80 percent of BMW 1-Series drivers think the car is a front-wheel drive

BMW 1 Series Coupe

BMW sees the statistic as good news in that consumers will warm to future front-wheel drive BMWs

In a conference call with reporters and analysts, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed that 80 percent of BMW 1-Series drivers believed they were driving a front-wheel drive car.

The 1-Series is, in fact, a rear-wheel drive car. BMW does not yet make any front-wheel drive vehicles, although, BMW Group's MINI brand does.

Reithofer used the statistic to support BMW's claim that customers will warm to front-wheel drive BMW's when the company begins introducing them later this decade. BMW recently announced it was building a front-wheel drive platform for an entry-level BMW to compete against the Audi A1. BMW plans to share that architecture with MINI where it may be used to build up to 20 model variants for both brands. The architecture will also be used for the next-generation MINI Cooper which is slated to debut in 2013.

BMW plans on producing and selling up to 1 million front-wheel drive MINI and BMW vehicles by 2015. Reithofer said the results of the 1-Series survey were "quite a surprise" but BMW sees it as good news in that consumers will be accepting of front-wheel drive BMW's, despite the brand's long-standing adherence to performance-oriented rear-wheel or all-wheel drive platforms.

Source: autonews.com (sub req)

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thethirdjq

Sad and lame. Shows exactly what kind of people are buying BMWs

March 22, 2010 5:08 pm

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11 replies

rnsaza

@thethirdjq & others with similar assumptions. For those that know BMW history wrt the cars & their dynamics, it is no secret that the E30 3er and some cars of the time and from before this had a rep for swapping ends with the greatest of ease. I enjoyed the challenge of driving such cars but with the E36 iirc, BMW started dialing in very generous amounts of understeer into many of their chassis so that the cars would not frighten/kill Joe Average in day to day driving conditions. Great thing about this is with RWD one can drive around the nanny nature of a car and enjoy RWD character while still having the security of a relatively safe mannered car. It isn't that easy tho do the opposite with a FWD chassis as the rear wheels are virtually passengers with relatively little dynamic input, ask Audi about this problem! :D

March 22, 2010 11:48 pm

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bmwaddict

You think that happens only with BMW drivers? I went in the the mountains at a ski resort, and i got stuck in the snow with my 5 series. I've put some gravel to the rear tires and eventually i got out. Then a bloke with an A4 saw what I did and tried to do the same thing. I was laughing my a.. out seeing him shoveling gravel to his rear tires.

March 23, 2010 1:49 am

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sub39h

@rnsaza not everyone cares about driving dynamics. that's why Audi is slowly catching up with BMW in the 3-Series market, and destroys them in the A3 and A6 market. (i named them that way for a reason - think about it.) but for thoe who do care, they say that the A4's FWD chassis is very nearly as good as the 3-Series, and having owned an A3, and recently test driven a 1-Series and Golf as possible replacements I can safely say that on balance the 1-Series was the worst car of the 3. And it didn't handle noticably better on the road either. for me, for most cars, and with all things considered, BMW is an inferior marque to Audi nowadays. the M3 and M5 being the only notable exceptions, and the 123d's engine is a wonderful piece of engineering even if the car surrounding it spoils the whole package. For me i'd take a Golf GTI every single time, and in fact i'm on the verge of doing just that.

March 23, 2010 3:23 am

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sub39h

March 23, 2010 4:03 am

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rsrtampa

yes you are sad and lame. You really think that only applies to BMW? Very few people know anything about their cars no matter who makes it. Those of us that are in the know are the 20%.

March 23, 2010 5:53 am

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fusion01

@sub39h - just wait till it starts to tap and rattle and squeek, maybe you're just one of those people not bothered by this sort of thing. New MK5 bought over 3 years ago has been a right arse in this regard.

