Anyone know how successful these cars are?
Neither the appearance nor price appeals.
Does Mrs M keep her 3 series compact forever,
or even buy a newer one now?
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I live in the Thames Valley, traditionally a major habitat of the big 3 German marques, and I've seen very few of them so far.
My personal opinion is that they are a nasty expensive ugly little car, and a cynical marketing ploy by BMW to persade punters into the brand who can't realy afford it but like the image thing!
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The fact that no other variations (apart from a 130i) have been announced may be significant. Still no 3-doors, coupes, estate, etc., could mean they are selling well, and sales don't need a boost - could be BMW have so many other models awaiting release, there's no time to develop the 1-series.
BTW isn't the Compact being phased out this year?
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"My personal opinion is that they are a nasty expensive ugly little car, and a cynical marketing ploy by BMW to persuade punters into the brand who can't really afford it but like the image thing!"
I rather agree, though we have to be careful on this forum as HJ is a fan.
Road testers rave about its being a 'driver's car' - whatever that means - and no doubt like other BMWs they are very good to drive. But there seem to be too many compromises to make a 1-series easy to live with long-term (e.g. cramped in the back and difficult to get in the back doors; no spare wheel; boot still small; poor rear visibility etc. And too expensive for what it offers.
But if you are a rich single person or childless couple, and don't need to carry much luggage (or it's a second car to, say, a Volvo estate) it could be a fun possession. If I were in that situation and wanted a small prestige making-a-statement sort of car, I think I'd go for an A-class (or B-class) or an Audi A2 and get the practicality as well.
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Is it just me or do they bear more than s passing resemblance to 1920's US style ganster cars???
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Gangster cars even...
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>>>Does Mrs M keep her 3 series compact forever,
or even buy a newer one now?>>>
If I were in your situation, I would certainly buy an updated compact, which is an excellent and often underrated model, over the appallingly ugly and cramped 1 Series.
I agree with the earlier comments that the 1 Series is the most distasteful design ever to carry a BMW badge and IMHO deserves to fail and make BMW realise that they just cannot churn out such "designs" and expect automatic commercial success.
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Gangster cars even...
Give it 5 years and they will be Gangsta cars, mettalic black ones with bling wheels.
I quite like them though, if the wife had the family car, perhaps a Grand Scenic instead of the Clio, a silver 120d would suit me.
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I think they look revolting, esp. the weird sides. Even a Rover 200 is more stylish and aesthetically appealing.
I too live in the Thames Valley and I've seen loads of the ugly beasts, which frankly has taken me by surprise. For comparison I've never seen one of those Indian Rovers.
Leif
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for me, a 1 series looks rather like the latest Astra, except the latter is much more attractive and sleeker, especially the rear.
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I've got to be honest, I'm no fan of the 3 series either. Actually, I am. I love the front and sides - very menacing. I just think the back lets it down. If I'm being honest, I think it's purely because the indicator lenses are orange and not a clear type glass like the old one. It's a minor thing I know but it makes all the difference!
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Adam
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Its nice to have you all agree with me!
I will be watching developments with interest.
If you can't get a Compact Mrs M wants a 330Ci next.....
:>( Tim
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