BMW NA's Juergen Urban, Product Manager for the 1 Series and X1, and Oliver Ganser, Product Manager for the 3 Series were gracious enough to sit down with us at the 2012 NYIAS to field some questions on their respective products specialties. Here's what we can report back with.
2013 BMW X1 (US)
What are the MPG figures for the three X1 models?
Because it's model year 2013 we don't have the official MPG values yet, but you can expect them to be top of the line, especially with the 28i.
What are the curb weights of the three models?
The sDrive28i is 3,500 pounds, xDrive28i is 3,700 pounds and xDrive35i is 3,900 pounds.
Are there any suspension differences between the 28i and 35i model?
No differences. The only suspension difference comes with the M Sport package which has a stiffer suspension (but same height).
Are the models' auto transmission 8 or 6 speed units?
The two 28i models use the latest 8 speed auto transmission and the xDrive35i uses older 6 speed transmission unit.
Will manual transmission be an option at any point?
None of our X cars right now have manual transmission, but if we really feel there's a strong customer demand, we could consider it.
When will US ordering guides be made available?
We will publish them around mid-May. What's really cool with the X1 is that we wanted to reduce the complexity in the ordering system. For the first time we introduce what's sort of like an ultimate package, which is a combination of the three most popular packages like the premium package, the driver assistance package and the technology package. [Expect ordering bank to be open not long after ordering guides are released.]
Will the X1 M Sport package be available immediately?
Yes. Everything will be available at launch - M Sport Package and all models.
Since the X1 is produced in Germany, will European Delivery be available for the X1?
Yes.
Any possibility of M Performance version of X1 coming? For the US?
There are no announcements as of now.
F30 3 SERIES (US)
When will orders be taken for the M Sport F30?
Production starts July, so soon. As soon as dealers receive their July production (model year 2013) allocations, ordering will begin. Within two months.
Is it possible to get xDrive with manual transmission for the F30 or is it automatic only?
There will be xDrive models with manual, but we're not ready to announce which model yet.
Is it possible to get M Sport package or lines on the Active Hybrid 3?
You can order it [the Activehybrid 3] with any of the lines (sport, luxury, modern) or M Sport package. As a no-cost option, you can also replace the aerodynamic wheels on the Activehybrid 3 and replace them with traditional standard wheels.
Any news on a diesel model F30?
We will continue with a diesel offering, but we have not yet released which model and at what time. But it's not too far off.
[Note: We've reported previously that the F31 touring will once again be offered in the States and we now also know that, unlike the worldwide simultaneous F30 market launch, the F31 will be available in the European market before it launches into North America.]
[Another Note: If you're curious about the take rate on the various F30 lines thus far, the sport line and luxury line have been the most popular, at about the same rate.]