125i or 135i

[Zuzu]

Originally Posted by Steveointo

My wife is reminding me that we were looking at convertibles with the M pkgs, etc., which adds on an extra $10k +, but I still thought a base 135 would run $85k at least.

Hi Steve,

My vert with, M Sport pack/Metalic paint/Professional Nav/Comfort Access came to $94K drive away back in 08..

[banglemangle]

Originally Posted by taipan168

I paid $75k for mine, although I have no options other than metallic. One or two members on this forum did even better than that I think.

White Povo Pack, brand new, drive away just under 72

[Taymaishu]

Originally Posted by E92325i

Fair enough mate, i was just giving my opinion on the 325i vs 335i which i both driven extensively. I also mentioned that i hadn't driven the 125i or 135i

In regards to engines, they are both pretty similar except for the 20nm and 0.5 litre displacement advantage that the 125i has?

Again, i wasn't denying that the 125i is an awesome car but if i was to go it a second round with either the 1 series or 3 series... it would 100% have to be a 135i/335i.

No worries at all - i know you weren't saying anything about the 125i that was negative

But your assessment as well is fair, I would be keen to see how they two lined up head-to-head, but i'm assuming the extra weight slows it down. My assumption is that the manuals would be quite different head-to-head, with the autos quite comparable head-to-head.

Hell, we're talking BMWs here - all of the cars are something special, but to different people

[Jeef Beef]

Originally Posted by Steveointo

My wife is reminding me that we were looking at convertibles with the M pkgs, etc., which adds on an extra $10k +, but I still thought a base 135 would run $85k at least.

The dealership selling it for $100k is a blatant money grab. Since the RRP for the 135i was $72k when I bought my car, there was no way I was gonna pay over 80k for a new one. Mr banglemangle here got a bloody amazing deal for one under 72k, I would've gone for a povo pack car that cheap if there was one available.

As I've posted elsewhere, here is a 123d loaner I got for a day, it had 350km on the odo when I picked it up.

[Jeef Beef]

Originally Posted by dh58

Am replying quickly before I reply properly later.

In response to Jeef Beef's question and others that have asked, this is what I am looking for:
Grey (space grey or graphite)
Auto
sunroof
satnav (would reaaaaly like it but it is something I would give up if need be)

There was one recently, graphite, auto and sunroof for 59k on carsales but it looked like it had not been taken care. So I skipped it. The difference between 65 to 78+ is quite significant.

EXCELLENT colour choice May I suggest going for the Coral Red interior as well if it's available. Looks freakin amazing with the monotone exteriors.

I read earlier that you want auto because of city driving. Frankly, I don't think that's necessary. I drive my 6MT in peak hour traffic at least 3 days a week and it really isn't that much trouble. Definitely WELL worth it when I'm able to open her up a bit.

The satnav isn't that great a system. I reckon it's too slow and tends to be useless in the CBD. I got nav to have the iDrive screen, since I think the interior is a bit bland without it.

[Steveointo]

I agree with Blader. The 125 sounds nicer - stock, which is why I added a performance exhaust. The fuel savings, torque, etc. go to the diesel, however.

[05C4R]

don't test drive the 135i if you cannot afford it as you will be harvesting your kidney to make up the difference. By far the best choice is the 135i. It will also have the best resale due to the 1M coming out and its ability to be tuned, especially 1er's with the N54 motor. 2 year old ones are in the 60's now and will drift to low 60's and stay around that for awhile which is really good considering the RRP was 72k for these.

[sparoz]

Originally Posted by Jeef Beef

The dealership selling it for $100k is a blatant money grab. Since the RRP for the 135i was $72k when I bought my car, there was no way I was gonna pay over 80k for a new one. Mr banglemangle here got a bloody amazing deal for one under 72k, I would've gone for a povo pack car that cheap if there was one available.

As I've posted elsewhere, here is a 123d loaner I got for a day, it had 350km on the odo when I picked it up.

It's all about timing, options and incentives .

[georged2]

Not sure if you have bought your car yet.

I had the same problem, I was looking at the Convertible, I had the 125i for a day and it was great, then I returned the car back to the dealer and asked to drive the 135i, WOW.
The biggest sell for me apart from performance was the electric seats and Angel Eyes (they are cool).
My Wife is shorter than me and always need to adjust the seat, but when you use your Key to unlock the car is sets your seat in your position. That is a sure winner. So we bought the 135i Convertible
The Performance, just WOW

[Jeef Beef]

Originally Posted by georged2

Not sure if you have bought your car yet.
...and asked to drive the 135i, WOW.
...the 135i Convertible The Performance, just WOW

Excellent choice! You sum up the 135i experience quite nicely

[dh58]

Guys sorry for not replying sooner. Life got the better of me and have been busy.

So to answer all the questions that came up..

Color combo? The coral red is pretty hot especially with graphite. However its not for me, some can pull it off but I am not one of those. Secondly I prefer the subtle colors.

I know manual is totally acceptable in peak hour traffic. However I am a big fan of not having to think about things. Changing gears etc when I could be relaxing. You know which one I want. That said I started my car journey with manuals, and loved them.

I really like the 125 and 123d butttt.... Its not the look I am going for, it is the performance / look. With the 125 and 123d yes they are pretty good but the 135i is a standout. This is something we seem to all agree on. If it was just performance I would get a hsv or something. If it was just luxury I would get a merc or 3 series. However the 135i suits both my needs well.

Soooooo... 123d, 125 or 135i?

