|
|
|
07-01-2007, 08:12 AM | #1 |
Colonel
124
Rep 2,205
Posts |
Mini cooper S or wait for 135i
I currently drive a E36 M3 daily, or if it's nice out, my 74 2002
I've never been really happy with the E36, it's just too big, I miss my E30's, I was about to pull the plug and order a mini cooper S with the sport options and nothing else, the new turbo should have some room to grow power wise to make me happy. Then bmw goes and puts out official info on the 135i and I'm torn, the cooper wins for a daily driver how do the current 1 series sold overseas drive? Do they handle/feel like a mini cooper? Once I drove an MCS I fell in love, they really do bring back that fun to drive feeling bmw has lost, the last bmw I drove that had the feeling is the E30's, everything after has gotten big, fat, and lost that feeling. I just cant decide if I should wait and test drive the 135i first thoughts? |
07-01-2007, 08:47 AM | #3 |
Colonel
124
Rep 2,205
Posts |
that big ehh?
I should pass then, I've never liked the size of the E36 it's just too big, I prefer a smaller car, the E30 is still my favorite bmw, maybe someday I'll find a nice late example that's not overpriced |
Appreciate
0
|
07-01-2007, 11:02 AM | #5 |
Private First Class
13
Rep 188
Posts |
Despite how much fun the MCS is to drive, it's still a FWD vehicle. Therefore, the dynamics between it and the upcoming 135i are going to be night and day.
Honestly, when I saw the 135i it looked like it was in between the size of an E30 and an E36. Noticeably smaller than an E46 coupe and definitely smaller than an E92. But I do recall them saying it is a foot longer than a MINI, so it's no where near being in the same class.
__________________
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-01-2007, 11:08 AM | #7 | |
Enlisted Member
0
Rep 41
Posts |
Quote:
They are very different cars - one is a two door coupe, the other is a hatch... the MINI certainly has a certain "Look at me" element that the BMW does not have (kids love them and random people like to look to see who is driving it... fact) The 135 is a car that is not going to set every heart on fire, but if you like it, go for it! Here is what I would do if I got one... |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-01-2007, 11:12 AM | #9 |
Private First Class
13
Rep 188
Posts |
I'm an idiot.
If it's roughly a foot longer than a MINI then all we need to do is add a foot to the length of the MINI to find out how long this thing is. Since the MCS is 12' 1.6", then 135i is around 13' 1.6". Wow, it's actually smaller than the E30 which was around 14.1' in length.
__________________
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-01-2007, 11:14 AM | #10 |
Enlisted Member
0
Rep 41
Posts |
There is a post on the forum with all the dimensions of the car... I am sure I saw it earlier. If based on the 1 series hatch we get in Oz already, they aren't small like an E30. The waist line is quite high.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-01-2007, 11:21 AM | #11 |
Private First Class
13
Rep 188
Posts |
The beltline is definitely high. But I think the overall dimensions are very similar to the E30.
However, the long nose of the 135i makes it appear to be longer than it actually is I think.
__________________
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-01-2007, 11:37 AM | #12 |
Banned
71
Rep 96
Posts |
I feel the exact same way as the OP. I am tempted to pass up on the 135i and go the MCS route. I currently drive an E30 M3, and am looking for a daily driver so the ///M can be babied more. At this point in time, the only car out there that puts a smile on my face is the MCS. Even though it is FWD, the car feels glued to the road, and in my opinion the driving dynamics are incredible.
I'd take the 135i because it's more quiet and refined, and with an E30 M3 as a 2nd car, I would enjoy the refinement every once in a while. Also, I would like to do European Delivery, and that still is not available for the MCS. However, I'd take the MCS, because it's probably going to be 10k cheaper. Also, I think the MCS will have much more of a fun factor still. It is a more "raw" feeling. From the handling, ride, and exhaust burble. All of this is from the previous MCS. I haven't driven a new one for comparison. i'm confused :iono: wow, that was a lot for my first post:smile: |
Appreciate
0
|
07-01-2007, 11:43 AM | #13 |
Enlisted Member
0
Rep 41
Posts |
Time is on my side, so I'm not jumping into any thing... I'll test drive both, see how I feel. I really liked the first generation new MINI... hopefully the new one is as fun. I would prefer a BMW, but the MINI is great fun and at a good price point in comparison to the 1, so I am yet to write it off.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-01-2007, 11:46 AM | #14 |
Private First Class
13
Rep 188
Posts |
Honestly, I really don't think you can compare the two vehicles. Not only because of the size difference but because of the design/utility of each.
__________________
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-01-2007, 01:13 PM | #15 | |
Future N54 Owner...
6
Rep 140
Posts |
Quote:
Assuming the given specs, the 135I will be 171.7" in length, 68.2" wide, 55.4" high... According to my research, the E36 M3 was 174.5" in length, 67.3" wide, 52.6" high... So to the original poster, this car may be exactly what you are looking for... |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-01-2007, 02:14 PM | #18 |
Colonel
124
Rep 2,205
Posts |
really leaning towards the mini at this point, wonder why they made the 135 so wide & tall, safety?
I'll be more happy in a smaller car, mini + my 74 2002 should do the fix for a few years, by then the 1 series should be bug free |
Appreciate
0
|
07-01-2007, 03:24 PM | #19 | |
Private First Class
2
Rep 156
Posts |
Quote:
Anyway, they are already subsidizing leases and such here in the states due to the sales being less than what was expected. This never happened with the R53. I'm not sure how soon you need to buy a car, but if the 1-Series actually comes out in October, you may want to make your choice at that time. I think MINI is going to feel some pressure from buyers in your predicament, and will probably make some serious concessions at that time if you still want to own a MINI. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-01-2007, 07:18 PM | #20 |
Private First Class
6
Rep 123
Posts |
I have yet to own a BMW, but I have driven a few, including E30 & E36 M3's. As the owner of a 2006 MCS, I have to say as great as a FWD car as it is, it still just doesn't have the same *feel* as a good RWD car. This is the first FWD car that I have owned, I doubt I will do another. Came out of a turbo'ed Miata, and the MCS is just about as fun as that, without a lot of the hassles.
Aside from the FWD, the MCS IS fantastic...great size, toss-ability, utility with the hatch. Just drives the wrong wheels for me. I will be looking VERY hard at the 135 when it is released. good luck! |
Appreciate
0
|
07-02-2007, 04:31 PM | #21 |
Santa Fe Concorso
107
Rep 2,984
Posts |
My wife and I are lucky enough to have a R56 Mini Cooper S and the 135i. The Mini is her DD and the 135i will be mine. Her previous R53 MCS was an '02 and it was pretty raw, but she loved it enough to order the '07, which is more refined.
__________________
Santa Fe Concorso - The Southwest's Premier Automotive Gathering.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-02-2007, 05:13 PM | #22 |
Second Lieutenant
50
Rep 249
Posts |
We have a discussion on dimesinos of the coupe here, please feel free to contribute!
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=537 |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|