DRUMROLL PLEASE...And The 2008 AutoSpies.com Car Of The Year Is?

DRUMROLL PLEASE...And The 2008 AutoSpies.com Car Of The Year Is?
Every once in a while a special car comes to market that just takes things to the next level.

At AutoSpies.com, our job is to put you in front of the upcoming trends and be the first at identifying where the hot spot is in the different vehicle segments.

For 2008, many manufacturers have introduced some really nice products but only one can be our Car Of The Year.

Our 2008 Car Of The Year embodies all of the key principles that make a vehicle special...great performance, edgy design, quality, heritage and great value for the dollar.

And our choice, the new BMW 135i has all that AND more!

Congratulations to BMW for another game changer.

puregraffitiwall.com/

Official press release below:

ALL-NEW BMW 135i NAMED 2008 AUTOSPIES.COM CAR OF THE YEAR

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – March 31, 2008 ... The all-new BMW 135i was named today by AutoSpies.com—one of the world’s leading automotive news sources and auto enthusiast forums—as the 2008 AutoSpies.com Car of the Year.  The BMW 1 Series draws its inspiration from BMW’s iconic 2002 models of some 40 years ago, representing the core BMW philosophies of pure performance and premium design.

“The new BMW 135i has smashed the traditional paradigm of premium small cars trading performance for a lower sticker price,” said Donald Buffamanti, Founder of AutoSpies.com.  “The sizzling 135i, in sleek coupe or convertible guise, is a no excuses pocket rocketship that does its spiritual brother, the beloved BMW 2002 proud.”

The powerful 135i Coupe and Convertible feature BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and an incredible 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. With its direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooling, optimum performance and economy is achieved with no loss in engine response.

“BMW is honored to have the 135i named as the 2008 AutoSpies.com Car of the Year,” said Tom Purves, President and CEO of BMWNA.  “The feedback for the 1 Series has been positively tremendous and as 2008 is ‘Year One of the One,’ it is all-the-more special to be receiving this honor for the 135i right out of the gate.”

In the eyes of AutoSpies.com editors, the BMW 135i sends everyone back to the drawing board and is a champion for its combination of styling, performance and bang for the buck.  According to the editors, no other vehicle has the total package and cachet that the BMW 135i provides for the price, in the premium automotive segment.

puregraffitiwall.com/

About AutoSpies.com

AutoSpies.com was founded by Donald Buffamanti, former SVP of MP3.com, and former technical advisor to the President of Apple Computer Canada; Chip Grueter, President of Dealerrater.com LLC; and Greg Flores, co-founder of MP3.com.  The spy chiefs have built a social network of thousands of industry employees, analysts, dealers and car fanatics who routinely leak information—spy photos, next generation product plans, unpublished rebates, and performance failures—to their news network.

Since 2001, the AutoSpies.com team has taken it from a vision to one of the largest and most respected car sites on the World Wide Web, getting visits and interaction from millions of readers per month.  AutoSpies.com is one of the highest ranked auto information sites on Google, Yahoo, MSN and other major search engines.  AutoSpies.com is also featured on a weekly television segment on FOX6 News in San Diego.

BMW Group in America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and the upcoming X6 Sports Activity Coupe.  The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.



Agent001Agent001 - 3/31/2008 4:10:31 PM
+5 Boost
Good description...I would agree it looks like a little bulldog in person.

It has it's own unique identity separate from a 3-Series.

001


SenSpeedSenSpeed - 3/31/2008 5:46:16 PM
+4 Boost
idunno, the 135 is one ugly looking car to me, almost like a genetic reject of the 335 with its stumpy, midget looks.


dlindlin - 3/31/2008 9:48:23 PM
+3 Boost
I don't agree w/ you.

I think it's more like a midget car :)


qweasdzxcqweasdzxc - 3/31/2008 10:10:50 PM
0 Boost
A 6 ft guy in there just looks funny and maybe that's why it reminds you of midget.

More than that, now everyone knows how cheap you are to buy a car smaller than Civic Coupe.

That's even more funny now.