March 23, 2010 10:14 am

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sub39h

@fusion01 i test drove a Mk5 18 months or so ago, and nearly bought one of those before i found out they were changing the model. i drove a Mk6 last week and they're leagues apart in terms of build quality. that Golf looks like it's built better than my A3 and that's saying a lot. my friend's 3 yaer old 1-Series, however... well you can fill in the rest (and then ask him how much it cost him to get it sorted afterwards).

March 23, 2010 10:43 am

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joshg_5

I think we can conclude that a vast majority of people who own a vehicle (particularly of the German variety) have zero perception of what the car is composed of or what it's capabilities are. People buy a 1-series or an A3 (particularly the 128 or FWD A3) because they want the German badge but can't afford a 335 or a A4 Quattro. Either that or they just can't tell the difference. (I mean no offense to people who may own the mentioned cars). @ bmwaddict: That's a funny story which only proves the point of this conversation.

March 23, 2010 11:02 am

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sub39h

@joshg_5 clearly you're an American, cos in the UK neither the 128i or the FWD variants of the A3 are cheap (perhaps with the exception of the basic models with no additional spec) and in fact an S3 in top spec could very easily outprice an A4 quattro or a bigger engined 3-Series. and as i mentioned before, there's an argument for buying the 123d based on it's engine alone. that engine isn't available in any other BMW, with the exception of an Alpina 3-Series. and when i bought my A3 (3dr) i certainly didn't want or need an A4, and the A5's styling isn't exactly for me.

March 23, 2010 11:44 am

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rnsaza

sub39h, if i HAD to choose between a VW & BMW product I would take the BMW product. This is from a South African perspective where ALL BMW's are sold with a maintenance plan, i.e. 5 years/100 000km(about 62 00miles) the only cost to the owner is fuel, top up oil if needed, tyres and damages(covered by insurance?). I may be tempted by the Golf 6 R if the price is right as iirc the car will be awd, that is an emotional choice though based on spec that I have read.

March 23, 2010 11:58 am

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joshg_5

@sub: Well, you started off your argument with a false assumption, so that gives good credibility... Obviously the top spec S3 is more expensive than some Quattro A4s and 3-series models, but we weren't talking about that were we. I "CLEARLY" stated the 128 and FWD A3. And yes, people in the UK pay higher prices for cars, but that implies every model. So the difference in price between an A3 vs A4 and 128 vs 328 is going to be similar in all markets. Also, I "CLEARLY" stated that I meant no offense to people who own the mentioned cars. I do agree that the A5 is off, and the new A4 is too big though.

March 23, 2010 10:05 pm

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v6s_stink

Wow, I can see this in America with the rise of the NEA and the fall of knowledge and reasoning skills, but such a small percentage of these are sold here. I guess people don't even realize that you drive these two types of platforms differently in a skid. What did we do before traction control and anti-lock braking?

March 22, 2010 5:30 pm

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2 replies

599FXX

before electronic nannies car control was either you had it and understood driving or you didn't. thin's the herd, it was naturally selecting sh*tty drivers.

March 22, 2010 6:06 pm

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NewGit

In a skid? Like this, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiU5r-9nlOc ? In this case the same approach is required for both FWD and RWD. Power induced oversteer is certainly different, however you can still have fun in FWD like this, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgBmYA-FisM

March 23, 2010 3:25 am

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moodyaaa

HA HA HA!! If thats real, I would say that those people are really stupid. @thethirdjq: that doesn't mean that people who buy BMW are whatever you're thinking. It means that BMW is a good car and it suits all levels of people. I think thats because most of 1ser customers are blond women :P

March 22, 2010 6:06 pm

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jon_leong

This article title should be called "80% of 1-series drivers are idiots and purchased their car just for the badge."

March 22, 2010 6:15 pm

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4 replies

moodyaaa

agree

March 22, 2010 6:21 pm

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sideskraper

Spanner. What if they want a compact car and felt most comfortable in a 1 series?

