I don't HAVE to buy one...and that's not bad

[HeyMoe53]

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to own a BMW someday. To me, they were the epitome of a car meant for a person who enjoys the driving experience.

Over the years, I have "made-do" with an old-school Trans Am, a year-one GTI, various other VWs, and post-divorce, a Focus ST (American-spec, unfortunately) that is still a lot of fun to drive.

Come 2009, I will be in a position to buy a 128. It just seems like the car that I would enjoy driving every time I fire it up (on nice days-the Focus is hanging around for winter).

I will drive a 135 as well during the test drive phase, just to be sure. And, after that, who knows what will happen?

After salivating over this prospect for months, I have come to realize that I really don't HAVE to have one.

I would like to have a 1er, but I don't have to do it. If something about acquiring a 1er sets me off (I'm a calm person), I can walk away.

After reading all of the info here, and digesting everything from golf-tee mods to chips, I can understand and appluad everyone who wants to push the limits. Sometimes, however, reading all of that makes my brain explode, and I take a time-out from visiting this site.

I just want to take on those twisty roads, wing it though the corners, and watch the autumn leaves scatter in my wake, as I head on to whatever it is I want to do that day.

I know that I will be in the minority here. I don't mind being trashed. As a schoolteacher, I can handle that. I've seen far worse.

I'm just curious. To quote Peter Frampton, "Do you feel like I do?"

[x97Melbourne]

seems like a lot of giberous and double-speak to me......

[turner23]

I test drove 9 different makes and models before buying my 128. I've had her over two months now, 3500 miles accumulated, and being able to drive the 1 to and from work is still the highlight of my day. I too test drove the 135, twice. It certainly has more of a punch, but the 128 is more practical for me, and is still an absolute blast to drive.

Soooooo glad I didn't get another VW!

[hbiscuit]

not really sure what the point of this thread is...

[BrtshRceGr]

Hey, we all need a little therapy once in a while, and I think the OP just wanted to release some pent-up thoughts. Stream of consciousness can be fun...

But an American-spec Focus ST? I'm a little confused on that one.

[arrutled]

advice to you.....dont test drive a 135 if you want a 128.

[EspressoBoy]

Yoda has advised me... I am passing this one... I don't have to post much... So nice... I'll be out driving... and smiling...

[HeyMoe53]

Well, maybe it sound like double speak. That happens when it is late at night.

Therapy? Maybe. Having a girlfriend with breast cancer, and a son in a serious accident does set your mind spinning sometimes.

My only point was that for a long time, I thought I really had to buy a 1-series. And, it seems that there are many who feel that way about buying a car, whatever the make.

My mindset changed, and I realize that I would like to do it, not that I have to do it. So, if things work out, fine. If not, fine. That seems to be a healthier way to look at an automobile purchase. I'm not going to drive myself crazy to find a way to drive a payment down to where I feel it is affordable.

I was curious to tap into the mindset of those who own a 1-series, and aren't into modding and such, as often seems to be the case.

And, I am curious about how "intoxicating" a 135 might be, after trying out a 128.

Again, sorry for the gibberish, and stream of consciousness. If you would like more gibberish, I could do all of this in two other languages ; - )

[ModlessG]

A better car for a school teacher would be a Volvo X country, or perhaps a Toyota Prius. The Camry Hybrid is very nice as well.

[HeyMoe53]

Well, if that is your opinion of a typical schoolteacher, then I need to decide where my real place is, and I guess it is not here.......

[JohnnyTT]

Originally Posted by HeyMoe53

And, I am curious about how "intoxicating" a 135 might be, after trying out a 128.

Well, I have driven both cars.....and your answer comes in what style of driver you are. Do you need lots of speed and power, and a very tight stiff ride. Or do you want a little more aggressive setup than you have with a smooth, yet tight when you need it, ride.

The 128 is tight, smooth, and has a more luxury refined ride. You will not be disappointed if this car is a step up in power. Get it with the sport package.

The 135 is massive amounts of power when you need it, but smooth when you don't. The only downside, for some people, could be that the car is very stiff for everyday driving. For me, it's not a problem, but for others, it can be. One solution to help a little would be downgrade to the 17" wheels with thicker rubber for better bump absorption.


So in the end, it comes down to how much you need to scare your wife and child. But if you've lived a happy life with tame cars... the 128 will thrill you and comfort you.


Hope this helps.

Thanks for being a teacher and keep educating America, we need it.

[ChrisK]

:iono:

[BimmerKid87]

johnny...the 128 sport and 135 have the same suspension setup. Why would the 135 be stiffer?

[JohnnyTT]

Originally Posted by BimmerKid87

johnny...the 128 sport and 135 have the same suspension setup. Why would the 135 be stiffer?

I should have clarified better. The 135 with the 18" tires is what I meant, that's why I said to downgrade to the 17's.


Thanks.

[ptack]

Open the doors brothers, it sounds like another convert. Can we hear an Amen?


Seriously, beware the 135i. Both ones are addictive, but the 135i is the hard stuff.

[EspressoBoy]

Originally Posted by HeyMoe53

Well, maybe it sound like double speak. That happens when it is late at night.

Therapy? Maybe. Having a girlfriend with breast cancer, and a son in a serious accident does set your mind spinning sometimes.

My only point was that for a long time, I thought I really had to buy a 1-series. And, it seems that there are many who feel that way about buying a car, whatever the make.

