washing machine on the road. The tacky dash won't matter.
Bodo said:
Petrolheads judging cars by looks, image and brand.
When looking at the 1 series, I see a hatchback that is rear wheel drive as standard and available with a straight six engine, symmetric induction system and probably the most efficient engine in its power band (please post if you know of a more efficient engine).
The one series always was a high-tech ugly house in a nice Victorian neighbourhood.
Sadly, this facelift will be the last of its kind; with the next generation being FWD as standard, and unlikely to get RWD hatches from BMW any more. From then on, petrolheads don't have anything else to distinguish the 1er from its competition other than looks, image and brand, and possibly technology in details.
I think that's a big part in why the looks are so derided. It's a RWD hatch, fairly unique and should appeal to 'car' types, however to many it doesn't have the looks to match. I'm sure people wouldn't be so outspoken about the visuals were it a Toyota Corolla; they just wouldn't care. But it's a BMW, who've generally made smart looking; nice driving cars. When looking at the 1 series, I see a hatchback that is rear wheel drive as standard and available with a straight six engine, symmetric induction system and probably the most efficient engine in its power band (please post if you know of a more efficient engine).
The one series always was a high-tech ugly house in a nice Victorian neighbourhood.
Sadly, this facelift will be the last of its kind; with the next generation being FWD as standard, and unlikely to get RWD hatches from BMW any more. From then on, petrolheads don't have anything else to distinguish the 1er from its competition other than looks, image and brand, and possibly technology in details.
Gompo said:
I think that's a big part in why the looks are so derided. It's a RWD hatch, fairly unique and should appeal to 'car' types, however to many it doesn't have the looks to match. I'm sure people wouldn't be so outspoken about the visuals were it a Toyota Corolla; they just wouldn't care. But it's a BMW, who've generally made smart looking; nice driving cars.
I'm not sure what is more frightening:20% of 1er drivers choosing a not exactly pretty car, or
80% of 1er drivers believing the car is OK without even knowing about its technological driving pleasure advantage
BMW benefits from confused 1-series owners
I had one, it was great to drive, fast and cheap, but it looked like a pregnant cat. I would buy an RWD one again, if I had to do higher mileages. BMW strives to increase EBIT per vehicle, and RWD is expensive. Now, if only 20% of all 1er drivers appreciate the RWD, they might as well ditch the RWD in the next generation while increasing EBIT at a possible lower turnover.
From 2019, I will probably take a look at Twingos, hoping for 180PS and a less restrictive traction control.
Bodo said:
Petrolheads judging cars by looks, image and brand.
Yes, I find it bizarre too. Almost as bizarre as not understanding that looks are subjective and that some don't care what OTHER people think of their choice/preference.But anyway, we all know the real reason why people always find a good reason to hate on PH...
as7920 said:
EricE said:
aeropilot said:
Given the remaining timescales, etc., you'd be seeing test mule 5dr versions in camo being photgraphed on test by now, so I'd say it's 99.5% certain there will be no true M version of the hatch coming out.
I believe BMW wants to position the 1 series as FWD shopping trolleys and the 2 series as RWD driver's cars in the future so hatchback version of the M2 seems very unlikely. Even the new M135i looks less aggressive than the already relatively tame old one which is not a bad thing but likely done to better position the M2 as the true compact sportscar.Much of the R&D would already have been completed too with the M235i, M2 and M135i. Using same engine there isn't too much left too test no?
It's not going to happen - simple as that.
The hatch isn't on sale in the USA as well, so not much chance of a restricted market M-car.
fatboy b said:
Well when BMW stop producing the same looking tired cars, then maybe I'll change my tune 
I'm sad to say I entirely agree with you on this. In everything other than a "looks" sense I very much like what BMW do, but I honestly can't think of any current BMW that I really find desirable from a visual aspect alone. The M4 is nice, but it's still pretty fussy. Nowadays most manufacturers have actually really upped the game in a design sense, I mean, even all the bland hatches out there nowadays are mostly quite attractive, so it's quite an impressive feat that BMW just don't seem to be able to design cohesively at all at the moment.It's a real shame, because they have some absolutely stunning cars in their back catalogue, the E46 M3 for example I think is great, it may not be "beautiful" but it's certainly aggressive, well resolved and cohesive.
hufggfg said:
I'm sad to say I entirely agree with you on this. In everything other than a "looks" sense I very much like what BMW do, but I honestly can't think of any current BMW that I really find desirable from a visual aspect alone. The M4 is nice, but it's still pretty fussy. Nowadays most manufacturers have actually really upped the game in a design sense, I mean, even all the bland hatches out there nowadays are mostly quite attractive, so it's quite an impressive feat that BMW just don't seem to be able to design cohesively at all at the moment.
It's a real shame, because they have some absolutely stunning cars in their back catalogue, the E46 M3 for example I think is great, it may not be "beautiful" but it's certainly aggressive, well resolved and cohesive.
Nicely put. It's a real shame, because they have some absolutely stunning cars in their back catalogue, the E46 M3 for example I think is great, it may not be "beautiful" but it's certainly aggressive, well resolved and cohesive.
I think Bangle lead them down a styling cul-de-sac that they're now strugling to get out of.
Edited by fatboy b on Saturday 17th January 19:40
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