BMW 1-Series

ateixeira

Really? Wow, in DC they only had one coupe and it was up on a pedestal, locked up.

Kirstie_H

Excellent! Well, it seems like there's a lot of interest in this vehicle, so hopefully it'll live up to expectations.

BTW, we've moved and expanded If you look at the top of this discussion where it says "you are here," you'll see we're in Coupes & Convertibles and the 1-Series has its own folder with a couple of discussions. If you add the whole folder to your Watched Items, new discussions will be added to your list when they're created - most notably, prices paid & leasing discussions when they hit the showrooms.

ateixeira

this 218-hp six feels a little overtaxed

Wonder if 230hp will feel any better?

it has built in more understeer in the front-drive style, and you'll notice it.

Bah. Even with the Sport package?

Wonder how my 2 kids would fit in that back seat. Probably OK right now, but they'd be squeezed as they grew up.

$33.8k - how much would that translate to with Euro Delivery?

I'll eventually need a Miata replacement.

fedlawman

Wider front tires (+skinnier rear tires?) and a beefier rear sway bar should take care of any understeer.

qbrozen

Bah. Even with the Sport package?

Apparently, yes. It has been a common complaint on the new 3-series, too.

As fedlawman said, however, that's easy enough to fix.

ateixeira

True but you spend over $30 grand only to have to invest more right off the bat.

I may drive it to see if it's still entertaining.

Actually, they've tamed the newer Miatas, too. I have a 93 that will spin if you lift the throttle in the middle of a turn. The 06+ models won't do that, and are probably more prone to understeer as well.

qbrozen

well... yes.

I'm not sure how many cars there are that I wouldn't invest money in off the bat. Maybe not in the same way. But, in any case, if I bought one with sport package (which I would), I'd need a whole 2nd set of rims with winter tires. An antiroll bar is peanuts compared to that.

fedlawman

These days, the BMW sport package gets you a firmer suspension and staggered wheels (plus the seats and steering wheel). But I think the aftermarket has a better solution for ride/handling compromise.

I'd pass on the SP and spend the money saved on Bilstein shocks/H&R springs and swaybars. You can get all of it for about $1200. And since the non-SP car comes "unstaggered," it's easier to upgrade. I would ditch the stock RFT tires (205/55-16) and get a set of 225/50-16 Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3's. $600 for the tires and you're done.

qbrozen

but you still don't get the seats.

Not to mention... and I realize this doesn't matter for alot of folks here ... but I am getting an automatic next time around. To get the paddle shifters, I have to get the SP.

roadburner

If they were bringing the 1-series hatch over here, we might have waited for it instead of buying the Mazda.

That's why I wound up buying a Mazdaspeed3. Well, that and the fact that you can't get a limited slip on the 1er. I have to say that the Mazda has proven to be an absolute blast, even if it is Wrong Wheel Drive. I especially love the sleeper aspect. Now I'll probably take the money I saved and buy something British or Italian- with either two or four wheels...
What can I say? I'm an automotive/motorcycling masochist.
:P

roadburner

Is it possible to install the Bose system in an 08 Touring?

As I understand it, only the am and speakers are "Bose"- not the head unit. Have you listened to the Bose system? I ask because I have the Bose system in my 07 3 and the sound is good but certainly not great. I would call Crutchfield and look into upgrading the amp and speakers while leaving the head unit alone.

flightnurse

YOur missing the whole point of the SP on the 1 series it comes with better brakes then the 3 Series SP. The SP 1 series cars really do not need anything else maybe sticker tires but thagt is about it..

ateixeira

Hmm, so the SP has summer tires? That was implied, but I'm not sure.

Maybe pass on that and get just the tires. For the convertible you don't want a too-stiff suspension anyway.

I would want a manual, so no paddle shifters needed.

I'm not crazy about run flats but I'd probably only replace them once they were worn a little.

blueguydotcom

Yes, ZSP comes with summer tires. Regular BMWs get all season tires.

ateixeira

Hmm, I'd probably pass on it, then.

To be honest the softer base suspension is probably better for my DC city commute. A few friends have bent rims (I'm talking multiple rims) in their Z3s.

fedlawman

I don't see where the 1-series SP includes a brake upgrade.

fedlawman

My suspension "upgrade" preference is strictly a personal opinion. I know it's not for everyone.

And I agree, you would have to be careful with firming up the suspension on the ragtop - it could release some cowl/chassis gremlins that the stock suspension keeps in check.

nyccarguy

your MS3 definitely is a sleeper car. I'm pretty good with knowing about what upgraded exterior features are on what cars. I noticed a 3 series Coupe tailgating me the other day. A quick glance before I moved over showed the powerdome hood...it was a new M3. As it passed me I saw the NJ Vehicle MFR plates and the quad exaust.

I saw what appeared to be an ordinary Mazda 3 hatchback on my morning commute driving fast and switching lanes. I moved from the right to the Center Lane (to let him pass) and I saw the MazdaSpeed badge. He was moving!

kyfdx

Now.. first models in are typically loaded.. but...

A dealer in the Southeast US...

