BMW 1-Series

nyccarguy

For the 128i, the $1200 (MSRP) Sport Package Includes:

17" wheels w/performance tires (style 262)
Sport suspension
Shadowline trim
Sport seats

For the 135i, the $1000 (MSRP) Sport Package Includes:

Shadowline trim
M steering wheel
Sport seats

BMW's normal Sport Suspension (standard on the 135i) usually lowers the car a little less than a inch and includes stiffer shocks & spring rates, and maybe a thicker front/rear anti-roll bar.

The Sport Seats are bolstered on the sides to keeps you planed in your seat during those high g force cornering you'll be doing in your new one series. They're very comforatble, as long as you're not too big.

The Black trim replaces the chrome and gives the car a sportier look.

To answer youre question, yes the SPort Package option is worth it for the Sport Seats.

roadburner

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

Hey, you REALLY need to rearrange your priorities... :P
I think they are going to have a Driving School almost every day, as opposed to the usual two. I'm hoping to instruct for two to four days; you can't get too much of the Glen!

nyccarguy

You guys are REALLY tempting me!

driveinalong

Thanks for clearing up the confusion. My fault for not mentioning the sport seats in my original post; actually knew about their inclusion in the package but wrote in haste.

Would you know of any site or blog (preferably without a subscription fee) where the actual tech specs of the suspension changes are discussed (i.e. if BMW uses stiffer springs on a 1 series sport pakg vs a 3 series pkg, or, changes in sport pkgs specs from an E46 to E90)?

I'm not much interested in making my own suspension mods at this point, just want to learn more about how a sport pkg has changed (or not) over the years.

Any info or links would be appreciated.

flightnurse

You could be right, but the 1 Series hasn't been released in Canada yet, according to BMW of Canada's web site.

andys120

Would you know of any site or blog (preferably without a subscription fee) where the actual tech specs of the suspension changes are discussed

You can probably find something in here.

circlew

Adding the sport seats....PRICELESS!

Regards,
OW

dukenj

I surveyed over 650 consumers that had signed up for BMW 1 Series information on my blogs over the past 12 month to ask them a few questions prior to the launch of the BMW 1 Series this month. The results have been compiled in a 29 page report, and here are some of the highlights:

1. Over 40% of the consumers who were once interested in the 128i or 135i are now off the market and considering other vehicles.

2. Since BMW priced the 1 Series so close to the 3 Series, it has forced consumers to hold off pre-orders until they can see and drive the car. Many may end up buying a 3-Series model instead of a 1-Series car.

3. The pricing strategy has angered many initial BMW 1-Series customers and consumers which consider the car overpriced. Pricing has driven many away from buying.

4. The 3-Series may actually be a “down sell” for BMW dealers as consumers find better value and lower lease payments on a comparable 3-Series car. BMW 3 Series sales may actually get a bump from the 1 Series launch.

5. The clear consumer favorite is the BMW 135i which may make it harder for dealers to sell the 128i models with internal competition from the 3 Series models and outside competing models. Consumer indications show the 135i Coupe to be a 3:1 favorite over the 128i Coupe.

6. Competition from Audi A3 and A4 as well as the Infiniti G37 will give price sensitive shoppers a compelling purchasing alternative to what is perceived as an overpriced 1 Series initial pricing model. Audi was the #1 consumer choice after the BMW 1 Series.

The full report is free on my website: Pasch Consulting Group 1 Series Survey

flightnurse

Very interesting results. When I first heard that BMW was going to bring over the 1 series, I was happy to hear this, and I was hoping that BMW was going to price the 1 series lower then it did. I was looking for low 20's to mid 20's, not high 20's. I really think BMW blew it on this.

I was one of the people who wanted to buy one, but went off and bought something else...

blueguydotcom

The 128i convertible starts at 34k. That's 10k less than the 328i convertible. BMW doesn't not have a low-priced 4 seat convertible on the market any longer so this car fills a major niche - especially with its only competition coming from the Eos and equally expensive Cooper convertible. the 128 will become THE car for the exact market that made the e46 325 cic a success.

