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BMW 1-Series To Hit U.S. Shores Under $30,000!

Agent009 submitted on 09/12/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 10:48 AM
from: www.motorauthority.com

[120] user comments | category: New Cars

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BMW 1-Series To Hit U.S. Shores Under $30,000!

The 1-series, as sold in the US, will come only in coupe form, but will have the option of two different six-cylinder engines. The base 128i model will have 230hp, while the 135i will share a motor with the 335i boasting a conservatively-specified 300hp. Expect 0-60mph to come in 5.1s in the 135i, and 6.1s in the 128i. Aimed at a younger demographic, BMW is mum on projected sales volume, but expects the 1-series to play a “big role” in the U.S.

The most ground-breaking statistic, however, is not the performance, but the price: the base 128i will start under $30,000, with the hotted-up 135i starting in the mid-$30,000s, reports Automotive News.

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1995e34 - 9/12/2007 11:14:36 AM

+3 Boost

even the base model should scream with 230hp...and 300hp...scary

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Need4Speed - 9/12/2007 11:18:27 AM

0 Boost

If BMWs are the claimed "Ultimate Driving Machine"...then is this the ultimate "pocket rocket"?

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Hyundai - 9/12/2007 11:29:45 AM

+4 Boost

Good Lord! That is an amazing deal.

Hmmmmm, I think I may have a new favourite.

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david999 - 9/12/2007 12:57:15 PM

-12 Boost

Why would anyone pay that money for that much power (135), while basically sitting in a tin can? No luxury features at all for that price. Compared to other vehicles in that under $40,000 price range, this vehicle is very, very spartan.

1995e34 - 9/12/2007 4:59:16 PM

+4 Boost

as a sports car should be

enthusiastx11 - 9/12/2007 9:03:04 PM

+4 Boost

spartan, modern, clean...beautiful.
no unnecessary gizmos, complexity and weight.

just a fun, fast, compact sports coupe...and all that for $35K!

S4cabriofoxone - 9/13/2007 1:29:31 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Yes. It carries BMW's past perfection (2002, original M3, etc) in modern form. Amazing!

chris760 - 9/14/2007 6:51:00 PM

+4 Boost

legend in the making!!!!

david999 - 9/12/2007 11:44:21 AM

-14 Boost

Too much power for the young badge whores to control properly.

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MrGunFun - 9/12/2007 12:03:50 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

definately not your car then.

enthusiastx11 - 9/12/2007 12:45:50 PM

0 Boost

agreed, not for you.
stick with the ES350.

enthusiastx11 - 9/12/2007 9:04:47 PM

+1 Boost

david rarely speaks to facts.
just his bizarre opinions that he tries to project onto the entire buying public.

thankfully, sales and performance numbers prove him wrong again and again!

david999 - 9/13/2007 4:25:09 AM

-13 Boost

Enthusiastx11,
I am afraid you are just another victom of the corporate logo, who would blindly buy whatever is put in front of them because of the badge. It's really sad.

Bill - 9/13/2007 7:30:48 AM

+5 Boost

Funny how Mr. David999 tells us that we're badge whores when he's known to be a diehard Lexus fanboy. The same stuff he's saying about us applies to him too.

Example:

David999 said he'd never buy a Mercedes hybrid because Lexus hybrids are superior and more reliable.

That's what I call BADGE WHORING too...

Kinger - 9/13/2007 7:50:06 AM

+4 Boost

More hatred born out of sheer envy, Lexus don't have anything to compete with thsi do they david999?

david999 - 9/13/2007 10:13:59 AM

-2 Boost

Bill,
I said I would not want to buy a first generation hybrid Mercedes.
I like many types of cars including Lexus. Just because I have the opinion that this 1-series BMW is overpriced for what you get, ( and based on the posts on BMW themed web sites that are critical of this car I am right), you think I am being a meanie.
Sorry to hurt your feelings.

enthusiastx11 - 9/13/2007 11:56:28 AM

+3 Boost

dear david:

you seem to know me so well. in fact, i'm an extremely discriminating consumer who knows exactly what he wants. in this case, cars that take a clean, modern design point of view and provide a wonderful driving experience.

now please explain your loyalty to lexus. how is that any different in principle?

