AutoWeek gets a 135i; raves about it

dna550 · 05-30-2008, 09:06 AM

Drivers Log: 2008 BMW 135i - Autoweek June 2 2008 p.16

2008 BMW 135i

IN FLEET: May 12-26
AS-TESTED PRICE: $39,125
DRIVETRAIN: 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged I6; rwd, six-speed manual
OUPTPUT: 300 hp @ 5800 rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 3373 lb
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA/AW): 20/20.4 mpg

SENIOR EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: This latest version of BMW's "entry" model eschews some of the $9,000 worth of options that punched the price of our previously tested 135i to $45,000. This car proves that you could certainly live without the six-speed automatic transmission (a $1,275 option) and the M Sport steering wheel with paddle shifter ($1,100). The six-speed stick is the ticket for this car, allowing the driver to take full advantage of the engine's powerband, regardless of whether you're blasting off from a dead stop, carving a tight corner or motoring along in sixth and need a quick downshift to pass. Any scenario invokes a lightning-quick response from the 135i, with zero lag from either turbo or tranny action.

I never once felt deprived because it didn't have the $3,300 premium package with universal garage-door opener, digital compass mirror, power front seats with driver's-seat memory, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, BMW assist and lumbar support. If there's any negative, it's that you'd better buy a kidney belt if you live on a chuckholed back road. Oh, and the car could do with a sun-visor extender. In other words, regardless of the level of comfort and convenience features, the underlying car offers the kind of performance that makes you forget about accouterments. That used to be what buying a BMW was all about. Maybe the 1 Series will be the car that gets BMW and its fans back to that happy place.

MOTORSPORTS EDITOR MAC MORRISON: I don't look at this as an entry-level car in any way, shape or form. It isn't priced like one or built like one, and it certainly does not perform like one.

I'm willing to bet that if the 1 Series' body was more "exotic" (think Z4 coupe) in appearance, and if the thing had only two seats, we would look at it as a true performance sports car, and no one would be groaning about the cost, because we've come to expect such cars to carry a premium price. But because it resembles a smaller 3 Series, everyone seems to think it should be priced accordingly, which it actually is to some degree. The 135i's base price is almost $5,000 less than the 335i's base price. Did anyone truly expect BMW to lop $10,000 or more off the 3 Series starting point just because the car is smaller? Keep dreaming-after all, this is a world where Porsche can build a hardtop Boxster, call it a Cayman and sell it for more than the convertible.

I'll take this BMW for what it is, and that's one hell of a runner. Up against the just-replaced M3, I bet the 135i would come out on top in every category. And if it didn't, it'd be darn close. Consider that the previous M3 started at about $50,000; then come back and tell me this 135i isn't priced reasonably for the level of performance it offers. Since when are we taken aback by small cars with hefty prices, anyway?

The 135i driving experience is phenomenal. The chassis and suspension are typically sharp, with great response, great grip and a throttle-steerable character. Steering and braking are world-class. The interior is up to snuff with BMW's other offerings, something that would almost certainly have suffered had the company aimed to build a poor man's car. Consider the disaster that was the C-Class coupe, Mercedes' attempt at offering an entry-level model. If I recall correctly, that car cost significantly less than this 1 Series. I also recall everyone condemning it for the steaming pile of garbage that it was.

Even in stock form, this is a serious performance car and not the cute little Bimmer the country-club set buys for the prom queen on her 16th birthday while Daddy drives the "real" BMW--even if the compact dimensions trick your brain into thinking that is the case.

