So what is (or was) everyone else considering?

[128er]

My List:
2008/9 128i (Obviously!)
2008 Mazda RX-8
2009 Acura TSX
2008 Accord Coupe EX-L V6
2008 Altima Coupe 3.5 & Prem. Package
2008 Lexus IS250

[Sixspeed J]

It's great to see some Honda love on here. One of my favorite carmakers and I also work for them. So if you guys are really interested in a Honda you should buy one!!! Ha Ha!

1.135i of course
2.Evo X
3.335i
4.TSX if sh awd and more powerful

[daddys///m]

After seeing some reviews and some unofficial 'ring times, the E92 M3 has my attention once again. We'll just have to wait and see.

EDIT: Thinking about getting rid of the G35 and picking up another E46 M3 for now, or a 2002 (I don't know the chassis designation) M roadster, with the S54. Any suggestions?

[TejasBIMMER]

Current:
2000 Z3 2.8L Roadster (first new car I had and had fun mod'ing her)

2001 330i (daily driver I bought used for my wife, to replace the 2002 Miata I bought before)

2001 Toyota Tacoma DC 4x4 (bought new and I offroad her, unlike most people with 4x4 trucks).

Future:
MZ4 (never loved the design, but was willing to replace the Z3, but since I heard about the 135i...well you know...)

135i (love the look and the big engine in small package design)

335ci (love the new 3-series design, but rather have a sportier looking and smaller overall feel).

E46 M3 Comp. (love the engine and feel, but the style is kinda normal looking)

[Klinn]

Well, the 135i Coupe kind of took me by surprise. Originally I was considering replacing my summer toy next (’03 Miata w/sport suspension) and was considering such things as:

- used Boxster
- rumoured Honda “S800” as mentioned in R&T
- used Elise, if I could ever find one

I’m pretty happy with my current E46 330Ci, but the 135i is tempting enough I may revise my upgrade strategy. Keep the Miata and upgrade the “winter beater” :biggrin: first. I just hope the 135i doesn’t feel too much taller than the E46.

[Donkeyshins]

1) Metric Mechanic 2.1L M42 Rally motor for my 318i (fun option)
2) Grey market M47 motor from UK for my 318i (socially responsible option)
3) Nothing

Of course, now I've got a phenominal jones for a 120d in white with a cloth interior and 6-speed...pretty please?

-D

[brfbmw128i]

1. BMW 128i
2. BMW 325i
3. Lexus is250
4. Nissan 350z (Just Sold It)

For my $30K price range, the 128i is a litte from both world (performance and classy-ness)

[woj]

Looking at 2 yr old Cayman S or Boxster S.
If the 128i or 135i understeers too much and weighs too much, that is where I will be heading.....

[Deutsch]

List reformed:

-Acura TL
-Audi A4
-BMW 1er, 3er
-Chevrolet Camaro
-Hyundai RWD Coupe
-Pontiac G8
-Toyota Supra

[1erich]

For me the 135i is taking on the rally rockets. I never expected BMW to put a car into the performance/$ mix. Performance difference between the three is really up in the air at this point. I'm not against modding after the warranty is up either. I'm looking for a dual purpose track/commuter car.

135i

for: My wife prefers looks, great mod potential with 400hp very easily obtainable at the wheels, European Delivery is too good to pass up, nice interior and can't forget fuel economy. Excellent warranty, great balance and a car that looks like it could be brutally quick as well as composed for the everyday. Brakes look like they have track potential. Something about this car suits me. Not sure what... I'm anxious for more info on this beast.

against: It does snow in Calgary though typically not lasting more than a week before chinook melting. I would be comfortable with dedicated winter tires and TC but still not ideal. Two doors, not the most practical for future family. Need to ditch RFT's, may desire adding LSD.

09 STI

for: Potentially the ultimate in performance/practicality. Four doors, hatch-back, likelyhood of strong reliability, unique engine layout, all-wheel-drive, lots of power and hopefully great handling. Go anywhere do anything weapon.

against: Rather dull looking with a touch of ugly. Until engine specs are released I'm only assuming, but I'm predicting poor fuel economy for North America as well as older engine tech based on Subaru's track record. Why they haven't been keeping up with DI tech is beyond me. Cheap but decent interior. I'm hoping Subaru surprises me with this car.

09 Evolution

for: Technological flagship car. Great engine tech, good power, strong likelyhood of fantastic handling, advanced AWD systems and four doors.

against: Engine mod potential is unproven but likely fine for my desires, appearance looks like it's trying too hard (wife really doesn't like it) Questionable reliability and mitsu junk quality interior. Not a fan of the weight gain that took place between generations. Not a fan of Mitsubishi in general to be honest. The company's past business practices does not impress me. Lucky for them they can build a fast, fun car.

It's interesting to see what a huge variety of cars are competing with this 1. Should be an exciting car for BMW.

Later, Erich

[Jerome10]

Glad to be here!

Been lurking for the past month or so, but never actually joined until now.