CLK63BlackSeries - 9/14/2007 1:09:29 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

actually, I agree. I had a 745i my Senior year of highschool and I repeatidly and stupidly hit 155, and raced countless mustangs, and drifted countless corners, which inevitably lead to me hidding a curb at 40 mph and bending my chassis, and this was a 2+ ton car that did 60 in 6 seconds. imagine what kids will be getting themselves into with a much lighter car that does 60 in low fives, high fours. i would be one worried parent if my kid drove one of these...

CLK63BlackSeries - 9/14/2007 1:10:38 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

nonetheless... I want my brother to have this beast as his first car!!! lol

1995e34 - 9/14/2007 3:44:15 PM

+2 Boost

get him a used taurus. teens + nice cars is possibly a worse combination than toothpaste + orange juice

henbmw - 9/15/2007 4:23:31 PM

+1 Boost

You obviously haven't tried the new Crest citrus toothpaste.

bmwgrl - 9/18/2007 1:45:52 AM

+1 Boost

A parent that'll fork out around $30,000 for a teenager's first car? Jesus! I want that parent please!

Seriously, how often does one come across a teenager with a spanking new BMW, even if it has a statistically low price? At my schools parking lot? Hell no, there are ZERO. There are those few spoiled rotten kids, but I must emphasize that they are the spoiled rotten, on the hella-good-side-of-town kiddies. Then again, one come across those who borrow their parents' cars to brag about how they have luxury cars to drive to school infront of their peers' faces (my personal experience: big fat meanie friend of mine.. calls my 1995 BMW a piece of crap.. psh). But still, the guy is only able to drive it two times a month, and on the condition if its raining (hello california environment of nearly summer-all-year-long). Therefore, you won't see too many kids driving these things. Yes, I give you permission to sigh in relief.

enthusiastx11 - 9/12/2007 12:46:41 PM

+1 Boost

go away.

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kpaxx - 9/12/2007 1:51:06 PM

+2 Boost

yeah but the maxima handles like pooh!

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enthusiastx11 - 9/12/2007 9:06:00 PM

-1 Boost

i want one of these shoe boxes.
i think i'll actually buy one for one of my younger siblings!

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85bmw745i - 9/12/2007 10:49:29 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Oh yeah this car is in the same class as the maxima. same size, rear wheel drive, inline 6, perfect 50/50 weight distribution....sigh.......... How the hell does the maxima compare to this?? if the 335i is already below 6 seconds to 60 then this will surely be much faster, and the 128i will also be faster, and oh yeah, heres some math to help you for school tomorrow RWD+lighter+50/50 weight distribution=faster acceleration+better, more stable handling. Oh don't forget your lunch pail and don't miss the bus to school tomorrow. Oh I happen to like the IS lexus by the way, so don't even call me a fan boy because I love BMW's, because although they are one of my favorite cars I don't put them above everything else. What else will compete with this car? anyone? and don't say STI or EVO because they are totaly in another class, souped up ecnocars. this car will have some luxury, and I'm not dissin the EVO or STI because they are awesome cars.

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S4cabriofoxone - 9/13/2007 1:31:28 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

The 135i really is in a class of its own. In making it coupe-only for the US, BMW has avoided competing with the A3 and its own Mini Cooper, but perhaps this will start a trend for future A3 coupes and B-Class coupes, both of which are rumored.

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Rupert - 9/12/2007 11:52:56 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

I saw one on the road
it had black tape over the badges...looked good.

Then the police came and stopped me taking photos of it (it was right outside a police station).

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EL34allroad - 9/13/2007 5:30:12 PM

+1 Boost

That's very odd.

BenzW124 - 9/12/2007 12:06:08 PM

-14 Boost

now thers no reason for stupid Amercians to buy Jap. Honda an Toyouta ar dead

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enthusiastx11 - 9/12/2007 12:52:13 PM

+4 Boost

please houston.

you and w124 sound the same. just different sides of the fence.

Hyundai - 9/12/2007 1:32:14 PM

+4 Boost

I wouldn't be surprised if they were the same person.

answer - 9/12/2007 12:16:48 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Cool car. Great price. And that 300hp is nuts!!

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M35MT - 9/12/2007 12:44:03 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

It still doesnt seem like that good of a deal. Why? Because of the endless BMW options list. By the time you get the normal luxury car features added on (xenon lights, htd seats, power, etc.) The 128 should be at the mid 30's. That's a base price of the outgoing G35 coupe.

