Topic: BMW 1 Series

[DriverJeff]

Beauty... I love the white too -- that'd be my choice I think (and not get gouged on a Metallic paint cost is a plus).

Evil, I was talkin' about the G-sedan.  Apples-to-oranges, perhaps... but I feel somewhat the same about the G37 versus 135i too.  The G just seems more ... I dunno... just 'more' car. 

For me, I'm keen to find the best car for me for 'about' $40k and, most likely, continue to lease (thanks to help from the company).  Of course, not all $40k cars come out equal and I know a 328i leases out very affordably. 

I've got a very soft spot in my heart for BMW and it's certainly my first preference, however, if for the same money as a 135i, I can get a G35 with more goodies -- very similar performance and (sigh), more space (I can't fight the baby-fever forever), the G could be a better buy for me.  (having a corporate Nissan-Infiniti discount helps).

As fun to drive as an STI or Evo would be, I think I might be 'ahem' maturing past that stage and would grow tired of the cartoon styling quickly.

[evil_twin]

Oh I understand completely.  And if leasing is the way you go, I imagine the 135i won't make the cut. 

And I agree that the G35/7 offers more "car" out of the blocks.  However, i read the Infiniti and G-specific forums and everyone there seems to post comments like "I wish I could afford the 335i, but the G is a great consolation car" (paraphrasing of course  )

I dunno...obviously the 135i and 335i are NOT the same car, but looking at the pics and specs, I'm much more excited about a 135i test drive than I am a G37 test drive.

Knowing your love of BMW and your choice of leasing, I'd predict a 328i in your future.  Especially if you pick up a late model year car at a sweet rate.

[safristi]

..i predict the patter of tinier Tyre sizes............... ...and MORE doors..

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Did you check all the boxes to get the 128i to $45 davidm?! The Comfort Pkg looks expensive compared to the price and content of the other packages, but that's only because I think the Comfort contents are excess.

I'd take the 135i over a G for sure. Not that I dislike the G, but I LIKE this so much more. Especially the compactness, tho think I should reserve judgement till I see whether or not I can fit into one.

[dave]

The MSport package is a good deal.  Wheels, seats, M goodies, headliner, etc.  The body kit and sport suspension are standard on the 135i.

I've been cross shopping the 135i, 328i coupe, and Infiniti G for a while now.  I haven't driven the G37 (or G35S sedan) but from what I have read I've narrowed my selection to the 2 BMWs.

I loved the 328i I drove last year and the 3.9% lease rate makes it pretty attractive.  However, the 135i performance sounds incredible.  It's putting out Porsche Cayman S numbers.

Ultimately, I think it will be the lease rate that will help me decide.  I plan on turning the car over 3 years after I buy (I'll probably need 4-doors by then).

Anyways, as of now:
135i, LeMans Blue (CDN MSport only), MSport package, black leatherette, grey poplar trim, 261 wheels, USB...

[safristi]

Nice choice..i see ya spent more than 5 minutes on the decision....

[davidm]

Wow, the sales guy I spoke to at Budds' back in the early autumn was right on.  He told me $41k + M-sport optional (despite all the reports).

Question is, will the base 135i have a sport suspension and seats (ie., a 'normal' BMW sport pkg) with the M-sport pkg being mostly cosmetic (subtle trunk spoiler, side skirts, bigger wheels, m-sport badging, etc.)?

Also... I fear you're right about the leasing costs on this little guy too.  Only time will tell.

Nearly $44k with the M-sport... or, about the same cost for a G35 S 6-speed.  Hmmm....   

If you step through the link there is an image of a fax with all the details.  135i comes with sport suspension, sport seats are in sports package or can be a stand alone option.

Priced out a 128 and 135 the way I would want them and included all the fees and taxes except PST/GST and got an almost even $45k for a 128 and $50k for a 135.

Looks like I will indeed be cross shopping the 135i, A3 3.2, and Evo X.  Only risk is I get cheap and look at a used A3 3.2 or Ralliart - 128i isn't a big enough drop to get me there vs a 135.