EL34EL34 - 3/31/2008 4:17:40 PM
-1 Boost
Perfect choice for AutoSpies car of the year ;-)

Way to go 001.


lexusrox123lexusrox123 - 3/31/2008 5:10:29 PM
-14 Boost
^^^^^^yup, the usual (idiotic) posts by EL34...well, this time it wasnt TOO bad...lol


AdHominemAdHominem - 4/1/2008 7:29:43 PM
+1 Boost
Insulting the man and not addressing the argument is WEAK. It's the last resort of the insecure.

The 135i looks very strong in person. Drive and you'll see that it was obviously engineered by people who think driving should be a blast.


lexusrox123lexusrox123 - 3/31/2008 4:19:14 PM
-19 Boost
great performance, edgy design, quality, and great value for the dollar, and ....heritage? what the heck is that supposed to mean? just because a car company's been around forever doesnt make the car (any) better! i hope the "heritage" part of the criteria wasnt such a major part of the judging. things like "heritage," "character," and "soul" don't improve the car at all. they do, however, boost the self esteem of the owner and make him/her feel as if he/she is "better" than everyone else. no surprise as to who wrote this article!! (agent 001: float like a cadillac, sting like a bimmer) dare i say the word "bias"?



Agent001Agent001 - 3/31/2008 4:20:58 PM
+10 Boost
That quote is from the Pixar movie CARS...I used it because it's funny...Man, you should know us by now...NOBODY gets a free pass on our site.

001


lexusrox123lexusrox123 - 3/31/2008 6:53:57 PM
-8 Boost
jeez...talk about crazy bmw loyalty!!!

Oh the wrath of the german deboosting squad!!! uh oh, here they come right now.. :0


bmwman1963bmwman1963 - 3/31/2008 8:34:15 PM
-1 Boost
lexusrox123, you must be pretty insecure or the lexus fan base is pretty low or else you wouldn't be deboosted so often. I personally believe it is because you have nothing intelligent to contribute here or to brag about on this site.

Poor Lexus, if these are the best fans they have to defend them then surely they will always come in last place when compared to their German counterparts.


Agent001Agent001 - 3/31/2008 9:02:11 PM
-1 Boost
I said I LIKE BMW and Porsche...doesn't make me bias

If someone else has something I like better, I buy it.

Don't buy by brand.

001


lexusrox123lexusrox123 - 4/1/2008 8:56:42 PM
+2 Boost
jeez hostile group here, eh? *cough* EL34, etc.*cough*

i would have chosen the gt-r myself (see comments below, they agree too)

and 001, youre right. you should buy by brand, as opposed to brand loyalty.



minimalistminimalist - 3/31/2008 4:23:30 PM
0 Boost
Where are these unpublished rebates?


Agent001Agent001 - 3/31/2008 4:28:10 PM
+5 Boost
We post them when we get them...

001


Agent001Agent001 - 3/31/2008 4:28:48 PM
+5 Boost
There are no rebates on the 1-Series if you were wondering

001


VISOVISO - 4/1/2008 4:23:39 PM
+1 Boost
Don't worry Agent001, I won't


lexusrox123lexusrox123 - 3/31/2008 4:30:15 PM
-6 Boost
but whats up with """""heritage"""""?


Agent001Agent001 - 3/31/2008 4:32:33 PM
+7 Boost
It's not a deal breaker if a car does not have a long and illustrious heritage but it is an added benefit when it does.

001


lexusrox123lexusrox123 - 3/31/2008 4:41:44 PM
-17 Boost
the picture of the girl and drumset is TOTALLY irrelevant to the bmw 1 post. if it is somehow associated with how the bmw won, someone please tell me


Agent001Agent001 - 3/31/2008 4:59:21 PM
+11 Boost
Drumroll please...did u miss that?

Hence the pic...

001


lexusrox123lexusrox123 - 3/31/2008 6:59:46 PM
-9 Boost
i think they deboost me just because they take ONE LOOK at my username and say, "*gasp* a lexus fan? i have to deboost right now!" lol! yup, its a rough world out there...sigh


MonkMonk - 3/31/2008 7:08:37 PM
+6 Boost
well, you haven't gotten as low as GoObama in deboosts...


bmwman1963bmwman1963 - 3/31/2008 8:36:49 PM
+2 Boost
No, lexusrox123, we have nothing against Lexus Fan Bois here, it is just the Lexus Retards that get us pissed.