It's going to be an awesome car, but for it is, it's still an expensive one.

It should fit in with badge concious late 20-yr olds that are single and are getting started in the corporate world....and dont be suprised to see some high school/college girls saying "oh its so cute! Daddy I want that!"

Go ahead and deboost.

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enthusiastx11 - 9/12/2007 12:49:24 PM

+1 Boost

i think you're missing the point.
this car is not about luxury. it's about great performance and style.

personally, i would trade xenon, heated seats and power everything for fun-to-drive and style. my priorities. i can handle manual seat adjustments the one time a week i actually move the seat.

luxury gizmos are apparently your priority.

enthusiastx11 - 9/12/2007 12:58:02 PM

-2 Boost

sure, they'd go for a G37...unless they want a faster, better handling, better looking car for the same price!

M35MT - 9/12/2007 1:10:21 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

enthusiastx:

Not my prority. My priority is performance. Which is why I drive a car that costs 6,000 less than the 128 will start at, handles better (I guarantee it, dont give me your 'magic feel' speech, do some research on my car and honestly assess whether you think this car can beat the numbers)

Ever been to a dealer lot? Check out a 3 series. It's not the base model. It has the basic premium/sunroof package which ups the price at least 3,000. Are you going to special order a base model?

1995e34 - 9/12/2007 5:04:06 PM

+2 Boost

m35mt, what for 6k less will outhandle this? or for that matter, what for 15k MORE will outhandle this?

enthusiastx11 - 9/12/2007 9:09:23 PM

0 Boost

M35:

"My priority is performance. Which is why I drive a car that costs 6,000 less than the 128 will start at"

sounds like your priority is price. mine is performance. not price. not luxury. what performs best is what i buy.

cktoo - 9/12/2007 11:33:28 PM

+1 Boost

Gotta agree with M35MT on this one. Nice car, but good lord, starting at $30k for the "base" model? And how many people stay at the base price when getting a Bimmer. I don't care if you are one of the 3-5% of enthusiasts who are going to buy this car with no options. Adding a decent stereo and you'll tack on about a grand, and that's if you can get it without getting the "XYZ" package...another $3500. If they had done about mid-20's 128 and 30-ish 135, they'd have a smash. This will probably sell once BMW offers one of their great lease deals, but not much until then...and I love BMW's. Hell, I can get a brand new S2000 for less than this and it will probably give up very little if anything, with respect to performance.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/13/2007 1:35:38 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

None of you (except enthusiastx) are seeing the point of this car. Many buyers of this car just want the performance, which is going to be fantastic, regardless of price. It is the spiritual successor of the original E30 M3. The 135i will provide perfect handling, superb straight-line speed and a dose of practicality and everyday-friendliness that just makes it very appealing. So what if the G37 is bigger and more luxurious? The 135i will be the more capable vehicle, and ultimately, more satisfying. I'm really liking the new Infinitis, but you shouldn't call yourself a car enthusiast if you can't see that.

DaHarder - 9/12/2007 12:46:27 PM

+2 Boost

Looks like my X5 4.8is is about to get a lil' brother...

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enthusiastx11 - 9/12/2007 12:51:12 PM

+2 Boost

will be a huge hit!

it will be quick as hell and i'm certain the size/weight will give it remarkable reflexes.

what a great everyday performance car.

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1995e34 - 9/12/2007 5:10:33 PM

0 Boost

approximatelt 1500kg (2600lbs)

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07mcs - 9/13/2007 5:22:45 AM

+3 Boost

1995e34:

1500kgs is not 2600 lbs. it is about 3306 lbs.

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1995e34 - 9/13/2007 11:08:05 AM

+1 Boost

oops, i was thinking of miles vs kilometers

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FerrarisR4me - 9/12/2007 2:11:46 PM

+3 Boost

Obviously a few of these people prefer lux over performance... a "tin can" with high horsepower sounds fantastic to me. Forget the bells and whisles, the one amenity I'll take is leather. Other then that, forget your nav system, idrive, champaign coolers and other b.s. I'll take a 6-speed, rear wheel drive, and have a ball everyday while driving to work or otherwise. I'll take mine in black please.

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ACS_CarbonBlack - 9/12/2007 3:31:50 PM

-3 Boost

Poor man's BMW

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1995e34 - 9/12/2007 5:12:19 PM

-4 Boost

or REAL man's bmw

enthusiastx11 - 9/12/2007 9:12:04 PM

-1 Boost

and why should those who can only afford a $30,000 car have to suffer!

a BMW for the masses. hooray!