I assume that is the new generation Ralliart, not the old one.

Yes.  The old Ralliart!?! 

[davidm]

Did you check all the boxes to get the 128i to $45 davidm?! The Comfort Pkg looks expensive compared to the price and content of the other packages, but that's only because I think the Comfort contents are excess.

I'd take the 135i over a G for sure. Not that I dislike the G, but I LIKE this so much more. Especially the compactness, tho think I should reserve judgement till I see whether or not I can fit into one.

128i base = $33,900
+ Premium = $2,700 (sunroof and Xenons are a must for me)
+ Sport = $2,500
+ Metallic = $800 (that new blue looks stunning, and I like the metallic red)
+ Auto w/paddles = $1,700 (my gimpy wrist + wife = auto)
+ USB audio = $350 (all my music is on the computer)

Total = $41,950

Then add
Freight and PDI: $1,995
AC Tax: $100
Tire Levy: $16
Admin Fee: $395 (you're not getting out of this at a BMW dealership on a new hot vehicle)

Fee total = $2,506 in fees to "buy" the car

Total = $44,456  - close enough that I call it $45k give or take

 

[davidm]

I can't imagine anyone buying the A3 3.2, with the 135i available now (unless you have kids or soul-sucking wife...muahaha)

Some guy on that board just took delivery of 135i with the sport package (euro model), but it has the M wheels us canucks will get:
http://www.marknauta.nl/bmw135i.php

Five reasons to buy the A3 3.2 over the 135i:
1) AWD - even thought it is Haldex
2) rear doors and I assume more useable rear seats (BMW for some reason has refused to publish legroom figures for the 1-series)
3) For us auto required drivers (bad wrist + wife) DSG trump BMW slushbox
4) Can get a used A3 now, have to wait for a new 135i for probably 6 months
5) The A3, believe it or not, is smaller by 75 mm of length (although it is 17 kg heavier - not bad for adding AWD)

Obviously, the 135 has over the A3 the usual BMW vs Audi issues:
1) Power
2) Handling - I think that's a same assumption given BMW and RWD
3) Reliability - if history is a fair judge
4) Residual value
5) Character - I love the BMW driving "feel", the Audi feel is more appliance.  BMW just somehow gets "it".


Oh, thanks for the pic - the white is stunning.  New possibility that also saves $800.

[Ex-airbalancer]

Just finished a survey for BMW, about 1 series
128I cost will be $32,500 to $38,000
135I cost will be $38,000 to $43,000
and they may bing the cab over

Who wrote that back in July? 

[Snowman]

Sooooo much BMW love in here . Before I get the STI I will do a condemnation drive in a 135i Coupe ….but the 4 door is just plain hideous IMO.

[JSCC]

Lots of 323i's here too, although I don't know what options they may have on them. The alloys make them easy to spot.

I'm anticipating the 128i to start around $33-35, with the 135i starting somewhere around $42-44.

Learn from the master -> SAM

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Did you check all the boxes to get the 128i to $45 davidm?! The Comfort Pkg looks expensive compared to the price and content of the other packages, but that's only because I think the Comfort contents are excess.

I'd take the 135i over a G for sure. Not that I dislike the G, but I LIKE this so much more. Especially the compactness, tho think I should reserve judgement till I see whether or not I can fit into one.

128i base = $33,900
+ Premium = $2,700 (sunroof and Xenons are a must for me)
+ Sport = $2,500
+ Metallic = $800 (that new blue looks stunning, and I like the metallic red)
+ Auto w/paddles = $1,700 (my gimpy wrist + wife = auto)
+ USB audio = $350 (all my music is on the computer)

Total = $41,950

Then add
Freight and PDI: $1,995
AC Tax: $100
Tire Levy: $16
Admin Fee: $395 (you're not getting out of this at a BMW dealership on a new hot vehicle)

Fee total = $2,506 in fees to "buy" the car

Total = $44,456  - close enough that I call it $45k give or take

Ahhh, okay that makes more sense with all the taxes and F&PDI... not even counting the unavoidable sales taxes. Sorry David, re-read your post on the price and you said you had included all that. Because F&PDI can vary a bit between brands, it is worth including when comparing, I'm just not used to doing it.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Lots of 323i's here too, although I don't know what options they may have on them. The alloys make them easy to spot.