KZ258KZ258 - 3/31/2008 4:51:20 PM
+4 Boost
i just knew it was gonna be a BMW to begin with


0to600to60 - 3/31/2008 5:10:41 PM
+2 Boost
I was thinking the same thing without even opening it.


w209w114w209w114 - 3/31/2008 5:11:02 PM
+3 Boost
Im not surprised. Amazing car, but car of the year? Were any other models even taken into consideration? If so which I doubt, Id like to see the list.


IVANURI97IVANURI97 - 3/31/2008 5:33:08 PM
+1 Boost
So not surprised either. It was bound to be a BMW or Toyota/Lexus to keep the posters posting. I think it should go to a car that is a significant new entry or brings something significant to the field.


0to600to60 - 3/31/2008 6:56:40 PM
+4 Boost
It was prob between the BMW 1 series, M3 and the X6


minimalistminimalist - 3/31/2008 7:07:49 PM
+3 Boost
you hit the nail on the head for this autospies press release.

every award should at the very least set forth the nominees and some sort of criteria.


Agent004Agent004 - 3/31/2008 7:16:14 PM
0 Boost
How many of you 4 have driven the 135? Go test drive it, and then go test drive anything else in its class. Oh wait :)



minimalistminimalist - 3/31/2008 7:23:52 PM
+1 Boost
lol. iirc, i provided information on the 1 including costs and basic info, clarified the inaccurate info provided on weight here and to bmw and had already said it would be a hit way before autospies. I probably drove it before autospies as well. oh wait. :)


IVANURI97IVANURI97 - 3/31/2008 11:46:25 PM
+6 Boost
I don't need to drive it, nor would I, I am not a blonde secretary or some balding loser who thinks having a BMW makes up for what he lacks!


no1listensanywayno1listensanyway - 3/31/2008 5:19:20 PM
-3 Boost
??? So wrong, on so many levels. - 1 for autospies.


VISOVISO - 4/1/2008 4:36:22 PM
+4 Boost
Agent004 - We cannot test anything else, because the S3 is not available in the US. Only the 1-Series Coupe does not have any other competitor in terms of body style, not the 1-Series in general. Stop puffing up the 1-Series as if it is the only car in this class. The A3 has been kicking the 1-Series in Europe from day 1. Audi invented this segment. Don't act like it's something unique that is so special because your precious little BMW supposedly invented it. Talk about overhyping a brand!


bmwfan1513bmwfan1513 - 3/31/2008 5:30:06 PM
0 Boost
BMW ROCKS!!!! The 135i is an awesome car. Good choice AutoSpies. I want a
1 Series.


lexusrox123lexusrox123 - 4/1/2008 9:02:36 PM
+3 Boost
ahem....




answeranswer - 3/31/2008 5:31:54 PM
0 Boost
BMW 1 series.

Great car? Yes.

Car of the year? No.


answeranswer - 3/31/2008 7:30:31 PM
-5 Boost
Again, for the reading impaired, it's a great car.

But, I would say there are others more deserving of "Car of the Year". For example, MB's C class.


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 3/31/2008 9:56:15 PM
+2 Boost
the MB C-class? Seriously? It's better than the previous C-class and it's at least a good looking car, but the interior is crap and the car itself isn't even as good as the 3-Series that's been out since 2005. Certainly not Car of the Year.


answeranswer - 4/1/2008 12:55:43 AM
+1 Boost
Seriously, you people are way too sensitive to posts that interupt your BMW swoon-fest in the slightest way.

Think about this. What the hell is the timeframe for Autospies "Car of the Year" ???

If it was from March 07 to March 08 I think that the Audi R8 or even S5 would be far more deserving of the title. And if it actually is for calendar year 2008, this award comes far too soon in a year that will see the Nissan GTR release amoungst others. And for you Bavarian lovers, isn't the M3 more car of the year material than the 1?


