New Owner Intro

[AAR1987]

Hi All-

I'm brand new to the world of BMW. I ordered a new 2011 135i Convertible just last night. From what I'm reading I think I got a decent deal...Specs are below.

6 Speed Manual
Black Sapphire Metallic Ext.
Red Coral Boston Leather Int.
Glacier Silver Alum. Trim
Convenience Package
M Sport Package
Premium Package
Value Package
Heated Front Seats
Navigation System
Harman Kardon Surround Sound System

I really can't wait to take delivery. The dealer said 6-8 weeks...and from what I'm hearing its going to take all 8...

Anyway, I'm sure there is plenty to learn about these cars. These forums seem to be a wealth of knowledge.

-AAR1987

[NL-J]

Another new vert owner, congrats on the new 135i! Black Sapphire with Coral Red, great combo!

[N55 Power]

Congratulations are in order for preserving the traditional sports car... Nice call on the manual.

[tonmonde]

best color combo! just like mine

[meg180]

Congrats!

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by AAR1987

Hi All-

I'm brand new to the world of BMW. I ordered a new 2011 135i Convertible just last night. From what I'm reading I think I got a decent deal...Specs are below.

6 Speed Manual
Black Sapphire Metallic Ext.
Red Coral Boston Leather Int.
Glacier Silver Alum. Trim
Convenience Package
M Sport Package
Premium Package
Value Package
Heated Front Seats
Navigation System
Harman Kardon Surround Sound System

I really can't wait to take delivery. The dealer said 6-8 weeks...and from what I'm hearing its going to take all 8...

Anyway, I'm sure there is plenty to learn about these cars. These forums seem to be a wealth of knowledge.

-AAR1987

Welcome!

You'll LOVE your new automobile.

Post your driving impressions once you have had some time with it.
If you've driven an N54, please post your impression of the differences in engine performance and handling/ride.

BTW, why did you choose the manual over the DCT?
Given all those options, seems cost wasn't the concern.

[AAR1987]

Thanks for the welcome, everyone.

I've test-driven the N54 auto; thats all my dealership had. Actually, thats all any dealership within 10 miles had...

So when my car arrives it'll be my first experience with both the N55 and a BMW Manual trans. I've driven man trans my entire driving career and didn't want to switch now. Although I will say that automatic transmissions, especially in the luxury brand market, have come a long way...

That being said, there is no way I was going to give up a manual, even for the highly-acclaimed DCT. In fact, it was a major selling point of the car.

There are 3 things I really wanted to get out of my next car purchase. Convertible was #1, Manual trans, then at least 300 hp. In/around the 50k price range.

It pretty much came down to the Infiniti G37 or the 135. I felt the infiniti was WAY over-priced for what it offered. They're pricing to compare with a 335, and the 3 offers way more than the G.

In fact, I was in an Infiniti dealer last week and challenged the salesman to truly sell me on the G versus the 1, and the only point he could muster was that it had a few more hp. Then I mentioned the 300 tq, and that was the end of that.

Another big disappointment was that the Audi S5 Vert was not produced with a manual trans. In fact, you can't get ANY Audi vert with a manual anymore.

So it was the 1, the G, or a CPO Audi S4...the 1 was clearly the best choice there.

And cost was definitely a concern, but if you're spending this much, get what you want, you know? I mean, for an extra $1-2k, is it really worth having regret? Its 4% of your final sales price. Just my .02

[AAR1987]

Hey everyone! Picking up the car tomorrow

9 weeks to the day from when I ordered.

Stay tuned for pics!