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I am 6'2"- mostly legs. I practically got laughed off the Luxury Lounge thread by the active anti-BMW faction there when I posted that I test drove the 2008 328i sedan and the 2008 EX-L Accord sedan and discovered to my surprise that even though the Accord was supposed to offer more driver's seat leg room, I found the 328i MUCH roomier for my legs with quite a bit more seat travel in the 328i.
BMW always knows how to accommodate folks like us.
I have also tried Acura, Infiniti and Lexus vehicles. Only the BMW's fit me like a glove.
This week I have to go try a 128i coupe. My 545i lease is up in July.
The power seats in the car I sat in were working, so I moved the seat all the way back. Found, to my surprise, that I had to bring it forward in order to reach the pedals.
Nice!
http://www.turnfast.com/tech_driving/driving_seating.shtml
The last time I drove a stick shift regularly was in a Ford Focus, and I didn't need the seat all the way back for that in order to have my left leg at a comfortable angle when the clutch was fully depressed.
My point was that there is more room in the front seat of the 1-series than I would have thought, given the overall size of the car.
I did the same tests with the A4 convertible and the EOS yesterday. The iPod interface is laughable on both of those, actually maddening. Sure, they'll play your iPod, but you really can't control what it plays, because it doesn't show you track titles or playlists. With 6000+ songs on my iPod, I'd have been royally pissed had I bought either of those and paid for the iPod connector without trying it.
As for storage, the A4 could handle the suitcase with the top down. I could get the suitcase in the EOS with the top up, and it fits with the top down, but I couldn't get it in or out that way.
And those practical matters aside, the 128 just has me grinning like a fool when I drive it. The others haven't done that.
Its a heavier E30.
What I mean is, the interior volume seems almost an exact match of my wife's E30, while the vehicle has gained weight, mostly due to increased crash protection measures since 1987.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Well, you are not alone. I currently drive an Accord EX-L. Although mine is an '06. Even the 1-series offers me a better seating position and more legroom. I have the Accord set almost to its extreme limits. The front of the seat is completey up, the back completely down, and the travel is roughly 1/4" from the furthest setting. When I sat in the 1-series, i had at least 1" further to go back in travel, while still having the front fully up and back fully down. And, on top of that, the steering wheel falls easier to hand in the 1 with the above setting. My arms are more stretched out in my Accord.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I agree, a friend of mine owns an E30 convertible and the 128i 'vert is nearly the same size, inside and out.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I've been trying to find an auto I like - so far the DSG that Audi offers seems to have the best shifting performance.
The exterior styling that may grow on me, but they're definitely not beautiful at first sight.
I'm driving a MINI Cooper S JCW GP now and was surprised at how compliant the ride in the 135i is with the low profile run flats.
The door handle comes out far enough to hit my knee if I don't keep my legs straight (seems more cramped than the MINI).
Maybe I'll revisit them in a few months with the 6 speed manual; I didn't find either to be compelling enough to make we want to buy now.
BTW, the 135i is absolutely fantastic! My Porsche is parked for a while!
TagMan
TM
Let's share this info with each other, and then let's start talking about the car!!
It's an awesome vehicle!
Mine is an '08 Jet Black 135i, 6-speed, fairly loaded.
TM
Coupe or convertible?
Coupe. I actually had both on order, but in the end I chose the coupe because I already own a convertible and the rear seat room (which is already on the tight side) is quite a bit better in the coupe. Plus it is quieter and just a wee bit faster. But, that said, the 1er makes for a gorgeous convertible, IMO.
TM
TM
How much did you pay for yours - purchase or lease?
I'd probably want to lease and will wait for a more favorable lease rate before doing that.
Lee
I agree with you that a lease might not be favorable at this time.
Your '04 M3 Cabrio sounds very nice!
TM
I'm thinking Montego Blue, Monaco Blue or Crimson Red for a 'Vert.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
I agree with your 'vert color choices. A 'vert usually needs to be a little sportier. I had ordered the "vert (that I didn't take) in Crimson Red, but at this point I also tend to think the Montego Blue would be awesome! Which interior and trim are you thinking to go with that?
TM
TM
Funny you should ask, I think I'd get Tan or Black with the Red but I might get the black/red combo. The bmwusa's configurator doesn't show any tan available but I know I've seen photos of it.
With either Blue I'm thinking of the black/red interior but I liked the Lemon/black combo I saw which (surprised me cuz it doesn't show in the online configurator.)
BMW's color names are very misleading, what they call Lemon is really a very light beige, more the color of a lemon ice (Slushee for you NEers) than an actual lemon.
What they call Tahitian Green is Blue/green or Teal and Cashmere Silver isn't silver, it's Champagne (very light tan metallic). :confuse:
What color is yours inside?
