So far no bids above my reserve price. It looks like I might keep my MCS through the winter.

 

You really do own a Lotus Elise if you think the MCS has a lot of body roll. My MCS (with sport suspension) is the tightest car I've owned.

To paraphrase the punchline of an old story, "Who do you think you are, The Stig?" Actually, you might well be...

 

Comparing the 135i to the MCS is comparing apples to oranges. You should compare it to the JCW (with the JCW suspension) or compare the 128i to the MCS. That's fair.

 

body roll or not 135i's lateral g's are higher. transition is a different story however.

 

I sat in one, and didn't even want to take it for a test drive. The 1 series really is huge in the exterior dimensions and quite heavy, while the inside of the car seems to have done a good job wasting its size. Most of all I absolutely hated the electronic seats (not sure if thats an option), not only do they add weight for lets be honest, little benefit, they wont let you sit close to the ground. I am just a tad under 6', and fit in just about any car and I felt the head room was compromised by the seat not letting me get low. When I first heard about the 1 series I was excited, then I heard about the weight, and then I sat inside BMW totally messed up something that could have been great.

 

I think it's a great car, and I know most of the size is to accompany an enormous engine...

I'd take it, as it really is a nicer car, and with a few modifications could be killer. I heard the rear sway bar was just a joke on it... I'm sure that would make a huge difference.

Of course, 135i and MINI Cooper S, even JCW, are just two different cars. I'm sure I would have more fun with the 135i (I'm still not loving the MINI yet, I like it, but I don't love it like my previous car... it's been a two months. Should I be worried? ), but it's a few years down the road for me. Priced as I want it, it is $43,000. I'll finish paying off this little MINI and see what's out. Hopefully the next 1 series is better.

I'm sure they just whipped something together really fast.

 

I don't like the 1er's bottom door line. I never liked the Z4 for the same reason. But I can't get past the fact that it's a non-M BMW that does 0-60 in 4.7 sec.

 

Nice cars in your garage. Love the Lotus! I still hope to pick one up someday.

Curious, what was your previous car that you loved? I find the Mini to be very lovable and I've had a lot of fun cars.

 

almost bought one but they look like Hyundai's

 

I'm obviously a Mini fan having just ordered an 09 MCS. However, I've gotta be honest. The 1 series is a VERY nice driving car. The car feels more refined overall and I do not believe gives up anything in the performance/handling department either compared to the Mini. That said, the car does not have the curb appeal or charm of the Mini imo, and that is priceless

 

What kind of interior does your mini have? My Mini has the tuscan leather and it looks just as good as the I35. Also, the I35 doesn't look as good and is not a head turner.

 

The MCS seats look sportier than 135i seats but the tach and speedometer on 135i are 5 times nicer than MCS's. And the center console is about 3 times nicer... If 135i was a real head turner, I will probably get pulled over all the time! I like that sleeper look.

 

Im shopping for a new car to replace my R56 S.
After looking over these posts its amazing what Im reading. The cost is more than a MINI, but look at a JCW at $42,000. Look at all of Us who buy $2,500 coilovers for our MINIs.
If and when I buy a 135 Or 335I I wont look back. Who cares if the car doesnt track lines like the MINI. With all that power you can push the back end out and drift the corner or spend money on a suspension upgrade.
In the end if I did it over the BMW would be the choice. Im waiting till spring, My R56 S has lost its enjoyment after renting a 135I.
It mineas well be a justacooper. my 2 cts

 

I would worry about what the interest rates are going to be in the not to distant future. That is going raise the price of waiting considerably more, I'm glad I got my MCS when I did.

 

It's a matter of opinion, and I definitely sound like I'm in the minority here but the 1 series coupe is absolutely gorgeous. It's a great tribute to another beauty, the 2002.





It also reminds me of the Lancia Fulvia, which is featured in this month's Automobile magazine. Wow!



I can imagine if you don't like these body styles then you probably won't like the 1 series.

