How is BMW's new "one series" doing?

[norm]

Would you buy one? What level, 128 or the 135? Do I need all the bells and whistles or the basic model? New or pre-owned. I may be shopping.

Norm

[jmon0261]

Steve J had an old post from when he was looking- He went for the clubman over the 1 series for a # of reasons. Sure he will chime in.

Really do not see too many on the road.

Is the 318 ti tired ?

[saaron]

Hey Norm

I drove a friend's 128i automatic. It wasn't super-fast, but it was nice. I have a lot of friends that have newer/newish 3 series, and I liked the 1 a lot better. It is cool to drive in a smaller, new Bimmer. There is a sportiness and a coziness or something to the interior that I really liked. You know you're in a small car, and I like that feeling.

I can't imagine what that 135i is like. My Dad has a 335i coupe (his first BMW, actually), and it is ridiculously fast. There is zero turbo lag - you hit the gas and you're GONE instantly. Really crazy, really fun. That motor in the smaller 1 series must be a hoot.

Scott

[John_in_VA]

but I bet I see >50 3- and 5-series cars to every 1er. I think the price is too close to the basic 3er. and it's small enough that some just consider a true 2-seater and get a Z4.

[williamggruff]

I've driven a friend's 135i (M-series) with all the bells and whistles on several occasions. It's insanely quick and crazy fast, the handling (with the computer turned on) is astonishing, and the sound of the exhaust is wonderfully exhilarating. With the driving aids and traction control turned off, it has the expected short-wheel-base tendency to spin, both the tires and the car. I love everything about the car except the price. If I recall correctly, the price of the full-on M-series 135i is pretty close to the 335i.

[SteveJ]

Chime!

Yeah, my wife was waiting for the 1 series to arrive. We couldn't check out the car at the car show as they had it up on a pedestal with the velvet ropes. Had to wait a few months until they arrived at the dealer.

On the lot, we got to get in and open doors and such. Felt like a newer BMW, fit and finish. What killed the deal for us was that the headroom in the rear seat was no good even for someone of 5'10" height.

We went around the corner and looked at the Clubman. Talk about headroom. Took one for a test drive and she was sold. Had hers on order the next week.

Having lived with the MINI for a year and a half now, I can say it was a good purchase. Only a couple of minor issues. She loves her car, and even though it is an automatic, I don't mind driving it either. Much more responsive than her E46 ever was.

I've been able to wring out both the 1's and the Mini's when I teach the car control clinics. The 1's feel just like a new BMW. Plenty of power, plenty of handling. Sadly...it gets numb. All that performance is almost expected.

Wringing out a Mini in the same fashion just feels more alive. You are pushing that little four banger and making the small chassis dance, a lot of the time at the ragged edge. Feels similar to a well set up 2002.

Going from an '02 to a new car, I'd go to a Mini Clubman with no problems. Fold down the rear seats and swallow up the cargo, much like a 2002 trunk.

[dirk2602]

I took European delivery of my fully loaded 135i Coupe in May of '08 and had a chance to drive it over there on a road trip with the Z8 Club from Munich to Monaco including the Col de Turini. The car is absolutely phenomenal in all aspects; the power , the torque, the handling. It's amazingly fast and just keeps on going. When you floor the accelerator at 130 you're being pushed back in your (very comfortable) seat. The ride is a little harsh with the sports package and the run-flat tires but it fits the car perfectly. After 10,000 happy miles, Two thumbs up.

[Meintii]

I had the chance to drive a new 135i at an autox for several races, and all I can say is WOW. Having autox'd my tii, I can say it has the same "fun" feel as my 2002. Very smooth handling, will be as daring as you are in turns (even in a automatic w/ padle shift), and most of all, Fast as hell. I would buy one in a heart-beat in I had the cash.

I do like minis, and I LOVED my moms old 2001 mini (yes a black market car, had the old (orginal) body style) that had a stage three engine. It was a beast, but still no tii. Gotta like the short wheelbase though.

And, no offense to anyone that has a mini clubman, but they are just SOOO ugly, and I mean Pontiac Atzec ugly. Still a cool consept though, but they (the new mini's) are just starting to morph into normal sized cars instead of insanely small ones, as the name suggests.

Buy a 135i, if you dont like it, Ill take it off your hands.

-Zac

[M3M3]

i bet if bmw priced the 1 series 5k less, sales would have gone through the roof. price is just too close to the 3 series. most normal buyers see that and just get a 3 series. much better value.

mini is cute, but i will never again own a fwd car. one fwd was enough in my lifetime. big yuck.

[SteveJ]

And, no offense to anyone that has a mini clubman, but they are just SOOO ugly, and I mean Pontiac Atzec ugly.

-Zac

So, you agree with Clarkson? :^)

I'll agree that in the wrong color, the Clubman looks bad, especially when you add that contrasting rear halo color. Originally, my wife was going to go for the special "hot chocolate" color. She changed her mind when I told her I would be sure to apply some UPS decals to the sides.

If I were concerned about having a super-small vehicle, then I would just ride my bike. The Clubman is not a micro-car, but it ain't huge, either. On one road trip to Oregon, we had the three of us, a tandem and a single bikes on the roof, and all our stuff in the trunk for a week. I just can't see how that would work in a 1. Most people do that with their big 'ol SUVs. If it were just me or the two of us, a 1 would work. However, I'd prefer to drive the tii.

The 1's are really good cars. They just do not fit our needs.

[bluedevils]

I test drove one (135) a while back and it was a blast. However, compared to 335i or even 328i, the fit and finish is lower quality, more of a plastic/Jap econo car feeling, especially when it costs closer a 3 series.

[dirk2602]

I test drove one (135) a while back and it was a blast. However, compared to 335i or even 328i, the fit and finish is lower quality, more of a plastic/Jap econo car feeling, especially when it costs closer a 3 series.

That's nonsense Al. What's your daily driver?

[dirk2602]

i bet if bmw priced the 1 series 5k less, sales would have gone through the roof. ...

Good thing they didn't. I would hate to see one on every street corner.

[bluedevils]

Non sense? .The trim pieces around the A-pillars and dash were slightly of lower quality in my opinion. Same trim is used in a Camry or Honda. My old 5 series (E39) had much better trim. Same day, I also sat in a new 3-series and you could tell the trim quality was better. But it is all subjective.

[mtriple]

135 six speed is a no brainer if you got the mola.

I bring to you the BMW NA offer: Test drive either 128 or a 135 and get a $50 Amex Gas Card. I already signed up for a six speed 135 to test. They called me right after I filled the online form below:

https://www.bmwusa.com/secured/content/forms/50testdrive.aspx?enc=gkLM04PyXsElpyRVVaZPEQ==

Merry Christmas my friends

hamada