Topic: 2011 BMW 135i Cabriolet; Day 1

[Julie]

... and one of those choices would be, at least for me, the new 1 M Coupe.

First official info released just released (posted thread in New and Upcoming Cars: http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,67513.0.html).  I'd rather that than the cab.

Are you kidding me?  Don't be silly.  For that kind of bread, a used M3 V8, Audi RS4 or an IS-F would be high on the list.  And the 1 Series is still fugly even with a "M" on the fenders..

It's a M-tuned car in a smaller, lighter, more E30-like package.  Yes, you could argue that it's not worth the money when you get a used M3 for that price, etc.  But I think it does answer a niche.  

I'm thinking, if I'm going to get an M, it'll be an M3.  But I'm going to try this when it comes.  If it feels even better than the M3 (because it's lighter, etc.), I don't care that it looks 'cute', I might pick this.  It looks fine IMO.  Although I'll hope it looks a little more aggressive in the next generation.

Granted I haven't tested a lot of cars, but there's something about the balance of power/ handling/ and ride refinement in the 1-series and 3-series that I haven't found in other competitors (when they are modestly optioned and thus reasonably priced.  And compared to other new cars in their price range).  Just my opinion of course.

[rrocket]

Granted I haven't tested a lot of cars, but there's something about the balance of power/ handling/ and ride refinement in the 1-series and 3-series that I haven't found in other competitors (when they are modestly optioned and thus reasonably priced.  And compared to other new cars in their price range).  Just my opinion of course.

By all accounts, the new Audi S4 offers everything the 3 Series does and then some.

I'm just saying...for $60K (or so)......I'd rather have a used car than a new 1M.

[Julie]

Granted I haven't tested a lot of cars, but there's something about the balance of power/ handling/ and ride refinement in the 1-series and 3-series that I haven't found in other competitors (when they are modestly optioned and thus reasonably priced.  And compared to other new cars in their price range).  Just my opinion of course.

By all accounts, the new Audi S4 offers everything the 3 Series does and then some.

Point granted.  I'll report back after I test one.   

[rrocket]

Granted I haven't tested a lot of cars, but there's something about the balance of power/ handling/ and ride refinement in the 1-series and 3-series that I haven't found in other competitors (when they are modestly optioned and thus reasonably priced.  And compared to other new cars in their price range).  Just my opinion of course.

By all accounts, the new Audi S4 offers everything the 3 Series does and then some.

Point granted.  I'll report back after I test one.   

We'll be waiting!!! 

[Julie]

I'm just saying...for $60K (or so)......I'd rather have a used car than a new 1M.

Yeah, I think I'd rather have a used Porsche.  Cayman anyone?   

But when we start comparing new to use, where does it end?  That's why I'm keeping it 'new' to 'new'.

[rrocket]

I'm just saying...for $60K (or so)......I'd rather have a used car than a new 1M.

Yeah, I think I'd rather have a used Porsche.  Cayman anyone?   

But when we start comparing new to use, where does it end?  That's why I'm keeping it 'new' to 'new'.

Well it never ends!  That's why we're here! 

It all comes down to "bang for the buck".  Compare similar features, similar quality, similar options.  What gives you the best bang for your buck?  I see Cayman in the USA now for $35K.   

[wing]

WHAT?  UGH I need more $$$$!

[rrocket]

WHAT?  UGH I need more $$$$!

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Porsche-Cayman-/330449564530?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item4cf0543372

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Porsche-Cayman-/350372359608?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item5193d1edb8

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LOW-MILES-NEW-TIRES-ONE-OWNER-CLEAN-CARFAX-/220631910306?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item335eafc7a2

[Julie]

Well it never ends!  That's why we're here! 

All this debate IS fun.   

I see Cayman in the USA now for $35K.   

Okay, someone needs to tell me where the Porsche forums are...  I seriously need to know as much about these babies as I do about the 3-series/M3...  Right now, an used M3 and used Cayman S are my two top 'bang for buck' choices for USED.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

2009 ISF with 20k miles, "Buy It Now" $50788!

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Lexus-/290449808550?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item43a0285ca6#ht_18834wt_920

2009 Corvette Z51 with 12K miles, "Buy it Now" $42K!

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Chevrolet-Corvette-/150461736413?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item230837e5dd#ht_12439wt_1137

I like this game!  

[Sir Osis of Liver]

^^So hurry up and buy one!!   

Way out of my snack bracket!

[rrocket]

^^So hurry up and buy one!!   

Way out of my snack bracket!

Serious?  A big swinging d*** of a shooter like you??   

[Sir Osis of Liver]

^^So hurry up and buy one!!   

