If You Were To Buy A BMW 1-Series, How Would You Equip It?

The arrival of the BMW 1-Series is right around the corner at USA dealers and there is a lot of anticipation about this new line.

Dealers tell us that their pre-order lists are large and a ton of people are calling asking when they can test drive one.

So we thought it would be cool to ask, if you were going to buy a BMW 1-Series, what color combo and options would you equip it with?

You can configure one at :

Build your BMW 1-Series

Here's how I would do it and just for good measure I configured a coupe and a convertible 335i just for giggles and comparison.

How would you build yours?

My 135i Coupe
3.0-liter, turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine Rear-wheel drive
See all standard features
Base MSRP	$34,900
Alpine White	$0
Coral Red Boston Leather	$0
Glacier Silver Aluminum Trim	$0
Cold Weather Package	$600
Premium Package	$3,300
Sport Package	$1,000
Comfort Access system	$500
Navigation system	$2,100
iPod and USB adapter	$400
Premium hi-fi system	$875
Satellite radio	$595
Park Distance Control (rear only)	$350
18" wheels w/performance tires (style 264)	$0
Destination & Handling:	$775
Total MSRP as Built	$45,395


A suite of premium benefits that is included at no cost with all BMWs for four years.
4 Years/50,000 Mile Warranty	Included
4 Years/50,000 Maintenance Program	Included
4 Years/Unlimited Mileage Roadside Assistance

My 335i Convertible
3.0-liter, turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine Rear-wheel drive
See all standard features
Base MSRP	$49,100
Space Gray Metallic	$475
Coral Red/Black Dakota Leather	$0
Gray Poplar wood trim	$0
Cold Weather Package	$750
Premium Package	$1,550
Sport Package	$1,300
Comfort Access with Comfort Loading and Open	$500
Navigation system	$2,100
iPod and USB adapter	$400
Satellite radio	$595
Park Distance Control (rear only)	$350
Destination & Handling:	$775
Total MSRP as Built	$57,895


A suite of premium benefits that is included at no cost with all BMWs for four years.
4 Years/50,000 Mile Warranty	Included
4 Years/50,000 Maintenance Program	Included
4 Years/Unlimited Mileage Roadside Assistance	Included

My 335i Coupe
3.0-liter, turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine Rear-wheel drive
See all standard features
Base MSRP	$40,800
Space Gray Metallic	$475
Coral Red/Black Dakota Leather	$0
Gray Poplar wood trim	$0
Cold Weather Package	$750
Premium Package	$2,550
Sport Package	$1,100
Comfort Access system	$500
Navigation system	$2,100
iPod and USB adapter	$400
Satellite radio	$595
Park Distance Control (rear only)	$350
Destination & Handling:	$775
Total MSRP as Built	$50,395


A suite of premium benefits that is included at no cost with all BMWs for four years.
4 Years/50,000 Mile Warranty	Included
4 Years/50,000 Maintenance Program	Included
4 Years/Unlimited Mileage Roadside Assistance

BMW Ultimate Service™

djrickp - 2/23/2008 1:08:53 PM

+6 Boost

If it's a difference of $5k between the 135i and 335i, I will take the 335i. If the price difference for the same configurations were say $10k, I would take the 135i. Sadly, the minimal weight difference between the 135i and 335i accompanied by very close pricing makes me think twice about the 135i from a performance and value perspective.

JRobUSC - 2/23/2008 1:26:29 PM

0 Boost

if it were $10k BMW would have a problem selling 3-Series coupes. Who would buy a 328i Coupe when a loaded 135i Coupe is less than a base 328i Coupe?

Pricing them the way they did gives people a choice, rather than making it for them. Miniscule weight difference or not the 1-Series is still a better performing car than the 3-Series, and $5k is $5k.

JRobUSC - 2/23/2008 1:55:11 PM

+2 Boost

by the way, there is a $9k difference between a 3-Series hardtop convertible and a 1-Series softtop convertible. So if you want to save big money on a 1-Series versus a 3-Series, that's how you do it.

