The 1-series is the entry BMW and options should be limited.
While I like the turbo six I don’t think it should be in the entry level segment.

A normally equipped 135i (sport/prem/auto/sat/etc) is over 42k.

The 328i coupe with same options is the same price as the 135i. Go figure.

335i with the same options is $47,495

$5250 less for the 135i

I was hoping for at least an 8k difference to get a decent optioned 135i for under 40k. NOT

And it looks funny, in part because of the front end, and because people driving it appear unusually large relative to the size of the car. That wouldn’t be the case if it had hatchback proportions, but to me, it looks more like a 3-series that spent too much time on spin cycle.

Competitors?

1) The 3-series. Why buy the mini-car when you can have the cream of BMW’s lineup? Or a G37, and a half-dozen other luxury sport coupes that also compete with the 3-series.

2) The Evolution. Which isn’t really a competitor, because it would leave the 1-series for dead on a wet road, or one with turns. It also costs less with a hell of a lot more standard equipment.

If they could dump 300 lbs from the car and sell the TT at an out-the-door price of around $32K (as opposed to the base price, which won’t include seats or a steering wheel), it would be an absolute world-beater. But at an as-tested price approaching 40K? No way.

Unless, BMW drop their prices to zero and throw in a ticket to the Bahamas, I can’t see why anyone would buy this car over a VW Golf/Rabbit?

Simplistically, because last I checked the VeeDub’s you mentioned don’t come with Rear Drive and a twin turbo inline 6 putting out 300 hp. The 135 will by all acounts be a fantastic drivers car. I personally can’t wait to try one and if it lives up to billing it may replace the RS4 as the daily sled.

There – I said it.

If the people that work at the BMW dealerships weren’t so damn arrogant I would consider buying one of these cars, but as long as they have that we are better than anyone else attitude I will let my dollars go elsewhere.

I wonder if this crazy pricing has something to do with the dollar being tossed off a cliff.

Why wouldn’t someone simply pick up a 1 or 2 yr old 3 and pocket thousands??

We are talking about the same car right?

This is great news, except I still can’t afford one :( especially when you factor in that dealers will add on a 3-5000 premium in spring because everyone will want one.

I for one would prefer the smaller chassis, cars have gotten so bloated in the last 10 years, and saving money makes it even better. I guess I will be looking at a CPO in a few years.

When you are look at a $3k difference in starting prices and you are most likely financing the thing anyway why not just step into the 3 at that point?