I've been driving an Electric Blue '04 MCS which has been my all time favorite car. The itch for a new car has hit me again and I was leaning toward a Clubman for practical reasons (e.g. a 9 and 3 year old). Last weekend I test drove the BMW 128i. As a car nut I've been curious about it since its euro release as a hatch. I had an E36 M3 that was fun to drive but not very reliable. It definitely drew different responses than my R53. I prefer the smiles and universal love I get in the R53. The BMW ilicited the "o you're one of those guys" attitudes or "race me if you think you're fast" looks from the ricers.
The 128i is solid, refined and understated. I doubt it will draw much attention accept from ''in the know" autophiles. I kid my self in thinking the gas milage is decent (probably a little worse then my R53). Room for the kids is in between my R53 and the Clubman. My 9 year old son will be heart broken if I get the 128i. My wife (who just finished reading "The Last Lecture") is encouraging me to follow my whims.
I'm so confused. They're both great cars. I like the teutonic feel and engineering of the bimmer. I also like the whimsy and quirkiness of the MINI. Rear wheel drive verses front wheel drive is definitely different.

 

One other small factor; the BMW dealer is local, the MINI dealer is 120 miles away on a boring interstate.

 

Well my guess is that since you are posting this in a Clubman forum, you're gonna get replies recommending the Clubbie. Consider me one of those recommendations.

 

I dumped a 3 series BMW convertible for a Clubman S.
The S really scoots along faster than I thought it could or would.
Include MPG in your decision making.

 

The 1 Series was a car I really was interested in but was not available when I sold my '98 M3 in order to buy a MCSa in 2006.

We loved the '06 MCSa - truly as much fun to drive as the M3 - but jumped at the chance to get a car that would also allow rear seat passengers to enter and be seated without too much trouble. I was very disappointed that BMW decided to keep the 5 door Series 1 out of the US. Since the BMW hatchback was not available it was an easy for my wife and I to decide on a Clubman S.

If you have reason to carry people in the back seat with any frequency you should check out the 1 Series to see how easy it is. My impression is that the front seats do not roll back with the ease of the Clubman. The 1 Series might be even less accommodating than a MINI Coupe.

Regarding the front wheel drive vs the rear wheel drive I think I am over my old bias for the rear wheel drive. The bottom line is that the front wheel drive MINI is just as much fun as the rear wheel drive BMW. I can accept the occasional torque steer of the front wheel drive.

Good luck with your decision!

 

I just posted the same question on the 1addict.com forum and realized i feel much more at home here.

 

I was about to drop the ball on a 335i, which was such a great car, and with about $3000 in mods would have about 380hp & 430 tq, just be a blast to drive. BUT, the rational side of my took control and I had to look at all the factors in my life. Yes I could afford the 335i, but it would definitely put a dent in the monthly saving. Also, I hate to say it but the gas issue was a big factor in my decision to go with the mini s. Since I drive between 50-80 miles per day the gas would become an issue, the mini should get about 10-15mpg's better than the 335i. You have a tough call, both are great cars and the I35 looks like a killer car but I think its priced is too high, its just a few thousand from a 335i. Also can you comfortable fit the whole family in it?

good luck with your decision, either way you cant go wrong but as the rest will say, youre probably better off with the mini s!

 

Well you can't post here if you decide against the Clubman, so you might as well get the Clubman.

Welcome home!

 

Behind the wheel the 1er might be more enjoyable for you. But for every other reason you mentioned... Get the clubbie.

 

Well, if the MCS is your all-time favorite car, and you prefer the responses you get to it vs. your BMW...and considering you have kids...I'd be leaning toward the Clubbie if I were in your position.

Personally, I love the 1-Series. But until BMW brings over the 5-door (preferably in 123d form with the 2.0L twin-turbo diesel), it's too impractical for my needs. And even if they were to bring it over...well...it's not like you can order a 1-Series with a contrasting roof and sport stripes, now...

 

I was/am in the same boat that you are in. My Infinti M45 lease is up at the beginning of August and last November I started researching cars. The two that peaked my interest the most were the clubman and one series. Of course neither one was in a showroom.

The local mini dealer received a handful of cars right before the Minneapolis Auto Show and I spent some time there, like open to close, and was able to test drive one. Sufficient to say I knew what my next car would be. However I was still very interested in the BMW having owned a E36 M3 myself I know how fun a BMW is to drive.

Later at the Auto Show I saw the 1 series and was very underwhelmed. The look of the car was just sorta blah. The public reception also seemed to be the same, the show wasn't packed but I got to spend quite a bit of time by the car without a crowd. The clubman on the other hand was, well it had a very large crowd.

I think the clubman has more personality and is just a blast to drive, of course that's just my opinion.

 

My wife asked me if the 128i would be more comfortable to ride in. For the first time she let me know she found the r56 to be rough as a passenger. I appreciate her restraint in not spoiling my fun. I found the r56 to be smoother then my r53. I suspect the Clubman will be smoother still. I know the kids will enjoy it more.
Surprisingly, the responses I've been getting from the 1 series forum have been supportive of the Clubman for the reasons of room for kids.
I'm almost certain I'm staying MINI. Maybe I"ll give BMW a couple years to bring the hatch 1 series with a 4 cylinder or diesel to the states.

 

I think you are dead on regarding each vehicle ... the BMW is a super deal pure performance machine while the MC Clubman is so much more especially when you have a family. I would love to have the beemer as well, but I think unless you have other cars in your garage, the coupe just does not make sense with 2 kids.

 

The Clubman will make you smile more.... And you'll have happy kids in the backseat.....

Donna

 

I sealed the deal with a deposit on a laser blue mcs Clubman. Now starts the wait and the sale of my electric blue '04 mcs. Thanks for all the support and feedback!

 

Yayyy!!!

Donna