Topic: 2011 BMW 135i Cabriolet; Day 1

[aknutson]

I'd be curious to know how many 1 series actually go out the door loaded up as much as James' tester.  I'm willing to bet very few once a buyer sees what else they can get into for $60k. 

From what I've read here, and other publications, a lot of manufacturers don't put base models into the press fleets, or even what the average person would buy.  I'm under the impression that most of them are loaded with every conceivable option

Yep. I can't imagine walking into a BMW showroom, looking at a gorgeous new Z4 and saying 'nope, I want the ugly smaller one...but I want to pay more money for it please..."

[D70]

This is a perfect accessory to have for many people. Image is everything. The best selling BMW dealer in Vancouver if not Canada happens to be just a few hundred meters from the Harley Davidson and BMW motorcycle dealerships.

 If you can afford to drive one, why not?

I have driven the coupe with the 6 speed and twin turbo 3.5 L . A very nice drive but not as smooth and easy to drive around town as my summer wheels and just watch out when selecting 1st gear. Reverse is very easy to select instead. Even the salespeople have trouble with that.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/d70w7/4618449929/in/set-72157624086884670/

and

http://www.flickr.com/photos/d70w7/4768239208/

[roscoe]

I bought a 135i coupe last year, manual with M Sport package only. M Sport, by the way, was totally worth the $1,300 it cost back then given all the M touches, better seats, wheels, and appearance package. The total before taxes was right around $43K. I use it as my daily driver and it has a fair degree of practicality to it, unlike the 370Z. (and contrary to popular belief, the backseats are usable)

Yeah, the 'vert costs more, and the options can get pretty ridiculous. I saw a fully spec'd coupe at the dealership that came in around $58K, which I thought was insane. But really, most option packages are "don't needs". I don't need the crappy nav system when I got Google Maps on my phone. I don't need the high-end stereo. I don't even like real leather.

Fact is, you can still get a 135i for a reasonable price if you keep options down to the bare minimum. After all, it's not like they make the car go faster...

[aknutson]

I bought a 135i coupe last year, manual with M Sport package only...

Nice buy - I actually don't mind the coupe so bad, sat in one at the autoshow and loved every second of it, but as a 'vert it just seems to lose purpose for me. Yeah, coupe 135i with M-sport and old-school stick is the one I'd take too.

[ovr50]

D70 - "twin turbo 3.5 L...."

Actually it's a 3.0L engine. 

[Winterpeg]

".....not really convertible weather...."
A tough drive this time around Wing.........if it's too hot can always go faster.....legally of course.   

[mmret]

Great car although for a 1 series I'd prefer just a simple 135i coupe. Forget pretty much all the gizmos and the soft top. Save a huge chunk of cash.

For $60k I would be thinking 335 or Z4 depending on how badly I needed the seats.

As for the "blah blah such expensive cars" crap...hey its capitalism. Gotta give people something to hope for, and the credit to "buy" it.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

So for your $60k, would it be this or the Shelby GT500? Or a base Corvette, currently at $52K with discounts. Or the base Boxster?.

I just don't see the value.

[Threader]

Nice posermobile    Seriously I'm not a BMW hater as I have a 5 year old love affair with my bullet proof reliable BMW Montauk cruiser motorcycle but I digress,

back on topic of what to do with $60,000 instead of this? I'd get the new to be released 2011 STI sedan for $45000-46000 (technology package + BBS Wheels+ sunroof) and put in $14,000 worth of engine/suspension/exhaust upgrades to handle 500hp. Call it a day and drive it like I stole 12 months of the year.

135i is a waste power in Canada. Stick to 128i and load up the options in either coupe or cabriolet 

[Julie]

I wouold just prefer the 135 being reviewed as that - an expensive toy - yes, very competent indeed - but still a toy. And yes, I do firmly believe that the main reason to buy the 135 is for status as the lower priced 1-series make a lot more sense and more than enough performance for its weight to outperform pretty much any other car driven by a paycheck-to-paycheck mortal.

I had the chance to test the 135 at a BMW event.  Holy moly.  What a rocket.

I can only speak for myself, but I don't see it as a toy.  You can use it as daily driver.  Granted, lots of people buy BMWs for status or whatever, but many of us here are not representative of the 'average' car purchaser because we are enthusiasts and like owning fun-to-drive cars as our day-to-day cars.

[Julie]

I'd be curious to know how many 1 series actually go out the door loaded up as much as James' tester.  I'm willing to bet very few once a buyer sees what else they can get into for $60k. 

From what I've read here, and other publications, a lot of manufacturers don't put base models into the press fleets, or even what the average person would buy.  I'm under the impression that most of them are loaded with every conceivable option

Yep. I can't imagine walking into a BMW showroom, looking at a gorgeous new Z4 and saying 'nope, I want the ugly smaller one...but I want to pay more money for it please..."

The Z4 in the showroom will be loaded too. Everything's loaded.  So everything falls back into perpsective (i.e. 1 series will look cheaper)

[Flinter]

Nothing like a BMW review to bring out opposing points of view. Looks like us fans of the 1 series are a rare breed.

I would certainly agree that $60K is a lot of coin and there are lots of excellent cars available at that price. However, I would echo the comments made by others here:

1) Tread carefully when it comes to options as they add up very quickly. 
2) Remember that the base 128i coupe can be had for ~$36K, the base 135i coupe can be had for ~$43K. At these 2 price points, the value proposition of the 1 series makes a lot more sense.