BMW4me4ever - 2/23/2008 2:06:12 PM

0 Boost

actually it is more than $5k cause you have to take into consideration that the 135 coupe has an Aero package standard from the factory on it + upgraded brakes. That option is at least $2195 for the aero kit on a 335 coupe & at lease $1500 to upgrade the brakes.

My 135 coupe ...

Montego Blue with Black Leatherette
6-speed manual
Navigation
heated seats ( chicago necessity )
power seats
upgrade sound
sat radio
hd radio
Dinan Chip
bmw assist .... MSRP is only $ 42,315
Dinan Chip $ 2,154

All totaled about $44k for a car equipped like this. Buying this car to replace my current 2006 330xi ...

JRobUSC - 2/23/2008 2:17:10 PM

0 Boost

and by the way, my 2002 330Ci with premium, sport, cold weather, nav, xenons, and PDC had an MSRP of $45k as well. Now for the same money I can get a twin turbo 135i with the same options that would obliterate my 330Ci in performance, is the same size inside, has bluetooth, dual zone climate with climate control for the rear, comfort access, four years of BMW Assist, all the other extras the newer cars come with, AND come with a year and 15k miles more free maintenance. A 128i, which would still beat my old car, would be $6000 LESS than my old 330Ci despite the better equipment.

qweasdzxc - 2/23/2008 6:05:30 PM

-1 Boost

It's 2008 man. World progresses.

Per your logic BMW should not even sell any 650 coupe because of its smaller space inside and slower performance. Besides, it's a whooping $30,000 more than 135 and has a ugly front.

1 series is an entry cheapo and it just doesn't feel "premium" as BMW should be, no matter how much horsepower you put on. It should be priced at $42K loaded against EVO or STI, though the latter two are faster and bigger inside.

JRobUSC - 2/24/2008 8:07:12 PM

+1 Boost

bulldog, a 335i coupe with those options is not a $46900 MSRP. A 335i sedan with those options is a $48k MSRP, and a coupe is $1900 more than that, putting it right at $50k.

BMW4me4ever - 2/25/2008 10:59:43 AM

0 Boost

bull ... I want a track car. I already have another 4dr sedan, 2008 535 with sports package. I am not a big proponent of AWD in Chicago. A good set of snows is all you really need.

henbmw - 2/23/2008 1:11:37 PM

+2 Boost

On the 135i coupe - I'd do without the Nav and Park assist which would bring down to around 43k, a bit more reasonable

Agent001 - 2/23/2008 1:17:05 PM

+3 Boost

Remember to mention what COLOR combo you would choose as well...

I picked Alpine White with Coral Red Boston Leather

001

theoptimisticpessimist - 2/23/2008 1:17:36 PM

+3 Boost

001 YOU STOLE MY 135I!!!

BMW4me4ever - 2/23/2008 2:07:29 PM

+1 Boost

how did you get the translstion?

Sunshine1810 - 2/23/2008 2:10:28 PM

+2 Boost

Fully loaded 135i except active cruise control and automatic transmission. Alpine White exterior paint and Coral Red interior leather. Plus accessories.

TauronB2G - 2/23/2008 2:19:08 PM

+1 Boost

Looking at that pricing structure makes a hard case for me to buy a 135i. Personally I think both of them are about 10K too expensive. If you priced a 135 vs a 328 that might be a different case. But in this case the 335 would be a no brainer.
As for the car I would buy in this scenario it would have to be a triple black 135 convertible. The reason it would be the one is because I like ragtops rather than hardtop convertibles. But if the 335 were still a ragtop it would be the one.
T

TauronB2G - 2/23/2008 2:27:08 PM

+1 Boost

I will say this though. I do like the dash of the 1 series a lot more than the 3 series. The 3 series dash is hideous with and without the nav system.
T

wac77 - 2/23/2008 3:32:03 PM

+2 Boost

I would buy the 135i without any options at all. So I can keep it at $35K, the least expensive way to have access to that extraordinary 300+ HP engine!

ThierryHenry14 - 2/23/2008 3:42:31 PM

0 Boost

I would get a 135i with everything in it...