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/1/2008 1:13:35 AM
0 Boost
The C-Class is nice, but just a bit boring. The 3 Series is more desirable.

The R8 and S5 are obviously fantastic, but they're also expensive (especially R8).

The 1 Series combines performance that's just about on par with the S5 with a lower price, amazing handling, better gas mileage and an iconic lineage. It's truly the steal of the year.


carguy68carguy68 - 3/31/2008 5:58:03 PM
-4 Boost
yawn!!


bigmotovbigmotov - 3/31/2008 6:05:19 PM
+1 Boost
Wasn't it just posted as one of the ugliest/goofiest looking vehicles by one of the agents? Based on price/performance, I'd still take a 3 Series over this. The curved-bow look still plays tricks with my eyes (not in a good way). Everytime I see a picture, I think they are using one of those "fish-eye" lenses.

great performance, edgy design, quality, heritage and great value for the dollar....You could MORE EASILY say YES to each one of these with the GT-R.


xlr8xlr8 - 3/31/2008 6:44:23 PM
-1 Boost
A decent choice...but I wouldnt call it car of the year. Its basically a smaller version of the 335i, which I would take over the 135i anyday(not practical for me). Lol I notice people here think new bimmers have souls and quality. How much you wanna bet the diffs go out and the water pump and suspension need replacing after 50k miles. Oh and hate to bust your bubble bimmer fans the e92 sedan was designed by joji nagashima...lol a japanese man!!!

P.s. I own a 5 series


goochgooch - 4/1/2008 6:19:35 AM
+3 Boost
What does the nationality of the designer have to do with the car? Ferraris are now penned by Frank Stevenson, an AMERICAN. SFW?


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 3/31/2008 6:49:58 PM
+4 Boost
Could not agree more 001. this has been a great year for cars with the M3, GTR, Z06, S5 etc.. After driving I'm a believer. very fast, outrageously fun, and beautifully executed. Having fun in this car is effortless, it's very refined and have I mentioned it fun to drive! keep the option list reasonable and it's a helluva bargain. It's a car BMW should have built years ago. while the styling is controversial, the driving is pure bliss


supermotosupermoto - 3/31/2008 7:04:49 PM
+6 Boost
Perfect choice! Can't wait to see the M version.


Agent004Agent004 - 3/31/2008 7:18:09 PM
+1 Boost
That will be an interesting release. I'm not sure what more they can add to it, perhaps a different suspension and maybe more boost, but the car right now will wax an e46 M3 on the track.


goochgooch - 4/1/2008 6:21:17 AM
+3 Boost
The 1-series will NOT wax an E46 M3 on the track. I like the 135i, but let's keep things in perspective. It will stay close, but "wax?" Negatory, ghostrider.


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 4/1/2008 11:28:22 AM
0 Boost
gooch, I think it probably would beat an E46 M3. It is quicker, especially in the midrange, pulls more lateral grip, has a higher slalom speed, and has better brakes. Those usually add up to one car beating another.


goochgooch - 4/1/2008 12:31:30 PM
+2 Boost
JRob,

I'm telling you, it all boils down to limited slip differential. The M3 has it, the 135 doesn't. While the 135i may have (only slightly) better stats, around a track, the M3's advantage with the LSD would be telling. The M3 has a higher redline as well, meaning a driver could hold a gear into a corner, where a 135i driver would have to shift -- losing momentum.
On the street, sure, I'd give the 135i an advantage -- depending on the driver. But on the track, gimme the E46 M3.


SixxFiveSixxFive - 3/31/2008 7:16:56 PM
+1 Boost
Could not agree more with Autospies naming the 135i Car of the Year. Those who claim that Autospies are on BMW's payroll, etc., etc., etc., very clearly don't know the true meaning of - auto enthusiast -.


bmwman1963bmwman1963 - 3/31/2008 8:42:46 PM
-1 Boost
I guess most of us on this site are on BMW's payroll according to your logic Vendetta.

BMW would not win all these awards if their product didn't measure up to the standards set by the industry.




GT3RennSportGT3RennSport - 3/31/2008 8:59:46 PM
+1 Boost
Excellent choice!


