2014 1 Series vert?

[thl70]

So I am looking for a new car and after having wagons for the last 25 years I am ready to change into a convertible. The one series look fantastic although a bit dated for the price. Not that I have anything against dated cars, I am currently driving a 2004 Saab 9-5 wagon and still love its dated look! I was just wondering how much longer anyone thinks BMW will continue with the E88 in N America? If they keep this model for another year or three, what might they update in 2014? I have not been a veteran BMW owner for long having only recently acquired a 5GT this year, therefor their timetable for updates is completely foreign to me. I've yet to decide a 28 or 35 variant, but the turbo engine is certainly steering me toward the 28 with all the issues I've been reading about and I tend to keep my cars for a long time. The only thing I find problematic with the 28 is the steptronic (I know MT is better but has to be auto so wife can drive it when I need to use the 5GT to haul extra volume), will there be any chance they will put the dual-clutch next year in the 128? I am in no hurry to get a new car as my wagon is in perfect shape, I just want to get the right car for the next 8 years or so.

[Stohlen]

Dual clutch in the 28 - unlikely. BMW is kinda known for making a good thing and then not really messing with it too much, so even if they do update the model, it likely won't change much.

[thl70]

That's what I figure, but they did drop it in the 35 in 2012. A big change for such a dated model. So I'm hoping they may do the same for the 28.

[cooler2442]

Originally Posted by thl70

That's what I figure, but they did drop it in the 35 in 2012. A big change for such a dated model. So I'm hoping they may do the same for the 28.

They dropped it into the 35 since the 335is has it. No 28 model has a DCT and I highly doubt the cheapest one would get it.

[Stohlen]

Originally Posted by thl70

That's what I figure, but they did drop it in the 35 in 2012. A big change for such a dated model. So I'm hoping they may do the same for the 28.

What makes you think the 1 series is "dated"?

[thl70]

Thanks! Thats good info to know, very logical argument. Hate to buy a 2013 just to find out they will have DCT next year. I just may put my order in before Xmas.

[thl70]

I guess "dated" is too strong of word. Just that the F20 and F22 is out already and I am seeing them all over in Asia and Europe.

[Stohlen]

I kinda think the F20 and F22 look worse...

[JimD]

A friend just bought a 2013 with automatic and loves it. She has an automatic, my 2009 is a manual. At least in 2009 the manual 128 is almost a second quicker to 60 but that was not important to her and may not be for you either. I think it is a great car. It is probably one of the last chances to get a normally aspirated 6 from BMW.

Jim

[thl70]

When the 1st generation came out, there where much criticism as well, I personally believe it will be a future classic. If a design receives immediate approval from the public, perhaps it may not be as enduring?

[thl70]

No JimD, 1sec is not that important to me. Just wish it would be quicker than my current 9yrs old wagon! LOL It is a convertible though, the open air will make up for it! Really would like the 135, but like I said, I'd hate to have to visit the dealer that often and the less power might make me a safer driver especially with my kid in the back.

[cooler2442]

Originally Posted by thl70

No JimD, 1sec is not that important to me. Just wish it would be quicker than my current 9yrs old wagon! LOL It is a convertible though, the open air will make up for it! Really would like the 135, but like I said, I'd hate to have to visit the dealer that often and the less power might make me a safer driver especially with my kid in the back.

Most of the 135i problems have been fixed since 2011 when the new N55 engine came out. Had mine for 20k miles and only dealer visit I've had was for the oil change.

[EuroTunerz5]

Running a 2012 135i DCT M-Sport and problem free since day one.... 8k miles and counting! N55 has the bugs worked out.... Reliability really hasn't been an issue for n55 DCT owners around here.

[Errowen]

Originally Posted by thl70

I was just wondering how much longer anyone thinks BMW will continue with the E88 in N America? If they keep this model for another year or three, what might they update in 2014?

http://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/att...9&d=1273885580

[andnkuhn]

Originally Posted by EuroTunerz5

Running a 2012 135i DCT M-Sport and problem free since day one.... 8k miles and counting! N55 has the bugs worked out.... Reliability really hasn't been an issue for n55 DCT owners around here.

Originally Posted by cooler2442

Most of the 135i problems have been fixed since 2011 when the new N55 engine came out. Had mine for 20k miles and only dealer visit I've had was for the oil change.

been driving my manual N55 for ~4k miles in the DC/VA/ area which stop and go and stop and go traffic which is tough on the car, with no problems to speak of. (knock on some ol' timber)

zooom zoom.

[GeeRam]

Originally Posted by thl70

Thanks! Thats good info to know, very logical argument. Hate to buy a 2013 just to find out they will have DCT next year. I just may put my order in before Xmas.

No need to worry about DCT being fitted next year or at any time in the future.

Once the existing 135i/335i production ends, DCT trannys will only be seen in ///M cars.

Next generation 2 Series coupes/verts will instead get the new 8-speed ZF automatic option as fitted to the new M135.

[631twentyeighteye]

In other words, buy a manual.

[Brandon26pdx]

Good chance the E82/88 will continue on into MY 2014 though? (Or has that already been confirmed?)

[alvitdk]

Originally Posted by JimD

A friend just bought a 2013 with automatic and loves it. She has an automatic, my 2009 is a manual. At least in 2009 the manual 128 is almost a second quicker to 60 but that was not important to her and may not be for you either. I think it is a great car. It is probably one of the last chances to get a normally aspirated 6 from BMW.

Jim

I absolutely agree, I was hesitant to get my convertible with an automatic but given that my wife is using the car once in a while I had to compromise. No regrets at all, I use it to 100% as manual mode and been perfectly happy with it. Not as fast switching gears as the DCT I had in my VW, but satisfying enough. If I wanted a "race car" I would have gone with the 135i instead anyway. 50k miles so far and never ever any engine trouble. Like others said, most if not all issues on the turbo engine were rectified in the meantime, but if you don't even want to think about engine trouble, the 128i is a good decision.

[thl70]

Thank you everyone for the heads-up regarding the 135 engine issues and also the AT on the 128. Still have not made up my mind yet but think I'm leaning toward the 28. I actually like the details on the bumper and skirt better, cleaner in my opinion. Also, living in SF with the very bad roads, I will not be getting the sport suspension, so maybe the 28i engine would be a better match? It will mostly be a city car driven less then 15 miles a day. In regards to future AT on BMW models, the 8-speed ZF is quite nice on our 5GT. It's super smooth and you get great MPG, I think 30 on that 4500lbs monster which is quite amazing!

[alvitdk]

Originally Posted by thl70

Thank you everyone for the heads-up regarding the 135 engine issues and also the AT on the 128. Still have not made up my mind yet but think I'm leaning toward the 28. I actually like the details on the bumper and skirt better, cleaner in my opinion. Also, living in SF with the very bad roads, I will not be getting the sport suspension, so maybe the 28i engine would be a better match? It will mostly be a city car driven less then 15 miles a day. In regards to future AT on BMW models, the 8-speed ZF is quite nice on our 5GT. It's super smooth and you get great MPG, I think 30 on that 4500lbs monster which is quite amazing!

I would re-think your decision on the sports package, if you dump the NF tires, the ride is really good, and I have NYC experience, SF can't be any worse. The addition of the sports package gives you the sport seats, and they are all worth it, believe me

[thl70]

I was planning to get the sport seat separate. I think its $450 add on. Its really bad in SF, I lives in Chicago for a while and SF is worse! In getting a vert, I thought the softer ride may less punishing on the less rigid frame as well? I'd like to try the sport set up but just have not the time to do so yet. In your opinion why do you think the sport package is a must?