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
That's one nice thing about the Savannah Beige interior. It's a beautiful beige that is applied to the seat insert and door insert. That leaves the dash and center stack as one solid color black, which is what I prefer. It's not necessarily on the configurator, but is available from the dealer when ordering... at least it was when I placed my order. In hind sight, I might have ordered that Sanannah Beige interior, but at the time I ordered the car, it wasn't explained to me that it was just the seats and door inserts... there wasn't enough information available yet to know for sure. But, regardless, I'm very pleased with the outcome and have no regrets.
TM
Yet another misnomer is what they call "Taupe" Leather is what most people would call light grey. Where I came from Taupe is a mix of grey and brown.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
I agree the tan/black combo would be terrific with red. It might also work well with the Montego Blue.
TM
Gorgeous car. Best of luck with it! You've got a 911 also right? That's some house you've got there too. Funny you don't have a digital camera :confuse: The picture quality is great though.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
As far as the camera goes... yes, it's weird that I don't have a camera. So, here's the real scoop. I had bought one about a year and a half ago, primarily for my wife. She took her first trip to New York City with a friend and the camera was stolen. (True!) I have yet to buy her a new one, and she shares one now with my daughter, but I'm honestly not about to use a camera already shared by two women... I know better than to do that. I'll eventually get myself one later in the Spring and if she wants one, I'll get her another one as well. In the meantime, I've been using my iPhone... which has no zoom or brightness adjustment at all.
Ahh, yes... from one baseball fan to another... enjoy that game!! If you drink too many beers while you are there, maybe some of those toilets will be installed by the time you get back.
Anyway, have a happy birthday Brad! Sounds like you will, and hopefully your wish list will come true... at least for the top item.
TM
Been looking at the 1 for sometime now, expecially after seeing it in Europe.
Last week, finally saw it. and yeah havent had my heart skip a beat from a car in a while.
Anyway, just purchsed
08
128
Black Saphire
Boston Taupe Leather
Auto with Steptronic
Convert.
Premium Pkge.
Cold package.
cant wait for delivery!
oh yeah cost..
40,150
See ya on the road, Ill be the one grinning ear to ear. My bank account wont be smling tho, but gotta do what gotta do.
Later
Post pics after you get it.
TM
Yeah, cant wait, its in stock, saw the vehicle! Just gotta get rid of my wifes c-320 first.
Naturally the dealer here offered me dirt for my MB so gotta try to sell it privately.
Yeah, once i saw the 128i convert in person, had to have it! Will post some pics once I take delivery.
Did test drive yesterday. Everyone is saying the 128 has no "balls" but compared to my current 325xi, I thought the 128 had much better pick-up, even with automatic.
Im a grown up so it really doesnt matter to me if the car does 5 or 6 seconds from 0-60, you can still get a speeding ticket in either. Also, at $4 per gallon for gas, dont mind the extra gas mileage.
Later, good luck
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Wife says coupe is more practial while havent owned a convert since my 1972 MG midget and think would love to have the ragtop.
Have all but signed off on deal for the 128i convert. in black! Given the choice would u opt for the coupe or convert?
btw, live in N.East (ny), will only be using car for fun stuff. Also cant deny that the coupe for some reason looks hotter than the convert.
By the way we also have a 325xi. (for the more practial side)
thanks for the input.
bski.
Personally, I know that I MUST have one. Of course, the weather here where I live is spectacular much of the year. If I did not already have the Porsche Cabrio, I would not hesitate for a millisecond to get the 1-Series as a convertible. It's freakin' gorgeous!!
But, whatever you get, you will surely love it. This car gets in your skin! And the good news is that you can't make a mistake no matter which one you get!
TM
With my 318iC, I had more fun with the top down the year I lived in Maine than the year I lived in Florida.
The other thing I didn't know about convertibles until I was an owner was that when people break into them, they cut the roof rather than break windows. And even in 1992, a BMW roof cost $2,500 to replace.
The 1 series convertible is a gorgeous car.
Some convertibles are better with the wind and air then others. The Porsche is one of the best you can imagine... it can be freezing out, and when the heater is on, it's nice and toasty inside the cabin without too much air blowing in, due to the terrific airrflow. I've read that the 1er isn't too bad, but can get a bit windy, and that the windscreen will help out a lot. If there are rear passengers in the 1er 'vert, there is a special heater vent for rear passengers to help them out. I think that is a VERY cool feature.
The 1er really makes for one great-looking convertible. There's just something special about it! :shades:
TM
Bingo!
It's definately easier to warm up than to cool off.
TM
Caveat - make sure the top folds OK when it's extremely cold. See what BMW says about that.
I've found in my Miata (vinyl top) that it folds easily up to about 40 degrees F, any colder and it can potentially damage the top.
Cloth, not vinyl, though...
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Still, 24 degrees!? :surprise:
That's pushing it even for die-hard like me.
The Miata has a great heater, it will bake your feet actually, but I wish I had heated seats.
Goodness, is it really that bad out there?
TM
What good is a cool car if noone can see you?