Bmw8terBmw8ter - 3/31/2008 9:32:13 PM
-1 Boost
Throwing a monster of an engine into a small vehicle is hardly grounds for an ovation. Sure, they're great handling vehicles, but even the Japanese produce great handling vehicles; I'm not referring to Lexus....the Subaru WRX STI and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution(just as good in every regard and cheaper). They're all similar....finely tuned vehicles.

IMO, there's nothing outrageously amazing about this car; it's fast and semi-attractive...and expensive. Hardly memorable.

Show a list of competitors.


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 3/31/2008 10:12:08 PM
+4 Boost
the WRX STi and Evo aren't any cheaper, though being sedans (or a 5 door hatch) they are are more convenient. Of course if you want a sedan you could get the 335i or 335xi. Automobile Magazine just ran a comparison of the 335xi, Evo, and STi and named the 335xi the winner. They called in the car you'd graduate to when you grew up from loving the other two.

Anyway, as far as the 135i goes, get a 135i sport package stick and it's $36675 and comes with leather, moonroof, 18" wheels, etc. That's a hell of a buy for a car that does 0-60 in 4.7 seconds, the 1/4 mile in 13.3 seconds, stops from 60mph in 110 feet, slaloms at 70+mph, pulls 0.94g on the skidpad, AND includes maintenance for four years. Now take all those attributes and include a BMW emblem on the hood. How can that be considered anything but a tremendous value? All those stats beat the E46 M3, which is/was an iconic car, for $20k less than the M3 cost new. And they're on par or better than the STi and Evo, for the same or less money.

If I was 18 and Fast and the Furious was "like, totally the coolest movie ever dude", maybe I'd go with the STi or Evo. At 32 if I'm choosing between a BMW and a riced out looking Subaru or Mitsubishi for the same price and the same performance, well, sorry chuckles but I'm choosing the BMW in 0.00000001 seconds.


Bmw8terBmw8ter - 3/31/2008 10:49:21 PM
+1 Boost
You deboost me over a subjective comment....they're all three purpose built. The vent hood, and the body panels all serve a purpose. The hood scoops are real intakes unlike the Mustang GTs and other cars.

The only way you might get a 135i for $36k is a special order. You're not going to find that on a car lot...period. A fully loaded Evo goes for right at $40k sticker; and the STI is even less. A fully loaded 135 can't do that. The whole nav. system, on both, is actually useful.

All 3 cars are kicking out similar figures with a turbo, only the former 2 are lower displacement engines. There's simply nothing genius or trendsetting about the 1 series...once again, IMO.


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 3/31/2008 11:06:54 PM
+2 Boost
I didn't deboost you. And different strokes for different folks. Again, if I am choosing between a $40k Mitsubishi or Subaru that look like they just came off the set of Fast and the Furious and a similarly performing $40k BMW, I'm choosing the BMW. I don't expect everyone to, and in fact, I'd prefer they don't.


Htay7500Htay7500 - 4/2/2008 5:00:14 PM
+1 Boost
would riced out also define the :

M3, which is just a 3series with a different engine and a body kit?

RS4, which is an a4 with a different engine and a bodykit?

all amg models, which are the same cars with a different engine (and in some models, a turbo) and a body kit?





Htay7500Htay7500 - 4/2/2008 5:07:33 PM
+1 Boost
and plus the evo and sti are the only cars that I know of which can be taken in a rallycross event or any place thats rough with dirt roads.


Htay7500Htay7500 - 4/2/2008 5:19:34 PM
+1 Boost
oh and don't call me a hater, I've done work on a friends track ready E36 and its an amazing car, as well as many BMWs. but the evo and the sti has a very rich history in rally just like BMW has with their sucess with the M3 in many events.


M53RM53R - 4/3/2008 10:09:47 AM
+1 Boost
No, riced out means it has a huge wing, side scoops that are huge and non functional, a front/back bumper just for show, and lousy paint.