As for the 128/135, we'll see. I expect discounting will eventually occur. BMW may have priced them too high but there's so little in that market place that can compare. The A3 - we own one - isn't comparable in any way to a BMW and certainly nothing like a rwd coupe. Not at all. And the A4 - the next gen launches soon - is markedly bigger than the current generation so it is moving up in size.

The G37 coupe starts at 35k, a good 6k more than the 128 and about the same as the 135. It may be competition in some circles but lacking a convertible model it'll be overlooked by what I bet will constitute 50% of the 1 series sales. Faced with a 128 convertible at 34k or a G37 at 35k it's not tough to imagine the 1 swaying buyers.

kyfdx

Here is what soured a lot of buyers for the 1-series (IMHO..lol)

1) Only coupe and vert configuration..

2) Cost..(not MSRP) Now that BMW has decided to only sell 10K here the first year, dealers have no incentive to cut price, and BMWFS has no incentive to offer reasonable lease deals.. It is a boutique car, not meant as an entry-level BMW, which is what most of us were hoping for..

The convertibles will still do well, as 3-series verts aren't discounted much anyway, and they represent a real savings. The 135i will do well, because it is reasonably expected to be a better performer than the 335i (you'd think so.. remains to be seen).

The 128i coupe? A few enthusiasts might want a stripped one with a stick, but that is likely to be a very, very small number... Even though this is the cheapest of the models, I'll guess it won't sell much..

regards,
kyfdx
(often wrong, but never unsure)

andys120

I found that a 135i convertible was around $10,000 less than a comparable 335i convertible. I don't know about anyone else but to me that's a meaningful discount.

:shades:

dukenj

Indeed, there will not be any dealer incentives or great lease programs on release. BMW normally comes out with lease incentives a few months after release once a backlog of cars starts to form at the dealers.

With dealer allocation being VERY small from what I have seen, discounting is not going to happen immediately and some dealers may even add a buyers premium to hot models like the 135i convertible.

andys120

I'm not sure the 135i Cab will be hot for very long. If you go by 1addicts.com the hot Oner will be an Alpine White 135i coupe.

I have no idea why such a pedestrian color is so popular on a sporty car.

blueguydotcom

The 325cic with 186 HP sold by the thousands. The e90 328 vert has the same engine as the 128 vert. What makes the 328 worth 10k more? A folding hardtop? Maybe in areas with bad weather but in sunbelt states a vert with a normal roof has sold just fine for BMW. So essentially, the 128 convertible will be lighter and 10k cheaper than the 328 convertible but with the same power. No real advantage to the 3 convertible, certainly not one warranting a 33% price bump.

Telling you women are gonna scoop up the 128 verts (and coupe) as if it were made of gelato.

And if you look at the sporty coupe world - Mitsu Eclipse, A4 cab, TT, Eos we already know some people are willing to pay pretty sick amounts for really blandly driving coupes. The 1 won't even be high-priced compared to the A4 or TT and just a little higher than the Eclipse and Eos.

blueguydotcom

The 128 convertible is a good deal. A raging deal compared to the 328 convertible. There's a 10k gap in price, yet interior space isn't that off and they use the same engines. :dunno: I don't think this guy polled the likely buyers of:

Mini Cooper (S, Convertibles) (~20k+ in sales a year)
Eclipse
A4 (cab) (~4k a year in sales)
TT (coupe and cab) (~4k in sales a year)
Eos (2.0/V6) (9-10k in sales a year)
G6 (V6 coupe/cab)
328 (coupe/cab)
G37 (18k in sales a year)
Accord Coupe V6
Altima Coupe V6
S2000 (2-3k sales a year)
350Z Coupe/Cab - (10-12k sales a year)
MB SLK (4-5k sales a year)

I'm probably missing other coupe/cabs but all of those cars start higher than the low 20s and run well into the 30s and some even hit the 40s and 50s.