First 135i coupe.. MSRP = $44,8XX

First 128i convertible.. MSRP = $45,1XX

ateixeira

If most of the cars on the lot are in the $40s, they're just shooting themselves in the foot.

Mid 40s, too. :sick:

fedlawman

I agree, but I bet they still sell every one of them.

ateixeira

Yep, the single 1 series coupe at the DC auto show had a circle of people around it. Only the GT-R and the Mustang 500KR drew more attention.

kyfdx

Coupes and convertibles only...

Toy cars for the most part... Low production, most sales close to MSRP..

It isn't going to be the budget BMW that most were hoping for..

fedlawman

I think the BMW 3-series coupes are an exception. They have always been more 2-door sedan than sleek coupe, and I don't think they command a premium over their 4-door counterparts.

I'm sure after the initial allocation is sold off at MSRP (Buffy needs a graduation present, after all), it'll be easy to get one for a reasonable price.

I'd definitely do ED on this one and save a bundle.

kyfdx

Right now, there is no ED allocation.. so, no discount (I don't think)...

Of course, that could change, eventually...

roadburner

I saw what appeared to be an ordinary Mazda 3 hatchback on my morning commute driving fast and switching lanes. I moved from the right to the Center Lane (to let him pass) and I saw the MazdaSpeed badge. He was moving!

Like I said, there's a reason I bought an MS3 in a somber shade of blue-gray. They really do have incredible mid-range power. Not as strong as a 335i, but darn close. Just this morning I encountered a couple of charter members of the Anti-Destination League traveling in a 65 mph formation in the left and center lanes(the speed limit is 70). A space opened up in the center lane so I moved over. I then saw that the right lane was clear so I pulled over and nailed it in 5th gear. I pulled around both rolling roadblocks, upshifted to 6th and noticed I was doing 115...
I really do think that I'm going to have to bring my V1 out of retirement.

roadburner

I think the BMW 3-series coupes are an exception. They have always been more 2-door sedan than sleek coupe, and I don't think they command a premium over their 4-door counterparts.

I thought it was funny when BMW introduced the E36 and E46 coupes and made a big deal about how the coupes didn't share any glass or sheetmetal with the sedans. What's the point if the only way you can tell the coupe from the sedan is by counting the door handles? In fact, I actually preferred the styling of the sedans over the coupes. That said, I think that the E92 is much sleeker than the E90- enough so that I'd almost certainly pick the coupe over the sedan(with the possible exception of the M3 variant).

andys120

Agreed Roadburner, the E92 shares relatively little with the sedan version, I think Fedlawman is still stuck in the E30 and E36 era when most of the sheet metal was shared with the four doors.

E92s look different from almost every angle with different tailights, headlight clusters etc.

fedlawman

No, not stuck. I do think Roadburner is correct that the E30, E36, and E46 coupes looked very much like their 4-door counterparts (I also think the E36 and E46 sedans look better than their coupe versions).

I also agree with you that the E92 is a refreshing departure from this trend and I also think it's better looking than the E90.

But we're not talking about the E90/92. This is a 1-series forum, and the 1-series is definitely a "2-door sedan."

nyccarguy

I usually agree with roadburner and fedlawman, but not this time. I actually prefered the look of the E36 & E46 Coupes to their sedan counterparts. Maybe it has to do with the times of their reign and my age (I was 16 in 1992 when the first E36 Coupes rolled out and 24 in 2000 when the E46 Coupes bowed). As far as the E90/E92, I like the sedan better. The rear 3/4 view of the coupe doesn't do it for me. Maybe this also has to do with my age and current family situation.

I dig the 1er Coupe though. I can't wait to check it out at the NY Auto Show in April.

roadburner

As far as the E90/E92, I like the sedan better. The rear 3/4 view of the coupe doesn't do it for me.

I think the rear of the E90 was styled so that BMW could save money by using leftover G20 tail light clusters:



:P

fedlawman

Nice one.

However, you didn't consider that the Hyundi Elantra is currently in production so parts are easier to obtain in quantity...

roadburner

However, you didn't consider that the Hyundi Elantra is currently in production so parts are easier to obtain in quantity...


Wow! Does that mean BMW uses the Elantra trunk lid as well?
:surprise:

ateixeira

Actually it was the previous Elantra that had Bangle butt.

siarizona

I just visited the BMW military sales guy here in Korea to price the 1 series.

128i base price: $25,550

135i base price: $31,050

$750 delivery charge, no sales tax

Packages and options are same as MSRP in US

BMW mil sales gives 2 yr maintenance package, and when I move back to the US, I can continue with the US 4 yr program, no cost.

Now I have to convince my wife that for SAFETY, I need to drive a new BMW instead of the 94 Mitsubishi clunker I now have... white 135i, black leatherette, sport package = $32,800 delivered.

ateixeira

You can't put a price on personal safety.

dhanley

Not bad!

Your wife may roll her eyes when you bring up safety, but i bet you can make the sale.

fedlawman

I'm retiring from the Army Reserves (with 25 years) this summer. Almost makes me want to stick around a little longer...

OK, not really.