DW1968DW1968 - 4/5/2008 6:52:24 AM
+1 Boost
"but even the Japanese produce great handling vehicles; I'm not referring to Lexus" <-- I think that goes without saying...



grouchogroucho - 3/31/2008 10:23:24 PM
+2 Boost
what were the criterias? superlative engineering and unrivaled performance as with all bmws but a looker... its not. I just can't get pass the unflattering portions. the 335i coupe in my opinion is the most well rounded and is my car of the year pick. the S5 has it in spades if it was a beauty contest.


S2000VS911S2000VS911 - 3/31/2008 10:26:18 PM
+5 Boost
sorry!!! i think Nissan GTR is "car of the year". Compare to same price level, which brand of stock car faster than GTR ? not even include F430 or Lambo. But for 135 (around CAD $53000), u can buy EVO X,STI,S2000,350Z even Cooper S + JCW Kit. & don't say your 135 is fastest & look most attactive in this group, honestly ...


goochgooch - 4/1/2008 6:25:15 AM
+1 Boost
I'm putting it out there right now -- you will NEVER find a GT-R for sticker. NEVER. Stop trying to compare it to other cars at its "sticker" price. That's a neat marketing trick for Nissan, but in the real world, where there's plenty more demand that supply, the dealers are going to use that car as a cash cow.


Agent004Agent004 - 4/1/2008 12:41:57 AM
+1 Boost
You weren't blown away by the 135 when you drove it?


answeranswer - 4/1/2008 1:02:09 AM
0 Boost
I think this post proves that the true autospies car of the year is actually just a plain old bandwagon with room for everyone.

Yes the 1 series is a fun car that looks good, but there are far better (and more meaningful) choices for car of the year.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/1/2008 1:21:55 AM
+5 Boost
What do you have against this thing?

And what others could be considered more "meaningful?"

M3 - yet another generation of the same ol' thang. Nothing unexpected.

S5 - new and beautiful, but doesn't handle as well as it should.

R8 - amazing, but this site would be criticized of catering to the rich only if it won.

GT-R - a bit too niche to win an award like this. The COTY should be well-rounded.

IS-F - an also-ran in the über sedan class.

C-Class - improved, but still only midpack.

XF - great, but the Agents haven't driven it yet.

C30 - not that good to drive even though the specs add up.

CTS - MAYBE, but I think the 3.6 version should be quicker. Probably the runner-up.

What else is there?


answeranswer - 4/1/2008 10:55:29 AM
+1 Boost
I don't have anything against the 1 series. As I've stated before I LIKE IT!

It would help to know what the timeframe is for this award, and like others have said, a list of the runners up.

The XF is another great example, and the spies not driving it yet is a poor excuse. Why give out an award prematurely?


SX123SX123 - 4/1/2008 1:19:11 AM
+2 Boost
today is March


investor27investor27 - 4/1/2008 2:07:56 AM
+1 Boost
I like to see a comparison between the 135i and a Porsche Cayman S.


HeyhuubHeyhuub - 4/1/2008 2:54:25 AM
+1 Boost
How can you people say it looks good, anyone ever seen it on the road? It's more like a condom full of walnuts.


goochgooch - 4/1/2008 6:28:14 AM
+1 Boost
I've seen it. It looks better than it does in photos. The car has a tough, athletic stance -- even the 128i. The greenhouse is less boxy than photos suggest as well.


truckmentruckmen - 4/1/2008 3:32:42 AM
+3 Boost
I like the performance numbers and fuel mielage this can do, but as a family car I unfortunatly couldn't consider this with a two door, a 4 door and a hatchback would be great as a family car, it's around the same size as a civic. As impressive as this car is I don't think that this should be called the Autospies car of the year with all those other cars that out perform it as many of you have pointed out.


Homer008Homer008 - 4/1/2008 3:40:50 AM
+1 Boost
1) This year's most significant cars were imo..Honda's FCX hydrogen car that went into a production is significant in the car world.
2) The GT-R, enough said. Beyond significant.
3) Prius, time when diesel has hit 4 bucks a gal. this clean running car is also the most reliable and most satisfied car in the planet. SIGNIFICANT!!!!
4) bmw135I should be renamed,"straw" because it sucks in comparison to #1,2 and 3. Period.