Are we to believe the 128 won't be attractive to someone shopping an Accord Coupe V6 or a TT? Will the 128 cab not be of interest to the person willing to buy a 38k MSRP Eos 3.2 or even the 35k Eos 2.0T Luxury? The cheapest A4 cab starts at 40k! And it's not even close to the performance of a 128 convertible. The cheapest TT convertible starts at 36k....doesn't the 128 convertible undercut that by thousands? Egad, the TT coupe starts at 35k...are we not going to see buyers cross-shopping the 128 and 135 against the TT? Audi's sold that car in the states for nearly a decade. The SLK280 starts at 44k! MB's been selling the SLK for over a decade.

The 128's 29k starting price puts it in reach of most of those buyers. For some it would be a stretch and for other buyers it could be cheaper.

ateixeira

Interesting that they seem to want the big engine yet they complain the price is high.

Hopefully demand is low and I can get a 128i convertible dirt cheap in a year or so.

Euro delivery for $30k would be nice.

criticfilm

Okay, this is part 1...let me start of by saying I am an ex-BMW owner, 325i, loved the car. Now I drive a 2008 Lexus IS250 AWD, but I am intrigued by the BMW 135, my dealer got a 128 in stock, so I went to look at the car. It is nicer looking in person, but doesn't have the sharp edges and the more muscular stance like the 3 series, the 3 series coupe was longer, wider, and less height, which does translate to better road handling. Also the rear seats wear cramped and what is with that middle rear seat rest...horrible. The car is still very BMW in person, but for a new car, you would think they would have been a little bolder and eye turning in design. Standing right next to a 335 and an M3, this car looked like the runt of the litter.

Now let's not even go over price, because they did price it way too high, plus all the basics of luxury are expensive optionals which would push your car into a different price range, you would get a better deal buying a G35, A4, or a 2007 BMW 328, or even a Lexus IS250. Plus I hate when dealers say to me, the car is too hot, selling too quick, we don't have enough, which means no deals! If you want the basics like automatic - extra, remote access - extra, leather seats - extra, power seats - extra, heated seats - extras...I got all those options on my Lexus for free with the price of the car and I got a great deal on my Lexus, low 30ks for a brand new 2008 Starfire Pearl IS250 AWD!

Now, I want to say I am still interested in the BMW 135, the car is still a better deal than the 3-series in price, if the 335 had been cheaper, I would have bought that over the Lexus, that car handles like a dream and the twin turbo is awesome! I just got a call from my dealer, so I will test drive the 135 and the car better perform since there is no way on paper this car is worth the deal based on features, options, or looks.

I am not a convertible guy, so this is only in reference to the coupe. The car will only win my heart if it truly is the ultimate driving machine. I probably won't dump my Lexus, but if I love this BMW, I will probably pick up a 2008 in 2009 when the new models come out and either trade or sell...only if the car lives up to my standards.

Quick note: G35 was a close second, but a little too big and rough for me, plus too many on the road. The new 2009 A4 is intriguing but won't come out until Fall, almost bought a 2008 A4 but the dealer was too far from my house. I choose the Lexus based on resell, reliability, looks, and overall quality!

See you guys soon and keep driving hard. John Dae

nyccarguy

Tomorrow's Easter Sunday and time for our family traditional trip to the New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javitz Convention Center. The show opens at 10AM and we'll be there when the doors open. BMW will no doubt be the first exhibit we visit. I'm SO EXCITED to check out the 1 series.

fedlawman

I got an in-person look at the 135i today. It also happened to be in my personal favorite color combination - Saphire Black Metallic/Coral Red Leather. It had a slushbox so I didn't bother even asking for a test drive. I did sit in it, pop the hood, crawl around it, and look it over closely.

