General sentiment on autoblog

[Robert]

Despite 1 series' release since 2008, the same arguments are repeat over and over again. They tend to follow 2 aspects: looks and price point and repeat after that.


http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/12/s...d-tailpipes-t/

Here's some comments from autoblog's readers

> me too. aside from whatever praise/accolades/blahblah this car can get, just from looks alone, the 1series is just awkward looking to me. this "M" version will probably look a lot better than the regular 1's, but chances are itll still look awkward. kinda like being the tallest midget.

> I 2nd that. It's the ugliest BMW of all time

> It has a belly.

> Nice, more 1 series's. Designed especially for people who want BMWs but can't afford BMWs.

I never thought 50-60k cars are considered cheap now. Supposedly everyone works for Goldman now.

[BBK]

Do they say the same about 320, 323, 325's? I could sell mine second hand and buy new for that price! Idiots...

[Bimmer-Bob]

People are idiots. The price diff between the 1er and 3er is narrow enough that, almost by definition, anyone buying one can afford the other.

As for looks, well, they're subjective. I will admit that, at certain angles, my 1er is a bit ungainly and awkward. But at others it's simply a breathtaking design. I think it looks much better in person than in most pictures I've seen, and better up close, too. I'm not sure what it is - there are a lot of dynamic lines on the 1er that perhaps don't translate well to a 2D image.

The 1er's squat, muscular stance is a definite contrast to the 3er's more sleek and elegant (but ultimately more conservative) profile, but I think the 1er will stand the test of time better, and be a more desirable vehicle to own in the future.

[Guibo]

Well, there is still this mindset here in America (where gas is still relatively cheap) that if something is small and expensive, it's a waste of money. "The bigger the better." You can hear it from certain BMW fans too: "Why buy a smaller car when I can have a 3-Series which can somehow miraculously accomodate 5 NBA players?"

I think this comment when the 1-Series coupe was officially announced takes the cake:
"The price point is way to high! This car will have no real back seat and will be great for empty nesters that weigh less then 200 lbs or people to young to need the back seat. I say wait for the new Pontiac G8 V6 and have a nice usable family car that will be big enough to protect the family!"
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/01/b...day/3#comments

Even 2-3 years after its release, and with the US economy in the dumps, BMW are still on track to meet or beat the initial 10k per year estimate. And now there's an M1 in the works. Pontiac? They were almost killed off LOL.

[Elsabor67]

Their problem might be that since they have nothing better to do or say, they'll recycle a little bit of this, and a little bit of that and ............WAAA LAAAAA!!!!!!! I just made an article.

I wanted a 1er to replace the E30 325i I used to own because I could see a strong potential for a fun car that definetly can handle and perform without killing your wallet. It's a blast at the track just like my E30 was except for the fact that the E30 was NA and older.

[ChrisK]

It's amazing! Have people forgotten what the e46's looked like? Remember everyone complaining about how the e9x's looked when they first came out.

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by ChrisK

It's amazing! Have people forgotten what the e46's looked like? Remember everyone complaining about how the e9x's looked when they first came out.

I haven't stopped. I could easily have purchased a 335 but I just didn't like it. I test drove it probably 10 times but it felt like a boat to me. Too refined, too quiet, too feminine. 135 was love at first sight. I just don't see what others see when they say is has a belly or is too snub-nosed. The blunt nose is one of my favorite aspects! Oh, and the sticker price on my car was $46,500... That's how much an E46 M3 cost a few years ago and nobody said that was a "cheap" BMW.

[WyattHerb]

My favorite complaints about the 1-series are as follows:

"It's made for people who can't afford BMW's."
"It's too expensive."

[BrokenVert]

Here's what I will never understand. Where were all of these "it's the cheap BMW, why buy it" people while the 3 series was the cheapest BMW for 35 years?

[ChrisK]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

Here's what I will never understand. Where were all of these "it's the cheap BMW, why buy it" people while the 3 series was the cheapest BMW for 35 years?

+1



I totally agree. Isn't "A Cheap BMW" an oxymoron?
I can't waiting for the jokers to start talking about the cheap M1.

[KingOfJericho]

The invoice price for an E46 M3 was $41K ($43.5K MSRP). That was a halo type car. Now our cars which, on average, cost right around that when equipped with the basics. How is one considered hot shit and the other a cheap piece of shit?

[Muffnbluff]

The problem with online opinions is that they're usually based off of other peoples opinions. Most people who say something about a car haven't actually driven the car.

[jmunro]

The part that kills me is that the 1 series is actually a true BMW. Little fluff, a lot of engine, and great fun to drive.

[KingOfJericho]

When I had my Lotus, the only people who would talk shit about it were those who drove old beat up shit-boxes. I was at my girlfriends family function and a kid came up to me and said "My dad says your car is a poor mans Ferrari." His dad was driving a Mercury Sable. The world is full of jealous haters and I learned to just laugh about it. Whatever makes them feel better...

[Robert]

Originally Posted by WyattHerb

My favorite complaints about the 1-series are as follows:

"It's made for people who can't afford BMW's."

> For me BMW has never been about luxury. BMW to me has or had been a competent car that's also fun to drive. I feel sorry for folks who thinks BMW as status. It can easily be inferred whoever makes that statement belongs in the status group.

Originally Posted by WyattHerb

"It's too expensive."

> People looks for numbers to justify what they want to believe. For example, people who makes this statement often loads up the car with not only all the options but all the accessories then exclaim the car is too expensive at 50k for a 135i. <duh> I have seen Honda Si marked for 35k at the dealer before.

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

When I had my Lotus, the only people who would talk shit about it were those who drove old beat up shit-boxes. I was at my girlfriends family function and a kid came up to me and said "My dad says your car is a poor mans Ferrari." His dad was driving a Mercury Sable. The world is full of jealous haters and I learned to just laugh about it. Whatever makes them feel better...

> Those are the best. Completely illogical. Should have told him his dad is driving a poor man's Lincoln. Then again don't waste your breath.

[lacrosse]

I went from a 330i to a 135i. The 1er was a much better performer. Screw the haters. They are ignorant anyway.

[lacrosse]

Originally Posted by WyattHerb

"It's made for people who can't afford BMW's."

That would be the 328.

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by lacrosse

That would be the 328.

[brizzom]

Originally Posted by lacrosse

That would be the 328.

was that a typo?
It's actually the 128i

[oasis3582]

Easy answer...people on Autoblog are idiots. I love the site, but the posters there are beyond ignorant. They all want a diesel wagon with a perfect interior, 500hp, and that gets 100 mpg. So annoying.

[twenzel]

These people make me laugh...

[jayson]

Originally Posted by jmunro

The part that kills me is that the 1 series is actually a true BMW. Little fluff, a lot of engine, and great fun to drive.

Yes! - You got it, Toyota. The average person is a bit lost on this point. If I wanted the prettier BMW, I would have bought a 3 series coupe (pre-owned even) and drone along with everyone else. What I wanted was a two door, smaller, RWD sports car that does not sacrifice the back seat. 1er fits the bill perfectly.