ready to get my 1 -- few questions

byebyemyti · 08-22-2011, 08:45 AM

hi all,
i am finally saying goodbye to my old ti that I adore. I probably kept it longer than I should have my I wanted a hatchback and unfortunately one never made it back to the U.S. -- so I am going for a 128. I looked at few other cars, mini, volvo c30, considered audi a3 but ultimately I enjoy the RWD and feel of a bmw. Now for the questions!

I think I am sold on the convertible vs. the coupe. The blind spots might be hard to get used to at first, but I am sure it will be fine. I like the lines of the 1 much better in the convertible. But living in ny, I am wondering if I'll regret it in the winter

Do the standard wheels include all season tires or do I have to change them later on for the winter? I think they are standard but any advise would be really helpful! Both cars I drove did not have the sport or m package. I am not really looking for additional performance and I as I mentioned I will drive the car in NYC (pothole central). Should I stay clear of both options to be safe? Both packages have some nice purely aesthetic add ons for me but as I said, a little silly since I only care about how it looks. (For ex. the M package would make the back of the car look more like a 135.) Really not sure if sport seats would be more or less comfortable (I am a female, about 5, 6")

Thanks!

jb2178 · 08-22-2011, 08:48 AM

All I can tell you is you want the sport seats... The M sport seats should be the same so take whichever package you want to pay for but the seats alone are worth it.

audimotion · 08-22-2011, 08:51 AM

Ditto on the sport seats. They are very comfy and also look great.
Resale value alone on the sport package makes it a no brainer...unless you REALLY want a non sport.

Pangloss · 08-22-2011, 09:02 AM

I agree, sport seats.

In terms of blind spots it's really only over-the-shoulder on the right that is troublesome, and you can work with it pretty easily. I'm coming from roasters so I'm used to far worse, but just be patient with those right-side lane changes and you'll be fine.

Of course when you have the top down there's no blind spot at all. :-)

KingOfJericho · 08-22-2011, 09:51 AM

I have the non-sport seats in my loaner car right now and they absolutely blow. Get the sport package at the very least.

amancuso · 08-22-2011, 10:14 AM

If you buy sport package you get summer performance tires. non sport comes with a square set of all-seasons.

Pangloss · 08-22-2011, 10:16 AM

Which raises an interesting question: Why is this called a "summer tire"? I mean, half the tread width is given up to water channels.

m_killer · 08-22-2011, 10:26 AM

I would personally not buy a 1 series without the sports package at least.

Tom K. · 08-22-2011, 10:38 AM

Sport seats are better for spirited cornering, but some folks find them too confining. I find both sport and non sport BMW seats to be very comfortable for both commuting and long distance travel, so please drive both before you decide.

And the only additional sport package performance on the 128i is tighter handling - at the expense of a smooth ride. The engine and transmission are unchanged. Again, test drive both.

Re the blind spots - put the top down as often as possible! And with the proper tires, the 128i is fine in the winter (especially since you have been driving a 318ti).

Tom

zkeeper · 08-22-2011, 01:58 PM

Remember, to get those great seats, you need that M package sport. That means you will need to get an extra set of tires for winter. The summer performance tires that comes with the sport, will not work there for winter. That means an extra set of wheels to switch over to, OR have the summers taken off and all seasons put on as winter comes on. It will also ride a bit more harsh.

Saying all this: I did get the Msport, the seats and stiffer ride, which I like. AND the extra set of wheels so I can simply switch back and forth. A lot of bit more money this way--but a great car. IF the potholes are that bad, and its a daily driver, then going stock in a great color, interior combo you like, will be more than pleasing to you. Just enjoy the car--thats the main thing; it gets very nice gas mileage for this little rocket.

Bimmer-Bob · 08-22-2011, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pangloss

Which raises an interesting question: Why is this called a "summer tire"? I mean, half the tread width is given up to water channels.

Tires are rated by season for their ability to perform in a given temperature range. The terms "summer," "winter," and "all-season" give no indication of a tire's wet performance - it has to do with how soft or hard a compound the manufacturer has used to make the tire.

In fact, many summer tires offer superior wet traction to all-seasons. Typically, summer tires beat all-seasons in wet and dry above-freezing performance and winter tires beat all-seasons in below freezing temperatures. The advantage of all-seasons is that they can perform adequately (but not superiorly) in both scenarios.

Besides, being in S Fla you should know - summer is the rainy season down there!

ken1137 · 08-22-2011, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom K.

Sport seats are better for spirited cornering, but some folks find them too confining. I find both sport and non sport BMW seats to be very comfortable for both commuting and long distance travel, so please drive both before you decide.

Tom

I couldn't agree more...I prefer the non-Sport seats. I had Sport seats in my 328 but non-Sport seats in my 135. You should be ok either way.

szcyxzh · 08-22-2011, 06:36 PM

Isn't BMW standing for sportier????

ken1137 · 08-22-2011, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by szcyxzh

Isn't BMW standing for sportier????

ok..i'll bite...whats your point (?) I dont fit well in the Sports seats.