First of all, it looks very handsome overall. From straight back, it looks fantastic. Rear 3/4's also look good. As you work your way forward, it gets less appealing. The front bumper/airdam do look good, but I don't like the headlights (the outside pointy part) or the front 3/4 side views as much (the character line and concave door slabs look contrived).

Cooling - Big radiator behind the front grill, with the oil cooler down low and across the entire width of the "mouth." Also saw the aux oil cooler inside the front passenger side wheel well. Air ducts in the front bumper direct air directly onto the front brakes - very good! The bumper also has an opening on the passenger side to direct air to the aux oil cooler. The corresponding "opening" on the driver side is closed with black plastic (not an insert - it's part of the bumper).

Engine compartment - No dipstick. Boy is it crowded in there - there's no way a shadetree mechanic is going to be working on this car.

Undercarriage - A plastic cover under the engine went back as far as I could see from the front of the car. No worries, you can't service the engine, transmission, or differential yourself anyways...

Cockpit - Wonderful! Quality look and feel, and everything fit together properly - especially compared to the crappy, shiny plastic they put in the Z4. This one had the Sport Package, and the small, thick-rimmed, perforated leather steering wheel alone is worth the cost - it's easily the nicest steering wheel I've ever put my hands on. Holding it at 9 and 3 alone made me imagine driving the car down a twisty canyon and put a smile on my face - it's that good. The seats felt great too (for the 5 minutes I sat in it). This is a car that fits just right, and only takes 10 seconds to adjust everything to it's proper place.

Exterior (again) - Even with the "sport package" (135i), the car sits kind of high over the wheels. the wheels and tires, while generously sized, just don't fill the wells like they should. The 135i also has a big difference between front and rear (215F / 245R) . It is not obvious to look at, but certainly will be a cause of understeer (done on purpose, no doubt).

Overall, I really think it may be the best car BMW has built in many years. Wide appeal with lots of options (luxury, performance, colors/trim, etc.) to satisfy every buyer, and an attractive entry-level price point.

My only reservations (still) involve the lack of user access/serviceability and the complexity of the electronics/systems. When something on this car fails (and with a car this complex, it's only a matter of time), only the dealer will be able to fix it. I'm afraid this means the 1-series is an ideal mistress, but a bad candidate for marriage.

Too bad. As much as I love the idea of owning a car like this (OK, it's lust), I think the negatives are a deal breaker for me. Oh well, I suppose it's fates way of saying that I really need a Porsche 911.

roadburner

Oh well, I suppose it's fates way of saying that I really need a Porsche 911.

In my case, I believe fate is telling me to bite the bullet and stuff a Metric Mechanic stroker motor into the Club Sport. It will be a LOT less expensive, and at the very least it should make for a good Roundel article...

nyccarguy

So everything went VERY smooth this morning. We all (my wife, my son, & I) got up, had breakfast, showered (my son got a bath), and were out the door by 8:50 AM. We piled into my Prelude (just had it washed on Friday), our default family/weekend car since my wife has got A LOT of miles on her '07 X3 and headed downtown. There were barely any cars on the road. 30 minutes after we left our apartment, we found street parking (they get you for a SPECIAL EVENT rate at the overcrowded lots near the Javitz Center for $40-$50 + you have to tip the guy so he won't bury you). My Dad found street parking too (it was closer than us :mad: )

OK, so we got there about 15 minutes before the show opened up. Changed my son's diaper (he turned 18 months old today). Met up with my parents and my cousin and we were ready to roll.

We were hearded through the gates and made a b-line for the BMW exhibit. I rushed over to the 135i (there was also a 128iA Convertible). I've always thought the 135i was a handsome car, then I started seeing photos posted on bimmerfest which I really liked, and then I really flipped when I saw the car in person. The press photos do not do this car justice.

The 135i was the Sedona Red Metallic/Black Leather interior with the Sport Package & (proper) 6-speed manual transmission. Fedlawman probably gave a more detailed description than I will because the display got crowded really fast and I only sat in the car for maybe 30 seconds.