Way out of my snack bracket!

Serious?  A big swinging d*** of a shooter like you??   

I'm just as surprised as you!

[Blueprint]

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 don't know in what part of the country you live in, but I'm wondering if the Sport pkg may be too stiff for the lunar surfaces we call "pavement" in QC ?  Also, how is the car in the snow ?

As for the budget, a base 128i or 323i might fit when it's time to replace my "interim" car (the Sentra).  If the "new" budget isn't there, most of us can make the compromise to buy a certified used bimmer instead of a new mainstream machine.  Just compare : a 4-cyl. Mazda 6 GT easily tops 30k$, and stick-shift/decent engine combos are becoming rare in midsize sport sedans.  So regardless of options, cars like a 1-Series deserve a proper, non-toy review as the product is basically the same at the base price.

Bring on the comments Wing!

[Julie]

I don't know in what part of the country you live in, but I'm wondering if the Sport pkg may be too stiff for the lunar surfaces we call "pavement" in QC ?  Also, how is the car in the snow ?

I've lived half of my life in Quebec and go back there once in a while.  I love the firmness of the sport pkg on my 3'er but, honestly, the streets in QC are baaaaad for that.  On my recent trip there with the 335, I kept fearing my rims would get cracked. 

If I lived there permanently, I think I'd still take the sport pkg, but change out the run-flats.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I don't know in what part of the country you live in, but I'm wondering if the Sport pkg may be too stiff for the lunar surfaces we call "pavement" in QC ?  Also, how is the car in the snow ?

I've lived half of my life in Quebec and go back there once in a while.  I love the firmness of the sport pkg on my 3'er but, honestly, the streets in QC are baaaaad for that.  On my recent trip there with the 335, I kept fearing my rims would get cracked. 

If I lived there permanently, I think I'd still take the sport pkg, but change out the run-flats.

That is a problem in NB as well. I knew a guy who ran an independent garage. He always tried to get people to go no lower than 45 section tires, even then he warned them about keeping an eye out for potholes. For a while he had quite a stack of broken rims in his store room.

[Ex-airbalancer]

Took our cab for a drive today  there nothing better then temp hitting 34, top down, windows down,
Life is good 

I have a friend with a Mercedes SL, and the best configuration on a hot day is top down, windows up, AC blasting.  The combo of fresh air and cooled air makes things "just right."  Also, at 160km/h (!) we could carry on a conversation, even with the top down.

It was a drive at about 90 km/hr secondary hmy with the love of my life 

[ovr50]

Took our cab for a drive today  there nothing better then temp hitting 34, top down, windows down,
Life is good 

Well, you are a braver man than I am. I think temps over 30C are too hot for topless driving. Of course, I am not a convert/cabrio fan anyway so what do I know? To me, cabs are heavier than coupes and sedans, less structurally sound, more prone to break in, and it's not often the weather is right for the top down anyway. Phooey. 

One guy I know here has an 11 year old Ferrari spyder and drives it to work in the Okanagan summer. It sits outside all day in 30Cplus temps, top down, and the leather just baking. Admittedly, he has the Ferrari for "show", not because he likes cars or driving. 

[Ex-airbalancer]

Over 50 year in southern Ontario with high Humidity
34 is a walking when your in a Bimmer

[Flinter]

I don't know in what part of the country you live in, but I'm wondering if the Sport pkg may be too stiff for the lunar surfaces we call "pavement" in QC ?  Also, how is the car in the snow ?

I've lived half of my life in Quebec and go back there once in a while.  I love the firmness of the sport pkg on my 3'er but, honestly, the streets in QC are baaaaad for that.  On my recent trip there with the 335, I kept fearing my rims would get cracked. 

If I lived there permanently, I think I'd still take the sport pkg, but change out the run-flats.

That is a problem in NB as well. I knew a guy who ran an independent garage. He always tried to get people to go no lower than 45 section tires, even then he warned them about keeping an eye out for potholes. For a while he had quite a stack of broken rims in his store room.

My 128 has the sport package and there's no denying the ride is stiff. For me, it`s on the edge of tolerable on some of the lunar surfaces here in Ottawa. I did test drive a car with the base suspension and I`d encourage potential buyers to do so. You might actually prefer the ride in the non-sport version (perhaps with a wheel tire upgrade instead). I definitely plan on ditching the RFT as soon as I can justify new rubber.

It will be interesting to experience the car in snow. Coming from a WRX I`m a little nervous myself. I`m considering a cheap winter beater so I don`t cry when invariably I rip into it with a shovel or something while in a snow clearing frenzy.