i want the 1 series hatch... only available overseas. :(

 

I agree on that one! its like comparing Civic SI and s2000.. differnent... same maker.. Isnt that why they made into two different cars? Its all personal preference.. some like the shape of the Mini.. some like BMW look..

 

let's stay on track to wish the OP good luck, and NOT get into another windy und pointless psuedo-debate about the 1-series vs. MINI. this has already been beaten to death on other threads.

 

Congrats!! The 135 coupe was one of my choices before the MINI but the price was a little too steep for me after all the options I wanted. Have fun with the car!

 

I drove the new M3 and 135i Coupe at Watkins Glen along with my R56. I have to admit, I do like the 135i even better than the M3 or the MCS. Something about driving those rear wheels, great balance, brakes and a quite a bit more zip out of the box... It was running about 33K-34K base European Delivery. Maybe I will consider it next time.

Mini_JaiJai, have fun with yours.

 

The 135 hardtop IS the platform!!!It's the only thing in the sub 45k price range that is tempting to me. Nice choice(minus floppy top)

 

Honestly, I'd rather be buying BMW3XX than BMW1XX...

Look, BMW 1 is just marginally lighter than BMW 3. It is also just marginally cheaper than BMW 3. It has significally
less room inside.

They based BMW 1 on BMW 3. That was cheaper for them for sure... , but that didn't allow BMW 1 to be light. If it would be light - everything would be justified. Even their ads where they compare BMW 1 to BMW 2002... I beleive 2002 had been light and yet had more room inside. This approach should have made BMW 1 cheap... but this is not the case. So the only tangible advantage I see - BMW 1 might be easier to park.

BMW 1 price should really start in mid 20-s... Right under 25K. Then it would make a little more sense.

Mini is small in and out. But it is small for a reason. And it is reasonably priced. And it is light. And its image accepts male and female drivers. Cannot say this about BMW 1. I can see my wife driving this car but not myself. I cannot recall another BMW that had such a cartooney design.

 

^ while talking about BMW 3XX vs BMW 1XX, any other differences than just weight? If anyone has test driven the BMW 1XX, how does the handling / acceleration differ from the 3?

 

Per cars.com

BMW 128 vs BMW 328 (both coupes)
---
Same engine, final drive, same mileage.
Weight 3,329 lbs. vs 3,417 lbs (!!! just 88 pounds difference!!! come on - nice joke BMW , that's less than one passenger's weight or some trunk's load )

I do not know acceleration data and haven't test driven BM W1 (just 3), but why acceleration and\or handling would be much different? It could be just marginally different.

I understand this is up to the actual buyer to make a decision, but I'd take BMW328 rather than 128 and be able to have 3-4 passengers. Equally equipped 128 would still be cheaper though. But I could sacrifice some options on 328 for practicality's sake.

P.S. And if ones looks for a small car - look at MCS It is european brand. Reasonably priced. Light. I haven't actually compared but it seems to me it has more int. room, but I could be wrong on this. Yes, it is FWD versus RWD... but people moslty buy automatic transmissions so why would they care? And MC is fun to drive. More fun than BMW3 as far as I'm concerned. Not sure about the track but at the autocross they should have similar performance.

 

The handling on the 1-er is better, I think that the acceleration is about the same but you feel it more in the 1-er than the 3-er. Techanacally their 0-60 times are within about .2 seconds. When a 135 and 335 coupe were competitively comparing relative speed on a test drive the 135 was doing a better job

I have driven the 3-er a bunch and the 1-er not as often but enough. And would say that the 1-er fits inline with the rest of the BMWs in that the Z4 is less about luxury and more about performance/handling the 7-er is more about luxury with performance/handling still good but not primary. And all the others fall in line. The 1-er was built just as it should be.

 

My though exactly. The 128 is more in line with the R56. I think it's about $7-8k more base, isn't it?

 

Based on the fact that the OP posted a total of 30 times, and whose final post was to go into the 2nd Gen Forum and rip the R56 and brag to everyone that she moved to a 1 series is more than enough reason for everyone to actually just let this stupid thread die and go away.

That's just another opinion, though.

 

I sat in a 135, then got out. No test drive necessary.

I'm 6'4", and the MINI simply gives me more leg room. In the 135, my leg would be constantly pressed against the center console, and I've already got a divot worked into the side of my calf from my current car.

 

+1+1+1

 

thanks for the chip in! I didn't realize how similar the two cars were

 

As soon as i get the mini paid down a chunk i will be getting on of these, but in a hardtop. i test drove one while looking at the mini. the 1-series is a great car. small, fast and tight. almost like the next step up from a mini.

what color are you going for?

 

I'd definitely take a manual 1er coupe! Good luck with the cabriolet. If you decide to mod it that'll be more of a monster than it is!

 

Congrats, mini_jaijai!

It's hard to beat the uniqueness and character of the MINI, but the 1-series is a fast, stylish car. I wanted one last fall but went with the MINI (S) cuz I'd always wanted a MINI and was afraid that if I got the BMW, I'd never want to "downgrade" to a MINI. Plus the MINI was more feasible in terms of sticker price, insurance, and fuel costs.

Right now, I feel like I won't EVER want to part with my MINI, but a few years down the road, I'd love to be able to pick up a companion 1-er to give my MINI company

BTW, some may not be happy with the 1-er's styling, but I think it's gorgeous and nicely sculpted. Muscular, even. Good luck and enjoy!

 

Yeah, congratulations mini jai-jai that's REALLY awesome of you have a great day and have a REALLY cool time with your NEEWWWWWWWW Bimmer!!!! w00t w00t!!!!

/unsubscribe

 

well i just made the same move. i pick up my titanium silver 135i vert tomorrow. i love my MINI but it is time to move onto a new fun car. so here is my last picture on the forum of my car... also i didn't trade my son's MINI--it's a keeper. P.S. i took off alot of my parts so if you are interested email me. thanks and keep motoring!

 

Good car but hate the lines on the side and the grills look to big for the front end...just my opinion

 

BMW 3 Series, VW R32, Lancer EVO, or a JCW Clubman...

What do you you think?

 

Like them all..but my order choice would go like this

BMW 3
Lancer EVO
Vw R32
JCW Clubman

 

I agree but I think its more of a reason to give opinions...who cares we have nothing better to do

 

If I ever go down the 1er or 3er route I will definitely do European delivery.

Too bad MINI still thinks gringos are too stupid to drive on the left side of the road after picking up a new MINI in Oxford...