What an interesting thread...so many disagreements
. I guess I'll throw in my 2 cents:
I think the 135i has great bang for the buck. Mine is a manual coupe with MSport package, metallic paint, and iPod - all for well under $50K. I don't care about executive packages or premium packages...I just wanted that engine! I couldn't afford a 335i coupe at the time so I was originally looking at a 328i coupe. Then the 1 series came out and I got a taste of the N54 engine...there was no looking back at the 328i/128i.
IMO there are not a lot of (new) cars with this kind of performance for the money. Sure, there are other cars that will keep up for less than $50k, but not with this blend of performance, luxury, and yes, practicality. It's ALMOST in it's own niche.
I agree that $60k for the optioned out cabrio is excessive. I don't like cabrios to start with...so my $60k would go elsewhere. I've driven a lot of cars in this price range (including the 328i, 335i, G37S coupe, 350Z, WRX, and recently a new S4) and for the money I have no doubt that I made the right choice. The 335i sedan and S4 were great, but the performance difference was negligible and I dont need the extra doors (yet). The back seat of the 135i is more than adequate for my needs (occassional 3rd passenger, dog, brief case), great rear headroom and the trunk will easily fit 3 sets of golf clubs (unlike the G37S's which is a joke).
I've also driven a few cars that cost a LOT more than the 135i (M6, '08 911 S, C6, etc.) and came away underwhelmed.
Lastly, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think the coupe or cabrio optioned with the M sport package is really sharp. The 335i coupe and sedan are definitely more pleasing to the eye...but the 1 series has a really nice aggressive look that really I dig.
2 years of ownership (ALL year round...this is definitely not a summer only "toy") and it still gets my blood pumping!