BE HONEST: MS3 or BMW 1-Series 5-Door?

[jkollin]

we don't get the 5-door. that just isn't fair!

the 1 series 5-door is a europe-only model. bmw was afraid after their failed 318ti experiment; they think a hatch means "cheap" to americans. shame on them. and a shame for us. the coupe will be nice, but the real potential in the sports tuner hot hatch category would have been STI vs. MS3 vs. 128.

 

[Jasonstiller]

Ugly, looks like that hyundai Santa Fe.

 

[GoProtege]

bmws are so overrated.
MS3 all the way

 

[Kuro3]

If you get the 1-series, it's best to get the coupe version, not the hatch....Top Gear did a review of the hatch vs. the GTI and the GTI won out by a lot....and if the ms3 can beat out a GTI, then obviously the ms3 is better than the 1-series hatch, plus, the 1-series coupe is going to be small enough to be competing with cars like the rx-8, not the mazda3, the hatch however, will lose so fast to the ms3, because it's a tiny car, the rear seats are crap, the trunk space for it is horrendous, and I don't think it's as good looking at all....the only good thing about the 1-series hatch that would have a one-up ont he ms3 is better quality materials used on the interior and a faster engine if they make the 135 a hatch...but for that, I would take the ms3, because for 1/2 the price of a 1 series, you still get a kickass interior, more space, a crazy amount of power (which can be upped very very easily, as some here on the forums can attest to), and a better looking car


MS3 FTW!!!

 

[b15nut]

I saw one of these (4 door) here in AZ at Arizona Mills Mall that had a Mexico (Sonora) license plate..Looked ok from outside but there is absolutely no room in the interior. The back seats are almost useless. I know I can sit in the back of the MS3 with the front seat all the way back and still be comfortable (I'm 6'2") and that would not happen in that car!

 

[shockdoctor]

I saw one of these (4 door) here in AZ at Arizona Mills Mall that had a Mexico (Sonora) license plate..Looked ok from outside but there is absolutely no room in the interior. The back seats are almost useless. I know I can sit in the back of the MS3 with the front seat all the way back and still be comfortable (I'm 6'2") and that would not happen in that car!

Hey b15nut-

Did you get your ms3 yet? I'm still dying from the suspense!!(spin)

 

[jbiird317]

I saw one of these (4 door) here in AZ at Arizona Mills Mall that had a Mexico (Sonora) license plate..Looked ok from outside but there is absolutely no room in the interior. The back seats are almost useless. I know I can sit in the back of the MS3 with the front seat all the way back and still be comfortable (I'm 6'2") and that would not happen in that car!

man oh man, whats ur definition of comfortable, I am 6-2 and that backseat is not comfortable for me at all... but then again, thats why I always ride in the drivers seat (burnout)

 

[redspeed]

Eh ms3 is soooo much hotter. My friend had a 318 TI not impressed. Never a fan of BMW never will be. All the 1 is is a 21st century 318 with some different body parts. I of course would stay with the ms3.

You can't use the 318ti as a reference. Thats the worst looking bimmer ever.

 

[TheDutchGun]

You can't use the 318ti as a reference. Thats the worst looking bimmer ever.

Totally. I'm going to chalk all your comments up to Mazda bias because that Beamer is a hot looking car.

 

[Donas64]

318ti = the BMW that BMW wishes the world would forget!

 

[camrycev6]

I think the 135 looks almost as good as the MS3. Very comparable. I would gladly swap the 135's engine with ours though!

 

[shockdoctor]

If I had to pick a German wagon over the MS3, I'd have to go with the Audi A3. But I already looked at this and the MS3 won me over even if price was not involved. I could have easily afforded the extra $12 grand, but I really don't care for the dash, seats or the extra weight of the awd. I like the exterior of the A3 way more than the bimmer. The A3 looks like a guys car, while the bimmer looks like a mess. I'll use the extra $12 grand I saved and buy a BMW motorcycle.

 

[camrycev6]

I looked at an A3 as well...I couldn't justify the extra money either...

 

[b15nut]

Hey b15nut-

Did you get your ms3 yet? I'm still dying from the suspense!!(spin)

Dont have it yet...working new deal...never going to give up (enguard)

man oh man, whats ur definition of comfortable, I am 6-2 and that backseat is not comfortable for me at all... but then again, thats why I always ride in the drivers seat (burnout)

I can sit in the back without my head hitting the roof and my knees to the side of the seats.. The only person that has to fit back there is my daughter and she thinks its super cool!! (I think..she is only 15 months but I know she LOVES it)

 

[mikeski]

i think the 1 series is neat.

 

[jbiird317]

I can sit in the back without my head hitting the roof and my knees to the side of the seats.. The only person that has to fit back there is my daughter and she thinks its super cool!! (I think..she is only 15 months but I know she LOVES it)

haha well thats not exactly comfortable but its not that bad i guess...and of course she loves that zoom zoom! The only one riding back there for me is my dog, he hasnt complained yet either...

 

[mike800d]

Porky

I have been interested in the 1 Series -- small car, RWD, BMW handling and refinement etc.

<<<BUT>>>

There's an awful lot of focus on what the 1 is going to weigh over here in the US.

The twin turbo inline-6 3.0 litre motor is undoubtedly a killer, BUT the 1 series will weigh just a little less (less than 200 lbs I think) than a 335i coupe...

BMWs are getting to be serious porkers... I'm a long time fan, but they're losing the way...

Mike
2007 MazdaSpeed3 (replaced '01 330Ci as winter car)
2004 BMW M3
2000 Miata

 

[Rotary_Powered]

Looks alone I would Honestly take the MS3 over the 1 hatch. However the coupe is way hotter.

The 135i doesn't appeal to me thought. I weights almost as much as the 335i and is a good amount smaller. I'd rather have the 335i coupe. (100lbs difference). If I had the cash the 335i over the 135i no question.