What To Do?

[Ron H]

I am getting tired of waiting for the 09 Mini JCW I ordered the end of July. While at the dealer I looked at the 08 135 and decided it was a very good option to the JCW.

My dilemma is if I should get a Vert with just the performance pkg. or the coupe much more loaded up for about the same $$$?The coupe lists for $43,250 with the Sport, Premium, heated seats, Auto, and a few other items. They they will sell it for $40,915. My research here tells me the price is fair.

The Vert lists for $44,100.

I have been browsing this site for the last week gathering info and now need some help from the experts.

[Mindgame]

I'm no expert on the 135i yet, seeing as how mine isn't even out of production yet....BUT, i believe this will come down to personal preference

price aside, I chose a coupe because to me, the vert looks ugly (with the top up)

though i'm sure stomping on the throttle with the top down is quite a thrill.

is it worth the extra few thousand to you?

[mistermojorizin]

the vert is heavier, gets worse gas milage, slower, doesn't handle as well because of lower torsional rigidity.

if you were looking minis, i take it you're not looking for straight line, but more for handling and you want a convertible. i'd get an s2000. it was one of the most satisfying cars i've ever driven and honda's reliability really beats bmw's. also before you buy a 135, search this site and e90post for "29.2" and "lag" .

[Breville]

I drove both before I bought my coupe and think as a daily drive it depends on whether you want a tan or not! I have my windows down and roof open and get the same aural pleasure when hitting the gas..
If you want a track tool then its coupe all the way!

[Ron H]

Originally Posted by mistermojorizin

the vert is heavier, gets worse gas milage, slower, doesn't handle as well because of lower torsional rigidity.

if you were looking minis, i take it you're not looking for straight line, but more for handling and you want a convertible. i'd get an s2000. it was one of the most satisfying cars i've ever driven and honda's reliability really beats bmw's. also before you buy a 135, search this site and e90post for "29.2" and "lag" .

I agree the S2K is a great auto, I had one 4 years ago. Your points on the Vert are well taken.

[Ron H]

I forgot it comes with the sunroof. Open air yet security when parked. Good point.

[lib]

They're both good options and it's really a personal question that we can't answer for you.

Spend more time with both the vert and the coupe and if you still can't decide start weighing the pluses and minuses of each choice. Don't rush into it, make sure you buy the one you really want.

[Sephiroth]

Gonna keep your vette and add a 1/mini?

[Ron H]

Originally Posted by 1love

Gonna keep your vette and add a 1/mini?

No the Vette will leave a some point. Hopefully the 135 with a tune will give me the kick in the pants the Vette did. I would guess another 60 HP at the rears will just about do it.

I have to believe with the turbo engine and a tune kit it may be possible.

[Mehta916]

Originally Posted by Ron H

No the Vette will leave a some point. Hopefully the 135 with a tune will give me the kick in the pants the Vette did. I would guess another 60 HP at the rears will just about do it.

I have to believe with the turbo engine and a tune kit it may be possible.

I think with the dinan chip alone you'll manage that.

[Ron H]

I decided to go with the coupe. It is lighter , a little quieter and not as many concerns if I am out and have to park on the street. I pick it up on Thursday.

It is Alpine white with Taupe leather. Should be nice and cool with the Houston heat.

It has the Premium pkg, Sport pkg, Sport leather wheel with paddles, Auto, Heated seats, Park distance control, HD radio, Ipod and the USB adaptor.

List price $43250, paid $40,915 with mats thrown in. All in all not too bad of a deal. Thursday will not come soon enough.

[Mehta916]

man that sounds real nice. have fun with the new car.

[MatthewDFW]

Originally Posted by Ron H

I decided to go with the coupe. It is lighter, a little quieter and not as many concerns if I am out and have to park on the street. I pick it up on Thursday.

Sounds like you made a great choice. I went from ragtop (Boxster) to 135i coupe and don't miss vert-cruising one bit. In Dallas, I had too few nice days in the summer where the hot sun didn't make me regret the vert. I would imagine this holds doubly true for Houston.

Odds are good you'll enjoy your sound system (a strong-point in the 1-series) more with the hard top. Fact is, there's at least one ongoing thread here involving hard-top buyers who actually opted out of the sunroof, and wound up being super-happy with the hard hard-top.

Enjoy! And remember to post back and share your pick-up day experience!

[Ron H]

I went in and did all the paper work today. It was a painless experience. The finance lady asked me if I wanted a dent, tire or extended warranty. I said no and it was not mentioned again. No pressure like at some other dealers I have dealt with.

I will pick it up tomorrow around noon. I will not sleep tonight. I also found out I got tinted windows at no charge.

[Ron H]

Originally Posted by MatthewDFW

Sounds like you made a great choice
Fact is, there's at least one ongoing thread here involving hard-top buyers who actually opted out of the sunroof, and wound up being super-happy with the hard hard-top.

Enjoy! And remember to post back and share your pick-up day experience!

I had no idea that it was possible.

[MatthewDFW]

The sunroof opt-out is discussed a bit in this thread...

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17532

It may appear elsewhere, but this is the one I remember posting on.

Kindest regards!

[Ron H]

Thanks for the link.