BMW 1-Series

skobola · April 2008

When you read this "evaluation", almost anyone shall see it as very subjective. For example, aside of the statement about holding the value supposedly better, which BTW cannot be checked as 1-series is brand new, everything else is beyond subjective, as underlined by me: "The 335i coupe is more attractive, more enjoyable to drive, holds its value better and offers far more real road usability than the 135i." Nobody except the writer knows what he/she meant! In addition, none of these were substantiated, especially the last one, namely: "offers far more real road usability ".
I would agree that 3-series coupe looks better, but it is also much more expensive than its counterpart of 1-series (i.e., 328vs128 and 335vs135).

andys120 · April 2008

The three-er coupe is the more attractive of the two but I think the cloth top of the One-series convertible is an advantage in several ways:

-More trunk room w top down
-Less awkward-looking when up
-Lighter, better weight distribution
-Less complexity and potential for defect.

IMO those add up to a pretty good case for the Oner Cabrio over it's Three-er equivalent.

ivan_99 · April 2008

I saw my first 1-series on the road the other day. A 135 convert...and it looks much more impressive that the videos and photos I've seen.

I only saw the rear...didn't attempt to catch up

davidd3 · April 2008

I took a test drive in a 128i coupe last week. I liked it, a lot.

I'm currently in a 2006 330i sedan. My lease expires in 4 months and I'm now considering what's next. One of the things I like most about leasing is having something new and fresh every 3 years. Another 3-Series sedan, albeit it in a different color, would not do the trick for me. A 3-Series coupe is probably not an option due to higher cost, especially on a lease.

I haven't had a coupe for many years, but the 1-Series coupe captured my imagine. So I went to my local dealer to see it and drive it.

I had 4 preliminary concerns, only 1 of which proved to be valid.

1. I thought the driver's seat might be low to the ground for my liking, perhaps more like a sports car or the G37 than a sedan. It is not. Actually, the driving position felt about the same as my sedan.

2. I thought the driver's door might be heavy. It is not.

3. I thought the back seat might be too small for passengers to ride comfortably. It is. However, my need for a back seat is minimal.

4. I thought it might feel too small and claustrophobic for me. Nope. From sitting behind the wheel and driving it, I would not have known I was in a small car. It was almost as if I was in my 330i sedan. Driving position is similar. Interior is familiar. The front is spacious.

I would say that the car drove very similar to my 330i sedan. It has less horsepower, but weighs less. So acceleration if 128i is comparable to 330i. Same goes for handling.

I'd like to reduce my monthly payment and make a change, at the same time. The 128i coupe might be a way to go. But for now, it seems to be a bad leasing situation of no dealer discounting coupled with BMWFS's highest money factor. I'm hoping it will change for the better when the time comes for me to place an order. Otherwise, it's either pay through the nose or back to the drawing board.

flightnurse · April 2008

I know this is a BMW forum, but if you want a change, look at the G37 Coupe.

ivan_99 · April 2008

G37 Coupe

feels low on torque; ie have to rev all day to get performance out of it.

beat me to a pulp driving down uneven/broken pavement.

Still 40k to get sport with a couple options & interior doesn't look like 40K to me (I like the Jetta interior better).

...but handles real (real) nice...and kinda cool looking (IMO the prev-gen has better looks)

I have not driven the 1...so I can't compare to it (Drove an S5 the day before so maybe that is why my expectations were so unfulfilled)

davidd3 · April 2008

I sat in a G37 at the NY auto show. It was too low down for my liking. It was like sitting on the ground, actually. If I am going to change from a sedan to a coupe, I need a more gradual change, a coupe that sits higher up like a sedan.

leeshuck · April 2008

In the end it's your choice. You decide what you like and how much you want to spend. Choosing a 135 over the 335 does not make you an idiot, even if you don't use it as a tack day machine.

I've driven both and I'd have to circle back to choose one.

Lee

tagman · April 2008

Exactly. Well said.
Well over 90% of the reviews of the 1-Series are positive about the car.

In fact the 135i is one of the most applauded cars in history. When someone breaks far away from the consensus with the sole intention to write a hatchet job, it only proves that the author is an idiot.

TM

circlew · April 2008

I knew you would finish off this article!

Like I said, you need to drive it to understand the capabilities...some of these reviewers do not have a clue as to unbiased feedback.

Regards,
OW

andys120 · April 2008

In fact the 135i is one of the most applauded cars in history. When someone breaks far away from the consensus with the sole intention to write a hatchet job, it only proves that the author is an idiot

I've read a bunch of reviews, most have been positive but many have mentioned the similarity between the Oner and it's Three Series equivalent. They are close in almost every respect so it isn't surprising that several believe the Three-er is the better buy.
That's not idiocy, it's personal preference.

