Motor Trend Buyer's Guide Awards 1 series 2.5 stars?

Monterra · 07-30-2009, 11:11 AM

Last year both 3 and 1 series got a well deserved 4 stars.
This year some moo decided the 3 series was still worthy of all 4 stars (fine), yet our 1s get a 1.5 star demotion? They'll be hearing from me you can bet- look for my letter to them in the Oct issue, I won't hold back this is absurd.

Judge · 07-30-2009, 11:20 AM

Considering some of the "kinks" that have been found in the 135i I don't think it is unreasonable to give it a lesser rating than last year.

JN2009 · 07-30-2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monterra

Last year both 3 and 1 series got a well deserved 4 stars.
This year some moo decided the 3 series was still worthy of all 4 stars and our 1s get a 1.5 star demotion? They'll be hearing from me you can bet- look for my letter to them in the Oct issue, I won't hold back this is absurd.

Maybe is because 2008 and 2009 is 98% the same things for 135i.

Monterra · 07-30-2009, 11:24 AM

What manufacturer changes that many things in the first 2 years of production of a new model? Subaru, ok who else?

Monterra · 07-30-2009, 11:26 AM

Are 335s not experiencing the HPFP issues? I don't know of other "kinks" that would warrant this type of smack down.

Excitmnt94 · 07-30-2009, 11:49 AM

i was quite surprised to see the rating too...as most magazines and reviewers gush all over the 135i and 128i

2AD Tanker · 07-30-2009, 12:01 PM

They really didn't put much into the 1er rating at all. I looked at what else got the same 2.5 and what was rated higher and I am seriously disappointed in MT.

SpacE82 · 07-30-2009, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turtle

They really didn't put much into the 1er rating at all. I looked at what else got the same 2.5 and what was rated higher and I am seriously disappointed in MT.

I agree. I have been a MT subscriber for years and was dissappointed by the rating as well. I usually agree with them on things, but not so much with this article or their yearly buyers guides for that matter.

bmwzone · 07-30-2009, 01:34 PM

We know how awesome our cars are. Heck two people today thought mine was an M3. Just loved it. Imagine if they actually felt what it was like to experience the N54 (recognized as motor of the year multiple times by Wards, Autoweek, ...) mated to what has been called the best 6-speed manual ever made by BMW.

Nothing against the new Camaro (lead sled living up to it's name) or Mustang GT with track pack (horrific interior and interior visibility) or the Challenger (totally outdated, heavy, Dodge junk) or the 2 seater Nissan 370Z (nice ride again only 2 seats for those of us with kids and more than 1 friend) or the Hyundai Genesis Coupe (no comment) ...

911 Turbo my next car someday (5-10 years down the road). For now I'm in 135i heaven.

Simsims · 07-30-2009, 01:45 PM

the 370z interior is BEYOND hideous.

ptack · 07-30-2009, 02:36 PM

Consider the source.
My guess is that BMW didn't pay them enough.

gatorfast · 07-30-2009, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simsims

the 370z interior is BEYOND hideous.

I dont think so at all. It has a very sporty, cockpit like look/feel to me

The nav system really makes it look nice too.

Anyone have a link to the motor trend ranking or is it just in the magazine?

Monterra · 07-30-2009, 03:08 PM

No direct link to all the ratings, you have to go into each make and model and the site still hasn't been updated with this year's ratings yet- yeah MT is budge. AW is the only one that's actually improved over the past several years I think- granted it was pretty bad before the makeover.

CrazyIvan · 07-30-2009, 03:13 PM

Count me in. MT has been harsh on BMW lately. Historically, MT was accused of being BMW-biased, I guess they now try to escape from that image so they "trash" any BMW they come across to make GM in particular look better. just an opinion... But same rating as Focus or Corolla? Give me a break

M2 · 07-30-2009, 03:38 PM

Meh, Motor Trend, S'moter Trend... I wish I got paid for my "opinion". They are just gear head guys who print their opinion in a magazine. And they get to go to other countries to drive incredible cars on incredible roads before those cars are introduced into the public. They get to do cool road trips and sit around and drink beers, contemplating their opinions and get special access at car shows since they have media badges.... Man, I want their job. Bastards...;-)

Monterra · 07-30-2009, 09:34 PM

My letter to the editor:

A star is falling (and then some)

While perusing the 2010 buyer's guide I, like a big kid was excited to see how my new whip fared in this year's edition. The 1 series in its inaugural year garnered a solid 4, same as its larger sibling of which its heavily based so I had some expectations going in. So how then with less heft, nimbler moves, very similar running gear, a more driver focused cabin if a shade less luxurious but at a much easier to stomach price tag does the 1er get a 1.5 star smack down yet big brother keeps all 4 of his? I realize the styling and dimensions may not appeal to all but why not save the 6 or 7 large if you're looking at a RWD 3 coupe? The 1 series is the right car at the right time so what gives? Typo?

