Keep my 1er or get an S5

[Captisock]

Hi everyone,

Recently I've been considering getting out of my 128i (with 43k miles on it) after getting a little fed up with the car's uncomfortable ride and after almost getting into an accident because I couldn't accelerate fast enough on the ramp because of loss of traction in snow (with snow tires on). I've had this car for about 3 years now, and am now considering trading it in for something more practical but still sporty. I test drove an S5 and really enjoyed the drive, alot more comfortable and the AWD is a definite advantage because of how much snow we get around here. I've also looked at the 335 xdrive but I feel like I'd be getting the same intrusive uncomfortable ride because of the run-flats. My problem right now with trading in the car is the cost of doing so vs. keeping the car for another 3 years - but then I'm also considering the offset by any costs associated with keeping my car like changing the clutch, tires, etc.

S5 would cost approx. 400/month to lease if I trade in, plus I'd buy snow tires for it, tint the windows, etc. Another option is the VW Golf R, which wouldn't cost anything to lease if I traded in but is kind of a downgrade in a lot of ways - and doesn't look as nice as the s5 or the 1 series. Aside from that, though, there are still a bunch of additional costs you come across. I also have extended warranty on my 128 which is good until 2016.

I'd appreciate your advice very much, and suggestions for other similar options would be great, too!

[ace11]

i think the s5 looks nice, but dont get the point of it since the s4 has the same engine but is cheaper.. so id go for the golf r ... had that car before and its just so much fun. small, cheap, and easy to get some extra power out of it...i bet if you get the golf, lower it, put a nice sounding exhaust on it and get some more power out of it, you'll still be cheaper than an s5 but will have way more fun with it...

[dcho]

^ yeah... golf R and S4 would be fun and cheaper.. better looking too IMO

[KingOfJericho]

I'm loving my S4... I put an AWE exhaust on that thing and it's a beast!

[Trptguy]

S5!!!!!!

[135Pats]

Ya I'd probably go with the Audi, if you had an N54/5 it would be a tougher choice…From a creature comfort standpoint there's no question the Audi is superior to our cars, and IMO it looks much better. The flip side is a ton of weight, and constant dogging understeer courtesy of quattro. Tough call...

[KingOfJericho]

I've never liked the looks of the A/S5 and much prefer the looks of the 135i. The 1er just has that pitbull look while an S5 seems bloated and wasteful. One of the times I most miss the 1er is navigating through traffic. It's just so easy with a 1.

[cheshirecat79]

The S5 is a beautiful car. IMO, it's a great vehicle to move to.

[JasonCSU]

Thinking of the cost side, maybe another option is too keep the 128 and pick up a AWD or 4WD winter beater.

[doublevanosrc]

Originally Posted by dcho

^ yeah... golf R and S4 would be fun and cheaper.. better looking too IMO

I concur.

[RoundelM3]

You might try putting non-runflats on your 128i like I did on my wife's car. Makes a huge difference in ride and handling - I also changed to wider 18" wheels and have the same 225/255 tires as you'd find on a 135 or 335.

[jsmonet]

128 to s5 is an easy choice. 135 to s5? a little tougher there.

[CentralPA E82]

Spot on roundel. Ditch the run flats and the ride will improve considerably. Replaced mine after 5k, best move I made with this car.

[P7X]

S4, all the benefits of an AWD audi and cheaper than an S5

[TheSt|G]

What type of snows were you using? I've found they vary quite a bit in effectiveness.

[135Pats]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

I've never liked the looks of the A/S5 and much prefer the looks of the 135i. The 1er just has that pitbull look while an S5 seems bloated and wasteful. One of the times I most miss the 1er is navigating through traffic. It's just so easy with a 1.

Hm interesting, I've always found the 1 to be a bit of an ugly duckling, the front fascia is pretty aggressive, but from the side I just can't get over the droopy lines running along the side skirt…makes the car seem puffy and tired IMO. Agreed 100% on traffic though, I commute to work in DC, so having close to 400wtq is nice for scooting in and out of lanes to avoid the countless busses, taxis, and VA drivers.

[3liter1]

if you are going that route (bigger/more comfort and less nimble) also check out the Volvo s60 in various trims and the new Cadillac ATS both have AWD options)

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by 135Pats

Hm interesting, I've always found the 1 to be a bit of an ugly duckling, the front fascia is pretty aggressive, but from the side I just can't get over the droopy lines running along the side skirt…makes the car seem puffy and tired IMO. Agreed 100% on traffic though, I commute to work in DC, so having close to 400wtq is nice for scooting in and out of lanes to avoid the countless busses, taxis, and VA drivers.

I solved that issue immediately after delivery. I completely agree on the droopy side in stock form.

[ptack]

The A5/S5 is a pretty car, but not a sporty car. If you get a lot of snow the problem is that sporty cars are not going to be as useful as awd vehicles with higher clearances. Your other choice is to get a beater for the winter months and use the 128i in better weather.

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

I solved that issue immediately after delivery. I completely agree on the droopy side in stock form.

Attachment 813311

Which are those?

[KingOfJericho]

BMW Performance.

[ken1137]

S5 if you are over 40 and 335 coupe under 40 Both are nice cars and the S4 B8 is another great option. However, as one post pointed out there is a big performance difference in snow tires. GL with your decision.