Raudy · 08-22-2011, 08:00 PM

I agree with bimmer bob, the all season tires are just "OK" for all seasons. (check out the videos on tire rack to give you and idea) The summer tires are fantastic in the dry and rain with temps above 35-40 F. With RWD I would recommend winter tires no matter what, so what I did was just go with the m-sport (because I love the seats) and get a set of winter tires. I live in CT and did fine this winter.

FYI, I did notice that as the temps got about 35 and under the summer tires just did not grip well in dry conditions.

Good luck with the new purchase.

slim_e90 · 08-22-2011, 08:02 PM

I lov my vert. I have the sport pkg and the seats are the best I've sat in outside of a Porsche Panamera S.

Having said that my old e90 was non sport and the seats were "good enough". You'll love the car either way I think as it has so much to offer.

byebyemyti · 08-22-2011, 09:16 PM

wow, overwhelming + for the sports package and seats. will have to think over the tire situation. thanks everyone for the very helpful feedback! can't wait for the new baby.

Pangloss · 08-22-2011, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

Tires are rated by season for their ability to perform in a given temperature range. The terms "summer," "winter," and "all-season" give no indication of a tire's wet performance - it has to do with how soft or hard a compound the manufacturer has used to make the tire.

In fact, many summer tires offer superior wet traction to all-seasons. Typically, summer tires beat all-seasons in wet and dry above-freezing performance and winter tires beat all-seasons in below freezing temperatures. The advantage of all-seasons is that they can perform adequately (but not superiorly) in both scenarios.

Besides, being in S Fla you should know - summer is the rainy season down there!

Very informative, thank you.

You're certainly right about our rainy season! (Now pardon me while I go put my "summer" hurricane shutters up....)

AW128i · 08-23-2011, 07:41 AM

Is anyone listening to the OP? She wants all-seasons and is very concerned about driving in NYC, which she (appropriately) calls pothole central. My advice for this? Avoid the sport and M-sport packages. If you opt for either you'll get a stiffer suspension and summer tires, neither of which is ideal for your pitiful driving conditions, particularly in a convertible (more chassis flex than a coupe). Even the non-sport seats in the 1-series are better than anything offered in the 318ti, so you should be more than satisfied there.

