[matmanx1]

I posted this same topic in the 1 series area last week and have enjoyed the discussion and some of the opinions offered there.

I'm in the process of selling my current car and am looking at either a BMW 1 or 3 series (preferably coupe) 2009-2011 as my next car. I'm pretty set on manual transmission and sport seats and the sound system quality is important to me as well.

I prefer the looks of the 3 both inside and outside but I currently drive an 07 Porsche Boxster and before that I owned an 06 Mitsubishi Lancer so I'm used to smaller, lighter cars. I've yet to drive a 3 but I have had 1 short test drive in a 2010 135i about a month ago. Fun car but it also felt narrow and I found myself nitpicking the interior a little bit.

Anyway, tomorrow is my next off day and I plan on driving a couple of 3 series cars, both 328i and 335i (I don't think I need the turbo though) in hopefully coupe and sedan form and will then go drive the 135i again for comparison sake.

Did some of you folks also cross shop the 1 before you decided on your 3? What made you ultimately decide to go with the 3 over the 1?

[EQUANT]

Nope. Considered 5 series E60, but went for the E90 instead. The 1 is too small a car for me and, personally, i don't really like the looks, either.

[WilliamS]

I was also not looking at 1 series but E60 M's and settled on the E92 XI 335

[gpb]

Nope. I was shopping for a four-seat hard top convertible and the 1 series is a softie.

Careful about driving a 328i then a 335i if you're not prepared to buy a 335i. Lots of folks "don't think they need the turbo" until they drive it...

[ken1137]

I may have replied to your 1Addicts post I sold my 135 and now own a 335. I'm ok with it but I miss my 135 !!! The wife hated the 135i b/c I had Cobb Stage II with FBO's...near 400 rwhp. The Cobb made it unbearable for my wife and she claimed she experienced whiplash each time she drove I have GIAC Stage II on my 335, not as fast, but a ton smoother. My wife doesnt even notice the increase in power b/c of its overall smoothness. I should have installed GIAC Stage II on my 135

135i - lighter, quicker, overall a better track car, but the suspension needs upgrading. EG I upgraded suspension with coilovers, M3 rear subframe bushings (necessary to remove the annoying bounce), M3 front control arm kit, front and rear sway bars, rear toe arms, and non-RFTs.

335i sedan - roomier, 4 doors (still roomier if you have a coupe), smoother ride (I have Sport suspension) even with RFTs. I am upgrading my suspension to either BMW Performance or Koni's + BMW Perf springs.

Overall I would say the 135i is a lot more fun to drive and will put a smile on your face each time you drive. The 335 is roomier and a more comfortable ride. I would recommend the 135 if you track and use as a daily or just want to have fun while you drive, the 328 or 335 (sedan or coupe) if you just want a good DD.

FYI...if you track (135i) an LSD would be recommended before you even add a tune GL

[Sara]

Neither I considered a Dodge 2500

[benzo23]

I'd never consider a 1 series. I thought about a Boss 302, but couldn't get past spending that much for a ford focus interior.

[benzo23]

Originally Posted by Sara504

Neither I considered a Dodge 2500

You would, YEEEEHAWWWWWWWWWWW

[Sara]

Originally Posted by benzo23

You would, YEEEEHAWWWWWWWWWWW

[fireline43]

I was looking at vw gli and a Buick regal Gs lol. A 1 series is stupid to me. Just buy a mini

[335BBS]

Originally Posted by benzo23

I'd never consider a 1 series. I thought about a Boss 302, but couldn't get past spending that much for a ford focus interior.

I though the same thing. It looks a little goofy but I gather its way more fun to drive. I think it looks WAY better than 3 series sedan....brutal.

[335BBS]

Originally Posted by fireline43

I was looking at vw gli and a Buick regal Gs lol. A 1 series is stupid to me. Just buy a mini

FWD GLI vs a 135??? Not even close? Mini???? Not even close. Try driving one. More of a pure driving car.

[Borisimo]

I really wanted a 1 series, but it was just too small for me, and I wanted 4 doors.

[E93Blackhawk]

before i owned a car, my good friend had a 1 series, looked nice, i got in it, and i thought it was pretty cool to be honest, little nippy small car.

But then i got in a e92 3 series, and was sold completly, the 1 is nice, and it fills the gap for someone who needs to pop around town.

I would never go for a 1 now i know how amazing the 3 is.

[GChase]

The 1 series is straight ugly. Seriously a terrible design by BMW imo

[///Mandy]

Originally Posted by Sara504

Neither I considered a Dodge 2500

[alexneil]

You sound just like me. Wanted a 1 decided the 3 was more particle. Hunted for a 328i where I almost had my heart set in one. Made the mistake of testing a 335i and now here I am 335i xDrive with a MT!

[bimmergrl86]

i did considering getting a 1.. but looking at the price difference between the 2 cars (fully loaded)... i thought the money was worth putting it into a 3 instead

not hating on the 1 at all.. i think they're nice.. but the 3 series coupe won my heart

[Sara]

Originally Posted by ///Mandy

Hey! I have multi forms of horsepower lol

[///Mandy]

Originally Posted by Sara504

Hey! I have multi forms of horsepower lol

Ahh yes that is true...okay I take back my slap

[KidSupreme]

I would never consider the 1series.

[SkyWalker_J]

I didn't like the side profile of the 1... the back seemed like it got "cut off" for lack of a better term...


Even though I know that only people not driving the car can see it so I shouldn't really care.... but for me, walking up to a well designed car before getting in it is part of the experience.

Went with the E92