On the Road to North America: BMW and its Plan for the 1-Series

Six-Cylinder Engines the Only Way for BMW in North America

BMWs 1-Series, the latest in the prestigious German manufacturers brand extension, follows the lead of Mercedes-Benz and Audi in developing smaller, more affordable compact luxury/sport models. The Munich-based automaker has reportedly embodied the new model with the same unparalleled driving dynamics as larger BMW vehicles without converting to front-wheel drive, which would detract from the companys brand image.

Initially BMW would neither confirm nor deny plans to offer the 1-Series in North America, but the announcement of Audis upcoming A3 and the potential threat of Volvos new S40 may make it necessary.

There are, however, several roadblocks standing in the way. Company officials felt that BMWs current 1-Series lineup of small inline-fours wouldnt be able to compete against Swedish and German rivals that offer powerful 5- and 6-cylinder powerplants respectively, the former featuring a powerful turbocharged variant in top trim. Although smaller European-spec BMWs are typically powered by inline-fours in Europe, BMW dropped the 1.8-liter from the 3-Series lineup, for instance, specifically to improve its image, thereafter setting the standard bar at six cylinders.

A second issue that is troubling BMW and could be one of the reasons for the 1-Series North American debut delay, could be that it is currently only available in the five-door body style. Having observed Mercedes-Benz struggle to sell the C-Class Sport Coupe, and having already attempted to sell the 3-Series Compact (Ti) model in the late 90s with little success, BMW has all but confirmed that North Americans do not have the same appetite for hatchbacks as Europeans and Asians do.

No problem, BMW simply needs to wait until alternative body styles are developed and an inline-six stuffed between the front strut mounts. Insider accounts state that the Bavarian brand plans to offer just one inline-six with the 1-Series, and that is the new N52 2.5-liter recently redesigned for the next-generation E90 325i. Should this be the case, the 125i would pack a 218 horsepower in European specification, backed by 184 lb-ft of torque, a 68 horsepower and 36 lb-ft advantage over the current top gasoline model, the 120i. Considering the 1-Series light curb weight, it should be capable of hitting 60 mph in the low six second range.

While I just said the N52 would be the only six offered, it is possible that BMW may introduce a second inline-six for the 1-Series once the model-range has been established in America. A small 2.0-liter version could act as an entry level model, producing between 170 and 180 horsepower. Such an addition would allow BMW to compete with high performance models such as the 200 horsepower turbocharged VW Golf GTI, as well as vehicles such as Volvos S40 2.4 and Acuras TSX.

As with its larger 3-Series sibling, BMW has plans for a rapid extension of the 1-Series range including the all-important four-door notchback sedan, expected as the 1s entry ticket to North America. Other 1-Series models, including a Touring (station wagon) and a three-door hatchback are expected to arrive, but not necessarily for North America - our markets are considered too narrow for such a broad range. Eventually a sporty two-door notchback sedan and a convertible will be produced and sold in North America, badged as the 2-Series. Rumor has it M versions of these will be forthcoming.

As it stands, the current arrival date of the 1-Series for North America is late 2006, early 2007. Why the big delay? Aside from adding the straight six and new body styles, BMW is doing a double-take on the cars much-criticized ride. Preliminary tests by magazines and newspapers have yielded a single opinion: the 1-Series rides too harshly. Tweaking of the chassis plus other minor alterations should improve these imperfections in Europe before the car arrives in North America.

Further down the road, BMW has plans to revise its inline-four series of engines with a variety of powerplants ranging from 1.6-liters to 2.0-liters. These will deliver more power, torque and better economy. The revised range, dubbed "TU2+" is to be built at BMWs UK engine facility, and all are said to feature a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. Whether or not these motors will also be used in the next generation MINI is unknown, but BMWs decision to bring engine production in-house has been made clear for many months. If MINI gets the new engines, it will probably be the only BMW-made product sold in North America to use them. BMW seems adamant about pursuing its 6-cylinder minimum in the U.S.