So what is (or was) everyone else considering?

Brookside · 07-13-2007, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieselchas

Well I am brand new to this forum, so here goes......

I have owned 6 different 3 series in my time behind the wheel with my all time favorite being an E30 M3. And to say I was a bimmerphile would be an understatement. Eventually work and reality took me away from my cars, but I never lost my love for the brand. Two weeks ago my brother (335i, x3, E30M3 owner) sent me a link to your forum and said check it out. I saw the 1 series pic in the header and I am hooked. Ever day now I am researching and learning all I can. I called my local dealer (who might as well be ostrich’s) and they had no idea what a 1 series was. So to make this long introduction end, I too will be placing my order the day ordering becomes a reality. The only sad part is no diesel, so my existing fleet will soon have one petrol powered step brother.

Before this I was considering an E36 M3 4-door....

I look forward to many discussions before and after we all get new ride.

With much respect,

Charles :roundel:

[FONT="Times New Roman"]Welcome Charles! Enjoyed reading your post. Keep it up.[/FONT

fishbulb · 07-13-2007, 03:44 PM

i wasn't even shopping...

BForbes · 07-13-2007, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lips

Onehots2k, is that the new accord coupe? I have seen some spy photos and they all looked like crap, but that pic is actually really nice.

Wow, I just read this post. Everything gets pilled on top of each other. :/ But yeah thats the new coupe. Must look GREAT in white or black. I mean they had to turn up the heat to compete with the altima coupe. I'll try to push it off on a family member/gf/friend or someone to buy. I always do that!!

jt328i · 07-13-2007, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibeam81

I'm a victim of too many interests...

LOL. I love that line. I'd like to keep my 328i, my wife wants an SUV, and I also want a 1er. That on top of the other things you mentioned (minus the boat for me), and you know something's gotta give. I'll buy myself some time convincing myself that I shouldn't buy the first model year of the 1er... if I can stand the wait.

JayM · 07-13-2007, 04:48 PM

My kids have spent the summer so far riding in my in-laws BMW convertible and now want a convertible. I have always wanted one so they did not have to twist my arm much. Anyway, I was set on getting a VW Eos but wanted to wait for a 2008. I really like the Eos, with the hard-top and DSG, but the problem is that for 2008 you cannot get the sport package with the 2.0T engine (which I find pretty stupid). I initially was not overly interested in the 1-er as I really thought a hard-top convertible would be best living in the Northeast (i.e., winter). But after some research I think a soft-top would not be that bad in the winter, so I started reading about the 1-er again. Right now the 128i convertible is my top choice. But, if it ends up being priced too high (or the back seat is unusable), then I may go back to the Eos.

Jay

GreenMonster · 07-13-2007, 05:12 PM

What else have I considered ? Any and all RWD 2+2 coupes under $30-35K

Mustang GT (gas mileage concerns)
RX8 (not a fan of the styling, and the oil and fuel consumption issue scared me)
G37 (too heavy @ 3668lbs for the 6mt sport)
s2k with hardtop option (really would like a back seat, but this would probably work too).
Misc. BMWs (used or new)

The 1-series is really the closest thing to my wants... I'm willing to make some concessions in my search for a cheap, rwd, 2+2 coupe...

Carlitos_SS · 07-14-2007, 02:20 AM

Still up in the air (in no particular order):

1) IS-F. Sweet interior, Toyota quality/reliability. Unfortunately probably not much to do tuner-wise except basic breathing bolt ons. I'm sure that 5.0L motor will respond well to intake headers exhaust.

2) '08 Corvette Z51. The '08's get another bump in displacement/hp/tq. I already know the LS motors respond well to upgrades (I've seen a report of an '08 with CAI, headers, cat-back, and cam putting down 480ish to the wheels before tuning; will probably hit just over 500rwhp after tune). Bad thing is it's a 2 seater. I'll be trading in my wife's TSX for an MDX here pretty soon, but I would still like to have a back seat in my car for the kiddos.

3) 135i. Never really considered the BMW brand until news of the 135 came out. Neither the exterior nor the interior styling is really to my tastes, but the tuning potential per dollar is going to be very hard to pass.

4) Dump money into my Camaro and keep my G35.

Decisions, decisions...