I'll admitt that last year this time I would have been one of the folks questioning the value proposition of spending even ~$36K for the 128i coupe. This past weekend I drove up to Calabogie via rural side roads and then Highway 511 on my way back into Ottawa. It all makes much more sense to me now. 

[rrocket]

I'll admitt that last year this time I would have been one of the folks questioning the value proposition of spending even ~$36K for the 128i coupe. This past weekend I drove up to Calabogie via rural side roads and then Highway 511 on my way back into Ottawa. It all makes much more sense to me now. 

Only if you have blinders on.     Seriously...provided you were keeping within a safe sporting speed....you weren't doing anything in your BMW that couldn't be done by sporting cars costing (tens of) thousands less...were you?

Maybe you need to elaborate some...

[Flinter]

I'll admitt that last year this time I would have been one of the folks questioning the value proposition of spending even ~$36K for the 128i coupe. This past weekend I drove up to Calabogie via rural side roads and then Highway 511 on my way back into Ottawa. It all makes much more sense to me now. 

Only if you have blinders on.     Seriously...provided you were keeping within a safe sporting speed....you weren't doing anything in your BMW that couldn't be done by sporting cars costing (tens of) thousands less...were you?

Maybe you need to elaborate some...

I'd agree that many cars costing thousands less would have been extremely enjoyable on my little excursion last weekend. Cars like the Genesis Coupe, WRX, GTI, Mustang, 370Z, EVO and so on are all great alternatives I'd encourage anyone to take a look at.

What can I say, there's just something about the overall feel of 128i that so far has been "tickling me in the right spots" .

A bunch of subjective things really:

- I like the smaller size and stiff, solid feel of the chassis.
- The smooth linear power delivery of inline 6 engine and the lovely sounds that go along with it.
- The shifter and clutch feel.
- The terrific brakes.
- The nice weighting and direct feel of the steering.
- The stiffer suspension tuning and resulting nimble feel of the car.
- Excellent seats.

I guess it comes down to the fact I just really enjoy driving it.... ALOT. Hopefully that continues.

[johngenx]

I don't think it's out of place at all to comment on the value of the car, regardless of price.  At $60K, I don't see the value equation of this car, but BMW won't have to sell many to make some dough on them, as I bet the margin is pretty substantial.

I love the 1-series chassis, and the 135 is a tremendous car with superb balance, but once the price escalates, so does the number of competitors that offer crazy-good driving experiences.

Personally, a shockingly new 911 Cab can be found for the same dough.  It's already suffered a massive depreciation hit, and well, it's a 911.

[rrocket]

I'd agree that many cars costing thousands less would have been extremely enjoyable on my little excursion last weekend. Cars like the Genesis Coupe, WRX, GTI, Mustang, 370Z, EVO and so on are all great alternatives I'd encourage anyone to take a look at.

What can I say, there's just something about the overall feel of 128i that so far has been "tickling me in the right spots" .

A bunch of subjective things really:

- I like the smaller size and stiff, solid feel of the chassis.
- The smooth linear power delivery of inline 6 engine and the lovely sounds that go along with it.
- The shifter and clutch feel.
- The terrific brakes.
- The nice weighting and direct feel of the steering.
- The stiffer suspension tuning and resulting nimble feel of the car.
- Excellent seats.

I guess it comes down to the fact I just really enjoy driving it.... ALOT. Hopefully that continues.

Good answers...that's what I was looking for.  I was just wondering why you were digging the 1 Series more on that road than say your old WRX.

And yes, there's just something great about an I6.  I really fell in love with the I6 in the Supra and our IS300.  You really need an exhaust to really appreciate the fantastic sounds these engines make..

Glad you're enjoying the car!

[D70]

D70 - "twin turbo 3.5 L...."

Actually it's a 3.0L engine. 

Thanks for the correction. I knew that, my sedan, not a BMW, has the 3.5
http://www.flickr.com/photos/d70w7/1599268396/

[roscoe]

I don't think it's out of place at all to comment on the value of the car, regardless of price.  At $60K, I don't see the value equation of this car[...]

Once again, $60K is an irrelevant number for discussing this car because that is an inflated figure due to all the options. About a dozen people have already pointed this out.

Think about everything you get in the 135i at the base price, and the value proposition becomes a lot clearer: a Teutonic musclecar with 'just right' levels of luxury. I paid $43K for my low-optioned 135i, and it has been worth every penny as a true driver's car.

[aknutson]

I don't think it's out of place at all to comment on the value of the car, regardless of price.  At $60K, I don't see the value equation of this car[...]

Once again, $60K is an irrelevant number for discussing this car because that is an inflated figure due to all the options. About a dozen people have already pointed this out.

Think about everything you get in the 135i at the base price, and the value proposition becomes a lot clearer: a Teutonic musclecar with 'just right' levels of luxury. I paid $43K for my low-optioned 135i, and it has been worth every penny as a true driver's car.

I wouldn't call it a muscle car, but in base coupe form with the 3L turbo you are getting a lot for your money. I think the big thing is what you refer to as a 'just right' balance - good power, good handling, good comfort. Once you start adding too much performance you lose the comfort, and once you add too much comfort you lose the performance - BMW in general seems to have this recipe down pat.

[tortoise]

This past weekend I drove up to Calabogie via rural side roads and then Highway 511 on my way back into Ottawa. It all makes much more sense to me now. 

511 is one of my favourite stretches of road anywhere.  Sure it's fun in my P5 but I can't imagine how much better it would be in a 1 series.