MKIIIdb - 2/23/2008 3:43:39 PM

+1 Boost

Black Saphire ext, Boston gray leather, heated seats, and HID headlights.
comes out to about 30g, plus taxes and shit.
gorgeous car, but really to bad its only about 300lbs lighter than a 3series. that, and its really not that inexpensive. for a BMW maybe, but hardly price competitive.

BMW4me4ever - 2/25/2008 11:03:03 AM

+1 Boost

what is it price competitive too? There is nothing in this price spot with the horsepower & fit and finish. It priced perfectly. 300 hp and 300 lbs of torque. Yeah it only weighs 300 lbs less than the 335 coupe, which is great cause that means it is a very solid feel.

MKIIIdb - 2/27/2008 2:23:33 PM

+1 Boost

BMW4me4ever

well, i would compare the 1series to the Subaru Impreza.
sure the BMW drives WAY better, but size wise i would say there a close match. I think if they took about 3 grand off the base price it would be much more appealing.
But BMW is premium, so they can get away with charging more.

xlr8 - 2/23/2008 4:53:42 PM

+2 Boost

bare bones no options, because if I wanted options I would get a 335i, I would use the 135i as track car =D

S4cabriofoxone - 2/24/2008 1:13:01 AM

+2 Boost

I'm sorry, but there are so many better options than a 135i as a track car at that price. It's too heavy to justify. For just a bit more, try a Lotus Elise!

BMW4me4ever - 2/25/2008 11:04:54 AM

+1 Boost

S4 .. unless you are 5'8" you cant fit in a lotus. I am 6'3" and my friend has a lotus. I wouldnt even begin to try to fit in the car.

Agent004 - 2/23/2008 5:16:27 PM

+1 Boost

Cold weather package in SoCal????

validus00 - 2/23/2008 7:58:20 PM

+1 Boost

probably because it's been cold here in socal >.<

bmwfan1513 - 2/23/2008 5:43:26 PM

+2 Boost

135i. Red exterior. Black leather interior. Aluminum trim. All of the packages, automatic transmission with paddle shitters. Navigation system and all of the other options.

mlevere1992 - 2/23/2008 7:20:25 PM

+1 Boost

My 135i Coupe
3.0-liter, turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine
Rear-wheel drive
See all standard features
Base MSRP $34,900
Crimson Red $0
Black Leatherette $0
Gray Poplar wood trim $0
Sport Package $1,000
Comfort Access system $500
Heated front seats $500
Power front seats with driver seat memory $995
iPod and USB adapter $400
18" wheels w/performance tires (style 264) $0
Destination & Handling: $775
Total MSRP as Built $39,070

Without the Premium Package and the Nav (which gives me the dreaded iDrive) I save $5,400 over Agent001's configuration and I am under $40,000 by about $1,000.

Agent001 - 2/23/2008 7:42:19 PM

+2 Boost

That's a good way to go too.

And it looks HOT in red!

001

WB7RRQ - 2/23/2008 7:48:46 PM

+3 Boost

I saw the price and proceeded to something an average joe could afford...

enthusiastx11 - 2/23/2008 10:44:31 PM

+6 Boost

oh huu. clueless as usual.

the 1-series is a COUPE.
most 3-series volume is the SEDAN.

why? because most people need the practicality of four doors.

furthermore, the 1-series is relatively low volume so it won't have much impact on the 3.

and nothing says 'illusion of wealth' better than the best selling lexus sedan: the rebadged camry or 'ES'

bmwman1963 - 2/24/2008 9:03:47 PM

+3 Boost

I agree totally about the ES being a rebadged camry!! Been there done that and will never again. People have been fed the Lexus quality hype for too long. Trust me save the dough and buy a camry. You won't get screwed everytime you take it in to be serviced too. $$$$$$ every time the lex goes to be serviced. Leather seats crack within two months and look like crap, transmission constantly hunting for the "right gear", gee with so many you would think it could find at least one.... Oh, and the carpet is about as good as the cheapest bathroom mat you can buy at wal-mart..

