• BMW 1 Series pricing announced
• 118i arrives early 2005
• 120i deliveries begin 2 October, 2004

BMW Group Australia today announced pricing on the much-anticipated BMW 1 Series, due to arrive in dealerships from 2 October, 2004.

Initially, the 120i will lead the charge, priced at $41,900 for the six-speed manual model.

The five-speed manual 118i, which arrives early in the first quarter of 2005 with a full complement of luxury features and active and passive safety systems, will be priced at $37,900.

Both models offer an optional six-speed automatic transmission for an additional $2,200.

The BMW E87 1 Series delivers premium quality and unmatched driving dynamics. It is the only car in its class to feature rear-wheel drive and, combined with near perfect front-to-rear weight balance, delivers class-leading driving excitement with precise steering, excellent traction, refined ride and agile handling.

Rear-wheel drive is the only choice for drivers interested in dynamic performance.

Designed to thrill the driver on every journey, the new BMW 1 Series is loaded with premium features as standard, some of which are not even options on potential rivals.

The 120i uses a powerful, free-revving and smooth 2.0-litre four-cylinder VALVETRONIC engine to produce strong acceleration across the rev range.

The 1,995cc engine delivers an energetic 110 kW at 6,200 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm.

The 120i will accelerate to 100 km/h from rest in 8.7 seconds and has a top speed of 217 km/h. Fuel consumption is 7.4 litres/100 km for the manual transmission model on the combined cycle, and 7.9 l/100 km as an automatic.

All 120i cars come standard with the following features: 17-inch light alloy wheels, shod with runflat tyres, leather-covered multi-function sports steering wheel with adjustment for rake and reach, cruise control, climate control air conditioning, sports seats, 60/40 split fold rear seats, power windows, BMW Professional radio with in-dash CD player, on-board computer, rain sensor and Titanium interior trim finishes.

Active safety features include Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dynamic Stability Control with integrated ASC+T (DSC) and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).

Passive safety is masterminded via an advanced sensor control system and can, when required, activate dual stage front airbags, front side airbags (integrated into seat bolsters), and BMW Inflatable Tubular Structure (ITS) head airbags that protect both front and rear passengers. There are also belt force limiters and pre-tensioners for front seats, and three-point automatic reel belts for all rear positions.

The driver’s door has an emergency mechanical emergency opening/closing function.

Unique features include the 7 Series-inspired ‘Start/Stop’ dash mounted engine control button, a digital readout for engine oil level checks, and Condition Based Service monitoring for critical consumable items.

Among the options, BMW 1 Series drivers will find a veritable feast of features with which to personalise their vehicle.

These include the six-speed automatic transmission, sports suspension, alternative design light alloy wheels in 16- or 17-inch rim sizes, Xenon headlamps, iDrive, 6.5-inch colour monitor, satellite navigation, voice recognition and leather seat trim.

Power adjustable front seats with memory function, heated seats, the Comfort Access System which gives keyless access to the 1 Series via an identity transponder carried by the driver, electric glass sun roof, Park Distance Control at the rear (or front and rear), and metallic paint are also optional.

The 118i uses the same 1,995cc engine as the 120i and is tuned to produce 95 kW of power at 5,750 rpm and 180 Nm of torque at 3,250 rpm.

The 118i is equipped with all the leading-edge BMW engineering, technology and safety features of the 120i, but is positioned below the $40,000 price point.

It features 16-inch light alloy wheels and a five-speed manual gearbox as standard.

Feature deletion compared with the 120i is limited to cruise control, sports seats, rain sensor, and Silver in place of Titanium interior trim finishes.

The new BMW 1 Series arrives in Australia to further underpin a successful year in sales.

“The new BMW 1 Series represents incredible driving enjoyment for all customers,” says Franz Sauter, Managing Director, BMW Group Australia.

“Both the 120i and the 118i are extremely comprehensively equipped with premium features that make them hard to beat in the luxury market at this price point."

“We are certain the new 1 Series has all the hallmarks of another BMW success and will certainly offer an exciting opportunity to new graduates to premium motoring to begin that experience in a suitably BMW dynamic fashion.”