Lips · 07-14-2007, 07:51 AM

Carlitos SS, you have coupe or four door G35? I have an 05 coupe.

rspeedy · 07-14-2007, 08:56 AM

I've been waiting for a 2008 STI or the imaganary VW R36 for more than a year. When I first saw the 135i photos & specs I was so excited that I could hardly sleep. I've wanted an M Coupe for years but they were always to expensive. My last BMW was a 533i in 1984.
Current ride 2004 Audi 3.2 Quattro
Former ride 2004 VW R32

ibeam81 · 07-14-2007, 09:11 AM

Quote:

My last BMW was a 533i in 1984.

My last BMW was a 325e in '84. It seems that the 1er is really pulling people back into the fold. Hopefully BMW will get the price right and then be able to make enough.

Lips · 07-14-2007, 11:38 AM

Haha, like your little BMW worship there ibeam...

atr_hugo · 07-14-2007, 12:28 PM

If the boss would let me raid my pension fund, I'd take this in a heartbeat.

Deutsch · 07-14-2007, 01:21 PM

I've never been into the super car thing. Those cars have never really struck me as being of any real value whatsoever. Expensive to maintain, flashy, uncomfortable, impractical. Noooo, thank you. :biggrin:

atr_hugo · 07-14-2007, 02:04 PM

But mama mia - the lines and curves and Magneti Marelli bad wiring. ; -)

Devon K · 07-14-2007, 02:44 PM

I've seriously considered 2 other vehicles. I have done a few test drives in the new MX-5, and came away with the feeling that while it's modestly better than my current ride, it's not better enough to make me want to fork out $35K when my present (and first) car has only 20K miles on it. And in the new PRHT flavour (which I'd want as I am not a big ragtop fan), it's as much as or more than a 128i is likely to be.

The other contender for me is the oh-so-sweet Mini S, which I love from a design standpoint; the reviews of the new one have been raves, I have yet to drive it. With the optional LSD and the JCW package this car would be amazing, but there are two things that hold me back (besides the virtues of the upcoming 1 coupe): First, I'd really like a RWD car this time, to give me something closer to what I experienced driving my father's 911 as a teenager. Second, (and maybe this will seem old-fashioned), but I want to see some sky when I am driving, and I find a lot of the current smaller and mid-sized cars have bunker-slit views out the windshield that leave you barely able to see upcoming streetlights, let alone any sky. Of course designers utilize low windshields to give a car a sleek and hunkered-down appearance but the penalty paid in terms of visibility is just too great. Unfortunately the 1st-gen new Mini I sat in was a victim of this styling fad. (The new new Mini now has height-adjustable seats which might ameliorate the problem.) Going by the photos to date, the 1 coupe looks to be free of this limitation.

phastman · 07-14-2007, 09:38 PM

MKV VW R32 - Love my MKIV R but this is too similar of a car. If they had made the R36...
Audi TT 2.0 w/quattro
BMW 335i - might still be swayed this way since I have two kids. But I'd prefer the lighter, more hard-edged (hopefully) 135i.
BMW Z4 M Coupe - out of my price range but damn it looks good.
Subaru Legacy GT Spec. B - sleeper.

-Mike

dustinst22 · 07-14-2007, 11:28 PM

The only other car I'm considering is a lotus (elise or exige). Man, that new Exige S is sweet -- pure driver's car, but 60 K is out of my range!

torv · 07-15-2007, 01:52 AM

335i
Mazdaspeed3
Cooper S

Carlitos_SS · 07-15-2007, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lips

Carlitos SS, you have coupe or four door G35? I have an 05 coupe.

4 door. Great car, but it's kinda heavy. I know some suspension tuning would do wonders for this car, but to get the power that I want is gonna be hella expensive. The other cars on my list are already much closer to a "finshed" result for me.

'Los

JayM · 07-16-2007, 12:08 AM

In a previous post I mentioned that I was considering a VW Eos but left out I am also considering a used 2004 330 convertible. I drove an automatic and thought it was just okay, so I am trying to find a manual to try. The price for a 330 convertible appears to be from $32K up depending on the miles, which may be close to the price of a 128 convertible (hopefully). Granted, the 128 will not be out for almost another year, but if the prices are close the 128 seems to be the much better deal - new with full warranty, little more power (but less torque), supposedly similar size inside, possibly lighter (maybe not by much). I may be wrong, but if the 1 series prices are close to what are on the forums (and the size is not much smaller than the E46), I see the 1 series causing E46 coupe/convertible resale prices to drop by a fair amount. Also, I have never purchased used and am a little leery about buying the used 330 convertible, even a CPO. From what I read on the various forums, the CPO warranty does not cover everything (I think the top and associated components are not covered). Anyway, just my thoughts.

hector · 07-16-2007, 07:19 AM

is it possible that the fwd mazda 2 at 2200lbs. could be more fun to drive than the 135?

