The time has come

[dr.golf]

I got a phone call yesterday and my lease on my Infiniti is over in a couple of months. For me the new car are getting bigger and bigger and thats not a good thing. When I first heard of the 1 series I was excited. I stayed away from this site as I knew I would just become far too obsessive compulsive about the little beauty. Well my time has come, I am heading to the dealership to order "My 1", I plan on purchasing it.

But before I do I want some opinions, I am still torn on a couple of things. Here is what I know M package, sport, leather.

Color is a personal thing I am leaning towards white with black guts on my 135, love the red interior but..... I am going to have the Dinan Stage 2 installed before I pick her up. Here is dilema one Auto or Stick I just cant decide. I do drive a lot in traffic and haven't had a manual for almost 10 years.

I am not crazy about a sunroof - is it crazy to order one without one. I like to comfort package but is seems pricey for whats included. (I'm in Canada too).

What have I missed thats a must order???

[M3_Dust]

the M and sport packages are the only must-haves IMO, the rest is gravy

[Novator]

Sunroof is standard on all 1 series coupes, at least in North America as far as I know. I personally bought an auto with paddles, and I love it, but I have never driven a manual, you should see if they have both in order to test out for yourself. Also are you getting a 128i or a 135i. The 128i is a great car, but I think the 135i is where the true bargain lies. Sporting an underrated twin turbo inline 6 from BMW quoted at 300HP/lb.ft of TQ. It also sports 6 piston front and 4 piston fixed calipers co-developed by BMW and Brembo and about 13" rotors front and rear. It also comes standard with a front and rear sway bar (albeit a little conservative). I also forgot to mention the standard 18" alloy wheels, and the transmissions are built stronger to handle the extra power, and the difference is roughly $5-6,000i for specs that will cost way more if done aftermarket. And I am not sure about the 128i, but if you opt for the sport package on the 135i it comes with the oh so coveted M badging. Either choice made though and I must say welcome to the brotherhood I personally wish I opted for HD radio, though I did get the premium sound and iPod/USB adapter.

[M3_Dust]

^^the car can be ordered without a sunroof in every country except the USA

[dr.golf]

Thanks guys. Ya as I stated i am definatley getting the 135. I have driven both an while the 128 is a great car there is no real comparison or argument to make, the 135 is the machine to have.

I have read about the short shift option it seems like something to have., correct me if I'm wrong. Yet I haven't ruled out the slushbox.

I am leaning heavily toward the AW with the CR interior but I need to see the CR in person again.

Too many choices and I don't want to make any mistakes. HELP!!!

[rodi]

suggestion: go test-drive both the auto and the manual.

the auto can hardly be called a "slushbox" by any means.
but the manual is definitely the way to go if you can stand driving in dense urban areas with traffic (my case).

[Bringinthewolf]

My 1'er is my daily driver in Vancouver and I would not be without the manual transmission. It is amazing, even in rush hour traffic.
Comfort access is great and the only option I regret not getting was PDC.

[dr.golf]

Wolf - I too live in Vancouver and have to deal with the Port Mann everyday that is why I am looking at the auto. But5 its a hard decision especially since I will have the Dinan stage 2 installed prior to taking delivery.

As far as options go I am going with M Sport Package, Premium Package, USB connection, mats and locking wheel nuts in AW with CR guts. Jusy the tranny to decide UNLESS I am missing something I need!!! Or is the Premium package overkill.

As far as pricing goes how much off MSRP plus freight/prep is a good price point??

[ben14142001]

Comfort access is worth it, trust me. It's really nice just keeping the keys in your pocket when you walk up and not getting them out when you start the car. It is a great option, really is.

-Ben

[c Doval]

what is PDC?

[dr.golf]

I'm thinking it is Parking Distance Control

[audi2bmw1]

the tranny is def built tough...much better than the 330i i drove as my loaner....the clutch is great too...and i think after i install the CDV i just got it will feel even better...im still in the breaking -in phase so its only gonna get better as things warmup and break in...its truly a great car all around...i didnt get any options and dont really regret it...its a sweet ride and the stock audio is much better than people say it is...my 6speed feels like my short shifter i had on my audi TT....funny cause both are short throw and close ratio from the factory but the 135i has a much tigher throw then my TT....either way im happy with it...i too was scared buying a transmission i never drove before...all the dealer had was all AUTOS with the paddle shifters...they are great but im a manual kind of guy...and no let downs here.. this tranny is great and reminds me of the Supras famous GETRAG tranny great stuff

[Lester]

Originally Posted by dr.golf

I'm thinking it is Parking Distance Control

I have PDC - it is nice - helps prevent the inevitable backing into a tree or curb or parkade column. It beeps as you get too close to an object. It costs less than one bumper or fender repair.

Before you get Convenient Access - read through the many posts on this site where owners have expressed their issues with it not working properly. Without CA, all you have to do is press the unlock button on the fob, get in the car and insert the fob into it's slot. It really does not save any real time as far as I can see. You can unlock the doors while walking to the car, reach down to open the door handle and get in with your fob in hand. insert the fob into the slot all in one smooth motion.

The fob allows you to roll the windows down before you get to the car and unlock the trunk as well. Just my opinion, although no doubt someone that has CA will differ with mine.

I ordered mine with only options being PDC and Sport Package. In Canada that means no sunroof, Anthracite headliner, heated leatherette sports seats (manual), puddle lights (on the door), M-Sport wheels/door sills, vanity lights on sun visors and the extra cup holder. Of course, manual 6 spd trans.

This car does not really need anything else, although the options are there if you want them. The standard 10 speaker stereo system is superb. I use my own GPS with a vent mount if I am going somewhere different. I also use my own Sirius satellite receiver, mounted under the console. I have installed an Escort Passport 8500 for obvious reasons. I have also installed a wireless rear view camera just for that extra view behind me. Feel free to pay BMW an extra few thousand if you want all of this stuff from them.