BMW 1-series Coupe M-Sport

BMW is working its M-division magic on the 1-series coupe by offering M-Sports package across all the variants. M-Sport package includes 17-inch light alloy wheels wrapped in 205/50 tyres up front and 225/45 in the rear, in tandem with sports suspension for higher traction and reduced body roll.

Meanwhile, the M-aerodynamic package consists of redesigned front and rear bumpers plus high gloss shadowline exterior trim. Other M paraphernalias are sports seats, chunky M leather steering wheel, gearshift & handbrake levers, M-logo door sills and anthracite headlining.

Click on all images to enlarge

The new 1-series coupe is expected to join BMW Malaysia line-up early next year (2008).

Related post:
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/07/new-bmw-1-series-coupe.html

BMW Un-Joyful Event at Sapura Auto KL!

By Dr Long

Having received a call from BMW Voice that I was invited to their “BMW Joy” event – new 1-series test drive experience – either at Auto Bavaria Glenmarie or Sapura Auto KL on 11th August 2007, I was happy to oblige. The very same day I had received an invitation card from BMW Malaysia or its PR company that narrated this: “Joy is driving. Discover why the new BMW 1 series is a leader in its class when it come to swift control and cornering. Exciting activities include cruising, slalom tracks and single-lane change at up to 70km/h. Best of all, you’ll be behind the wheel.” Wow! This must be a first in the auto industry, inviting the public to a mini driving event and not the press/media", I thought to myself.

Imagine my shock and disappointment when the staffs (all 4 of them) at Sapura Auto on that fateful Saturday afternoon, kept asking me if I wanted to test drive the 118i or the 120i Sports. The event girl (by the name of Latifah) was overbearing in bugging me for my business card the moment I stepped into the showroom! When I asked her about the afternoon mini driving course (on two occasions) she repeated the questions of “Do you want a test drive sir?”. I was then introduced to another guy who had the 1-series ‘black and white’ T-shirt on, who was no less helpful. He just confirmed the fact that there is just test drive sessions for that afternoon.

Moments later, the over-attentive PR lady came back asking for my IC and driving license. 3rd person I encountered was another Sapura Auto lady who looked at my card invite and reacted blur and baffled about the cruising, slalom and lane-change driving exercises. Seeing that I was constantly pressing for an answer, another sales advisor by the name of Jenny attended to me. She offered me a test drive (again!) and acted surprised seeing the invite and my slot for 3-4pm. Something fishy must be happening, I told myself. All these staff were somewhat conspiring and acted ignorant to hide some truth, I guessed. No senior Sapura Auto manager/supervisor were seen to oversee things, just lot of white-attired event part-timers hanging around.

I wouldn’t want to describe my test drive of the 120i Sports since it was a short drive, moreover I was feeling shortchanged and being pushed around. Not having the event materialized was one thing but not being truthful about it being cancelled was truly irritating! So much for the often- heard claims that Sapura Auto being more attentive and courteous than Auto Bavaria. Had it not been another For-Wheels associate recommending that I try attending BMW Joy at Sapura Auto, I would have stick to my initial appointment at AB Glenmarie.

Leaving no stones unturned, the same colleague had found out that Sapura Auto allegedly didn’t get the KLCC parking lot (open air) booking right for our planned driving exercises. For whatever reasons, they should have been honestly forthcoming with us. Later in the day, we have found out that AB Glenmarie had a successful 1-series BMW Joy drive event at Terminal 3 of the Subang Airport. Truly an exasperating, unproductive and disappointing BMW 1-series experience for us at For-Wheels at Sapura Auto KL!

New 1-Series 3-door Hatchback and Facelift

The BMW 1-series has now undergone a facelift as well as power boost, underlining something called Efficient Dynamics which promise a better drive as well as comfort.

There is now a 120i Sports in 3-door hatchback form. This M-accesorised variant has a new 4-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection in BMW speak). Horsepower is now an improved 170bhp with a higher torque of 210Nm (upped from 150bhp and 200Nm respectively). The 120i Sports features the M-sports package consisting of the M bodykit, M light alloy wheels (double-spoke 207M) shod with runflats of different sizes (F-R), satin chrome window frames, M Sports Suspension, Anthracite headliner, Sports front seats, M-steering wheel, an M-badged door sill garnish as well as Bi-Xenon headlamps. Will this same 4-pot find its way into the soon-to-be-refreshed 320i as well?

Meanwhile, the entry-level BMW is the 116i, which now comes with automatic climate control and also automatic transmission as an option. Its 4-cylinder bi-VANOS petrol engine cranks out 115 bhp and 150Nm. One step up is the 118i, which has 136bhp and 190Nm on tap, thanks to Valvetronic plus Bi-VANOS, enabling continously variable camshaft lift and timing. At the top end is the 130i, in 5-door guise, powered by the familiar IL6 engine with bi-VANOS and Valvetronic capable of 265bhp and 315Nm.

As with most - if not all - BMWs promising an engaging drive, the 1-Series is no exception by virtue of its RWD dynamics (unique in this hatchback segment) and near perfect 50:50 weight distribution. In addition, aluminium suspension components up front and a retuned spring-damper’s settings optimizes on-road handling and agility. Despite these, the renewed 1-Series is claimed to have a more sorted ride than before.

Prices of the new 1-Series (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair) are:

BMW 116i – RM 179,800
BMW 118i – RM 199,800
BMW 120i Sports – RM 223,800
BMW 130i – RM 329,800

Related post:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/07/new-bmw-1-series-coupe.html

New BMW 1-Series Coupe

By Dr Long

BMW has given a new lease of life to its beleaguered 1-series hatchback - by adding a rump to the rear - resulting in the new 1-Series Coupe.

To be available soon in Europe, the 1-Series Coupe will wear 3 different badges:
120d, turbodiesel 2.0L 4-cylinder, with 177hp and 350Nm.
123d, 2.0L twin-turbocharged diesel, offering 204hp and 400Nm.
135i, with 306hp and 400Nm, from BMW’s award winning twin-turbo 3.0L in-line 6.

Meanwhile, the for U.S. and Canadian market, the BMW 1-series Coupe will also be offered in 128i guise (apart from the 135i), powered by naturally aspirated but detuned 3.0L magnesium-alloy straight six, capable of 230hp and 270Nm of torque. There will be no turbodiesels for the North American market.

The 120d coupe will sprint from 0 -100km/h in 7.6secs while the 123d coupe will be a little quicker at 7 secs to the century. The top-of-the-line 135i coupe will launch from standstill to 100km/h in a mere 5.3 secs, and likely zippier in real life than the similar-engined 335i due to its lighter kerb weight.

How soon will we see this better looking 1-series in Asia or even Malaysia is anybody’s guess at this point in time.