I think the car looks great from all angles. It is very well proportioned. The back is really nicely done. The small lip spoiler & blackened exhaust tips are really nice details. I think the wheels fill out the wells nicely (they looked big next to the Non-Sport 128iC). The front of the car definitely shows a little attitude.

The cockpit inside is perfect. It was snug, but not tight. I'd have no problems blasting to and from work 6 days a week!

I'm really glad I haven't driven this thing yet because as they say "Houston, we have a problem." I haven't wanted a car so much since I sat in a 911 C2S last year or first saw an Estoril Blue E36 M3 Coupe way back when.

Other BMW notes: The E92 M3 sedan is just a sick car.

johnnytt

Hello all. My first post on this.

So.. I drove the 128 and 135 convertibles on Saturday. I get to my dealer, talk to the sales guy... and he gives me the keys and says, "I'm finishing up with a customer, it's the champagne one right outside. Take it for a ride." Um... ok. So I hop in this thing, with the sports package. I love the seats...and it's roomy enough for me, 5'10", I take in on the street... and I love the feel of the suspension. Car felt really solid with just the right amount of give for comfort. The 128i engine is a good, but not great in automatic mode. When you engage the shifters, and have more control, the engine shows it's stuff. If I were to get the 128i, it would have to be a manual. I took this thing through windy back roads, and opened it up on the parkway(nj). Smooth and quick. Better than my A4.

As for styling, I really liked the outside, zero complaints on my end. Same goes for the inside. I felt like I was in control of everything, and it was all well within reach.

....

Now for the 300 hp engine. To sum it up.... I was doing 80 while still on the entry lane!!!....getting on the parkway. The thing just pulls you around....and I absolutely loved it. I let it fall to 50...put it in 3rd.... then blasted by everybody in the right lanes as the car just kept accelerating without a hint of strain.

My lease is up in April, but I can extend it month by month. My only problem is which convertible do I get. I can get all the comforts on the inside with my metallic gray with red leather seats and manual on the 128i for about $41,500. Or not get as many comforts and spend about $46,000 on the 135i.

I'm maxing out what I want to spend in buying this thing... so I'm trying to figure out which way to go. It might come down to how much I can get this guy to drop the price.

Wish me luck.

ateixeira

Let's see who is the first to buy one. :shades:

roadburner

Let's see who is the first to buy one.

The lack of a dipstick and LSD aside, the 135i is just too expensive. To get one equipped the way I want it I'm looking at $40K. As the 1 Series isn't all that much lighter than an E90 or E92, I'd probably just pick up a CPO 2007 335i coupe for similar money. A Competition Package E46 M3 would also be in the same price range. Or perhaps a twofer- a CPO 330i ZHP for "practical" family transport AND an E36 M Coupe for track days and back road assaults. Don't get me wrong, the 1er is by all reports a terrific car, but it just doesn't give me that "gotta have it" feeling- and yes, I have seen one in person.

blueguydotcom

The 135 is not really expensive against its main competition:

335 - 40k starting
TT 3.2V6 - 40k starting
SLK - 44k
Cayman - 49k
STI - 35k
Evo - 32k

An e46 M3 would be about 3-4 years old and out of warranty. A 330i ZHP is a great deal of fun but in comparison it's not nearly as fast.

What else has RWD, seats 4 and 300 hp, but weighs around 3400-3500 lbs?

roadburner

The 135 is not really expensive against its main competition:

335 - 40k starting
TT 3.2V6 - 40k starting
SLK - 44k
Cayman - 49k
STI - 35k
Evo - 32k

Of those only the 335i, the Cayman, and the EVO would interest me.

An e46 M3 would be about 3-4 years old and out of warranty.

There are more than a few CPO '04s and '05s around. And lack of a warranty has never been a deal breaker for me; that's why I have a full set of tools, a heated garage, and Mark Jon Calabrese on my speed dial...

