1er / 2er future models: Scott26 reports; part 2

[Mr. Mercedes]

This would be brilliant.

The one posted previously looks a bit cartoonish.

 

[Centurion]

Don't like the chop. reminds me too much of the Ford Focus sedan and VW jetta.

 

[Deutsch]

looks like a Scion to me.

 

[Matt]

Looks good.

 

[PanterroR]

Nothing wrong with that chop, imo. Looks great. Although the rearlights could be better, i could live with those...

 

[AdvEvo]

That chop is not great.

The huckfeld inpression is more like it.

 

[Deutsch]

If we're suppose to see the 2er coupe next year, then where are the prototypes???

 

[EnI]

If we're suppose to see the 2er coupe next year, then where are the prototypes???

Under the hatch mules - since the chassis architecture will be almost the same as the one of hatch (except the settings). Also the cabrio chassis & body need more development time - since it is the cabrio and the architecture is different to reach the right torsional stiffness, and also roof has to pass all the nasty testings.

There are also some 2er coupes cruising around - with original coupe body, but camouflaged as cabrio (the roof is mimicking canvas roof).

But 2er coupe will soon join the cabrio at hot weather testing in Death Valley - wearing original coupe body. As I was told we can expect FEP phases to be closed early next year.

BMW are also playing with an idea to debut 2er cabrio first, and coupe few months later.

I doubt we will see 2er in Geneva. My guess is Geneva will bring 3dr 1er, facelifted 5er, and 3er cabrio (X5 will debut in LA in December this year), while Frankfurt 2007 will bring the 2er. But this is just my guess. Unless E93 cabrio is shown in Detroit in January, and then there is enough space to show 2er in Geneva. But I still have doubt. Have to get some more detailed info after my sources end their vacations.

 

[Deleted member 25]

Any news on the M2 engine ?

 

[klier]

2er cabrio first would be kind of cool imo.
Thanks for the info Eni. You rock

 

[Deutsch]

You do rock Eni!!! I'll be looking out for 2er coupe spy shots now since they should be popping up soon according to the info you givie. Geneva '07 would be nice, BMW would have something to steal the thunder from the C-klasse debut.

 

[EnI]

Scott's latest info - confirming my info:

As I explained previously BMW have only plans to introduce to the US market the Coupe and Cabrio off the E87 Platform.
With scoop sightings in the USA and Autospies claiming that the hatchback is definetely coming could not be further from the truth .

The 1er cars currently pounding US roads are specifically hot weather testing engines such as the low end turbo expected to be badged as a 123i when the 3dr sports coupe launches later this year.
Several Cabrios are now undergoing Hot weather testing in the USA now.
Uniquely for a BMW Internationally the Cabrio will appear first before the Coupe placing it directly in the target area for fun seeking young and old Californians.
The Coupe will follow a few months after.
It is true that BMW considered a Z roadster based off the E87 platform but the project which got to the full size clay model stage was put on ice, The reason being that the Z4 was being replaced first - with the next Z4 BMW are intent on making a more focused Boxster rival leaving a space for a smaller Z model a small Z Coupe is also mooted but all this will happen if it does after the next Z4 and 1er are launched - in reality about 5 years.
Although the widespread plan for the current E87 spawned ideas from basic hatch - X and Z but for overlap of some projects where put on ice - concentrating on key market integration : Europe/Asia - 3dr /5dr hatch and US- 2dr Coupe /Cabrio.
Incidentally the E87 Cabrio has gathered as much exposure as possible to whet the appetites for the upcoming Coupe and Cabrio - Every BMW dealer in Germany has customer interest and pre-order for these coming models , And interest in the USA, UK Asia , Australia and other countries is further attracting immense interest. Not forgetting pre-orders.- With no rivals on the horizon - look how Audi have moved forward the A3 Cabrio they know The overall look of the BMW thanks to the BMW Concept Car CS1, They know that after the fake panel disguise comes off in it's FEP stage in a few weeks. it is going to be extremely popular.

 

[Imhotep Evil]

Any news on diesels.
Will there be a 135d/235d ?!

 

[EnI]

Any news on diesels.
Will there be a 135d/235d ?!

I heard something about new 125d, 130d & 130sd, but nothing "official" (by my standrads). So ... all I can is guess.

 

[AdvEvo]

Enilab in a dutch newspaper they say we get a 135i. But i doubt that. That will be a bit nose heavy won t it. Mostly bmw don t put their top non M engines of a higher serie into a lower series.

Of of course their must stay room for an atmo M version.

Of course this would be a nice line up

120i turbo 4cil.
130i atmo 6 cil.
135i turbo 6cil.
M2 with 343hp E46 m3 engine. No development costs on engine because it s expensive to make M versions. This would be a nice option for the m2.

Or loose the 135i turbo 6cil and make a 300hp plus M engine out of the 130i engine for the m2.

120i turbo 4 cil 220hp.
130i atmo 272hp.
M2 M high rev atmo 315hp.

 

[EnI]

I have no specific info on future 1er / 2er engine range. All I know is:

- that I4 turbo with 200+HP is coming (either 120si or 123).
- that BMW are considering to offer I6 bi-turbo in 1er / 2er
- that I6 diesels will be offered in 1er / 2er
- that there will be no M1 (therefore 135i with sport package could be offered), and that M2 still did not get green light (right now M GmbH is fully occupied with M3 - the most important M model).

Regarding the possible M2 engine: there was a consideration to go turbo - with I4. There were even engine prototypes built. But ... Like I said: M2 project is frozen right now.

 

[Deutsch]

Wasn't there an issue with BMW offering an I4 over an I6 because Americans equate number of cylinders with more horsepower??? I think a turbo charged four would miore than suffice for the large number American 2er coupe and cabrio buyers, it will also make the car cheaper to run and easier for them to get into. Having an I6 only will make this car an expensive propisition.

 

[AdvEvo]

It s a pity to hear the M2 plan is Frozen.

I was just saving up cash for it.

Ok then a 230i will do.

A turbo 6 banger in a one series is no good plan if you ask me.

 

[Matt]

why not, the 135 will scream.....

 

[AdvEvo]

Yes but most of you guys always think power. I am also a racing driver for me is handling and weight also an issue. 130i engine is more then heavy enough in the front of a 1 series. I have had a 120d and now i have a 130i. i can tell you the 120d steers better than the 130i. But i am no diesel lover and like some revs on tab. So now i have a 130i. I also drove a 330i to make a choice but the 130i is much much more fun and exiting to drive. A 135 with turbo and intercoolers will be more heavy in the nose and steering and agility will get more negative. A 135i if it comes will be more an autobahn racer than a corner attacker.

Turbo is only for 4 bangers not 6 bangers in such a small car.

3.0 engine can be made with 300hp without turbo easy by bmw. And thats what bmw should do. M version or not.