New details about US version of 1-series

LeMansX5 · #1 10-24-2007, 08:33 PM

At a technical presentation this evening prior to the first drive of the new BMW 135i coupe, many details about the US-market version were confirmed. Enthusiasts have reason to rejoice, as most of the hardware and trim is being carried over from the European market. Here is a summary of what was confirmed tonight:

- Six-piston calipers will be standard on the 135i coupe. This decision was on-again, off-again for cost reasons, but the final answer is that they will indeed be on the car when it goes on sale early next year.

- Navigation will be a stand-alone option on both the 135i and the 128i. While it is typically bundled on other models as part of a Technology Package, it will be offered as a single option on these models to keep costs down.

- Interior leather colors will include black, beige, light grey, red and terra. Red and Terra will only be offered with the Premium Package. There will be no cloth offered at all in America; the base upholstery will be leatherette in black, light grey or beige.

- BMW will eventually offer a factory-replacement limited-slip differential under their performance products program recently announced. There are no plans to fit a limited-slip differential as a factory-fitted option.

- Pricing for the 1 Series will likely be announced at the Los Angeles auto show in mid-November, but the target price for the 135i is in the “mid-thirties” while the 128i in base form will come in under $30,000.