Wiggum · 07-16-2007, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hector

is it possible that the fwd mazda 2 at 2200lbs. could be more fun to drive than the 135?

No, it's FWD, but if you look on AutoBlog, there was talks of an MPS version (Mazdaspeed2)...

07-13-2007, 03:44 PM	#90
fishbulb Private First Class 6 Rep 123 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2007 iTrader: (0)	i wasn't even shopping...
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07-13-2007, 04:48 PM	#93
JayM Enlisted Member 9 Rep 46 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2007 iTrader: (0)	My kids have spent the summer so far riding in my in-laws BMW convertible and now want a convertible. I have always wanted one so they did not have to twist my arm much. Anyway, I was set on getting a VW Eos but wanted to wait for a 2008. I really like the Eos, with the hard-top and DSG, but the problem is that for 2008 you cannot get the sport package with the 2.0T engine (which I find pretty stupid). I initially was not overly interested in the 1-er as I really thought a hard-top convertible would be best living in the Northeast (i.e., winter). But after some research I think a soft-top would not be that bad in the winter, so I started reading about the 1-er again. Right now the 128i convertible is my top choice. But, if it ends up being priced too high (or the back seat is unusable), then I may go back to the Eos. Jay
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07-13-2007, 05:12 PM	#94
GreenMonster Private First Class 1 Rep 150 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jun 2007 iTrader: (0)	What else have I considered ? Any and all RWD 2+2 coupes under $30-35K Mustang GT (gas mileage concerns) RX8 (not a fan of the styling, and the oil and fuel consumption issue scared me) G37 (too heavy @ 3668lbs for the 6mt sport) s2k with hardtop option (really would like a back seat, but this would probably work too). Misc. BMWs (used or new) The 1-series is really the closest thing to my wants... I'm willing to make some concessions in my search for a cheap, rwd, 2+2 coupe... __________________ 03 SMR Acura CLS 6spd 79 VW Westfalia - 2.0L, 4spd, 67hp 87 Craftsman 11/36 - lawn tractor 78 John Deere 316 - garden tractor
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07-14-2007, 02:20 AM	#95
Carlitos_SS New Member 5 Rep 19 Posts Drives: 06 G35, 04 TSX, 98 Camaro SS Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	Still up in the air (in no particular order): 1) IS-F. Sweet interior, Toyota quality/reliability. Unfortunately probably not much to do tuner-wise except basic breathing bolt ons. I'm sure that 5.0L motor will respond well to intake headers exhaust. 2) '08 Corvette Z51. The '08's get another bump in displacement/hp/tq. I already know the LS motors respond well to upgrades (I've seen a report of an '08 with CAI, headers, cat-back, and cam putting down 480ish to the wheels before tuning; will probably hit just over 500rwhp after tune). Bad thing is it's a 2 seater. I'll be trading in my wife's TSX for an MDX here pretty soon, but I would still like to have a back seat in my car for the kiddos. 3) 135i. Never really considered the BMW brand until news of the 135 came out. Neither the exterior nor the interior styling is really to my tastes, but the tuning potential per dollar is going to be very hard to pass. 4) Dump money into my Camaro and keep my G35. Decisions, decisions...
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07-14-2007, 07:51 AM	#96
Lips First Lieutenant 27 Rep 362 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2007 iTrader: (0)	Carlitos SS, you have coupe or four door G35? I have an 05 coupe. __________________ 2005 G35 Coupe Lakeshore Slate 2007 Mazda MX-5 Galaxy Grey
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07-14-2007, 08:56 AM	#97
rspeedy New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2011 Audi TT Coupe Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	I've been waiting for a 2008 STI or the imaganary VW R36 for more than a year. When I first saw the 135i photos & specs I was so excited that I could hardly sleep. I've wanted an M Coupe for years but they were always to expensive. My last BMW was a 533i in 1984. Current ride 2004 Audi 3.2 Quattro Former ride 2004 VW R32
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07-14-2007, 11:38 AM	#99
Lips First Lieutenant 27 Rep 362 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2007 iTrader: (0)	Haha, like your little BMW worship there ibeam... __________________ 2005 G35 Coupe Lakeshore Slate 2007 Mazda MX-5 Galaxy Grey
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07-14-2007, 12:28 PM	#100
atr_hugo No longer moderate 325 Rep 4,401 Posts Drives: '13 135i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: - iTrader: (0)	If the boss would let me raid my pension fund, I'd take this in a heartbeat.
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07-14-2007, 01:21 PM	#101