A 135i for me

Summary:
123d is great luxury look with pretty good performance and fuel economy.
125i has the great luxury look with pretty good performance and a nice exhaust sound of a sports car.
135i has the great luxury look with exceptional performance with a nice exhaust buttt you will be paying through the nose for speed fines and petrol.

135i for me lol.

[Jeef Beef]

Originally Posted by dh58

Guys sorry for not replying sooner. Life got the better of me and have been busy.

So to answer all the questions that came up..

Color combo? The coral red is pretty hot especially with graphite. However its not for me, some can pull it off but I am not one of those. Secondly I prefer the subtle colors.

I know manual is totally acceptable in peak hour traffic. However I am a big fan of not having to think about things. Changing gears etc when I could be relaxing. You know which one I want. That said I started my car journey with manuals, and loved them.

I really like the 125 and 123d butttt.... Its not the look I am going for, it is the performance / look. With the 125 and 123d yes they are pretty good but the 135i is a standout. This is something we seem to all agree on. If it was just performance I would get a hsv or something. If it was just luxury I would get a merc or 3 series. However the 135i suits both my needs well.

Soooooo... 123d, 125 or 135i?

A 135i for me

Summary:
123d is great luxury look with pretty good performance and fuel economy.
125i has the great luxury look with pretty good performance and a nice exhaust sound of a sports car.
135i has the great luxury look with exceptional performance with a nice exhaust buttt you will be paying through the nose for speed fines and petrol.

135i for me lol.

Sounds like you've made up your mind then? Welcome to the boosted BMW gang.

As for petrol, I am averaging 10.8L/100km with mostly city driving. Certainly excellent for the performance we're getting.

[dh58]

Originally Posted by Jeef Beef

Sounds like you've made up your mind then? Welcome to the boosted BMW gang.

As for petrol, I am averaging 10.8L/100km with mostly city driving. Certainly excellent for the performance we're getting.

Am not there yet! All I decided was the 135i is what I want. Haven't bought one yet lol.

[Taymaishu]

Originally Posted by dh58

Am not there yet! All I decided was the 135i is what I want. Haven't bought one yet lol.

Think about your insurance too, just something to keep in mind when looking at the 135i.

[georged2]

dh58 Just Do It, promise you wont regret it.
Mine is Auto and color Bluewater, love the color is stands out but also blends in.
Insurance... Mine is about $700. I think I got lucky.
Petrol... Who cares... Today I averaged 11L/100km and wasn't driving it too hard.

[Trexx]

135i for sure. Doesn't cost much more for all the extra horses. The 25i felt just like every other I6 BMW I've owned. It revs and is nice and linear etc etc but the 35i is simply something else for not much more money.

[dh58]

The insurance for me for a 135i comprehensive is 1700ish. Yeah it sucks but better than some of the quotes i got. (8k)

[Taymaishu]

Originally Posted by Trexx

135i for sure. Doesn't cost much more for all the extra horses. The 25i felt just like every other I6 BMW I've owned. It revs and is nice and linear etc etc but the 35i is simply something else for not much more money.

I do have to say, definitely price/performance it's the go.

I just would have been bent backwards on insurance based on some of the quotes I got. Once i'm 25, i'll be off shopping again

[Prodigy.]

With the delay i'm having getting hold of my new car and not having a car of my own at the moment i'm still considering getting a 1 series.

Having previously test drove an 08 135i the dealer convinced me to try new DCT 135i last week and i loved it, unfortunately i think price is going to be a major factor.
Dealer has convinced me to try the 125i tomorrow as it's closer to my budget so i'll let you know my thoughts, however it sounds like you have already made up your mind to get the 135i.

[dr.bmw]

Mate of mine scored a demo 135i with 400kms on the clock only, with DCT, Roof, Satnav for $84K

[Prodigy.]

So took a new 125i for a spin yesterday. Salesman just handed me the keys and said take as long as you want, first time i've ever been able to test drive a car without the salesman there.
Overall a fantastic car, was impressed with the auto especially now that they have fixed up the paddles + & -. Great sound but the car misses out on the blap noise that i noticed between faster gear changes that can be heard on the DCT 135i. Car felt reasonably quick but nothing like the 135i but more than enough for around town and the odd trip through some twisties.

Has made me seriously consider whether i should go with my heart and get the beemer (I love the looks) or with my head that says keep the Golf R on order.

If i could afford it though i would opt for the DCT 135i over both, but i can't

dh58 i think you have made the right choice to go for the 135i.

[Steveointo]

Sorry for joining back so late to keep rallying for the 123d. I'm getting about 15km/L, so a significant difference, but only really felt over a few years. I fill up about once every 3weeks and drive it daily and on weekends.

To confess, I bought my 123d without ever taking any 1 series out for a test drive. I knew what I liked in my e46 M3 back in Canada & as soon as I sat in the 1 series, I felt very much at home again.

Then it was straight to the figures, the maths, & the "bang for the buck" details. When I was shopping, the only options were the 125 or the 135, but because I knew I wanted a convertible (you guys have 12 months of the year with nice weather instead of 5 months in Canada) I knew the price would be steep with the 123. With all the options I wanted, it was going to cost me $100k.

Because I'm a new resident to Oz & have zero credit history here, I had to put down 50% on whatever car I bought, so that made matters worse.

I was planning on getting the 125, when the salesperson told me about the new diesels coming out. The stock twin turbo 123d had as much torque as the 135 and I knew I could "Schnitzer it up" a bit to produce 260 HP and more torque than a stock 135, so combined with the benefit of cheaper fill-ups, I went with it. It still cost me $80k and then I put in about $6k of mods for the vented hood, quad exhaust, etc.

I guess each person has a list of priorities that will configure things for themselves...