I think I got a shot at next month's rag.

jibaholic101 · 07-30-2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptack

Consider the source.
My guess is that BMW didn't pay them enough.

this

all these raters take bribes, i dont trust any of their ratings

we all know that the 135i is a blast

veightkiller · 07-30-2009, 09:53 PM

meeh who cares.

BrokenVert · 07-30-2009, 10:03 PM

I saw this...moved on. Maybe 2 different people rated the 1er from last year to this year. I think its just that.

And yes we know our cars rock...screw motortrend. I've moved on the all Porsche R&T.

marvinp · 07-30-2009, 11:38 PM

I saw the 2.5 rating too while at the store and was a bit pissed off at it. Then I drove back home in my 135i and I forgot all about it. I don't care what others think about the 135i. For me, it's the perfect car.

cagekicker · 07-31-2009, 12:23 AM

has to be the reported problems.

Monterra · 07-31-2009, 06:54 AM

Yeah I mean I'm not losing sleep or questioning my decision in the least I just think they're idiots and wanted to let them know it- in a more subtle fashion. R&T has been sucking lately too- how bout they review at least one car the middle class can afford. Still waiting on a 128 full review or comparo from any of them.

07-30-2009, 11:11 AM	#1
Monterra Captain 17 Rep 619 Posts Drives: 15 X1 msport sdrive28 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: HVNY iTrader: (0)	Motor Trend Buyer's Guide Awards 1 series 2.5 stars? Last year both 3 and 1 series got a well deserved 4 stars. This year some moo decided the 3 series was still worthy of all 4 stars (fine), yet our 1s get a 1.5 star demotion? They'll be hearing from me you can bet- look for my letter to them in the Oct issue, I won't hold back this is absurd. Last edited by Monterra; 07-30-2009 at 01:07 PM..
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07-30-2009, 11:20 AM	#2
Judge First Lieutenant 38 Rep 395 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Considering some of the "kinks" that have been found in the 135i I don't think it is unreasonable to give it a lesser rating than last year.
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07-30-2009, 11:24 AM	#4
Monterra Captain 17 Rep 619 Posts Drives: 15 X1 msport sdrive28 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: HVNY iTrader: (0)	What manufacturer changes that many things in the first 2 years of production of a new model? Subaru, ok who else?
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07-30-2009, 11:26 AM	#5
Monterra Captain 17 Rep 619 Posts Drives: 15 X1 msport sdrive28 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: HVNY iTrader: (0)	Are 335s not experiencing the HPFP issues? I don't know of other "kinks" that would warrant this type of smack down.
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07-30-2009, 11:49 AM	#6
Excitmnt94 Detailer & Fitness Freak 23 Rep 514 Posts Drives: '09 135i ///M Sport Coupe Join Date: May 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	i was quite surprised to see the rating too...as most magazines and reviewers gush all over the 135i and 128i __________________ 135i coupe...Alpine White // Glacier Silver Aluminum Trim // Heated Coral Red Leather Seats // M-Sport Package // I-pod // PDC // 6-Speed Manual
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07-30-2009, 12:01 PM	#7
2AD Tanker Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 242 Posts Drives: 135i Black Sapphire Metallic Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Beer town USA (Milwaukee) iTrader: (0)	They really didn't put much into the 1er rating at all. I looked at what else got the same 2.5 and what was rated higher and I am seriously disappointed in MT. __________________
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07-30-2009, 01:34 PM	#9
bmwzone Captain 39 Rep 777 Posts Drives: Black 5.0 (ordered), 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 135i [0.00]	We know how awesome our cars are. Heck two people today thought mine was an M3. Just loved it. Imagine if they actually felt what it was like to experience the N54 (recognized as motor of the year multiple times by Wards, Autoweek, ...) mated to what has been called the best 6-speed manual ever made by BMW. Nothing against the new Camaro (lead sled living up to it's name) or Mustang GT with track pack (horrific interior and interior visibility) or the Challenger (totally outdated, heavy, Dodge junk) or the 2 seater Nissan 370Z (nice ride again only 2 seats for those of us with kids and more than 1 friend) or the Hyundai Genesis Coupe (no comment) ... 911 Turbo my next car someday (5-10 years down the road). For now I'm in 135i heaven.
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07-30-2009, 01:45 PM	#10
Simsims Captain 37 Rep 615 Posts Drives: 119/220 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (0)	the 370z interior is BEYOND hideous. __________________ VO 1M - everything except sunroof RIP BSM 135i 2009-2011
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07-30-2009, 02:36 PM	#11
