Luxury Lounge

part 2..........
 
All in all, the BMW 135i is a surprisingly comfortable and fun-to-drive car that offers an almost unbelievable and practically ridiculous amount of excitement and enjoyment behind the wheel. The combination of the twin-turbo six, and the sport-tuned suspension, with its huge brakes, nice exhaust note, suspension dynamics, precise handling and great road grip make this car one of the most enjoyable and fun-to-drive cars that I have ever experienced. To illustrate this point, as much as I love my Carrera S Cab… I am quite often willing to park it in order to drive the BMW 135i.
 
Now, there is a little more to this story. On a personal note, I have been terribly frustrated about not being able to put the top down on my 135i Coupe. It originally seemed quite logical to me that my one convertible (Porsche) would take away the desire to have the 135i as a convertible. That logic has turned out to be meaningless, as there is no logic here anyway. I continue to want to put the top down on this 135i, and that’s all there is to it. Our weather here is truly spectacular most of the year, and just I love driving a convertible. Period. So… I have contacted my BMW dealer and explained this, and the management has ironed out a suitable arrangement for me to trade in my 135i Coupe on a 135i Convertible. In spite of what some might want to make of this, I feel no shame or embarrassment whatsoever for being true to myself on this and ordering the convertible. (I’m quite sure Clembo understands!) And, oh yes, I learned a little lesson with the Coupe and the convertible has been ordered with the Active Steering.
 
Lastly, I’ll address the question of why this car should exist next to the 3-Series. The evolution of the 3-Series has caused it to get bigger and bigger, as well as more elaborate and sophisticated. So big and sophisticated that there is now a gaping hole in the lineup for a smaller model. The 3-Series is a phenomenal car, and is perfect for someone wanting a sophisticated good-looking, good-handling vehicle of that size and stature. There is always the argument that a fully-loaded 1-Series is so expensive that one should buy a base 3-Series. But that’s not a new argument. Load up a 3-Series, and then one might consider a base 5-Series. But that reasoning is faulty because it suggests that someone doesn’t specifically want the car they are actually considering in the first place.
 
Then there is the argument about weight. What’s the point? The 135i Coupe gets from 0 to 60 in 4.7 seconds. Is that not fast enough? And, BMW will answer the weight concern for those diehards that need even more spectacular performance from a small vehicle… there will be a performance 1-Series in the future… possibly 2011 when the 1-Series will likely undergo a change. The 1-Series doesn’t need to justify its existence. The latest scope of the 3-Series makes it obvious. It reminds me of the way the Honda Civic evolved to the point of no longer being the smallest car in the Honda lineup. While the BMWs and Honda cars don’t directly compare, the example is appropriate. In addition, for those that understand the trends in the automobile industry and the automotive marketplace, smaller cars are absolutely going to continue to be more and more popular with the American public.
 
The BMW 1-Series is a gift that comes at the right time. Counterpoint, however, is that the 135i is simply too much fun and not enough value or practicality. That, of course, depends upon one’s point of view. Me? I’m hooked on the 1.
 
Regards to all,
 
TagMan

Replies to this message:
• lexusguy (May 02, 2008 11:56 pm)
  • tagman (May 03, 2008 1:18 pm)
    • lexusguy (May 03, 2008 1:53 pm)
• jlbl (May 03, 2008 1:07 am)
• clembo (May 03, 2008 3:38 am)
• circlew (May 03, 2008 7:26 am)

Replying to: tagman (May 02, 2008 9:59 pm)

Replies to this message:
• tagman (May 03, 2008 1:18 pm)
  • lexusguy (May 03, 2008 1:53 pm)

Replying to: tagman (May 02, 2008 9:59 pm)

Hi, TG, welcome back and many thanks for your review, which I found to be very informative. I missed your posts in this forum. Every time I saw a 1-Series on the roads, I asked to myself 'How would TG feel in his?'
 
I agree with you that there is no need to attack poster's personal opinions on cars or whatever (provided these are not offensive). I believe each poster can nicely post his/her personal opinion just for the pleasure of sharing it but not for purposely attacking other's. Every possible opinion is biased to some extent—how could it not be ? Other posters which do not share that particular opinion are free to post theirs. That will keep the forum fair, balanced and enjoyable to ourselves in the first place, and then to any reader. If only, every poster should keep him/herself restrained in order to not offend the antagonists. (That said, a bit of sparky provocation from time to time may well keep the discussion alive!!!)
 
Regards,
Jose
 
PS: 'There is not Justice but judges'

Replying to: tagman (May 02, 2008 9:59 pm)

Tag - nice to hear from you again. The review of your 135 was excellent and I can understand much of it since getting my 335 last week. You really described the engine well, it is truly the magic soul of these cars. I am glad that you are enjoying the 135 as much as it seems you are - it is a wonderful car.
 
I also fully understand why you are getting the Cab version, there is something about driving with the top down on a beautiful day (or night) that is hard to pass up, especially in a great car. I get your theory that the 997 was supposed to play that role but why not have as many options as you can, I own 2 convertibles as well. If I didn't use may Cayman as a weekend car in Porsche Club Autocross and Track Days, it would be a convertible as well.
 
Now on to your point about the need to be "fair and balanced' in our opinions on the board. I don't buy into that, most posters here have strong opinions (or even bias) about what they like best. We have had a few dust ups that maybe went too far but for the most part I believe our individual thoughts, ideas, and passions are what makes this board interesting to read on a daily basis. I hope you continue to contribute your comments to the board as things have gotten a bit dull during your absence.

Replying to: lexusguy (May 02, 2008 2:38 pm)

Replies to this message:
• lexusguy (May 03, 2008 12:35 pm)

Replying to: circlew (May 02, 2008 9:45 am)

Replies to this message:
• houdini1 (May 03, 2008 4:50 am)
• circlew (May 03, 2008 8:42 am)

Replying to: houdini1 (May 02, 2008 10:57 am)

Replies to this message:
• houdini1 (May 03, 2008 7:59 am)
  • laurasdada (May 03, 2008 11:08 am)
    • houdini1 (May 03, 2008 11:43 am)
  • lexusguy (May 03, 2008 12:45 pm)
    • houdini1 (May 03, 2008 12:49 pm) and 3 more...
  • 2001gs430 (May 04, 2008 3:47 am)

Replying to: 2001gs430 (May 03, 2008 4:32 am)

Replying to: tagman (May 02, 2008 9:57 pm)