So who would've or would like a BMW 1-series instead?

[sfalexi]

Well, it's official. I now know I'm getting deployed again. My orders were changed (by myself due to family situation) and looks like I bought a new car a little prematurely. I wanted a new car for returning from deployment and bought a MS3. And it's great.

BUT . . . .

Since I'm going back to Iraq again for another year, I find myself thinking about selling/trading it for a BMW 1-series when I get back. Hopefully they'll have a sedan. (and I'm still debating that Hyundai Genesis as well . . . I wrote a thread about that a while ago)

Main reasons are that by the time I get back for the second time, I'll only have 6 months left on my bumper to bumper warranty and it'll have depreciated that much more. Plus, since I'll have extra $$$ (instead of the 25k budget I had before I can look at 35k with a paid off MS3 as down payment) I wouldn't mind at all a touch of luxury with some power.

So I'm wondering what you guys think about that 1-series. I'm thinking it's gonna be pretty sweet and a real nice small luxury car. And I'm seriously looking at it since I would like a new car with a FULL warranty (I thought it woulda been the MS3 but my situation changed and so I'm losing a little over a year of the original warranty).

So I'm wondering what the fast small car community we have here thinks of the upcoming bmw 135i. 300 HP and 300 TQ. Puts down impressive numbers with RWD, and all in the lap of luxury. And paddle shifters are an option.....

 

[Hypnotized]

I like the sedan much better than the hatch. The other down side to the BMW is its two door.

 

[RODSCALIP5]

I am considering getting the 1 series and selling my MS3 privately. Since your deploying to the dirt I am sure you know about the overseas program. I have priced one out with the miitary discounts and with the Sports Package, and a bunch of little items, it comes out to $35K. The only thing I am worried about is having a car that everyone and their mom is going to own.

 

[MadOzodi]

Go with the 135i later. A friend of mine, he lives in Chicago, bought a 335i and is going to get a Dinan Tune/ECU flash to the tune of 50whp + 75wtq AND it's covered under BMWs 5/50k warranty. I'm going to assume that Dinan would come up with something like that for the 135.

 

[builthatch]

too much money; it's a different class of car...

great performer, great potential, but it's 1. not fwd, 2. too expensive (both the car and the insurance) and 3. upgrade parts will be proportionately expensive...

OP, you have great balls of steel to go AGAIN, let alone a first time. i applaud you for leaving comfort on the behalf of military duty. i get pissed when i have to leave home for a trade show for 2 days....obviously i am not keeping things in perspective.

 

[MS3077]

The BMW 1-series (the 300hp one) will start out at like 35k...Your question isn’t really relevant because the MS3 is a 22-25k car, hence the people in the market or that were in the market for the MS3 mostly likely weren't even looking at cars costing like 10k more. I don’t mean to offend you but your question seems rather asinine. It would have made more sense if you just started the trend with: What do you think about the new BMW 1-series? If you can afford a nicer more power car then good for you! But I think most of us are pretty happy with the MS3 for what it is and what it cost.

 

[palerider]

If you like to mod...keep the ms3. In a year there will be tons of stuff available, and you'll be able to know which routes to take.

If you prefer not to mod.... then the 135i sounds pretty good.

I like the idea of driving a mazda that can embarass a 135i for the same money. Just me though. We all value different things at different times in our lives. The beamer would probably be a lot less stress at that level..... and that might appeal to you when you get back.

Thanks for being a patriot.

 

[MS3077]

If you like to mod...keep the ms3. In a year there will be tons of stuff available, and you'll be able to know which routes to take.

If you prefer not to mod.... then the 135i sounds pretty good.

I like the idea of driving a mazda that can embarass a 135i for the same money. Just me though. We all value different things at different times in our lives. The beamer would probably be a lot less stress at that level..... and that might appeal to you when you get back.

Thanks for being a patriot.

+1 - However this new 135i is gonna be hard to "embrass" even stock. I read somewhere that it's gonna run 0 to 60 in 5sec flat. The 1/4? I'm guessing a low 13 easy. Think about it, it's got the same motor as the 335i and it's a lot lighter. No doubt this is a fast machine. But you pay for what you get.