A 330i ZHP is a great deal of fun but in comparison it's not nearly as fast.

I know; that's why I'd have to buy a M Coupe to keep it company.

What else has RWD, seats 4 and 300 hp, but weighs around 3400-3500 lbs?

Well, there's the E28 M5 with a track pipe and a Conforti Chip, an E36 M3 with the Conforti Euro MAF kit, a 993...

I'm not saying the 1er is a bad car, it just doesn't do it for me- particularly at that price point. If I decide to drop over $40K on a new BMW, I'm just going to suck it up and buy a M3 sedan.

blueguydotcom

Used cars is sort of an apples to oranges comparo, don't you think? Regardless, those are all fine cars.

roadburner

Used cars is sort of an apples to oranges comparo, don't you think?

For the majority of enthusiasts, yes. But there are more than a few who-like me-consider new or used to be just another option in the decision making process. Prior to my last purchase I considered six or seven used cars and a similar number of new cars. Of course, I'm one of those guys who still likes to wrench on his own car. I do realize that a lot of people don't have the time, facilities, or inclination to go the DIY route, and for those enthusiasts a new or CPO car is almost always the wisest choice.

nyccarguy

I wish you the best of luck with your new 1 series convertible. I don't know how much you'll be able to get "this guy to drop the price." Even with the stock market's whoas as of late, it is March and prime convertible buying season here in the Northeast. Everyone gets Spring Fever and wants to have their drop top in hand when the weather gets warm. Second, the 1 series (coupes & convertibles) were just released last week.

nyccarguy

As I've stated many times before, I'm planning on keeping my '01 Prelude as my daily driver for at least another 5 years. If those 5 yeasrs were up as of today, I'd head straight down to a BMW dealer (Got to find a new CA as the guy who sold us Dad's '07 X5, Mom's '08 328xi, & Wifey's X3 is no longer employed at the dealership) and order a 135i Coupe to my Specs.

If something in the more immediate future would happen to my beloved Prelude, I'd look at a 128i and try and find the perfect used '05 330i ZHP (Still under warranty, 6 speed stick, Black Interior, & Low $20K) or E46 M3 Coupe (6 Speed Stick, Sunroof, Black Interior, & any exterior color except for that Phoenix Yellow). I just feel like some of the asking prices on the CPO cars (and private party sales) are way too high.

Those E28 M5s are serious cars. There are 2 '88s advertised in ROUNDEL with over 200K miles for around $5,000.

EDIT: I did a CPO search for a 100 mile radius (I live in the NYC suburbs) for a 3 series sedan with manual transmission. Of the 50 cars it came up with, 1 was an '05 with ZHP. It has 28K miles (ZHP, Metallic Paint, & Xenon) and they're asking 29,900 for it. What do you do, walk in there and offer them 23K for the car?

johnnytt

Thanks for the luck!

I went again last night to drive them again with my girl. Well, she loved the way it drove, and is a sucker for convertibles.... so my hopes of her giving me a reason to not get it were completely shattered. She said "Get it!"

I just got a loan approval for 4.99% for 72 months ( I plan on paying off early,2-3yrs, just want lower payments ). So now I'm going to see if BMW will beat it.

I'm still stuck on which to get. They don't have a manual on the lot for me to drive, and I don't like the 128i with an automatic.... but I can feel that the engine is pretty quick.

At least I got 2 parts of the process complete!!

JingleJill

Whoa mama... That is rather pricey... It's probably worth a little more than $23k but definitely not $30k...

I bought a 2005 330ci w/ZHP, 6-spd, cold weather package, xenon, alcantara, HK, etc... with 5k miles for under $30k two years ago.

I then bought a 2004 330i (same specs as the 2005 just with 4 doors and 45k miles) a year ago for $24k

I like the 1 series, but agree with a lot of people that they are too pricey. I assume the dealers are only taking MSRP?

Stacy

roadburner

I assume the dealers are only taking MSRP?