S4cabriofoxone - 9/13/2007 1:37:57 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I have a feeling that many people who can afford a 335i or even M3 would take this car over it. Don't judge a book by its cover- I would bet that many people think I can't afford a "real" luxury car when I'm seen driving the A3. They have no idea what they're missing.

no1listensanyway - 9/12/2007 3:45:05 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Good Bye 3 Series Sales! It was good while it lasted.

I will def consider the 135 when it hits showrooms. It will spare my wallet the extra 20K to get a 335. I wonder what the insurance premiums when every middle/upper class teenager gets their hands behind the wheel of the 135.

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enthusiastx11 - 9/12/2007 9:16:00 PM

0 Boost

3-series: sedan, wagon, coupe, convertible
1-series: coupe only (and maybe a convertible)

3-series: space for 4 full-size people inside, larger trunk, more substantial exterior
1-series: backseat for occassional use only. not really for adult. small trunk. modest exterior dimensions.

net: these cars reach distinct buyers. and both will sell incredibly well!

no1listensanyway - 9/12/2007 10:37:27 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Enthusiust, you are forgetting about the people who really cannot afford a 3 series in the first place. The people have to move back in their parents place becaause they are not able to make the payments on them. With Bimmers there are a lot of people like that. Thos are the ones who are going to cash in on the 135.

1995e34 - 9/13/2007 11:11:01 AM

+1 Boost

aren't those people buying used anyhow?

enthusiastx11 - 9/12/2007 9:18:01 PM

0 Boost

no worries. there are tens of thousands of people who will take the responsibility of driving a 1-series off your hands!

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1995e34 - 9/12/2007 5:24:28 PM

+4 Boost

"No Ricers in their right mind would be caught in such an ugly thing."

that's right, cause theyre always noted for their tastefully appointed autos.

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ICON - 9/12/2007 7:09:26 PM

+2 Boost

I don't think BMW is going for "ricers" with this car.But, I will bet you that it will do great business in the Asian markets.

No need for airplane wings on the rear and side of this car and all the other rediculous things drifters,ricers,etc do to their autos. You would think they have been watching transformer cartoons too long.

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ICON - 9/12/2007 8:41:40 PM

+1 Boost

ridiculous

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jon21 - 9/12/2007 4:38:51 PM

0 Boost

IMHO, it is fugly. The whole thing has a bad proportion. The rear is extremely hideous. The roofline is very jacked up to the point of no returns!

*bmw shills can de-boost me as much as you like, it will only prove my point.

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1995e34 - 9/12/2007 5:15:51 PM

+1 Boost

these proportions are needed to give interior room, as rwd eats alot of space. look at the 2002, it had a high roof as well. most companies are doing this with their smaller cars these days.

Larry - 9/12/2007 5:04:07 PM

+2 Boost

Wow it would be nice if the drop top comes in near 30K.

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charon - 9/12/2007 5:19:36 PM

+2 Boost

I was excited about it, until I read how unreliable the car is.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=223617

I would wait on second year production, before declaring a winner here.

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david999 - 9/12/2007 5:59:32 PM

-2 Boost

A lot of "enthusiasts" here don't care about reliability.

enthusiastx11 - 9/12/2007 9:20:02 PM

-2 Boost

how can you know anything about reliability as the car is not in production?

and BMW scored solidly above average in reliability according to JD Powers. why would this one be different?

S4cabriofoxone - 9/13/2007 1:39:49 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

If you treat your car well, it will do the same. I know from experience.

david999 - 9/13/2007 4:19:45 AM

-1 Boost

Enthusiastx11,
If you bothered to read the post that Charon gives a link to, you will read about the terrible quality problems that owners of this car have.

Kinger - 9/13/2007 8:06:14 AM

+2 Boost

The 1 series and the new 3 series have done very well over here in reliability surveys.

enthusiastx11 - 9/13/2007 12:08:22 PM

+2 Boost

a few people posting on a blog does not make for broad based quality problems. i could find this kind of info on almost any car (and, yes, even a toylex)

Htay7500 - 9/12/2007 6:40:52 PM

-1 Boost

I liked the hatch more.