For me it's a split decision. I prefer the Three-er coupe because of it's sublime styling and the Oner Cab because I prefer the simpler, lighter cloth top.

I wonder if BMW wouldn't have been better served by bringing in the
hatchbacks to better distinguish them from their Three-er counterparts. I know BMW believes the market for hatches is pretty limited but so is the market for two-doors. There must be three or four BMW sedans sold here for every coupe or convertible.

One series 5-door>
<img src="http://www.privatefleet.com.au/images/upload/Image/new-cars/bmw_1-series.jpg

rascal99 · April 2008

"I know BMW believes the market for hatches is pretty limited but so is the market for two-doors."

Good point.

You know, I've done my share of crying and whining about the 1-hatch not coming here...but the Audi A3, especially the upcoming model, looks pretty damn sweet. It may not have quite the driving dynamics of the 1, but hey its got a dipstick and regular guy tires :P
I personally don't have much use anymore for a coupe. As someone said the 1-series is more of an expensive boutique car for people who can afford it for the weekend drives.

kyfdx · April 2008

That is a great picture..

If they brought that over, that would be my next car!!

roadburner · April 2008

All I wanted was a 130i M Sport...

tagman · April 2008

Exactly. Bingo. It's personal preference.

When reviewing a car, calling its buyers names is quite distasteful and off-track. What would any of those people have to do with the car itself? I have a college degree in advertising, and I can assure you that I was required to take a fair number of journalism courses as part of the required course load... Let me assure you and anyone who has read that review that the author represents some of the worst journalism in existence. Again, it's one thing to review a car and have a negative opinion of the car itself... that's perfectly fine... but it's quite another to review and insult the car's buyers themselves.

My personal opinion of the author? A total unskilled idiot.

Let me also add this...

BMW is brilliant to have brought over the delightful 1-Series alongside the fantastic 3-Series. As the various BMW models evolve over time, the significance of the 1-Series will become even more apparent. I guarantee, and would "bet the entire ranch", that downsizing will be a major trend in the auto industry for the US market. Those manufacturers that participate, including BMW, will reap the rewards. Those that don't understand this trend are the idiots and the losers.

TM

tagman · April 2008

As the 1-Series roots itself, I would not be surprised if the next rendition (due in approx. 2011) offers a hatch in the US market. Typically, the hatch has been a tricky proposition for certain cars. I expect its design to catch on again though, as cars become smaller over the upcoming years, and more efficient with their use of cargo capacity. The current hatch in the 1-Series (intended for Europe) really isn't all that space efficient. The next one might do a better job... perhaps good enough to bring to our shores.

TM

andys120 · April 2008

The current hatch in the 1-Series (intended for Europe) really isn't all that space efficient. The next one might do a better job..

The fact is a RWD car will always be less space efficient than a FWDer of the same size. I doubt there's any way to increase the Oner's space efficiency by much without making it bigger.

tagman · April 2008

...a RWD car will always be less space efficient than a FWDer of the same size.

Yes, and what's interesting is that the 1er's coupe variant has more room than the hatch. So... that suggests that the next hatch might be more space efficient... but, of course, not to the level that could be achieved with FWD, as you pointed out.

TM

ljflx · April 2008

Just wanted to say hello. I was reading thru this thread wondering what folks thought about the 1-series and saw you pop up unexpectedly. Are you in the market for this car? I actually like it believe it or not. My problem with BMW's - once I know I want sport - is the spartan interiors. It's what kept me away from the 3 and made me favor the G but I did love the 3-series when I drove it.

Things going very well. Business great, cars great and looking forward to a quiet summer after a very busy 6 months. Did another acquisition, even in the midst of this credit crunch, and found it easy to access debt but that's because the deal was so good financially. It's really a great time to be on the prowl if you can find the right deal.

Don't spend much time on Edmunds these days and haven't posted in ages but I don't forget my friends either.

Looking at SUV's for December. I'm lost and haven't done much research. I actually want to go smaller but my wife insists on 3 rows. That's leading me in the direction of the LX but I really don't want a gas guzzler. The LS has spoiled me as I'm averaging 22mpg and have had some pure highway ranges of over 600 miles on a tankful (about 29mpg) and I never expected that. Love the car and really love my G as well.

Don't want to interrupt the flow here but wanted to say hi and wish you the best of luck if you go with this car.