That's what I've heard.

nyccarguy

Not to mention I'm very hesitant to buy a used car in the first place. Unlike my friends roadburner and fedlawman, I haven't got the time (although I would love to learn one of these days) to work on cars.

I feel like a CPO car might be an "off lease creampuff" that still only had its oil changed every 15K miles as per BMWs free maintenance.

I also feel like certain dealers do the bare minimum to CPO a car other than make it look nice this way they maximize profit. Let's say a week later (or a month or any given length of time) your window regulators fail or your front control arms need replacing. Great, you've got your CPO warranty that only costs you $50 (deductible), but the dealer gets paid for the parts and labor from BMW instead of it coming from its own pocket during the CPO process.

Another thing I've heard is the "cost" of making a BMW a CPO BMW. BMW is VERY strict with scratches when it comes to lease returns. BMWFS charges the customer for scratched wheels, scratches...

blueguydotcom

Another thing I've heard is the "cost" of making a BMW a CPO BMW. BMW is VERY strict with scratches when it comes to lease returns. BMWFS charges the customer for scratched wheels, scratches...

Not true at all. They're very lenient in my experience.

As for the 15k oil change, that's been around since 98 and it's not turned into a big deal for e46s. Every non-M owner I know with an e46/9x follows the computer for oil changes.

nyccarguy

In my experience, they've been not very lenient. When my Dad's '04 X5 (with close to 80,000 miles) was inspected, the guy (from an independent company) wrote up a small ding on the driver's door that he had to put an arrow magnet to see in the pictures. He only noticed it in direct sunlight. BMW wanted to charge us $600 to repaint the door.

The right rear door had a few slight scratches in the clearcoat near the bottom of the window from our dogs (Great Danes) trying to jump into his truck Dukes of Hazzard Style. BMW wanted to charge $400 to refinish the door.

The rear bumper was scraped at the corners from parking on the street in the city. We admitted to the damage, but it is usual wear & tear for the NYC area. $400 to repaint the bumper.

We argued the first 2 items and BMW didn't charge us, but we did have another car on order. Who knows what they would have done if we weren't getting another BMW.

nyccarguy

I understand that the E46 was a very reliable platform. The long gap between oil changes scares me. My Dad's (former) '04 X5 that I mentioned above went over 18,000 miles before its first oil change.

blueguydotcom

I took mine to the dealer; maybe this isn't allowed in every state? I also brought my car in 1 month before the return date to get a prelim and then returned it on the due date. The guy glanced over the car on the first visit and gave it a thumbs up. The wheels were gouged, I had pretty worn tires on it and the bumper had been redone twice (a hit-and-driver and a girlfriend had both damaged it). The rear bumper was obvious to my eyes, even though it had been repaired.

roadburner

The long gap between oil changes scares me. My Dad's (former) '04 X5 that I mentioned above went over 18,000 miles before its first oil change.

Based on used oil analysis, my wife's X3 2.5 thoroughly trashes its oil in less than 9,000 miles- and that's using Mobil 1 0W-40 which has BMW LL-01 approval. Over on BITOG there are some reports that the twin turbo DI N54 wrecks it's oil in 4,000 miles or less. I change the oil on both of my BMWs at 7,500 mile intervals. It's a simple 20 minute job that costs less than $50.

macdad

fwiw,

I turned an 06 525 in December with two identical and very noticeable door dings and the guy doing the turn in said "no problem". He didnt hesitate. Prior to my turn in I received a turn in kit with a plastic circle included. The circle had different diameter rings to use for dents and an outer ring for tread depth. Anything within the smallest ring (about 2 - 21/2" diameter) was not a problem. The turn in guy used the same ring for my end of lease inspection. For many dings and dents where the paint is not creased, the inspection guy said they have someone who has an instrument that heats up and "massages" the dent from the inside to remove it.

macdad

sunilb

given that these cars are already at dealers, I'm surprised that this board has been so quiet.