Homer008Homer008 - 4/1/2008 3:42:55 AM
+1 Boost
I forgot to mention: 4) Not that significant..its only a mini-me of 3-series designed with crayons.



JRobUSCJRobUSC - 4/1/2008 11:11:43 AM
+2 Boost
1) FCX - a car you can't get unless you made it onto a VIP list and live in California. Aside from the fact that BMW has been doing the same thing with hydrogen 7's for quite some time, you don't give an award for Car of the Year to a car you can't get.

2) GTR - I'll give you this one, my guess is they deemed it too expensive, but it would have certainly made my list.

3) Prius - seriously? It's how many years old now? You don't give an old car Car of the Year, it defeats the purpose of an award for new models.


MunichRobMunichRob - 4/1/2008 8:33:27 AM
-1 Boost
Finally saw this car in person for the first time today at the Vancouver auto show and really liked what I had seen. The back looks way better in person as does the whole car.

Love the sales gimmick..."Year one of the 1" stamped in above the start button as this car will most likely make it into the BMW collectors hall of fame.

Spot-on decision, I would've picked the same thing.


07G35J07G35J - 4/1/2008 9:42:02 AM
+2 Boost
This is the price of a 135i, nicely equipped:
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
Black Boston Leather $0
Gray Poplar wood trim $0
Premium Package $3,300
Navigation system $2,100
Premium hi-fi system $875
18" wheels w/performance tires (style 264) $0
M steering wheel $0
Destination & Handling: $775
Total MSRP as Built $41,950

This is the price of a 335i coupe, nicely equipped:
My 335i Coupe
3.0-liter, turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine
Rear-wheel drive
See all standard features
Base MSRP $40,800
Alpine White $0
Black Dakota Leather $0
Dark Burl Walnut wood trim $0
Premium Package $2,550
Sport Package $1,100
Navigation system $2,100
Destination & Handling: $775
Total MSRP as Built $47,325

Retrieved from bmwusa.com

Price Difference: $5375 (Please note the 135i does NOT have Sport package)

For that price difference, which would mean about $20 a month, I'll take the 335i, thank you very much.



bimmerbimmer - 4/1/2008 10:45:25 AM
-2 Boost
Well... then take it...!!!!!


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 4/1/2008 11:25:15 AM
+4 Boost
$5375 at 4.9% interest for 60 months is a difference of $100 a month, not $20. If you mean the lease is $20 different, which it may be since the car is brand new and brand new cars typically have little lease support, then fine. If that's the case then for people leasing, the 335i Coupe could be a better deal. For people buying $100 a month is a pretty big difference. Mini Coopers have had crap leases since they came out, by the way, they're comparatively MUCH more monthly to lease than anything else in the $25k range. That hasn't stopped people from buying the heck out of them.


07G35J07G35J - 4/1/2008 11:45:04 AM
+2 Boost
That's what I meant, $20 difference by leasing, not purchasing. I negleted to mention that.


07G35J07G35J - 4/1/2008 11:46:43 AM
0 Boost
Oops... neglegted


07G35J07G35J - 4/1/2008 11:48:24 AM
+2 Boost
Or neglected, ohh, you know what I mean...


goochgooch - 4/1/2008 12:42:23 PM
+3 Boost
Yeah, I did some quick grade school math and figured your payment term was 268 months! You'd be taking that car to your grave...
Good catch, JRob.


07G35J07G35J - 4/1/2008 1:59:17 PM
-1 Boost
Well, maybe it's more than $20 difference a month, but still you get a lot more for your money from a 3 than from the 1


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 4/1/2008 4:40:33 PM
+1 Boost
if that's the case you also get a lot more for your money with a 135i than a G37, since they're similarly sized and priced, which is the point of the 135i.

I find it pretty amazing that BMW comes out with a vehicle that runs rings around its only real competition (G37) and satisfies the ONLY negative about the 335i Coupe versus the G37 (that it was more money than the much smaller G) and yet STILL people are complaining.

What does it take to make people happy on here? Or is it just that some people on here will never be happy about anything BMW does for no other reason than that they're BMW? This car is a bargain for crying out loud.