 

[johnnyB5646]

It's not alot lighter, but will be relatively fast. Wait for the Genesis to come out an compare. I understand the want for more luxury while maintaining the speed, so go with whatever car YOU love. After multiple tours defending us, you deserve any car you want. You know you will miss your MS3, though.

 

[MS3077]

BMW's long-awaited 1-Series Coupe has broken cover - and the top-of-the-line model will spin out 300 horsepower from the same powerplant available in the larger 335i.



The 135i is the flagship of the new Coupe range, BMW says. The 135i's engine will be the first twin-turbo in the 1-Series lineup, which itself will make its maiden trip toU.S. showrooms in the spring of 2008. The 135i and its 300-hp twin-turbo six should push the lighter, more compact car to 60 mph in less than 5.3 seconds and to a top speed of 155 mph. Peak torque from 1300 to 5000 rpm means the engine's turbo power is flexible, as TheCarConnection.com has experienced in the 335i. In the combined European cycle, the engine can achieve 31 mpg as well; direct injection and regenerative braking help boost its efficiency.



The 128i, meanwhile, will use a 3.0-liter in-line six with 200 horsepower. The new lineup of 1-Series Coupes will include two turbodiesel engines, which haven't been confirmed for any U.S. market application.



BMW promises the new 135i has ideal 50:50 weight balance to complement its rear-drive configuration. A classic BMW strut front and multi-link rear suspension will give the 1er "the best in driving dynamics" and "the best in directional stability," the automaker says. To aid in that, BMW stuffs the 135i with stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes with six-piston calipers.



A Sport package on the 135i Coupe includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a tauter suspension, gloss trim and leather interior trim, as well as six-piston front brake calipers. Adaptive brake lights and adaptive xenon headlights (an option on the 128i) are included on the 135i, as well as cornering headlights.



Options on the 1-series will include a DVD navigation system with an iDrive controller. The standard leatherette interior can be upgraded to Boston Leather. The Sport Package will add sport bucket seats in either material. And BMW will offer a range of audio and communication hardware, from Sirius to HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and standard iPod jack.

 

[WHT_SPD3]

Hey,
I was afraid I got my MS3 too quickly, and I was seriously considering the 1-series. Now that the prices are now available, I'm glad I stuck with my MS3.

Now my situation is different, my MS3 is at my budget limits. Though the 135i will be an amazing car, it may not be worth the extra $$$ you are paying to upgrade from your MS3 (at least to me it wasn't). I'm assuming packages will be expensive too. At least in Canada, the 135i isn't that much cheaper than the 4 door 335i (last time I checked). Plus reading some reviews online and magazines, the general consensus is that 1-series really lacks in space and practicality. You can forget about the rear seats. At least the 335i gives you rear seats.
But then again that may not be important to you, but I find its always good to have some reasonable practicality in a car.
I was surprised the 1-series weighs roughly 3200lbs? Last time I checked the measurments its 10cm shorter than the honda civic coupes (boom06).
So considering all that, to me it wasn't worth the $$, i love beamers though I really do. Best wishes on your decision

 

[palerider]

+1 - However this new 135i is gonna be hard to "embrass" even stock. I read somewhere that it's gonna run 0 to 60 in 5sec flat. The 1/4? I'm guessing a low 13 easy. Think about it, it's got the same motor as the 335i and it's a lot lighter. No doubt this is a fast machine. But you pay for what you get.

Itll be right around sti/ evo range with that rwd and hp number.... only most owners wont mod them. If they happen upon me on the highway they wont know what the hell hit em....

and trust me.... if you buy that car and get walked by a mazda youll be embarassed.

 

[chronus377]

Am I the only person who doesn't particularly like the look of the car? I just don't like the big head lights, the swooping curve of the side skirt, and the cheap looking tail lights. I much prefer the look of my MS3 to it, I think the MS3 looks classier (odd considering its a BMW).

Performance wise of course the 135i is incredible. Any reviews I've seen praise it, some going so far to say "best BMW ever". I look forward to seeing them on the road, and I hope my friend buys one (he's been looking at them for a long time) so I can test drive it.

 

[RODSCALIP5]

Itll be right around sti/ evo range with that rwd and hp number.... only most owners wont mod them. If they happen upon me on the highway they wont know what the hell hit em....

and trust me.... if you buy that car and get walked by a mazda youll be embarassed.