All my best

leeshuck · May 2008

I found this comparison interesting reading:

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=125908/pageNumber=1

My last car was a 2004 M3 Convertible with six speed manual and I loved it and still miss it. It's tempting to acquire one again, but I think I might choose something a little more refined like a 335i or 135i now for daily driving. The E46 M3 is a beautiful car in my opinion. Note that only the M3 has a limited slip differential.

Lee

tagman · May 2008

LJFLX!! What a nice surprise! Thank you.

I ordered a 135i Coupe on January 11, and took delivery on March 19. The car is fantastic. The only "problem" isn't with the car, but is with me... LOL. I keep wanting to open the top up, with all this great weather out here. So... I have been talking to my rep at the dealership about how to make a change from the Coupe to the Convertible. The dealer is so cooperative. He is going to give me a terrific swap deal... (I'll still lose some $, of course)... and I must go through the agonizing wait once again for the car to be built.

I am glad that things are good with you. (I guess I should say "I told you so" on the price of gasoline... HA! HA!)
It's good that your cars have worked out so well for you. That's always a nice feeling... a feeling I certainly hope to have in the near future.

Business for me is a little more challenging than usual due to the economic situation, but I'll manage through it, as I have in the past.

I got out of the market when it was messed up, and got back in during the surge, fortunately. I'm intentionally a little heavy now in those battered financials and home building stocks, as I expect a better than average return as they recover. Also, I bought Google the day before it's incredible surge... lucky me.

About the SUVs... My wife also insists on three rows, and I am waiting for some higher gas-mileage SUVs to show up. No way I'm going with the LX, at 12 mpg city. I just won't do that any more.

Recently, I quit the "other" Edmunds forum for a while. I do miss some of the interaction there, but I got so sick of some of the personal attacks, and totally stupid and ignorant redneck posts that showed absolutely no class whatsoever. I needed a breath of fresh air. Sometimes I read the posts there, and all it does is confirm why I left. I now post on an entirely different website most of the time. At some point in the future, I might post on the 'other" Edmunds forum again... we'll see.

I've occassionally run into Merc1 on another website as well. He's happy there, no doubt. Do you post anywhere that we can chat once in a while?

If you have any questions about the 1-Series, feel free to ask.

Anyway, very nice to hear from you. You made my day! Take care of yourself.

All my best, back at 'cha,

TM

ljflx · May 2008

Tag

We need to find a way to exchange e-mails. Let me know if you have any ideas. Also maybe we can meet up in the off topic thread though I haven't visited that yet.

I left the other forum for a similar reason as I was attacked personally for the car I drove. When that level of immaturity (heck call it insecurity) happens it's time to forget it and move on.

If you come across Merc say hello for me. He's a guy I always liked and respected. Let him know an SL is in my crosshairs in the next few years. When my son takes the G to college in 2010 I'll pick up an SL as long as business stays as good as I expect.

I'm sure BMW will please you with the 1-series. I'm still looking for one on the road. Let me know what direction you go in on the SUV front.

roadburner · May 2008

Recently, I quit the "other" Edmunds forum for a while. I do miss some of the interaction there, but I got so sick of some of the personal attacks, and totally stupid and ignorant redneck posts that showed absolutely no class whatsoever.

Unfortunately, things will remain that way until proof of opposable thumbs is required for registration...

tagman · May 2008

From what I recall, there is the capability to exchange "private messages" in our carspace page. I remember doing this some time ago with another member. It acts as sort of a link between our genuine email addresses, and alerts us when there is a private message. It retains our confidential status and privacy as well.

You can try it with just a test message, and if it works, I'll reply!

Send a message from your own carspace page (not from your personal email) to:

tagman @carspace.com

Let's see what happens.

TM

nyccarguy · May 2008

Well, the 1 series has been out since March and I've seen all kinds of pictures on the internet, as well as "built my own" hundreds of times on BMWUSA's website, and even got to check out the 1 series first hand at the NY Auto Show. But up until Saturday after work I haven't seen one on the road. I saw a Crimson Red 135i Coupe. It was gorgeous!

roadburner · May 2008

I've seen several on the road. The styling just doesn't work for me. Still a great drive, however.

bodble2 · May 2008

It's difficult to visualize, or describe, the 1 coupe as "gorgeous". Perky, fresh, neat, unique, funky...perhaps, but "gorgeous"? I would reserve that for the M3 coupe. Now, in cabriolet form, the 1's shape works much better.

circlew · May 2008

I test drove a 128i two weeks ago. Very, very nice. 135i is next on my list!