Thought I'd chime in. I was all set to buy a new MINI Cooper S, drove it several times, loved it. But I was realizing that as I'm hitting the gas or going around corners that the torque steer was really bothering me, coming from my trusty old Miata. I really didn't want anything bigger than my Miata, just a bit more space for front passengers and the ability to actually pick up people from the airport (my Miata and eventually its replacement will be my only car). The MINI was perfect. But I just came to realize that no matter how good the front-drive is that you still can't go around the corner, hit the gas, and the car just bites and turns.

My mother owns a 2006 330i sedan. Even with the auto, I was absolutely amazed at how the car drives. It makes you feel like a champ behind the wheel. Fast as hell, turns and steers great, never jittery or flustered, and then when you get on the highway it is smooth and quiet. Wish I got back home more often Unfortunately 3 series have (and still are) out of my price range. I was going bonkers trying to figure out how to get a 3 coupe, but even a stripper, bare bones, 328i coupe would have been seriously pushing my budget. Yeah, I could have done it, but it would have been incredibly stupid to do so.

Been looking at TSX, G35 coupes (too heavy, not comfortable inside), Mustangs, RX-8, Z's. Pretty much everything. But nothing drives like a BMW. Unfortunately I was stuck. Fortunately the 1 series came along. Now I might be in luck!

Really the ONLY other thing I think I'm interested in is the Volvo C30. I just love the looks, the price is perfect, and I've always liked Volvos. Usable space, small size, powerful motor. I will still take a look at this when it arrives, but it is FWD (MINI problem again), and as much as I like Volvos, they don't have that magic "something" that BMW's just seem to possess.

So, I'm pretty sure it will be the 1 for me, unless life plans change a bit. Yeah, I'll look at the Volvo, but I don't see it satisfying my desires. Nothing else I've driven has yet.

So my biggest hope is the 1er drives like a real BMW. With the tactile feel, the power, the speed, the ride, and that special "something" that is in every other BMW I've ever driven. As long as it can do that, and BMW gets the price right, I'm planning to go to Munich about this time next year and pick her up

Glad to be here!

[mexglx]

I have been driving my VW Jetta GLX since new in '97. I have been putting off a new car so I could get an M3. Not a new one, I don;t have a lot of money but a 3 year old one I figured. If the 135i is going to be the same price as a used M3 with similar performance and 4 years maintenance. I am there!!

My car is 2,900 #'s and 172 hp (when new). This car will be 130hp more and only 200-300 #'s more? Like having an extra passenger or two but with 130+ Hp...Wow, I can't wait. So long as its under $40K out the door with sport package, top stereo option, leather and sunroof I am in.

I already went to the BMW 1er website and registered for updates and test drive sign up.

[hector]

Originally Posted by mexglx

. If the 135i is going to be the same price as a used M3 with similar performance and 4 years maintenance. I am there!!...

nail on the head, i think that the 135 will seriously hurt the market for the e46 m3. some will argue that the m car has a different character and of course they're right but i think that the economics greatly favors the newer car, as you point out.

[aesthetect]

Originally Posted by Deutsch

List reformed:

-Acura TL
-Audi A1, A4, A5
-BMW 1er, 3er
-Chevrolet Camaro
-MINI Clubman
-Pontiac G8
-Toyota Supra
-Volkswagen GTI, R36

im excited about the potential of that hybrid supra powertrain. its gonna be pricey but that thing is going to be sexy and is probably my main new-car competition with the 135 or M1.

[BIMMER//DRIMMER]

sup all,
i was initially looking into a 3-series. debating to myself everyday on if i wanted to get a 328xi sedan or the coupe..then i started drawing towards the 335's....then i saw the 135i! oh man its all but decided for me...300hp BMW coupe for wat i hope will be under $37k sounds too good to be true.
i'm assuming the lease will be (roughly*) $2500 down,$380/month 12k-miles/year.
*based on bmw offers in ny.

PLEASE BMW!!!!!!!!

[Deutsch]

Originally Posted by aesthetect

im excited about the potential of that hybrid supra powertrain. its gonna be pricey but that thing is going to be sexy and is probably my main new-car competition with the 135 or M1.

I just added the new Hyundai RWD coupe to my list as well, I think that will most definitely be a car to look out for. The Supra is going to be a winner, no doubt.

[aesthetect]

yeah unfortunately i kind of expect the supra to be a 2 seater which i probably couldnt end up actually buying. but i have to factor in the environmental factor, and get decent mpg. my ideal would be a reasonably practical performance compact sedan without a V8 and must have a manual transmission. id definitely sacrifice for a 2+2 so the 1er is really just about all there is..

[atr_hugo]

Deutsch - the Hyundai RWD coupe? I thought it was FWD - their big new sedan (Genisis) is RWD. The 3.3 and 3.8L V6s Hyundai use are pressure cast ally blocks, six bolt mains, and forged cranks - they are stout engines.

[hector]

Originally Posted by atr_hugo

Deutsch - the Hyundai RWD coupe? I thought it was FWD - their big new sedan (Genisis) is RWD.....

they're saying that the next tiburon will be built off the genesis platform. see autoblog.com.

[jraymond]

I will be staying in my X3 for 4-5 more years if I do not get this car. I have fallen in love with BMW and will probably never stray. Unless, My dealer has a 335i they cannot move off the lot, it's 135i or bust.