March 22, 2010 6:22 pm

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fusion01

what about reliability and the build quality? I'm personally interested in a BMW next over a VW for these reasons. Even if liked purely for the brand name, doesn't make them an idiot. If you're buying a Kia for the brand name (unless you're on a tight budget) then I think your terminology applies more.

March 23, 2010 10:12 am

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Edison

LOL. Going by your logic, let's add a few other potential headlines for future WCF articles: "80% of Lexus drivers are idiots and purchased their car just for the badge." Many of these drivers don't know that they are driving something made with Toyota parts. "80% of Acura drivers are idiots and purchased their car just for the badge." Many of these drivers may not know that they are really driving something made from Honda parts. I think you get the point...

March 23, 2010 10:57 am

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sideskraper

You guys are beyond belief. Just because some people use their cars as appliances doesn't mean they should be judged for it. I think you will find close to 95% of people treat their car like an appliance. Most people don't care what wheels drive their cars as long as they feel comfortable with the handling and behaviour of the car in normal roadgoing conditions.

March 22, 2010 6:24 pm

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5 replies

moodyaaa

I am totally with you. But 80% is a high rate. buying a product without knowing atleast the main features, effects the producer badly

March 22, 2010 6:28 pm

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sideskraper

No, it simply illustrates that in the small premium car market that it is irrelevant to the consumer which axle drives the wheels.

March 22, 2010 11:35 pm

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Pavepoll

sideskraper: this statement is very serious "that it is irrelevant to the consumer which axle drives the wheels".It is irrelevant wich axle IS as long as you know wich one is, I mean, it is not important that it is front or rear but you have to know that is front or rear. This statements says 80% of 1 series BMW costumers will fit snow chain on front whell when they are stuck on snow! that is very sad (and dangerous).

March 23, 2010 1:37 am

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sideskraper

Ahh there we go. Did you ever figure that a large percentage (I wouldn't go as far to say 80% but defn the majority) will never need snow chains? Didn't think so. You're also making the assumption that when purchasing/fitting snow chains they didn't get asked for their vehicle type or were offered assistance by the dealer or an aftermarket supplier in the process.

March 23, 2010 2:32 am

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Mikeado

Y'know, it could just be that 80% of people assume all hatchbacks/small cars are FWD, a reasonable assumption to make.

March 23, 2010 9:00 am

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Iconic

I totally agree that we have some pretty ignorant drivers out there, but I would have thought the 1 series attracted mostly gear heads. With that much power going to the back, it is a bit surprising. Turn off the driver aids and enjoy the car you idiots!!

March 22, 2010 7:09 pm

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1 reply

rsrtampa

Im with you. I only see guys driving the 1 and they usually seem to know what they are driving which we all know is a hell of a performance car. Some people like myself actually drive a BMW because of the awesome car that it is and not the badge.

March 23, 2010 5:58 am

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Fizzo20

I partially agree with those that are saying that one shouldn't be judged by the fact that they don't know those types of BASIC details about their car. BUT, honestly, that 80% that think it's a FWD should be driving a civic. I'm not knocking the civic as we all know it's a great car, but it's more of a consumer car rather than a performance car. 20% of people thinking that their civic is RWD is better than 80% of people thinking their 1 series performance car is FWD. Amirite?

March 22, 2010 8:00 pm

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2 replies

moodyaaa

yes you are. But still they are idiots. as you said, they should save their money and get a civic. there will be no defferent for them.

March 22, 2010 8:04 pm

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sideskraper

I wouldn't consider the 1 series a performance vehicle. The 135 and perhaps 130 being the exception, the vast majority of the range is just like any other small car in the luxury/premium market. One of my neighbours has a 120d, she also has a M3. I asked her what she uses the 120d for. Her answer was as a daily driver with city driving for work and to university. I can guarantee that over 80% of 1 series buyers use their car for the same purpose.

March 22, 2010 11:41 pm

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schizo

But the fact of the matter is not all 1-Series that are sold are the high-output engined ones! I am sure the guys going for the 135's know what they are getting...but I have to question if the avg buyer of the "lesser" models really even care...they probably see the BMW badge as being a plus over the Golf.