The driver controls are very well sorted and the only complaint relates to space for my knees when the seat is adjusted to make it comfortable for a 5"2" daughter to maintain circulation in the lower calves! My knees needed to rest against the side of the lower dash. Adjusted normally with no rear passenger was much better.

Needless to say the drive was impeccable. No SP but for daily drives, it is a very potent package for fun, economy and comfort as well.

Regards,
OW

nyccarguy · May 2008

Not that I'm in the market anyway, but I really dig the MINI Cooper S at the sub (way sub) $30K price point.

3er Coupes are much more popular around these parts. 9 out of 10 E92 3er coupes that I see are 328xi while the remaining 1 out of 10 are 335i Coupes (With Sport Package)

circlew · May 2008

I can tell you the Mini exhibit at the NYIAS was jammed with potential buyers! You could sense the desire by the enthusiasm!

Regards,
OW

roadburner · May 2008

My wife wants a Clubman but Louisville doesn't have a Mini dealer yet. The dealer group that holds the BMW franchise recently opened a Smart dealership, but no Mini store for the forseeable future...

kperess · May 2008

You simply MUST drive the 135 -- i did in both auto and the manual -- it is a BEAST

Couldn't wipe the smile off my face. Took it up a very long and steep hill and there was always more power when I wanted it. What a drive.

My problem is whether I want all that power for a daily driver -- and I live in the U.P. of Michigan -- not the best climate for all that power . May settle for the 128 in a manual -- it has almost the same HP as a '95 M3 a friend owns and is three generations newer -- also has more HP than an '05 3.0 Z4 I was looking at. Hmmm am I talking myself into this car?

Definitely take the time to drive the 135 -- simply amazing.

Ken

circlew · May 2008

Well, based on your enthused post, I will do just that. It is one of my top choices for next ride. Perhaps this weekend.

Regards,
OW

driveinalong · May 2008

Holy schmokes -

From a engine - driver interface perspective, 135i and 128i drive as if they are almost 2 entirely different vehicles.

If you've not driven both, it would be a strong consideration to do so before making any kind of a purchase decision.

If you prefer rowing throught the gears and working to stay in the power band - the 128i is great fun. If you're not so keen about manual transmission fun 'n games, a 135i with auto/sport may well be the best all around rear drive sports-car for the $$$.

All depends on your point of view.

circlew · May 2008

I'm the latter...good to know. 135i in close range....

Regards,
OW

kperess · May 2008

You are right -- they drive like two different cars. The 135 requires that you realize how much POWER is available -- it is probably really easy to get in trouble if you don't pay attention. Your recommendation that the auto would be a best all around sports car is right on -- however if you want to play....the manual is the only way to go

The torque range is amazing -- if you wanted to drive around town in 3rd gear all day, you could, provided that you didn't hit a stop light or stop sign.

The 128 was more mannerly, power-wise, but had plenty get up and go when you pushed it. I'd be wary of getting the auto in this car -- the fun factor with the manual was quite nice (I will admit that I didn't drive an auto in the 128) and I fear that the auto would not give you the push when you wanted it.

Just my 2 cents

Ken

circlew · May 2008

I drove the 128 and the auto was excellent. Rev match was right there but chassis is geared to mixed blend rather than pure sport according to my butt-o-meter. Power is adequate but not pure performance as TT has the torque to play in all rev bands.

I've got to drive it soon.

Regards,
OW

kperess · May 2008

Which TT did you drive? I've driven both the 2.0 and the 3.2 and both do have good acceleration BUT neither throws you back in the seat the way either 135 does. Both of the TTs remind me of my V6 Passat -- you give it gas and before you realize it, you're doing eighty.

Handling-wise the 3.2 TT I drove had the magnetic resonance and you really can tell the difference in ride when you switch between the two modes. The TT is a really good looking car -- however, neither the 2.0 nor the 3.2 gave me the feel that both of the 1 series cars did -- in the 1's I felt like I was truly driving them...not just riding in them.

Ken

blueguydotcom · May 2008

TT is pure performance? Huh?

circlew · May 2008

Not the Audi TT... the Twin Turbo 135i I was referring to.

Regards,OW

kperess · May 2008

Performance par excellence --- but I still think it can serve as a daily driver -- has good manners and the ride wasn't too bad -- the 135 I drove had the sport package and it seems that BMW is finally getting what they need from the tire manufacturers re: less road noise and softer tire ride.

I'm really impressed by the 135 -- just got to decide if: a) it's not too much power for me (I really don't need speeding tickets

and b) If I want to spend the additional 5K+ for it -- it does come with some stuff standard that the 128 does not but some of those things (upgraded interior trim) are not of interest to me.