Take the 135i lightly at your peril.

dna550 · 06-03-2008, 08:24 AM

Bump. Article Online

larryn · 06-03-2008, 08:34 AM

I knew they'd come around to our collective thinking. :wink:

It's almost as if they read our reviews of the car, combined them, added a touch of their own flair, and published. A couple of years from now, this car is going to be gotten used to in appearance, and will continue to grow in popularity for what it is.

damian · 06-03-2008, 08:35 AM

haha, love the comment:

"At $39,000 this car is overpriced, I don't care how nice you think it is. Take any car that costs less than $20k take it to a shop that knows what they are doing give them 20k and you'll end up with
something that'll out-everything this car, and you won't see someone driving exactly the same thing every other mile. BMW is making 100% profits over the cost to make this car, that's right this car costs less than $20k to make. So you have a couple options; a. buy this car or b. give me a call and for $20k I'll write "SUCKER" on your forehead, or for those of you that want an upgrade to show you've got the cash to blow for $5k more I'll walk you down to a tatoo shop and have it put there permanently. Either way whether you want to believe it or not this is how those of us that haven't lost our minds see anyone driving one of these things."

stampchez · 06-03-2008, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damian

haha, love the comment:

"At $39,000 this car is overpriced, I don't care how nice you think it is. Take any car that costs less than $20k take it to a shop that knows what they are doing give them 20k and you'll end up with
something that'll out-everything this car, and you won't see someone driving exactly the same thing every other mile. BMW is making 100% profits over the cost to make this car, that's right this car costs less than $20k to make. So you have a couple options; a. buy this car or b. give me a call and for $20k I'll write "SUCKER" on your forehead, or for those of you that want an upgrade to show you've got the cash to blow for $5k more I'll walk you down to a tatoo shop and have it put there permanently. Either way whether you want to believe it or not this is how those of us that haven't lost our minds see anyone driving one of these things."

Check out his ride.

lacrosse · 06-03-2008, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damian

haha, love the comment:

"At $39,000 this car is overpriced, I don't care how nice you think it is. Take any car that costs less than $20k take it to a shop that knows what they are doing give them 20k and you'll end up with
something that'll out-everything this car, and you won't see someone driving exactly the same thing every other mile. BMW is making 100% profits over the cost to make this car, that's right this car costs less than $20k to make. So you have a couple options; a. buy this car or b. give me a call and for $20k I'll write "SUCKER" on your forehead, or for those of you that want an upgrade to show you've got the cash to blow for $5k more I'll walk you down to a tatoo shop and have it put there permanently. Either way whether you want to believe it or not this is how those of us that haven't lost our minds see anyone driving one of these things."

The only thing this tool will be seeing is the taillights of every 135 he comes across.

Crowley · 06-03-2008, 10:36 AM

Nice. . good read

Crowley

ptack · 06-03-2008, 02:03 PM

"At $39,000 this car is overpriced, I don't care how nice you think it is. Take any car that costs less than $20k take it to a shop that knows what they are doing give them 20k and you'll end up with
something that'll out-everything this car, and you won't see someone driving exactly the same thing every other mile. BMW is making 100% profits over the cost to make this car, that's right this car costs less than $20k to make. So you have a couple options; a. buy this car or b. give me a call and for $20k I'll write "SUCKER" on your forehead, or for those of you that want an upgrade to show you've got the cash to blow for $5k more I'll walk you down to a tatoo shop and have it put there permanently. Either way whether you want to believe it or not this is how those of us that haven't lost our minds see anyone driving one of these things."

Written from the 3rd booth at Quiznos while dreaming of what they would do with $40k if they ever got that much money.

adc · 06-03-2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptack

Written from the 3rd booth at Quiznos while dreaming of what they would do with $40k if they ever got that much money.

I am not so sure. You can get a nice used ZHP for around $20k, install an AA twin-scroll supercharger (or turbo) for around $10-12k, a limited slip and brakes and you'd probably have something that would show the 135i a clean pair of stoplights. Even on a track...

But that has always been the case and one of the main reasons why BMW's typically end up being loved by 3-4 owners or more during their long lifes. :biggrin:

blklacker · 06-03-2008, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stampchez

Check out his ride.

+1

larryn · 06-03-2008, 02:36 PM

Adc, very true, but we have a car that you could dump $10k into, still be well under a new e9x M3, and eat it for lunch, as witnessed at One Lap of America.

Modding really can't be taken into account in any stock to stock comparison.

Brandon26pdx · 06-03-2008, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adc

I am not so sure. You can get a nice used ZHP for around $20k, install an AA twin-scroll supercharger (or turbo) for around $10-12k, a limited slip and brakes and you'd probably have something that would show the 135i a clean pair of stoplights. Even on a track...

But that has always been the case and one of the main reasons why BMW's typically end up being loved by 3-4 owners or more during their long lifes. :biggrin:

I question how "nice" this ZHP would be for a flat 20 grand. A "nice" one IMO is still $25-30k, depending on what part of the country you're in. Those hold their value quite well, especially if they are in really nice condition. I get your point though.

imported_Katera · 06-03-2008, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adc

But that has always been the case and one of the main reasons why BMW's typically end up being loved by 3-4 owners or more during their long lifes. :biggrin:

Exactly.

adc · 06-03-2008, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larryn

Adc, very true, but we have a car that you could dump $10k into, still be well under a new e9x M3, and eat it for lunch, as witnessed at One Lap of America.

I'm still not convinced it wasn't a case of driver superiority. They had Clay driving for them for crying out loud...

Quote:

Modding really can't be taken into account in any stock to stock comparison.

It was a comparison of stock 135i vs. used&modded - in other words a price comparison, not an age comparison. They are valid IMO, after all everybody shops with a budget.

And of course warranty/maintenance/repair cost has the be seriously taken into account, especially if we are talking about a heavily modified used car. Which is the very reason why I sold my ZHP instead of twin-screwing it...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandon26pdx

I question how "nice" this ZHP would be for a flat 20 grand. A "nice" one IMO is still $25-30k, depending on what part of the country you're in. Those hold their value quite well, especially if they are in really nice condition. I get your point though.

Well, last year I sold my 2003 ZHP with 50k mi, clean, perfect mechanically, excellent cosmetically, OZ wheels and some other minor mods, for precisely $22k. Would have been around $21k totally stock. As a show of confidence, the buyer flew from Wisconsin and drove it straight back without a glitch.

I sold it so I could experiment with the N54 engine on a short lease, and so far I'm very glad I didn't jump all the way in. I have until next summer to make up my mind if I can safely keep a slightly modded 135i just past warranty, or if I should wait until BMW finally decides to produce a tii.

I have to say the ZHP was far more adept and reliable within its performance envelope than the 135i, especially on the track. I would very very very much like a 135 tii...

I-One-Da? · 06-03-2008, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damian

haha, love the comment:

"At $39,000 this car is overpriced, I don't care how nice you think it is. Take any car that costs less than $20k take it to a shop that knows what they are doing give them 20k and you'll end up with
something that'll out-everything this car, and you won't see someone driving exactly the same thing every other mile. BMW is making 100% profits over the cost to make this car, that's right this car costs less than $20k to make. So you have a couple options; a. buy this car or b. give me a call and for $20k I'll write "SUCKER" on your forehead, or for those of you that want an upgrade to show you've got the cash to blow for $5k more I'll walk you down to a tatoo shop and have it put there permanently. Either way whether you want to believe it or not this is how those of us that haven't lost our minds see anyone driving one of these things."

This type of comment has been beat to death so many times. I do not see peoples point here. There is a very simple equation to remember.

Cheap + Reliable = Slow
Fast + Reliable = Expensive
Fast + Cheap = Un-Reliable

You can not get around these no matter how hard you try. You also will never be the fastest car on the road.

I know that a lot of the folks on here are Honda haters but I could pick up a used S2000 for $20k and put another $15k into it and put distance between me and a stock 135i. Ok, sure but who cares:iono:I love the 135 for what it is and what it is capable of and that is what I choose to get.

Just my 2 Cents:thumbup:

roadburn · 06-03-2008, 09:25 PM

DRIVERS LOG: 2008 BMW 135i

2008 BMW 135i
IN FLEET: May 12-26
AS-TESTED PRICE: $39,125
DRIVETRAIN: 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged I6; rwd, six-speed manual
OUPTPUT: 300 hp @ 5800 rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 3373 lb
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA/AW): 20/20.4 mpg

SENIOR EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: This latest version of BMW's "entry" model eschews some of the $9,000 worth of options that punched the price of our previously tested 135i to $45,000. This car proves that you could certainly live without the six-speed automatic transmission (a $1,275 option) and the M Sport steering wheel with paddle shifter ($1,100). The six-speed stick is the ticket for this car, allowing the driver to take full advantage of the engine's powerband, regardless of whether you're blasting off from a dead stop, carving a tight corner or motoring along in sixth and need a quick downshift to pass. Any scenario invokes a lightning-quick response from the 135i, with zero lag from either turbo or tranny action.

I never once felt deprived because it didn't have the $3,300 premium package with universal garage-door opener, digital compass mirror, power front seats with driver's-seat memory, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, BMW assist and lumbar support. If there's any negative, it's that you'd better buy a kidney belt if you live on a chuckholed back road. Oh, and the car could do with a sun-visor extender. In other words, regardless of the level of comfort and convenience features, the underlying car offers the kind of performance that makes you forget about accouterments. That used to be what buying a BMW was all about. Maybe the 1 Series will be the car that gets BMW and its fans back to that happy place.

MOTORSPORTS EDITOR MAC MORRISON: I don't look at this as an entry-level car in any way, shape or form. It isn't priced like one or built like one, and it certainly does not perform like one.

I'm willing to bet that if the 1 Series' body was more "exotic" (think Z4 coupe) in appearance, and if the thing had only two seats, we would look at it as a true performance sports car, and no one would be groaning about the cost, because we've come to expect such cars to carry a premium price. But because it resembles a smaller 3 Series, everyone seems to think it should be priced accordingly, which it actually is to some degree. The 135i's base price is almost $5,000 less than the 335i's base price. Did anyone truly expect BMW to lop $10,000 or more off the 3 Series starting point just because the car is smaller? Keep dreaming-after all, this is a world where Porsche can build a hardtop Boxster, call it a Cayman and sell it for more than the convertible.

I'll take this BMW for what it is, and that's one hell of a runner. Up against the just-replaced M3, I bet the 135i would come out on top in every category. And if it didn't, it'd be darn close. Consider that the previous M3 started at about $50,000; then come back and tell me this 135i isn't priced reasonably for the level of performance it offers. Since when are we taken aback by small cars with hefty prices, anyway?

The 135i driving experience is phenomenal. The chassis and suspension are typically sharp, with great response, great grip and a throttle-steerable character. Steering and braking are world-class. The interior is up to snuff with BMW's other offerings, something that would almost certainly have suffered had the company aimed to build a poor man's car. Consider the disaster that was the C-Class coupe, Mercedes' attempt at offering an entry-level model. If I recall correctly, that car cost significantly less than this 1 Series. I also recall everyone condemning it for the steaming pile of garbage that it was.

Even in stock form, this is a serious performance car and not the cute little Bimmer the country-club set buys for the prom queen on her 16th birthday while Daddy drives the "real" BMW--even if the compact dimensions trick your brain into thinking that is the case.

Take the 135i lightly at your peril.

(((This review also was added to the review sticky.)))

larryn · 06-03-2008, 09:29 PM

Thanks for updating your stickied post!!

Btw: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10234

BMW Dreamer · 06-03-2008, 09:41 PM

Great article. I guess average people can now have a real fast fun sports coupe. Cool.

dna550 · 06-03-2008, 10:02 PM

Let's merge these threads:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...716#post162716

adrean8j · 06-03-2008, 11:19 PM

Why is there ANY discussion about the price of the 135i? The STI and the EVO are in this price range as well....with crappier build quality (this is overall inside and out). This is not to say they are not quality cars overall. But the build quality AND performance together should give the 135i a stay of execution. This is comparing a stock 135i without all of the extra gotta-have-it options that would jack up the price remember?

Deutsch · 06-03-2008, 11:27 PM

The 135i is truly in a class all it's own. Performance on par with performance cars costing twice as much as well as the handling for a reasonable price. It's exclusive, hip, well built and fun to drive. I'm sure i'm missing a ton of other pro's. One hell of a car for the money! My only issue is the steering...

imported_saturn · 06-04-2008, 12:10 PM

Surprisingly good article. There are so many people out there that don't know anything about the cars they criticize or comment on. People will always compare them to the 3 series and think 1 < 3 so the 1 must be a poor man's 3-series. People who seriously think that are literally not worth talking to.

05-30-2008, 09:06 AM	#1
dna550 Lieutenant 42 Rep 442 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2007 iTrader: (0)	AutoWeek gets a 135i; raves about it - Merged with Driver's Log Info Drivers Log: 2008 BMW 135i - Autoweek June 2 2008 p.16 2008 BMW 135i IN FLEET: May 12-26 AS-TESTED PRICE: $39,125 DRIVETRAIN: 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged I6; rwd, six-speed manual OUPTPUT: 300 hp @ 5800 rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm CURB WEIGHT: 3373 lb FUEL ECONOMY (EPA/AW): 20/20.4 mpg SENIOR EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: This latest version of BMW's "entry" model eschews some of the $9,000 worth of options that punched the price of our previously tested 135i to $45,000. This car proves that you could certainly live without the six-speed automatic transmission (a $1,275 option) and the M Sport steering wheel with paddle shifter ($1,100). The six-speed stick is the ticket for this car, allowing the driver to take full advantage of the engine's powerband, regardless of whether you're blasting off from a dead stop, carving a tight corner or motoring along in sixth and need a quick downshift to pass. Any scenario invokes a lightning-quick response from the 135i, with zero lag from either turbo or tranny action. I never once felt deprived because it didn't have the $3,300 premium package with universal garage-door opener, digital compass mirror, power front seats with driver's-seat memory, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, BMW assist and lumbar support. If there's any negative, it's that you'd better buy a kidney belt if you live on a chuckholed back road. Oh, and the car could do with a sun-visor extender. In other words, regardless of the level of comfort and convenience features, the underlying car offers the kind of performance that makes you forget about accouterments. That used to be what buying a BMW was all about. Maybe the 1 Series will be the car that gets BMW and its fans back to that happy place. MOTORSPORTS EDITOR MAC MORRISON: I don't look at this as an entry-level car in any way, shape or form. It isn't priced like one or built like one, and it certainly does not perform like one. I'm willing to bet that if the 1 Series' body was more "exotic" (think Z4 coupe) in appearance, and if the thing had only two seats, we would look at it as a true performance sports car, and no one would be groaning about the cost, because we've come to expect such cars to carry a premium price. But because it resembles a smaller 3 Series, everyone seems to think it should be priced accordingly, which it actually is to some degree. The 135i's base price is almost $5,000 less than the 335i's base price. Did anyone truly expect BMW to lop $10,000 or more off the 3 Series starting point just because the car is smaller? Keep dreaming-after all, this is a world where Porsche can build a hardtop Boxster, call it a Cayman and sell it for more than the convertible. I'll take this BMW for what it is, and that's one hell of a runner. Up against the just-replaced M3, I bet the 135i would come out on top in every category. And if it didn't, it'd be darn close. Consider that the previous M3 started at about $50,000; then come back and tell me this 135i isn't priced reasonably for the level of performance it offers. Since when are we taken aback by small cars with hefty prices, anyway? The 135i driving experience is phenomenal. The chassis and suspension are typically sharp, with great response, great grip and a throttle-steerable character. Steering and braking are world-class. The interior is up to snuff with BMW's other offerings, something that would almost certainly have suffered had the company aimed to build a poor man's car. Consider the disaster that was the C-Class coupe, Mercedes' attempt at offering an entry-level model. If I recall correctly, that car cost significantly less than this 1 Series. I also recall everyone condemning it for the steaming pile of garbage that it was. Even in stock form, this is a serious performance car and not the cute little Bimmer the country-club set buys for the prom queen on her 16th birthday while Daddy drives the "real" BMW--even if the compact dimensions trick your brain into thinking that is the case. Take the 135i lightly at your peril.
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06-03-2008, 08:24 AM	#2
dna550 Lieutenant 42 Rep 442 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2007 iTrader: (0)	Bump. Article Online
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06-03-2008, 08:34 AM	#3
larryn Lieutenant General 2189 Rep 10,176 Posts Drives: '97 332ti, '21 X5 45e, '16 GT4 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Seattle iTrader: (2)	I knew they'd come around to our collective thinking. :wink: It's almost as if they read our reviews of the car, combined them, added a touch of their own flair, and published. A couple of years from now, this car is going to be gotten used to in appearance, and will continue to grow in popularity for what it is.
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06-03-2008, 08:35 AM	#4
damian Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 270 Posts Drives: Join Date: Sep 2007 iTrader: (0)	haha, love the comment: "At $39,000 this car is overpriced, I don't care how nice you think it is. Take any car that costs less than $20k take it to a shop that knows what they are doing give them 20k and you'll end up with something that'll out-everything this car, and you won't see someone driving exactly the same thing every other mile. BMW is making 100% profits over the cost to make this car, that's right this car costs less than $20k to make. So you have a couple options; a. buy this car or b. give me a call and for $20k I'll write "SUCKER" on your forehead, or for those of you that want an upgrade to show you've got the cash to blow for $5k more I'll walk you down to a tatoo shop and have it put there permanently. Either way whether you want to believe it or not this is how those of us that haven't lost our minds see anyone driving one of these things."
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06-03-2008, 10:36 AM	#7
Crowley Major 62 Rep 1,015 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	Nice. . good read Crowley __________________ The last words on the powerplant should go to a clearly overwhelmed Hormazd Sorabjee, editor and publisher of Autocar India: “There is something simply magical about BMW’s in-line six. It has a creamy smoothness that makes velvet feel like sandpaper.”
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06-03-2008, 02:03 PM	#8
ptack Brigadier General 320 Rep 4,490 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [6.50]	"At $39,000 this car is overpriced, I don't care how nice you think it is. Take any car that costs less than $20k take it to a shop that knows what they are doing give them 20k and you'll end up with something that'll out-everything this car, and you won't see someone driving exactly the same thing every other mile. BMW is making 100% profits over the cost to make this car, that's right this car costs less than $20k to make. So you have a couple options; a. buy this car or b. give me a call and for $20k I'll write "SUCKER" on your forehead, or for those of you that want an upgrade to show you've got the cash to blow for $5k more I'll walk you down to a tatoo shop and have it put there permanently. Either way whether you want to believe it or not this is how those of us that haven't lost our minds see anyone driving one of these things." Written from the 3rd booth at Quiznos while dreaming of what they would do with $40k if they ever got that much money.
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06-03-2008, 02:36 PM	#11
larryn Lieutenant General 2189 Rep 10,176 Posts Drives: '97 332ti, '21 X5 45e, '16 GT4 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Seattle iTrader: (2)	Adc, very true, but we have a car that you could dump $10k into, still be well under a new e9x M3, and eat it for lunch, as witnessed at One Lap of America. Modding really can't be taken into account in any stock to stock comparison.
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06-03-2008, 09:25 PM	#16
roadburn rrroadburn 23 Rep 243 Posts Drives: SGM 135i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Ohio Valley iTrader: (0)	AutoWeek gets a 135i; raves about it - Now with Driver's Log Inof DRIVERS LOG: 2008 BMW 135i 2008 BMW 135i IN FLEET: May 12-26 AS-TESTED PRICE: $39,125 DRIVETRAIN: 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged I6; rwd, six-speed manual OUPTPUT: 300 hp @ 5800 rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm CURB WEIGHT: 3373 lb FUEL ECONOMY (EPA/AW): 20/20.4 mpg SENIOR EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: This latest version of BMW's "entry" model eschews some of the $9,000 worth of options that punched the price of our previously tested 135i to $45,000. This car proves that you could certainly live without the six-speed automatic transmission (a $1,275 option) and the M Sport steering wheel with paddle shifter ($1,100). The six-speed stick is the ticket for this car, allowing the driver to take full advantage of the engine's powerband, regardless of whether you're blasting off from a dead stop, carving a tight corner or motoring along in sixth and need a quick downshift to pass. Any scenario invokes a lightning-quick response from the 135i, with zero lag from either turbo or tranny action. I never once felt deprived because it didn't have the $3,300 premium package with universal garage-door opener, digital compass mirror, power front seats with driver's-seat memory, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, BMW assist and lumbar support. If there's any negative, it's that you'd better buy a kidney belt if you live on a chuckholed back road. Oh, and the car could do with a sun-visor extender. In other words, regardless of the level of comfort and convenience features, the underlying car offers the kind of performance that makes you forget about accouterments. That used to be what buying a BMW was all about. Maybe the 1 Series will be the car that gets BMW and its fans back to that happy place. MOTORSPORTS EDITOR MAC MORRISON: I don't look at this as an entry-level car in any way, shape or form. It isn't priced like one or built like one, and it certainly does not perform like one. I'm willing to bet that if the 1 Series' body was more "exotic" (think Z4 coupe) in appearance, and if the thing had only two seats, we would look at it as a true performance sports car, and no one would be groaning about the cost, because we've come to expect such cars to carry a premium price. But because it resembles a smaller 3 Series, everyone seems to think it should be priced accordingly, which it actually is to some degree. The 135i's base price is almost $5,000 less than the 335i's base price. Did anyone truly expect BMW to lop $10,000 or more off the 3 Series starting point just because the car is smaller? Keep dreaming-after all, this is a world where Porsche can build a hardtop Boxster, call it a Cayman and sell it for more than the convertible. I'll take this BMW for what it is, and that's one hell of a runner. Up against the just-replaced M3, I bet the 135i would come out on top in every category. And if it didn't, it'd be darn close. Consider that the previous M3 started at about $50,000; then come back and tell me this 135i isn't priced reasonably for the level of performance it offers. Since when are we taken aback by small cars with hefty prices, anyway? The 135i driving experience is phenomenal. The chassis and suspension are typically sharp, with great response, great grip and a throttle-steerable character. Steering and braking are world-class. The interior is up to snuff with BMW's other offerings, something that would almost certainly have suffered had the company aimed to build a poor man's car. Consider the disaster that was the C-Class coupe, Mercedes' attempt at offering an entry-level model. If I recall correctly, that car cost significantly less than this 1 Series. I also recall everyone condemning it for the steaming pile of garbage that it was. Even in stock form, this is a serious performance car and not the cute little Bimmer the country-club set buys for the prom queen on her 16th birthday while Daddy drives the "real" BMW--even if the compact dimensions trick your brain into thinking that is the case. Take the 135i lightly at your peril. (((This review also was added to the review sticky.))) __________________ CXXXVi
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06-03-2008, 09:29 PM	#17
larryn Lieutenant General 2189 Rep 10,176 Posts Drives: '97 332ti, '21 X5 45e, '16 GT4 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Seattle iTrader: (2)	Thanks for updating your stickied post!! Btw: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10234
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06-03-2008, 09:41 PM	#18
BMW Dreamer Colonel 78 Rep 2,387 Posts Drives: Modded 06 TL Manual Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Northern IL. iTrader: (0)	Great article. I guess average people can now have a real fast fun sports coupe. Cool.
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06-03-2008, 10:02 PM	#19
dna550 Lieutenant 42 Rep 442 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2007 iTrader: (0)	Let's merge these threads: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...716#post162716
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06-03-2008, 11:27 PM	#21
Deutsch Second Lieutenant 55 Rep 249 Posts Drives: Join Date: Nov 2006 iTrader: (0)	The 135i is truly in a class all it's own. Performance on par with performance cars costing twice as much as well as the handling for a reasonable price. It's exclusive, hip, well built and fun to drive. I'm sure i'm missing a ton of other pro's. One hell of a car for the money! My only issue is the steering...
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06-04-2008, 12:10 PM	#22
imported_saturn Private 0 Rep 85 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	Surprisingly good article. There are so many people out there that don't know anything about the cars they criticize or comment on. People will always compare them to the 3 series and think 1 < 3 so the 1 must be a poor man's 3-series. People who seriously think that are literally not worth talking to.
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