March 22, 2010 8:26 pm

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2 replies

Ferrariguy

That's because more than likely the 80% are female buyers of this car, lol.

March 22, 2010 8:45 pm

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schizo

Actually having seen the drivers on the Autobahn (although most cars...except Audi's for some reason...have the numerical badges taken off you can tell by the wheels, tailpipe etc...)a lot them were driven by "older" people as well...

March 22, 2010 10:20 pm

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trekkerbin

RWD is RWD, WHY is it driven like a FWD, HOW? Did you BMW guys study this? Is there something wrong with the platform tuning? Or, something else. If you guys wants to build FWD car, just say so, don't waste your time explaining to us BMW lovers.

March 22, 2010 10:11 pm

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997-GT500-STI

Therefore, Fiatguy has to get a 1 series.... Ooh that's 1 car too many....loool

March 22, 2010 10:41 pm

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1 reply

Ferrariguy

Hahahaha "997 GT500 STI," what a name, lol, don't get your panties in a bunch, you are too easy!!!

March 23, 2010 3:38 pm

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DrPlacebo

I hope that's out of ignorance and that it doesn't DRIVE like a FWD. The chasis engineers must be hanging their head in shame even if it's not their fault.

March 22, 2010 10:46 pm

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tbrodie

It would be interesting to know how many of these respondents actually purchased the car. In the US, I'll be quite a few were purchased by parents for the youngsters. Assuming this isn't all posturing to prepare the market for FWD Bimmers, it would be interesting to seel the sales numbers by country and gender. Could it be that the 1 series is a chick car?

March 22, 2010 10:56 pm

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mblackner

Most people have no clue when it comes to stuff like this. That's the reality and that is what is proven here. Not only do they not know what wheels are driven they don't know what to expect from a front wheel drive car to a rear wheel drive car. The masses are asses.

March 22, 2010 10:56 pm

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caraddicted

because most of the 1-series hatch are girls,i doubt that the 1-series coupe drivers don't know thats it's RWD

March 22, 2010 11:53 pm

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dasoviet

maybe the results were "cooked" in either way by the research centre therefore to favor bmw's decision to go FWD. Therefore the transition will be easier...

March 23, 2010 12:44 am

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dasoviet

maybe the results were "cooked" in either way by the research centre therefore to favor bmw's decision to go FWD. Therefore the transition will be easier...

March 23, 2010 12:44 am

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nederina

What??/? I own the 135i Coup but isn't the 1-Series is front-wheel drive?? Could anyone tell me what is rear-wheel drive and what can I do with it? Does it mean that I could park sideway easier?

March 23, 2010 12:49 am

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Volky34

This justifies what we've all been suspecting... BMW= "The Ultimate Posing Machine" :) I'm so sad to say this, but it's true in general ...

March 23, 2010 12:52 am

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kimbo

lol. I wonder if posers in M3 know what type drive do they have. I think that this percentage could be high! Anyway i have driven 1-series with small diesel and I have to say I was completely dissapointed with it. The car was hard, slow and the interior was absolutely disgusting. Maybe with bigger engines it's a different story, but I don't want to try this car another time. Same story with 3-series. Sorry BMW, you're cheapest cars are bought by posers that only care about badge.

March 23, 2010 1:28 am

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1 reply

BavarianMS

Only poser here is you. The "poser" argument is a poor-mans straw and is completely irrelevant to this article. Oh yeah, Lexus is for old people, or "in the words of Jeromy Clarkson,"Freemasons." But yeah, I am sometimes shocked by the low level of knowledge displayed by some drivers. Those type of drivers are the ones who care about getting from point A to point B with comfort/style.

March 23, 2010 11:10 pm

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jeanberque

i think they're idiot bmw owner

March 23, 2010 2:02 am

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1 reply

QMJ

Great input. Well done. Gold star.

March 23, 2010 5:01 am

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