PerformanceGuyPerformanceGuy - 4/1/2008 12:51:19 PM
+3 Boost
Seems to be a nice car, but I am not sure it is car of the year. In my opinion, there are other cars more deserving, like the G37, A5/S5, or C-Class, and of course the monster GT-R, but that is a totally different ball game. In the end, the best is always going to be relative to each person.


PorschinatorPorschinator - 4/1/2008 1:11:08 PM
+2 Boost
Good car. Kind of early in the year for Best of the Year award...lol...Would've waited until Sept/Oct.


Agent001Agent001 - 4/1/2008 1:15:50 PM
-1 Boost
We'll let everyone else be late to the game.

;)

001


PorschinatorPorschinator - 4/3/2008 2:38:47 PM
+1 Boost
You sneaky bastard...lol...


farabira1farabira1 - 4/1/2008 1:21:05 PM
+3 Boost
No surprise here, Autospies is a BMW monger, and especially agent 001 is a total BMW geek, really he is even worse than some of our Lexus Fanboys. How can somebody crown the 1 series car of the year, in the same year that the stupendous Nissan GTR was introduced, really such choice only boggles my mind.


PorschinatorPorschinator - 4/3/2008 2:40:20 PM
+1 Boost
Gimme a break. 001 can't win. No matter what he chooses there must always be an alterior motive...rolling eyes... 8-)


bigredcaddybigredcaddy - 4/1/2008 1:25:51 PM
+4 Boost
What's with all this love showered on the 1 series? It's an ugly car IMO.


bigredcaddybigredcaddy - 4/1/2008 1:36:40 PM
+2 Boost
OH I GET IT! April fools day joke right? ;)


macker83macker83 - 4/1/2008 1:37:57 PM
+2 Boost
how is this the car of the year its been out for the last5 years in europe


WhelanWhelan - 4/1/2008 2:36:37 PM
+2 Boost
I got to see the 1 up close at the NYAS, I wasn't to impressed. Yes for $36k you could get a nicely appointented 135 with good power. But the car is very small. Think more like a 4 door Acura RSX than a TSX. It is pretty tiny.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/1/2008 4:58:33 PM
+2 Boost
Four door?

You do know this is a coupe?


ubercoolubercool - 4/1/2008 5:56:52 PM
+1 Boost
Does interior & exterior styling matter these days? The 1-series looks butt ugly, i would be embarassed to be seen in something as dull as this...


lexusrox123lexusrox123 - 4/1/2008 9:14:32 PM
-1 Boost
man ur gonna get deboosted for that comment big time supercool...nobody gets away with insulting german brands, especially ones that are supposed to be good.

i would know...as does "Stop"Obama08


aussiecarnutaussiecarnut - 4/2/2008 8:57:55 AM
0 Boost
typical Autospies rubbish - gotta love the correlation between BMW advertising on their site, Autospies promoting BMW and now...this ridiculous statement that it is car of the year...

i'm sorry but i have lost all credibility for this site..




SteveLSteveL - 4/2/2008 3:59:09 PM
+1 Boost
I know. The first thought that came to my mind was. WOW I am so surprised they picked a BMW. Is it even remotely possible for Auto spies to pick something different? Actually I might be wrong about that. They did give that Hyundai Genesis a whole lot of praise. I guess there could have been a good chance that they would have picked that. I mean Hyundai and BMW are pretty comparable according to Autopsies.


ThwartedEffortsThwartedEfforts - 4/3/2008 5:37:24 PM
-1 Boost
So the 2008 Car of the Year is... an overpriced small car that BMW have been selling elsewhere in the world for years.

What's it gonna be for 2009, an Audi A2?

If it really has to be a small BMW -- well, this is Autospies -- the 123d fits the 'total package' bill better: revolutionary new twin-turbo 4-pot diesel, more than 200bhp, over 50mpg, low CO2 and about £3K less to buy. You can keep your shoe-horned 3-series lump...


AdHominemAdHominem - 4/5/2008 3:20:43 PM
+1 Boost
Where has the 135i coupe been selling for years? Oh that's right NOWHERE. Thanks for the great info.
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