08-22-2011, 08:45 AM	#1
byebyemyti Enlisted Member 13 Rep 39 Posts Drives: 318ti, 128 convertible Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: usa iTrader: (0)	ready to get my 1 -- few questions hi all, i am finally saying goodbye to my old ti that I adore. I probably kept it longer than I should have my I wanted a hatchback and unfortunately one never made it back to the U.S. -- so I am going for a 128. I looked at few other cars, mini, volvo c30, considered audi a3 but ultimately I enjoy the RWD and feel of a bmw. Now for the questions! I think I am sold on the convertible vs. the coupe. The blind spots might be hard to get used to at first, but I am sure it will be fine. I like the lines of the 1 much better in the convertible. But living in ny, I am wondering if I'll regret it in the winter Do the standard wheels include all season tires or do I have to change them later on for the winter? I think they are standard but any advise would be really helpful! Both cars I drove did not have the sport or m package. I am not really looking for additional performance and I as I mentioned I will drive the car in NYC (pothole central). Should I stay clear of both options to be safe? Both packages have some nice purely aesthetic add ons for me but as I said, a little silly since I only care about how it looks. (For ex. the M package would make the back of the car look more like a 135.) Really not sure if sport seats would be more or less comfortable (I am a female, about 5, 6") Thanks!
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08-22-2011, 08:48 AM	#2
jb2178 First Lieutenant 27 Rep 304 Posts Drives: 2008 128i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Riverview, FL iTrader: (0)	All I can tell you is you want the sport seats... The M sport seats should be the same so take whichever package you want to pay for but the seats alone are worth it. __________________ Ordered: 128i Titanium Silver, Black Leatherette, High gloss black trim, Sport Package, iPod Adapter, Premium Audio, BMW Assist
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08-22-2011, 08:51 AM	#3
audimotion Second Lieutenant 4 Rep 218 Posts Drives: 08 135i/12 F250 CC PS/06 ML500 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: MN iTrader: (0)	Ditto on the sport seats. They are very comfy and also look great. Resale value alone on the sport package makes it a no brainer...unless you REALLY want a non sport. __________________ 08 135i \|Alpine White w/ Terra Boston Leather\|Sport Pkg\| Premium Pkg\| Shadowline\| Gloss Black Trim\| Nav\| Comfort Access\| Active Steering\| Steptronic\| Htd Seats\| Prem. Sound/Sirius\| Park Distance\| PPK 1\|BMS 4LED\|M3 Sway Bar
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08-22-2011, 09:02 AM	#4
Pangloss Lieutenant 28 Rep 563 Posts Drives: 2012 135i Convertible Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	I agree, sport seats. In terms of blind spots it's really only over-the-shoulder on the right that is troublesome, and you can work with it pretty easily. I'm coming from roasters so I'm used to far worse, but just be patient with those right-side lane changes and you'll be fine. Of course when you have the top down there's no blind spot at all. :-) __________________ 2012 135i convertible, DCT, Black/Beige, HK, Prem, M sport, no nav.
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08-22-2011, 09:51 AM	#5
KingOfJericho Major General 2452 Rep 7,341 Posts Drives: Yes Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CT iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 135i Coupe [5.26]	I have the non-sport seats in my loaner car right now and they absolutely blow. Get the sport package at the very least. __________________ The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Bimmerpost. 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude Hemi \| 2010 S4 Sold \| 2010 BMW 135i Retired \| 2006 Lotus Exige Sold
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08-22-2011, 10:14 AM	#6
amancuso Lieutenant Colonel 724 Rep 1,756 Posts Drives: 330it, 428ix, 430i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lawrenceville, GA iTrader: (1)	If you buy sport package you get summer performance tires. non sport comes with a square set of all-seasons. __________________ 2016 428ix, r, 2018 430iC, 2018 330it
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08-22-2011, 10:16 AM	#7
Pangloss Lieutenant 28 Rep 563 Posts Drives: 2012 135i Convertible Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	Which raises an interesting question: Why is this called a "summer tire"? I mean, half the tread width is given up to water channels. Attached Images __________________ 2012 135i convertible, DCT, Black/Beige, HK, Prem, M sport, no nav.
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08-22-2011, 10:26 AM	#8
m_killer Enlisted Member 0 Rep 34 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: montreal iTrader: (0)	I would personally not buy a 1 series without the sports package at least.
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08-22-2011, 10:38 AM	#9
Tom K. Major General 124 Rep 5,627 Posts Drives: '07 328iT, '13 Boxster Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Sport seats are better for spirited cornering, but some folks find them too confining. I find both sport and non sport BMW seats to be very comfortable for both commuting and long distance travel, so please drive both before you decide. And the only additional sport package performance on the 128i is tighter handling - at the expense of a smooth ride. The engine and transmission are unchanged. Again, test drive both. Re the blind spots - put the top down as often as possible! And with the proper tires, the 128i is fine in the winter (especially since you have been driving a 318ti). Tom
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08-22-2011, 01:58 PM	#10
zkeeper Captain 208 Rep 602 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 & 08 Z4 si Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: BimmerHaven iTrader: (0)	Remember, to get those great seats, you need that M package sport. That means you will need to get an extra set of tires for winter. The summer performance tires that comes with the sport, will not work there for winter. That means an extra set of wheels to switch over to, OR have the summers taken off and all seasons put on as winter comes on. It will also ride a bit more harsh. Saying all this: I did get the Msport, the seats and stiffer ride, which I like. AND the extra set of wheels so I can simply switch back and forth. A lot of bit more money this way--but a great car. IF the potholes are that bad, and its a daily driver, then going stock in a great color, interior combo you like, will be more than pleasing to you. Just enjoy the car--thats the main thing; it gets very nice gas mileage for this little rocket.
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08-22-2011, 06:36 PM	#13
szcyxzh First Lieutenant 19 Rep 399 Posts Drives: 128I Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (2)	Isn't BMW standing for sportier????
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08-22-2011, 08:00 PM	#15
Raudy Enlisted Member 8 Rep 40 Posts Drives: 135cv/JB/CR/m-sport/JB4/prem Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: ct iTrader: (0)	good luck I agree with bimmer bob, the all season tires are just "OK" for all seasons. (check out the videos on tire rack to give you and idea) The summer tires are fantastic in the dry and rain with temps above 35-40 F. With RWD I would recommend winter tires no matter what, so what I did was just go with the m-sport (because I love the seats) and get a set of winter tires. I live in CT and did fine this winter. FYI, I did notice that as the temps got about 35 and under the summer tires just did not grip well in dry conditions. Good luck with the new purchase.
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08-22-2011, 08:02 PM	#16
slim_e90 First Lieutenant 13 Rep 343 Posts Drives: BSM E-88 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Naaaashville, TN iTrader: (4)	I lov my vert. I have the sport pkg and the seats are the best I've sat in outside of a Porsche Panamera S. Having said that my old e90 was non sport and the seats were "good enough". You'll love the car either way I think as it has so much to offer. __________________ \|move over... please\|
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08-22-2011, 09:16 PM	#17
byebyemyti Enlisted Member 13 Rep 39 Posts Drives: 318ti, 128 convertible Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: usa iTrader: (0)	thanks wow, overwhelming + for the sports package and seats. will have to think over the tire situation. thanks everyone for the very helpful feedback! can't wait for the new baby.
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08-23-2011, 07:41 AM	#19
AW128i Major 44 Rep 1,003 Posts Drives: E82 N51 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Southeastern, PA iTrader: (1)	Is anyone listening to the OP? She wants all-seasons and is very concerned about driving in NYC, which she (appropriately) calls pothole central. My advice for this? Avoid the sport and M-sport packages. If you opt for either you'll get a stiffer suspension and summer tires, neither of which is ideal for your pitiful driving conditions, particularly in a convertible (more chassis flex than a coupe). Even the non-sport seats in the 1-series are better than anything offered in the 318ti, so you should be more than satisfied there.
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