I'm anticipating the 128i to start around $33-35, with the 135i starting somewhere around $42-44.

Learn from the master -> SAM

Too funny. BMW and I must be thinking similarly. They're smart - err, 'intelligent'

[JSCC]

Lots of 323i's here too, although I don't know what options they may have on them. The alloys make them easy to spot.

I'm anticipating the 128i to start around $33-35, with the 135i starting somewhere around $42-44.

Learn from the master -> SAM

Too funny. BMW and I must be thinking similarly. They're smart - err, 'intelligent'

Add it to your resume and mail it to BMW Canada's product planning manager. 
Or take it with you to the Auto Show. 

[TopGun]

I hope this thing drives as well as many people say it does...'coz I saw it at Detroit for the first time...and it does nothing for me exterior or interior wise.

I don't buy into "more hp" means more fun.  Go-karts are a blast to drive...and many have less than 10 hp.

[DriverJeff]

I hope this thing drives as well as many people say it does...'coz I saw it at Detroit for the first time...and it does nothing for me exterior or interior wise.

I don't buy into "more hp" means more fun.  Go-karts are a blast to drive...and many have less than 10 hp.

I've had (and loved) the super-handling little, nimble machine.  But I do more highway on-ramps than curves in my daily drive... it's time for rocket-sled acceleration now. 

[rrocket]

... it's time for rocket-sled acceleration now. 

So you're buying my Supra then, Jeff?? 

Seriously...I too saw the 1 Series at the AutoShow, and sad to say, the 1 Series looks better in pics than it does in person....

[davidm]

I hope this thing drives as well as many people say it does...'coz I saw it at Detroit for the first time...and it does nothing for me exterior or interior wise.

I don't buy into "more hp" means more fun.  Go-karts are a blast to drive...and many have less than 10 hp.

10 hp goes a long way when the weight issues have more to do with your lunch than whether you ordered the power seats or panoramic sunroof.  What does a cart weight - 100 lbs?  If that's the right weight, that is, on a HP to weight ratio, the same as 350ish HP in a 1-series.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Wow, the 128i Cabrio is the best priced of all!!! If you compare the markup from 3-Series Coupé to Cabriolet (328i $13,000 - $56,500, 335i $15,000 - $66,500) then compare the premium for the 1-Series (128i $6,000 - $39,900, 135i $5,500 - $47,200) it's pretty appealing. Certainly the lowest priced of the 'pretige' import brands - only Eos is lower at $37,175, A4 Cabrio $52,9, Saab 9-3 $54,4, C70 $56,8, SLK $60,5. Hell MINI Cooper S Convertible is $36,5. For small people  wanting a BMW it offers great value.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/news_2008/01/28/080128-1.htm

BMW announces pricing for 1 Series Coupe and Cabriolet models

Whitby, Ontario - BMW has announced pricing for its new 1 Series Coupe and Cabriolet models which will start at $33,900 and $39,900 respectively. Sold for the first time in Canada, the 1 Series will arrive at dealerships on March 22nd.

Both the 128i Coupe, at $33,900, and the 128i Cabriolet, at $39,900, will be powered by BMW's latest-generation 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, generating 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. Both models, equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, are rated at a combined 9.3 L/100 km. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tires, dynamic stability control, six airbags, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and ten-speaker stereo system.

The 135i Coupe, at $41,700, and 135i Cabriolet at $47,200 use a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder that was named 2007 Engine of the Year, producing 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Distinguishing equipment on the 135i models includes an M Aerodynamics Package, sport suspension, 18-inch wheels with performance tires, and six-piston front and two-piston rear brake calipers.

Both Cabriolet models feature a fully-automatic soft roof with push-button operation that opens in 22 seconds at speeds up to 40 km/h, plus a rollover protection system.