Enjoy your test drive and do see if you can try both the auto and the manual.

Ken

rascal99 · May 2008

I just got back from 2 weeks in Germany. The 1-series hatch could be seen EVERYWHERE, especially in Munich. I saw exactly one 1-series coupe the entire two weeks. We did the BMW factory tour and visited the Zentrum where they display the new models. The 1-series tii was on display. Very nice. They wouldn't let us sit in the car though.
There was also a large number of Audi A3's on the road. Since this hatch is offered in the US I may be getting the new model in Sept.
I was definitely getting jealous of the plethora of small utility minded cars in EU. Just wish BMW would get with the program in the US.

flightnurse · May 2008

Yes, the amount of interesting cars and small SUVs in europe is mind boggeling. Like you I got whiplash from looking around at them all. BMW will never bring over the hatch 1 series, Audi's A3 isn't selling as well as Audi had hoped for, and now that the US dollar is dropping, they well lose even more money on the car.

blueguydotcom · May 2008

Actually, the A3 is hitting Audi's numbers. In socal they're everywhere now. It took some time but I see a few a day - beyond my wife's.

rascal99 · May 2008

I think as long as they keep the prices under reasonable control and the gas prices stay inflated they will sell. But, it is easy to see this car mid-30's if you get silly with options.
I was looking at an A3 a few weeks ago and was surprised how little they appeared willing to deal with me. They had few A3's on the lot, but a butt load of A4's. Hopefully inventory levels will increase for '09 and dealing will be better.

Yes, I agree about the 1-series hatch {sigh}

tagman · May 2008

Tag

We need to find a way to exchange e-mails. Let me know if you have any ideas. Also maybe we can meet up in the off topic thread though I haven't visited that yet.

LJ, I look forward to exchanging emails with you. You must, however, go to your carspace page, and to your email / message page. When you are on that email page, you must then select "email preferences" and add me to your "allowed correspondents". Add me as "tagman@carspace.com" ... Then we can exchange emails.
Hope you read this.

Take care,

TM

hpowders · June 2008

I must say that the new 1 Series Coupe is a bit disappointing in the "looks" department.

Any thoughts that the new 1 Series was an attempt by BMW to recall the good old days when they made vehicles for enthusiasts that were so much fun to drive like the wonderful old 2002 model, have been thrown out the window by this overweight, gizmo-laden, ghastly-looking coupe!

BMW made a serious error with this vehicle. Its two versions are too close in bulk and price to the two 3 Series Coupes. The interior is also much like the 3 Series vehicles.

Let's face it: BMW got the coupe right the first time with the beautiful 3 Series. There was absolutely no justification for creating the 135i version of the coupe when the 335i Coupe has been universally praised as one of the greatest vehicles the world has ever known, spoken of with M-like reverence, for a price of just a few thousand bucks more than the 135i.

It is sad to see a once proud company that always put driving pleasure first, lose its way-first with the bloated 7 Series, then the X5 and X3, next with the 1 Series Coupes and finally with the purposeless, who knows why it was created, X6.

Wouldn't a small sporty hatchback with good mpg and folding rear seats be more what we need from BMW at this time of inflated gasoline prices? (Even Porsche is planning to produce one.) Nope-instead we get this sorry excuse for a who knows what called the X6 that gets a gas-guzzling 16 mpg and may win the "most impractical vehicle ever made" award.

I have proudly driven BMW vehicles since 1993, but the chain will finally be broken this August. BMW is no longer my car company. I will defend them on Edmunds no longer.

I eagerly await Porsche's release of that sporty, useful little hatchback. It should be a hoot!

cdnpinhead · June 2008

"Wouldn't a small sporty hatchback with good mpg and folding rear seats be more what we need from BMW. . ."

Yes, yes it is. And while we're dreaming, maybe it'll come with a dipstick & real tires.

Either way, excellent post.

hpowders · June 2008

Thank you. I will patiently await Porsche's small sporty hatchback. It is exactly what I am looking for. I drove its cheap "cousin", the VW Rabbit and that was a lot of fun. I am getting palpitations thinking what a blast a small Porsche hatchback will be.

bodble2 · June 2008

Re: Dipstick. I look at it this way. Either the electronic "dipstick" they use is fiercely and deadly accurate, or they must be prepared to pick up the cost under warranty for any repair necessitated by improper oil level. So, as a consumer, that seems to make life a bit easier for me. :shades: Of course, the tougher question is what happens when a car is out of warranty..... :confuse:

BMW 1-Series

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles