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BMW 1-Series

1826 messages,  Last post on Mar 11, 2013 at 3:50 PM

You are in the BMW 1-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 1 Series, Coupe, Convertible, Sedan

Messages Page 147 of 183

#1457 of 1826 Re: She's Right! [circlew] by roadburner

Jun 13, 2008 (9:01 pm)

Replying to: circlew (Jun 13, 2008 7:44 pm)
I lease a BMW for performance and the simple fact that cars keep improving each year has led me to seek those improvements more often than owning for extensive periods.
 
I guess it all depends on what you consider to be an "improvement". While there are a few things I like about the current non ///M cars-Comfort Access for example-there are many more things that I don't care for, such as increased mass, RFTs, the lack of a true LSD(and dipstick) and the ever more intrusive Bavarian nannies. And one more thing; "the simple fact that cars keep improving each year" isn't necessarily a fact. I dusted off a couple of my back issues of Car and Driver and compared the test results of a 2006 E90 330i Sport to the numbers generated by a 2003 E46 330i ZHP. And remember, the E46 platform dates back to 1999...
0-60 time- Identical (5.6)
1/4 mile time- Identical (14.3)
Lateral Acceleration- E46: .86g E90: .89g
Braking 70-0- E46: 158 ft E90: 154 ft
Top Speed- E46: 152 E90: 148
While seven years separates the development of the two platforms, in any matchup between these two cars it is driving ability alone that would determine the winner. Speaking of driving ability, if you really want to experience a significant increase in performance, start attending CCA driving schools on a regular basis. Are the newest Bimmers "better" than the older ones? Sure, especially in the case of the 135i/335i(although I still have serious reservations about the long-term reliability of the N54). In my case however, the differences are just not a sufficient reason to run out and rent a new one for three years at +$500 a month. That said, Britain's Car reports that
 
"...the next-gen 1-series, dubbed F20 and due in late 2011, will offer a tii version with a downsized twin-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine and a radically lighter body and chassis, we hear."
 
If that is indeed true, a new 1er may grace my driveway in 3-4 years.

#1458 of 1826 The 1-Series needs no defense by tagman

Jun 13, 2008 (11:40 pm)

It is already a success in Europe. Our U.S. market gets a coupe because the hatchback market is too risky here.
 
As a 1-Series owner, I chose the car because it's an incredible drive in a small package! My 997 Porsche Carrera S is another small car that delivers stellar performance.
 
I did not want the 3-Series. I could have bought it years ago if I wanted it. It's too bloated for my taste, although the 335i Coupe is elegant enough.
 
The 1-Series stirred my desire. I don't give a rat's ass how much it weighs... It still essentially matches the previous M3 in performance! The 135i offers one sweeeeeeet drive... it's a rocket, and is sized just right for my taste. The 3er has grown too much.
 
It makes no difference to judge the 3's size because it's size expansion has left room for a smaller car. Some just don't see this But, sometimes less is more! The interior room is within a few millimeters of each other. That's remarkable. So the 3 is lots bigger on the exterior, but provides little addition in interior comfort or dimension.
 
In the final analysts, the one is more efficient with interior space and is faster than the 3. No way does this need some sort of justification. To me, the 1-Series is closer to what the 3-Series should have been.
 
But that said, I see no conflict of interest, and as these models further evolve, they will even more clearly distinguish themselves from each other. Often , people neglect to see down the road for varios models of cars, and forget that they will ultimately change.
 
The 1-Series will be even greater than it already is. IMO, the 1er is one of the most incredible cars to come around in a long while. I remember my Porsche Boxster, as it ignited a fire for Porsche vehicles. The 1er is a similar situation. There is nothing like it for the price... nothing!
 
TM

#1459 of 1826 Re: She's Right! [roadburner] by circlew

Jun 14, 2008 (4:01 am)

Replying to: roadburner (Jun 13, 2008 9:01 pm)
I agree that the performance differences are very slight and no doubt due to the expansion of the 3-series. I also agree I could get better performance attending CCA DS's and you are never to old to learn. I appreciate the BMW response in many defensive maneuvers in the last 3 years. When a car becomes part of you, the results are amazing!
 
Leasing vs. buying will most times cost more. But now I'm poised to trade in the first E90 to try this new 1'er or similar sized replacement.
 
As TM says, pound for pound the 135i is probably in the top 1% of performance on the road for the price, a class of it's own. I am eager to take this to the CCA events. Not so my current xi.
 
The knowledge I have gained form this board pushes me to loose the AWD pacifier and let loose! Winter tires will suffice.
 
So, it cost me a lot but easier to switch to the higher performance and keep paying for it! There's more where it came from and you only go around once and I'm half done!
 
BTW, RFT's don't get a hold of me! The dipstick omit, however, does!
 
Regards,
OW

#1460 of 1826 Re: The 1-Series needs no defense [tagman] by hpowders

Jun 14, 2008 (7:35 am)

Replying to: tagman (Jun 13, 2008 11:40 pm)
I guess that is the point: "the 1-Series is closer to what the 3-Series should have been." If BMW hadn't bloated the 3 Series almost beyond recognition, there would not have been a need for a 1 Series. I can indeed see disappointed enthusiasts bypassing a 3 Series in favor of the 1. For me, the 3 is an acceptable compromise.
 
 Given today's market conditions, I feel a small sporty BMW hatch as an SUV alternative, would have been a more practical BMW creation than the unnecessary X6. Perhaps after Porsche releases their version of the VW Golf, BMW will counter.

#1461 of 1826 And Of Course.... by hpowders

Jun 14, 2008 (12:31 pm)

aesthetically, the 3 Series Coupe is a better-looking vehicle than the 1.
 
No BMW's for me after next month despite 2 attempts from BMWFS to slash the 545i buyout price to get me interested.

#1462 of 1826 Re: The 1-Series needs no defense [hpowders] by roadburner

Jun 14, 2008 (1:00 pm)

Replying to: hpowders (Jun 14, 2008 7:35 am)
I guess that is the point: "the 1-Series is closer to what the 3-Series should have been." If BMW hadn't bloated the 3 Series almost beyond recognition, there would not have been a need for a 1 Series.
 
Exactly, which is why I'll take a close look at the F20 1er. In the meantime I still might grab a new M3 sedan(or better yet, a wagon if it is offered). I'll consider it to be more of an M5 however, as it is very close in terms of exterior dimensions and mass to an E28 M5- only with a lot more power.

#1463 of 1826 Re: And Of Course.... [hpowders] by roadburner

Jun 14, 2008 (1:02 pm)

Replying to: hpowders (Jun 14, 2008 12:31 pm)
Instead I have decided to go with the practical but fun.....
 
What? I'd consider a Evo X MR if I wasn't looking at another Bimmer. Even though I'm going into semi-retirement on July 1st I still need a car with four usable seats.

#1464 of 1826 Re: The 1-Series needs no defense [roadburner] by hpowders

Jun 14, 2008 (1:57 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Jun 14, 2008 1:00 pm)
Even if the 135i coupe gives a slightly better thrill than the 335i coupe, the beauty of the 335i would absolutely make it my choice. They are both a bit bloated to be considered ideal sport coupes. Why not go with the better-looking one?
 
The only 1 Series vehicle I consider acceptable from an aesthetic standpoint is the convertible. I have not driven one, but it looks acceptable enough to drive during daylight hours.
 
 Anyone who is not satisfied with a 335i coupe, will probably never be satisfied. I mean how fast can you go? The agility and handling to satisfy anyone are all there with the 335i. Every review of the 335i coupe has been with high praise bordering on ecstasy.
 
 As far as the price differential is concerned, since one is overpaying anyway for the 1, what's a couple of thou more for a vehicle which is both highly satisfying to drive and pleasing to look at? That's what bank loans are for.

#1465 of 1826 Re: The 1-Series needs no defense [hpowders] by bodble2

Jun 14, 2008 (3:44 pm)

Replying to: hpowders (Jun 14, 2008 1:57 pm)
Yup, agreed.

#1466 of 1826 Re: The 1-Series needs no defense [hpowders] by tagman

Jun 14, 2008 (6:12 pm)

Replying to: hpowders (Jun 14, 2008 1:57 pm)
335i better looking? The coupe and related convertible is good, that's it. But not better than the 135i.
 
In fact, BMW intentionally handcuffed Chris on this latest 3-Series because they wanted it to be plain vanilla. Internally, BMW had deliberate plans to keep the 3er generic, compared to other models. It's attractive, but the 1er is the one with the serious lines that stir the emotion. Now, OMO, the 335i coupe is elegant and sleek. but the 1er is flame-surfaced!
 
Check the internal dimension chart and you will discover that all this talk about significant extra room in a 3er is a myth. The 1 and the 3 are within mere millimeters of each other regarding interior dimensions. Check it for yourself.
 
The better performer for less money!! That's the 135i, not the 335i.
 
I see no reason to spend more money for a car that delivers minimum interior improvement, is less of a performer, and is larger on the exterior, and weighs hundreds of pounds more. The only exception to this for me would be the 335i retractable hardtop convertible... because it is unique in the lineup. And it is cool!!... VERY cool.
 
Bottom line? 135i is a better performing car, better-looking car, and it costs less!
 
TM

Messages Page 147 of 183

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