I saw a Ti-Silver 1 series at my local dealer last night. It looks better in pictures. I can't believe the price for this car! It is a bit smallish and awkward looking. I guess the test drive changes all that. But I looked over my shoulder at it (usually it is to admire a car) but this time it was to confirm the ''eewww'. If I was in the market a 3 coupe would win out. I don't mean to upset the 1 buyers out there, but this seemed real obvious when I saw the car in the flesh.
No it isn't, but... No, it is not just you. Styling is not this cars strong suit, and many have commented on that. However it is in the eye of the beholder for sure. I think it is a cute car, no not elegant or sleek but cute in a Mini-Cooper, 2002tii kind of way and wasn't that the idea? And speaking of style has BMW ever been a company whose style stands out? No one liked the Bangle era cars when it did, even though they are now copied by every major builder and what about BMW's latest 3 series? That is good styling? Boring to tears at the very best and the convertible is down right homely. Adding all the area behind the door was required for that ridiculous clamshell top but the 3 series coupe has some serious basic perspective design flaws that any high school art student can see. But, again in the eye of the beholder. Has BMW ever built a truly beautiful car? Italian beautiful? Maybe the 3.0CS, but wasn't that in fact designed in Italy? What is more upsetting are some of this cars latest Domestic reviews are how some think it is not a good value. Based solely on performance per dollar its a steal. In one magazine they called it under-sized and over-priced? Huh? Let me get this straight. It is faster and lighter than the 3 series and a few thousand less. Isn't that what we all asked for? And in this same magazine I see the soon to be forgotten forever and inferior performing in all measures Pontiac G8 and Dodge Charger RTX S (something or other) in the same price range that they call good value. The same ol' domestic car magazine BS, yada yada yada. I know we all want Santa to bring us a sub $30K Sub 3000lb.1 series BMW M car with 400+ horsepower. Let's all get a grip and come back to reality. The math, economics, and physics no longer work like that in the car business this is 2008 and we should be glad BMW took the chance to build the 135i, who else has?
That's a fair analysis. You have some strong opinions about the 3 vert. ...and you seriously don't think the 3 coupe is one of the better designs of late? interesting.
Yes and no It's a bit smaller, a bit lighter and has nice engine options. But only a 2 door coop. I too found the cabin ergonomics a bit frustrating. And since looks are so subjective, I won't comment here... To each their own... FWIW, I just configured a nice 135.... Just shy of $41k Then I did a WRX STi Just shy of $37k I've driven both and they are both nice rides. And while i didn't really like the Challenger SRT-8, at least it can claim a Short Long A-Arm front suspension and a five link rear multi-link (why doesn't BMW just call it a trailing arm) suspension. It's surprisingly competent on the street and track. Just not my style. I wouldn't dismiss the competition, it's getting better and better all the time. Matt
Drove a 135 around Laguna Seca but it was a short ride and not enough time to really know the car. Matt
My fiancee and I test drove a couple of 1's before we bought her 3. I think the side profile of the 1 is very awkward - but looking at the front it looks almost menacing. I think the 1 almost looks amazing, but falls short. The interior is much the same story - almost, but not quite. After we test drove it, though - we almost didn't care anymore.
EuroWerkz1 hit it right on the head: I could have bought a 3-Series for less money than I paid for the 135 but I've always been partial to smaller cars (still have my Miata, 318ti and 2002). I also like the 2002's "we don't need no stinking aerodynamics" attitude and that has definitely carried over to the 1-Series. As for the competition, the WRX is an amazing track car but it's not something I would want as a daily driver and the interior just felt cheap to me. The new Challenger is a great looking car (I still lust after my brother's original '70 Challenger) but I would be curious to see how it's holding up 100,000 miles from now. My 2002, 318ti and E36 M3 all have over 100K and still run and look like new and I'm failry confident the 135 will be no exception. I hope I didn't come across as too defensive because I know it's not a car for everyone (which makes it even more appealing to me!?).
I sure don't think it's defensive - I think the 1 appeals to a certain group of people - just not to me. Yours is lovely though - I like that you put your 2002 next to your 1 - similar design cues. And, you know, on second thought - you are right - damn the aerodynamics is kind of fun.
I can't resist a reply to EuroWerkz1's question: "Has BMW ever built a truly beautiful car? Italian beautiful?" I really love my 850Ci ... some (non-car types) have asked if it was Italian. I also loved the original 6 series. I shopped the new 1 series, but went with the 3 coupe because of styling.