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85bmw745i - 9/12/2007 10:54:41 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

The 1 series has been in Europe for quite a while if I am not mistaken.

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t_bone - 9/13/2007 9:44:22 AM

-2 Boost

Not a good value at all. I fail to see the excitement. Way too close to the 3-series in price, and not diferent enough (aka lightweight) to be as "pure" as you guys seem to think it is.

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S4cabriofoxone - 9/13/2007 10:16:59 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

The E46 M3 was no lightweight, but it was still an amazing driver. This will be the same.

enthusiastx11 - 9/13/2007 12:10:27 PM

+2 Boost

quite far apart in price.
a 3-series coupe well-equipped is over $50K, the convertible at around $60K.

enthusiastx11 - 9/13/2007 12:12:43 PM

+3 Boost

also not really about price.

different buyer for the 1-series. one who is even more focused on performance and has little need to carry more than one other passenger.

t_bone - 9/13/2007 11:41:46 PM

+1 Boost

You guys still don't understand the difference between a 3,200 lb coupe (yes, that's right, so the 2002 legacy doesn't apply here) and a true sports car. Sometimes I think this site should be called "SedanSpies.com"

All I'm saying is that if you need the rear seats the 3 series is a much better option. Need one for a 1-series price? Get a certified used one a couple years old. If it is for the driving experience, nothing matches a 2-seat sports car, despite what the marketers want you to think. Heck they want you to think SUV's are "high performance" too.

AdmiralT20 - 9/13/2007 3:25:02 PM

+1 Boost

528i MSRP=$44,300
328i MSRP=$32,400
128i MSRP=$20,500(my guess based on the difference between 528 &328)
535i MSRP=$49,400
335i MSRP=$38,900
135i MSRP=$28,400(my guess based on the difference between 535 &335)
Difference between 535i and 528i = $5100
Difference between 335i and 328i = $6500
Projected difference between 135i and 128i = $7900
$7900-$6500=$6500-$5100=$1400

So my take is that the 128i will start at $20,500, with the 135i starting at $28,400.

Just my guess.

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Jay7 - 9/13/2007 4:13:30 PM

+1 Boost

Doesn't the article state that the 135i will start in the mid 30s? If true, I'm sure that the take home price will be in the mid 40s. Go to any BMW lot and you will not find a car that is within $7k of the MSRP. Frankly, I don't see what's so great about the price.

The exterior of the car is not great looking. Yea, the performance should be superb but overall the car is not worth 45k. BMW didn't put a lot into this design.

AdmiralT20 - 9/13/2007 4:44:47 PM

0 Boost

Yes the article did, but if you read the article you will also understand that it is pure speculation- everything is speculative till the manufacturer makes an official announcement.
The reason for the point you made is that the dealers usually add options to the car. But if you want the bare minimum, you will be able to get it at the MSRP if not considerably less.
My guess is that a well optioned 135 will put you in the high $30k to low $40k.

Blakura - 9/14/2007 2:24:57 PM

+1 Boost

I'm not hating on BMW, but 30K is a lot for this little car, it will have a good engine, but that price is way too high, considering what else can be had for that type of money. Don't forget that the price will probably be considerably higher once you start negotiating with the salesman.

Heyhuub - 9/15/2007 9:06:29 AM

+2 Boost

Look at the euro prices, the 135i is only 4k cheaper then the 335i

1995e34 - 9/13/2007 7:13:22 PM

+1 Boost

no rwd option. otherwise i think many people would

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indoctrin8ed - 9/14/2007 4:47:14 AM

+1 Boost

If I wanted an ugly, low build quality, noisy, did I say ugly AWD car to impress 15 year old boys... well, high fives brother. Unfortunately, I like nice build quality, driver feedback, reliability, FREE maintenance. I'll take the 135. The "touch of class" is certainly a nice bonus though, yes.

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06STI - 9/13/2007 9:03:36 PM

+2 Boost

I was waiting for STI/Evo to come up... I love my 06 STI, but would be willing to trade a little performance for comfort (getting old I guess). The new 135i is the only new car on deck for '08 to make me bat an eyelash. Make it an AWD 135ix first, though :)

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E34M5 - 9/13/2007 9:49:55 PM

-1 Boost

UGLY UGLY UGLY. probably a great driver's car with a stick tho.

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huu76 - 9/14/2007 1:54:37 AM

+1 Boost