That's a good deal on a great car. Enjoy!

jlbl

I have just posted this in other Edmunds Forum, but I think it also belongs here:

Back from a Pyrenees/Alps driving tour in a BMW 1 Series. Here is the report.

The car: A rented, battled 2007 118d 3-door; 6 speed manual gearbox; basic equipment (standard seats, no flat-run tires, no active steering). But she got EfficientDynamics (braking-energy storage/delivering and engine stop/start system at full stops).

The journey: 1,600 miles on highways and mountain roads, from sea-shore up to 6,666 foot-high and back. Three one-day stages to go (the first one to Cauterets at Central Pyrenees, the other two to Aime-La-Plagne 2000 close to the Mont-Blanc at The Alps). Only one stage back from there (700 miles; 14 hours encompassing the Foster's Milleau Viaduct :surprise: and stops every 2/3 hours).

The load: Two adult persons with all necessary skiing stuff and assorted wear—it including some party clothing—for two weeks.

The ride (on the front seats): Comfortable for people up to 6 feet-tall. Rear seats were folded; I cannot say anything about sitting on the latter for a long while.

The drivers: My wife and I, even turns.

The speed (highways): Cruising at about 81-85 miles•hour, with ocassional peaks up to 99 miles•hour. A couple of nasty traffic jams take off an hour and a half from the joy of driving. A couple of dozens of tolling gates did it too.

The driving: That little diesel BMW is really a BMW. It is not a street car. She is more like a small-size roadster. Steering and cornering was accurate and balanced. Stability was assured under any circumstance (e.g., hard braking). Enough acceleration for cruising and climbing even at the final mountain-road laces. To my surprise, the stop/start function worked nicely; it was intuitive and unobtrusive with the stop-and-go driving at the traffic jams and lights. Comfort was not bad given the size of the car. All in all, the car behaved pretty pretty well. My wife liked this car even more than ours 530d and Mini Cooper. I agreed with her she is a great car for having fun, but I'd rather keep going with Series 3 or 5 because of the passenger/cargo space.

And the full trip averaged mileage was… 40.55 miles•gallon (USA Units). How good, how well: less is more! :shades:

Regards,
Jose

Foster's Milleau Viaduct at http://www.fosterandpartners.com/Projects/1158/Default.aspx

More car specifications (taken from link title) :
Model: BMW 118d 3-door
Price: from £18,225
Engine: 1,995cc, four cylinders, 16 valves, turbodiesel, 143bhp at 4,000rpm, 258lb ft at 2,000rpm (British Units)
Transmission: six-speed gearbox, rear-wheel drive
Performance: 130mph, 0-62 in 8.9sec, 60.1mpg official average (British Units); CO2: 123g/km

Also: http://www.topgear.com/blogs/drives/070-bmw-118d/

andys120

Thanks for that interesting report Jose, the 118d sounds like a teriffic car, I wish we got it here.

jlbl

You are welcome, Andy.

I noticed my post lost a link to get more information on the 118d. The missed link is:
link title

Regards,
Jose

nyccarguy

In this Month's ROUNDEL, Mark Jon Calabrese says he's definitely going to check out a 135i to replace his beloved E30 M3 as a daily driver. If that isn't a ringing endorsement, I don't know what is.

I'm a little bummed about Octoberfest '08. It is going to be held at Watkins Glenn, NY (about 4.5 Hours from me). So close, yet so far away. I've got too much going on that time of year to attend. It sounds like a lot of fun. I'd love to ring my Prelude out on the track though

andys120

The Glen is great, especially in October. If I were you I'd rearrange my life to make that one.

nyccarguy

isn't that simple

The 9/23 (the first day) is my Son's Birthday. He'll be 2!

My second obstacle would be my job. I work 6 days a week, so even if I didn't go the whole time, to make the trip worthwhile for me I'd be taking half a week off. I work for a very small family business. I'm sure my Dad would give me the time off if I asked him, but that really isn't fair to him. I don't know, maybe I'll look at some numbers and see how much this will cost.

I've never raced my car around any track (or autocross). I think it would be really exciting!

bodble2

Except sometimes the ones in the driver's seat! :P

driveinalong

Ok -

I've had little success searching for detailed specifications re: the "sports package" (i.e. what are the upgraded suspension components for a 128i and 135i.) I'm interested in finding more detail on what is going on with the suspension (car spec'ed for US delivery).

The listed items include: larger diameter / different spoke arrangement wheels, sport steering wheel, some exterior trim, etc.

For a 128i, what suspension components get upgraded / altered?

The 135i, please correct me if wrong, already includes the sport suspension items in the base price. For it's sport package option - is your $1,000. only buying an M steering wheel and black window trim? :confuse:

bodble2

According to one dealer here in Vancouver, B.C., Sport Package is already standard in both 128i and 135i.

flightnurse

The Sportage for the 1 series is just like the other sportpackages, upgraded sport seats, lowerd suspension, high spring rate, thicker Roll bars front and rear, wider rims. The nice thing about the sport package on the 1 series is you get 6 piston Calibers up front, tghe 3 series sport package does get this..

flightnurse

The dealer was wrong, the sport package is not startard on the 1 series.

cdnpinhead

Could be different in Canada.