1 Series Convertible

HeHe Nice one Stephen. 

http://www.hartge.de/video/hartgeh1.avi 18mb

WOW!!!!!! Now THAT'S what I call a beautiful car.

Gordie wrote: I remember I used to drool over the 635 shark nose when they were new.  I could'nt afford to keep one on the road now I'm afraid but I still think they're gorgeous cars.

I have to agree. However, I started to get a bit "precious" over my Six so bought my 316 Touring as my everyday car. I now have the best of both worlds - a fairly depreciation proof practical car in the Touring & something special for the weekends

Standing still for any company is fatal hence BMWs attempt to move into new markets. They redefined the compact sports saloon with the '02 & created a new niche with the E30 Touring. The 1-series is just an extention of their marketing plan.

With regards to BMW styling, with a few notable exceptions there aren't any heart stopping cars anymore. The days of the Ferrari 246, Lambo Muira, Aston DB5 & Jag E-Types are long gone because safety concerns demand a nuclear bunker on wheels. It's disappointing yes but it's the world we live in now.

Gordie wrote: It's also too big for my needs, if I want a lot of space I'd buy a field.

       

Very good. I suppose the e28 is a bit large for town dwelling folk. But then in the dim and distant past (well, the 80s) the styling of these cars was well defined and distinct - the shark nosed BMWs. Anyone I speak to who knows anything about cars usually comments in one way or another about shark noses, build quality and the good old days. These older cars stand for something, I love them and wouldn't look twice at any of the new cars tbh. The flame styling is trying very hard to cut a design direction for BMW, much as the shark did during the 70s and 80s. Not sure how successful it is though.

I do understand why BMW has felt the need to broaden the range, the old sales pitch of the same car in three sizes doesn't work any more. Reaching down to include the premium hatch market with the Golf and A3 is a real money spinner, so why not capitalise with a cabrio while they have the chance. Fair play to them. I can't stand the 1 series, nor the X3 or X5, plus I'm not keen on the new 3 series. Clearly, however, the sales figures prove me totally wrong, so thats good for the company.

not keen on any of the 1-series models due to the slab-sided styling, the bland and bulky rear, and its no looker from the front either

sorry

i'm sure its lovely to drive though, seeing as i havent had that pleasure yet

Z3BMW wrote: i fear bmw are trying to dillute the brand with some of there recent offerings. i understand that there market research polls are suggesting that most people aspire to own a bmw, but dont want to spend the kinda cash to buy and run a second hand 3 series (£6000-£7000 to pick up a decent E46?!!?) so they've went with the same strategy which sunk Mercedes image and credibility into decline a few years. Prestige car manufactures should stick to Prestige cars. the 1 series is not Prestige. its an over priced Golf, the golf being over priced to start with.

I got rid of my 2005 320d because it was too big and not all that well built.  If there hadn't been a 1 series then I would have to have bought the Audi A3 Wagon.  At least this way I can stiuck with BMW which I think is a good brand.  Have you ever driven a 120d?  It's a better car than my 320d was.

If you are worried about BMW having their image damaged then look no further than the 1.9 Z3.  I test drove one a few years ago and it was anything but a sports car.

Anyway these are just my opinions, I'm sure nobody agrees with me though.

i fear bmw are trying to dillute the brand with some of there recent offerings. i understand that there market research polls are suggesting that most people aspire to own a bmw, but dont want to spend the kinda cash to buy and run a second hand 3 series (£6000-£7000 to pick up a decent E46?!!?) so they've went with the same strategy which sunk Mercedes image and credibility into decline a few years.

Prestige car manufactures should stick to Prestige cars. the 1 series is not Prestige. its an over priced Golf, the golf being over priced to start with.

 

Having said all that though. I still prefer it to a compact 3 Series. If your gonna buy a small car and want a quality marque then maybe this is the car for you.

 

my two pence worth

Since the whole car is covered with false panels how can any of you comment on what it looks like?

It's the same with every new BMW model, everyone shakes their head & says it isn't as nice as the previous model.

Nobody liked the E21 when it replaced the '02's. The E30 was criticised for being too similar to the E21. The E36 wasn't nearly as attractive as the E30. The E46 was just too tubby after the E36 and nobody likes the rear lights on the E90 saloon! As soon as the new model comes out everyone starts saying how wonderful the out-going model looks.

The same story is repeated for the 5-series & 7-series. Get a grip here. They're all selling in bigger numbers than their predecessors which is what BMW are in business to do. The doom-merchants declare each new model as being ugly - take a look at the competion. They are no better - even Ferrari can't make a decent looking car anymore. Blame crash & safety requirements not the designers.

As far as the 1-series convertible is concerned, look at what BMW's rivals have to offer. Fat-@rsed Meganes or half converted hatchbacks. The 1-series convertible will sell like hot pies on Cup Final day & BMW won't be able to make enough of them.

Sorry it dosent cut it with me it has that very ugly front end for a start, the bar shelf reminds me of the ford capri/classic, in fact it looks like Noddy has pimped his ride PARP PARP

Edited by dirtybeemer