I hope your not stock (some magazine racing) :

C/D TEST RESULTS:

Zero to 60 mph: 4.7 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 11.5 sec
Zero to 140 mph: 25.6 sec
Street start, 560 mph: 5.5 sec
Standing -mile: 13.3 sec @ 106 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 143 mph
Braking, 700 mph: 157 ft
Roadholding, 328-ft-dia skidpad: 0.89 g

 

[mikeyb]

135i plus performance software, exhaust, intercooler, and BOV = 390 rwhp.

 

[sfalexi]

Yeah. I understand lots of people here were looking for a 25k car (as was I) but since I'll be going again I was thinking of upping the ante with the extra money I get over there.

I was just wondering what others thought. I understand that with 10k into my current car (MS3) I'd be past the performance of an off the lot 1-series. I was looking more at the comfort+performance package. I'm wondering if I'm ever really going to use the MS3's capabilities (I don't street race, don't go to the drag strip, and have never raced in any way before). And I will be losing a year on the warranty.

I was thinking of maybe just going for more comfort and luxury. My wife wants a kid soon and that's also a factor. The MS3 has the family capability, but without a warranty I'm wondering what the chances are that I'd have to pay for repairs. And that's why the Hyundai is looking so good (10 year 100,000 mile warranty and supposedly going to be very comfortable).

But I do have to take into accound maintanence/repairs. My bumper to bumper is up shortly after I return from the second tour. I originially thought I was going to stay in the states for a while so I got a new car. Situation changed though.

But thanks to all above who pointed out different things. I didn't take into account repair costs either. I'm sure a BMW would be nice, but after THAT warranty is up, it'd cost a lot. But I also have to take into account the gas mileage of what the hyundai might be and the fact that it's a brand new car (could mean problems) with a brand new engine (TAU V8) which might have some serious snags if not designed perfectly the first time......

Sigh. So many choices. But thank you very much for the discussions and bringing up things to thing about.

Alexi

 

[Sierra117]

I am a long time BMW fan. Ask anyone who really knows me, I am die hard BMW (except for F1, where I bleed Corsa Rossa). I wanted to get a 335i coupe for my next car after my 325i till I had the wake up call. Then I was looking at a Z4 hard top...insurance and cost was still to much. I settled on the Speed3. I think that 3.0TT is an amazing motor, and I've been one of many to say that the 335i, with the right people behind it, is going to be the next Supra. The handle well, they just fly down the highway, and they are very luxurious.

That being said...

If I had $35k and access to a program that would let me buy a 135i AT $35k (trying to find and under optioned BMW at invoice or less is damned near impossible)...

I wouldn't buy the 135i.

 

[///M Compact]

I was hoping against hope that BMW NA would bring in the five door 1er with the M Sport package; I really don't care for the looks of the coupe. I also don't like the fact that you can't get a LSD in the car. I've spent a lot of seat time in a couple of 335is and they are very fast but they also have a lot of mass to push around- and the driving experience is a bit isolated and uninvolving. The only new BMW I really like is the upcoming M3 sedan- which is really more of an M5 in spirit. I think my next BMW will either be a vintage model such as a 2002tii or a first generation M car such as an E28 M5.

 

[udontknowjack]

if i have 20k sitting around...i would trade my ms3 in for a 135i in a heartbeat...

 

[palerider]

I hope your not stock (some magazine racing) :

C/D TEST RESULTS:

Zero to 60 mph: 4.7 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 11.5 sec
Zero to 140 mph: 25.6 sec
Street start, 5–60 mph: 5.5 sec
Standing -mile: 13.3 sec @ 106 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 143 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 157 ft
Roadholding, 328-ft-dia skidpad: 0.89 g

Motor Trend Test Results
2006 sti

0 - 60: 4.5
0 -100: 12.1
1/4 mile: 13.0 @ 103.5

Stock ms3 is as fast from a roll. 135i may be a little faster with that higher trap for sure....but my car destroys both.

Its a 12.7-12.9 second fwd car, that traps over 110. From a roll its not even a race.

When I get the turbo on it in a couple weeks I would EMBARASS it from a roll.... why does everybody want to fight about this. I could **** it up in a civic with a cheap turbo kit.

The car is nice but its not a damn veyron people.