priggly

I priced out a 1 series coupe with the options I would like and it came to over $44,000!. This seems a lot for this diminutive car but then the U.S. dollar is imploding in value and so the car may not be so overpriced after all considering the increasing worthlessness of the currency.

blueguydotcom

You have to add a lot of options to a 1 to break 40k.

priggly

I wanted a number of options on the car, including navigation. It does not take all that much to run the price up since with BMW most things seem to be optional.

andys120

I priced a reasonably well equipped 128i Convertible under $40K>
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/BYO/Byohome.aspx?NAModelCode=0823

blueguydotcom

I guess it's all perception. Everything I could want is pretty much standard and many things I don't want are standard too. With the exception of the sport package there's not much else I would want on another BMW.

blueguydotcom

Well we looked at the 1 today. I did not drive it as they did not have a manual - no point as I'll just detest it with an automatic. My sister loved the way it drove but felt frustrated she could not find one with a manual. She and my wife both thought it was a very attractive car - much more so than the 3 series coupe which they both found to be far too large.

My sister's on the fence as to going with the 128 vert or coupe - great fun, great package, attractive price but still she's worried it's a little too much of a grin-inducing car and not enough banal family car. She's also holding out to drive a manual before making a final decision. She took a shine to the Navi system (seems to be just as awful as the 3 series navi/interface in my eyes and a major waste of $2000 but it's not my money). She feels Navi plus sport package and PDC will work for her. Naturally sales people caution it must be built... is this normally a shocking thing to buyers? So you wait a few months to get your car. No big deal.

My view from the passenger seat - it feels like an e90. It's quiet. Little engine noise. interior space is a bit snugger than my departed e90 - a pleasing feeling that the Buicky e90 never bestowed. Back seat space fit my wife and sister easily (they're but sub 5-4 and petite). According to my sister it reminded her of my e90 in terms of the driving feel (but then again she liked the e90's feedback while I found the car muted).

I'll drive one eventually with a manual and give a full report. Still for 30-31k it seems like a nice little car. Can't think of anything else that cheap that I'd consider.

qbrozen

I stopped at the dealer yesterday. Salesman was very nice, even after I explained I'm at least 6 months away from buying and just wanted to sit in it to see if I fit. He offered a test drive even after my explanation. In the end, however, the 128 they had was blocked in and I didn't want to trouble them to move all the cars. He said come back anytime during the week and he'd be happy to let me drive it.

Anyway, the 128 they had was with premium and auto. I want to test an auto, anyway, to see how it is. SO, sitting in it ... I thought it was a great fit. I'm really surprised at how comfy it was for my 6'5" frame. As a matter of fact, I was just at a Chrysler dealer (shopping for the wife) a couple of hours before and found I did NOT fit in a 300 SRT8! My head rubbed the ceiling. Not the case in the 1-series! I mean, if that ain't a kick in the head, I don't know what is. BMW just knows how to compensate for tall people, it seems, even in the smallest of cars (I fit in a MINI, too).

The cockpit was pretty typical bimmer. It just felt "right." Color was redrock metallic (i think that's the name) with black guts. I really liked the color in person. Kind of an orange tint to it. But for $475, I think I'd stick with a base color.

Too bad the lease numbers aren't there yet. Crazy high 24-month residual, but a .00275 MF is a tough nut to swallow. I ran the numbers last night and it seems a comparable 328i sedan could be had for $30/mo more. Although, I think I'd still go for the 1-er even at such slim savings. I find it more attractive, and the more compact/balanced package is more appealing to me. I'm looking forward to a test drive.

hpowders

Another myth. ("BMWFS charges...")

I brought back a leased 2002 325i with a couple of scratches and dings in 2005. They took it back cheerfully with no problems and my spanking new silver 545i was already waiting for me. Unfortunately the 3 years with the BMW V-8 are almost up.

What next?

To 1 Series or not to 1 Series....that is the question.