My mindset changed, and I realize that I would like to do it, not that I have to do it. So, if things work out, fine. If not, fine. That seems to be a healthier way to look at an automobile purchase. I'm not going to drive myself crazy to find a way to drive a payment down to where I feel it is affordable.

I was curious to tap into the mindset of those who own a 1-series, and aren't into modding and such, as often seems to be the case.

And, I am curious about how "intoxicating" a 135 might be, after trying out a 128.

Again, sorry for the gibberish, and stream of consciousness. If you would like more gibberish, I could do all of this in two other languages ; - )

Because you said some personal stuff here, I thought I would share a bit.

I lost my dad this year. He went through a hard hard year, in and out of the hospital with like 5 strokes one after another. He had a fairly good 2 years before that, and lost his second wife to breast cancer in 05. He was caring for her.

I am only telling you this because I know what it's like to be around people who are sick. As hard as it is for them, it too is hard on us. I have to say this... First look after yourself, then everyone else. I am not saying be selfish but you need to be strong so you can care for others.

I didn't even look at cars till dad passed. I was too busy. But everyone is different. The car is totally amazing! It has a lot of little minor flaws but none of them take away from the driving experience (maybe the runflats for some). You will be hard pressed to find many people here to say the car is not a good drive. As far as budget, it all depends on you. Again everyone is different.

I want to post a link about a very special person/family... I hope this helps you. It did me. Not everyone can post stuff like this.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15700

EspressoBoy

PS
Take care! If there is anything we (1addicts) can do, just ask. BTW it is a car... People are by far much more important and sometimes it's easy to forget that. But it is a very nice car, and I do smile every time I drive it. I have never done that before. Also it's now 09 for this car, and soon 2010, 2011, and it still we be here. (we hope)

[mikeo]

HeyMoe53 and EspressoBoy have voiced the mature viewpoint which is sometimes difficult for me, even though I'm 65. It's easy to get excited, even compulsive, about a car if you are a true gearhead. But in the end, it's a car not a religion. And people and major life passages must come first before our choices in personal transportation.

As to the 128i? It's the underappreciated, sleeper 1-series and a great performing car in its own right. Test drive both HeyMoe53, and don't hesitate to buy a 128i it that is what works for you.

[HeyMoe53]

I do appreciate the kind words from all. Normally, I don't really need to be told to keep my head up. I learned to do that years ago when my ex- moved me out, and traded me for a motorcycle and a tattoo.

However, every so often, I let it slip, and slide into the guardrails a little. And, it could have been that rum and coke I made ; )

Anyway, the good in all of this is that I will be interested in a new car come next summer, and I will try out a number of cars, including a 1-series.

I may get lured by the 135. I know when I drove a friend's Cayman S for a weekend after I detailed it for him, I had a difficult time giving it back.

For the 1Addict who asked about my Focus ST, it was a model Ford sold for two years after they discontunued the SVT. It shares much of the SVT's suspension, with a 2.3 Mazda motor that is a bit slower than the SVT, but not much. It is a fun car to drive, and does quite well as an every-day car.

Again, thanks to all. This has made me realize that this forum is definitely above the curve when it comes to frendliness and maturity.

[JohnnyTT]

Yeah, we have a few bad apples... But they help keep us on our toes.

[Tom K.]

One of the first trips I took in my 128i convertible was through the Laurel Highlands, up to the Warren/Bradford area in the Alleghenies, and two days ago, I had a great time (top down, naturally) on the backroads of Michaux State Forest near Chambersburg. Since you have some wonderful roads in PA, by all means get the 128i with sport package (I recommend the manual transmission as well).

Unless you need a larger rear seat, it's a great car for a teacher (or a retired college professor, in my case).
Tom

[HeyMoe53]

Tom - You probably zipped by close to me as you headed to the Warren/Bradford area.

If I do pull the trigger on a 128, it would definitely be with the sport package and a stick.

I'll be retired too, come next summer, though I have three fun, part-time jobs I am keeping.

[135iUSN]

Originally Posted by HeyMoe53

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to own a BMW someday. To me, they were the epitome of a car meant for a person who enjoys the driving experience.

Over the years, I have "made-do" with an old-school Trans Am, a year-one GTI, various other VWs, and post-divorce, a Focus ST (American-spec, unfortunately) that is still a lot of fun to drive.

Come 2009, I will be in a position to buy a 128. It just seems like the car that I would enjoy driving every time I fire it up (on nice days-the Focus is hanging around for winter).

I will drive a 135 as well during the test drive phase, just to be sure. And, after that, who knows what will happen?

After salivating over this prospect for months, I have come to realize that I really don't HAVE to have one.

I would like to have a 1er, but I don't have to do it. If something about acquiring a 1er sets me off (I'm a calm person), I can walk away.

After reading all of the info here, and digesting everything from golf-tee mods to chips, I can understand and appluad everyone who wants to push the limits. Sometimes, however, reading all of that makes my brain explode, and I take a time-out from visiting this site.

I just want to take on those twisty roads, wing it though the corners, and watch the autumn leaves scatter in my wake, as I head on to whatever it is I want to do that day.

I know that I will be in the minority here. I don't mind being trashed. As a schoolteacher, I can handle that. I've seen far worse.

I'm just curious. To quote Peter Frampton, "Do you feel like I do?"

-----


I do - no mods for me. Just fun reading all the experiences.

200 mls on the clock.. soon, I'll be able to hit the autobahn flying :thumbup:

get your 1er and have fun