ptack Brigadier General 266 Rep 4,469 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [6.50]	Consider the source. My guess is that BMW didn't pay them enough. __________________ 135i, SGM, Coral, Sport Package, Auto, Premium Hifi, USB/ipod, Apex EC-7s, PPK Stage II
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07-30-2009, 03:08 PM	#13
Monterra Captain 17 Rep 619 Posts Drives: 15 X1 msport sdrive28 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: HVNY iTrader: (0)	No direct link to all the ratings, you have to go into each make and model and the site still hasn't been updated with this year's ratings yet- yeah MT is budge. AW is the only one that's actually improved over the past several years I think- granted it was pretty bad before the makeover.
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07-30-2009, 03:13 PM	#14
CrazyIvan Lieutenant 29 Rep 488 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	Count me in. MT has been harsh on BMW lately. Historically, MT was accused of being BMW-biased, I guess they now try to escape from that image so they "trash" any BMW they come across to make GM in particular look better. just an opinion... But same rating as Focus or Corolla? Give me a break __________________
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07-30-2009, 03:38 PM	#15
M2 Lieutenant 58 Rep 503 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (0)	Meh, Motor Trend, S'moter Trend... I wish I got paid for my "opinion". They are just gear head guys who print their opinion in a magazine. And they get to go to other countries to drive incredible cars on incredible roads before those cars are introduced into the public. They get to do cool road trips and sit around and drink beers, contemplating their opinions and get special access at car shows since they have media badges.... Man, I want their job. Bastards...;-) __________________ MM
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07-30-2009, 09:34 PM	#16
Monterra Captain 17 Rep 619 Posts Drives: 15 X1 msport sdrive28 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: HVNY iTrader: (0)	My letter to the editor: A star is falling (and then some) While perusing the 2010 buyer's guide I, like a big kid was excited to see how my new whip fared in this year's edition. The 1 series in its inaugural year garnered a solid 4, same as its larger sibling of which its heavily based so I had some expectations going in. So how then with less heft, nimbler moves, very similar running gear, a more driver focused cabin if a shade less luxurious but at a much easier to stomach price tag does the 1er get a 1.5 star smack down yet big brother keeps all 4 of his? I realize the styling and dimensions may not appeal to all but why not save the 6 or 7 large if you're looking at a RWD 3 coupe? The 1 series is the right car at the right time so what gives? Typo? I think I got a shot at next month's rag.
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07-30-2009, 09:53 PM	#18
veightkiller Brigadier General 61 Rep 4,150 Posts Drives: e90 335i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Vancouver,B.C iTrader: (3)	meeh who cares.
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07-30-2009, 10:03 PM	#19
BrokenVert Resident Kerbalnaut 477 Rep 10,703 Posts Drives: Topless Brute/Hybrid Boogaloo Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fahrvergnügen/NY iTrader: (0)	I saw this...moved on. Maybe 2 different people rated the 1er from last year to this year. I think its just that. And yes we know our cars rock...screw motortrend. I've moved on the all Porsche R&T. __________________
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07-30-2009, 11:38 PM	#20
marvinp Captain 274 Rep 612 Posts Drives: '18 M3, '09 135i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	I saw the 2.5 rating too while at the store and was a bit pissed off at it. Then I drove back home in my 135i and I forgot all about it. I don't care what others think about the 135i. For me, it's the perfect car.
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07-31-2009, 12:23 AM	#21
cagekicker Major 16 Rep 1,335 Posts Drives: '09 crimson red 135i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: miami (vice city) fl. iTrader: (0)	has to be the reported problems. __________________ 6MT/ Sport Package/ N54/ Asa wheels/ Eibach pro kit springs/ Active autowerke Exhaust/ 35% tint
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07-31-2009, 06:54 AM	#22
Monterra Captain 17 Rep 619 Posts Drives: 15 X1 msport sdrive28 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: HVNY iTrader: (0)	Yeah I mean I'm not losing sleep or questioning my decision in the least I just think they're idiots and wanted to let them know it- in a more subtle fashion. R&T has been sucking lately too- how bout they review at least one car the middle class can afford. Still waiting on a 128 full review or comparo from any of them.
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