Deutsch Second Lieutenant 50 Rep 249 Posts Drives: Join Date: Nov 2006 iTrader: (0)	I've never been into the super car thing. Those cars have never really struck me as being of any real value whatsoever. Expensive to maintain, flashy, uncomfortable, impractical. Noooo, thank you. :biggrin:
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07-14-2007, 02:04 PM	#102
atr_hugo No longer moderate 325 Rep 4,401 Posts Drives: '13 135i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: - iTrader: (0)	But mama mia - the lines and curves and Magneti Marelli bad wiring. ; -)
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07-14-2007, 02:44 PM	#103
Devon K Lieutenant 38 Rep 570 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	I've seriously considered 2 other vehicles. I have done a few test drives in the new MX-5, and came away with the feeling that while it's modestly better than my current ride, it's not better enough to make me want to fork out $35K when my present (and first) car has only 20K miles on it. And in the new PRHT flavour (which I'd want as I am not a big ragtop fan), it's as much as or more than a 128i is likely to be. The other contender for me is the oh-so-sweet Mini S, which I love from a design standpoint; the reviews of the new one have been raves, I have yet to drive it. With the optional LSD and the JCW package this car would be amazing, but there are two things that hold me back (besides the virtues of the upcoming 1 coupe): First, I'd really like a RWD car this time, to give me something closer to what I experienced driving my father's 911 as a teenager. Second, (and maybe this will seem old-fashioned), but I want to see some sky when I am driving, and I find a lot of the current smaller and mid-sized cars have bunker-slit views out the windshield that leave you barely able to see upcoming streetlights, let alone any sky. Of course designers utilize low windshields to give a car a sleek and hunkered-down appearance but the penalty paid in terms of visibility is just too great. Unfortunately the 1st-gen new Mini I sat in was a victim of this styling fad. (The new new Mini now has height-adjustable seats which might ameliorate the problem.) Going by the photos to date, the 1 coupe looks to be free of this limitation.
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07-14-2007, 09:38 PM	#104
phastman Autocrosser 0 Rep 27 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2007 iTrader: (0)	MKV VW R32 - Love my MKIV R but this is too similar of a car. If they had made the R36... Audi TT 2.0 w/quattro BMW 335i - might still be swayed this way since I have two kids. But I'd prefer the lighter, more hard-edged (hopefully) 135i. BMW Z4 M Coupe - out of my price range but damn it looks good. Subaru Legacy GT Spec. B - sleeper. -Mike
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07-14-2007, 11:28 PM	#105
dustinst22 Private 3 Rep 61 Posts Drives: Ford F150 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (0)	The only other car I'm considering is a lotus (elise or exige). Man, that new Exige S is sweet -- pure driver's car, but 60 K is out of my range!
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07-15-2007, 01:52 AM	#106
torv New Member 1 Rep 17 Posts Drives: Daily Driver Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0)	335i Mazdaspeed3 Cooper S
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07-16-2007, 12:08 AM	#108
JayM Enlisted Member 9 Rep 46 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2007 iTrader: (0)	In a previous post I mentioned that I was considering a VW Eos but left out I am also considering a used 2004 330 convertible. I drove an automatic and thought it was just okay, so I am trying to find a manual to try. The price for a 330 convertible appears to be from $32K up depending on the miles, which may be close to the price of a 128 convertible (hopefully). Granted, the 128 will not be out for almost another year, but if the prices are close the 128 seems to be the much better deal - new with full warranty, little more power (but less torque), supposedly similar size inside, possibly lighter (maybe not by much). I may be wrong, but if the 1 series prices are close to what are on the forums (and the size is not much smaller than the E46), I see the 1 series causing E46 coupe/convertible resale prices to drop by a fair amount. Also, I have never purchased used and am a little leery about buying the used 330 convertible, even a CPO. From what I read on the various forums, the CPO warranty does not cover everything (I think the top and associated components are not covered). Anyway, just my thoughts.
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07-16-2007, 07:19 AM	#109
hector Captain 36 Rep 713 Posts Drives: e46 330ci, e92 335i, 2008 128i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: virgo supercluster bwo Pennsylvania. iTrader: (0)	is it possible that the fwd mazda 2 at 2200lbs. could be more fun to drive than the 135?
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