BMW announces 2008 BMW 1 Series Coupe pricing for U.S.

BMW used the LA Auto Show to officially announce pricing for its upcoming 2008 1 Series Coupe, due to hit showrooms in spring of 2008. Base prices will start at $29,375 for the 2008 BMW 128i, while the more powerful 135i will see an increase to $35,675.

So which one to chose? Well, the 128i's 230 horsepower inline-six should prove adequate for many drivers, but those looking for more power will likely opt for the 135i that shares its 300 horsepower twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with the 335i. And we imagine there will be more than a few buyers for the more potent version. After all, this is the car that BMW is touting as a return to the enthusiast-oriented sports coupe roots it has in its classic 2002 model, sold from 1968 to 1976.

BMW is relying on those roots to generate massive interest in its new 1 Series Coupe, and is expecting the car to be a success as soon as sales begin next year. The automaker's advertising campaign "Year One of the 1" places significance in purchasing the first model year of the 1 Series Coupe, even going so far as to engrave the vehicle's start button with the "Year One of the 1" phrase. Other incentives are given to first-year 1 Series buyers in the U.S., including a exclusive book chronicling the vehicle's development.

BMW will also sell a 1 Series Convertible in the U.S., a car that will make its debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Sales are expected to start months after the first 1 Series Coupes hit showrooms. At the Tokyo Motor Show last month, BMW displayed a 1 Series tii concept which emphasized the coupe's sporty nature with an Alcantara-trimmed interior, sports-oriented suspension, and aerodynamic modifications, among other changes.