miracle113 - 2/24/2008 1:43:21 AM

+2 Boost

I'd either have black/red, red/black, white/red
don't want no packages, so the leather seats would be a $1450 option, i like to keep it minimum, $37125 +/- $475 for paint.

but seriously though, IMO, there isn't a car in this price range can beat the "overall" package of 135i.

valhallakey - 2/24/2008 3:27:26 AM

+1 Boost

My 135i Coupe - Total 40,275 - 2,445 = $37,830 and no rental car charge for my vacation plus one free ticket to Munich!
3.0-liter, turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine
Rear-wheel drive
See all standard features
Base MSRP $34,900
Alpine White $0
Black Leatherette $0
High Gloss Black Trim $0
Cold Weather Package $600
Sport Package $1,000
Comfort Access system $500
Navigation system $2,100
iPod and USB adapter $400
18" wheels w/performance tires (style 264) $0
Destination & Handling: $775
Total MSRP as Built $40,275
BMW Ultimate Service™
A suite of premium benefits that is included at no cost with all BMWs for four years.
4 Years/50,000 Mile Warranty Included
4 Years/50,000 Maintenance Program Included
4 Years/Unlimited Mileage Roadside Assistance Included

Ha - Rick

valhallakey - 2/24/2008 3:31:01 AM

+2 Boost

I do wish they would drop the sunroof as a standard feature and let it be ordered separately!

MunichRob - 2/24/2008 5:52:14 AM

+2 Boost

Like 001 I priced out my 135i to 45 grand but I priced my 335i slightly higher at 54 grand. So that's almost a difference of 10 grand, but either way I'd stick with the sexier sheetmetal & better all around car (In almost everway) being the 3-series.

BTW I personally think the interior of the 1-series looks great, much better than the X3.

Lavic - 2/24/2008 1:13:26 PM

+2 Boost

Just make it a Tii for me!

mlevere1992 - 2/24/2008 9:03:37 PM

+3 Boost

I cannot believe all of the badge bashing that happens on these forums. We all like what we like. There are so many badge pimps that think that their badge is better than others. Where is the respect for someone making a good car without having to sh*t all over the other one?

Hey, I am a BMW fan. I have owned a couple of them, an '89 E30 325is that I had for 12 years and a 2006 E90 325i. So apparently I am a Yuppie or a Wannabe if I like a BMW 1 or 3 series? I as sure hell am not a secretary? How many of them can afford a $40K car? Or maybe I like the design and performance of a BMW?

This, by no means, means that I am going to bash Audi, Lexus, Acura or Merc. They all make great cars. I just happen to prefer BMW over the other cars and there are reasons that I do. If you ask me why I like the BMW 3 series or 1 series over another car, I will give you a well thought out answer that will be MY OPINION. And it sould be taken that way, as an OPINION and not a slight on the person asking the question.

As for my reason that I like the BMW 135i, well...
it remindes me of my E30 325is. Upright in its driving position, bulldog like, small and tossable (unlike the 335, which has turned into more of a grand tourer but is still a great performer), and I am getting 9/10ths the performance of the new M3 for about $15K less. That is what I am aspiring to.

M35MT - 2/25/2008 8:35:31 AM

+2 Boost

Wow 45k for the 1
50k for the 335 and 57k for the convert.

...It's off the subject but I'll take the S5 at those prices...because the AWD would come in handy in the NE.

My 135i:
Sport package only, white w/ black leather.

BMW4me4ever - 2/25/2008 11:12:51 AM

+2 Boost

M35mt ... the 335 coupe is available in AWD. My client just picked up his 335xi coupe with Navigation, Aero kit & dinan performance chip for $54k. This is still a little less than a comparative Audi S5 and quicker.

both cars are great cars though

M35MT - 2/25/2008 12:18:29 PM

+2 Boost

That's true, I just love that new S5/A5 interior.

mlevere1992 - 2/25/2008 12:58:48 PM

-1 Boost

cptamazingV - you are the poeple that I am talking about.

answer - 2/26/2008 11:04:37 AM

+1 Boost

I'd get a black on black with every option except for the park distance thing.