 

agreed 100%. totally subjective obviously since we're talking about looks of the car, but I too, think the 1 series is a beautiful car. the bmw 2002 is one of my all time favs, and i would jump on one if i had more garage space and $ :-)

 

Hmm.... I have quite a bit to say about this after having driven numerous R56 + 5 S's, as well as 335 + 135i's. In reflection on the current generation of BMW's and MINI's I think the MINI's do a far better job of delivering on BMW's slogan, "The Ultimate Driving Machine". Very few cars do I only test drive once as it normally takes a few drives to uncover a cars personality unless it's a truly unique experience, a term I can use for hardly any car today. MINI is the exception; after driving an R56 S for the first time the hype, the history, everything registered. After driving the 335 and 135i the only thing that registered was, "*****, this thing is FAST!!!", something that can be said for many cars, many cars costing substantially less. While the BMW's handled quite well they weren't really all that remarkable next to cars like the Infiniti G37 coupe, and while less attractive that car also presents better value for the money. As of late I think BMW has rested on its laurels in terms of their cars dynamics and have resorted to boosting their brand equity through designing cars with obnoxious styling (most of which I like but in general it's quite polarizing) and selling you the idea that you're getting "free maintenance" on your new BMW all for the sake of driving up profits. On the flip side the new generation of forthcoming BMW's appears to be at the very least less aesthetically confrantational and maybe perhaps there's the hope they're more dynamically engaging as well. For now I'll stick to MINI for all things truly BMW with the added character of the storied British brand. Sounds blasphemous to say about a FWD Brit car, doesn't it?

 

I cant really say i see the resemblance. The 1er to me is just a modernized e46.

 

It's a chopped up e9x.

 

I'm with you all the way on this comment. I have never gotten the comparisons to the 2002. To me, it's marketing hype to get the purists to pay attention. Good job, BMW, you succeeded there. Problem is that to actually look at the car next to an E46 is to see what it's much more like. Then to look at it next to an E9x is to see what it is.

All that said, I don't mind the looks at all. That means that it wouldn't stop me from owning one. I love the interior because it reminds me of the E36 and even parts of the E30. I finally saw one on the highway the other day, and the only thing that bothered me about it was the large flat area that makes up the door and part of the rear and front quarter panels. This flat area makes the car look very substantial, and I like small cars. What's incredible is how BMW tricks us into thinking that this car is smaller than an E46. I don't know the measurements, but to look at a 1er next to an E46 coupe shows that they're either the same size or the 1 is a bit larger.

The fit and finish between the 1 and the R53 are probably worlds apart. Since the R56 was cleaned up (quality wise), it's less of a step up.

But to people who appreciate Minis (of whatever generation), this tends to all come down to the driving experience. It's for that reason that I refuse to drive the 135i

mb

 

Very intersting comments on this topic. I think, for the most part, people are trying to help the OP make a decision based on their experiences. The OP brought up a lot of things that made me think he is having some reservations about the 135 vs. Mini decision (i.e. driving experience, tossability) and also cost issues (gas mileage, extra payment, resalve value, etc.). The 135 has a lot of power, but after a while, you get used to the power in any car.

At the end of the day, it is a preference based on the things that the OP values most. I have no intention to bash the 135, as I feel it is a nice car. I wouldn't trade my Mini for it. I crossed shopped that car and liked the Mini better, my choice. It was more fun to me.

Would I own a 135? Yes. Instead of my Mini? No.

r56mini, good luck with your decision. Whatever you choose, it will be the right one for you. Don't get too caught up in everyone's opinions. There's always someone that will have a different view on any subject, makes the world fun.


Agree, with options, they can add up to more than a 135.

Based on your post, the 135 or 335 sounds like a good fit for you. You should definitely get a new car if you don't enjoy your Mini.

My perspective will differ from yours since I think the Just a Cooper is a lot of fun.

Regarding styling: I think they look a lot better in person than in pictures. I agree with E36 M3. As a former E46 owner, the 135 reminds me of that car with more smoothed lines.

 

For that price point, I would look for a used Porsche Cayman.

 

Ditto

 

I have testdriven a Cayman S also... It looked amazing and awe-inspiring in person. A CS would not look bad even next to a Ferrari. However, the testdrive was a big disappointment. It had no power at the lower rpm's like the MINI. It probably shines on the race track like the S2000. I would not give up my MCS for it. And CS 0-60mph is slower than 135i.