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First photos of the Spies test drive in Sweden of the new BMW 135i

Agent004 submitted on 10/25/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 5:17 PM
from: www.autospies.com

[92] user comments | category: New Cars

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Tags: 2008 BMW 135i

Tag Link: 2008 BMW 135i

First photos of the Spies test drive in Sweden of the new BMW 135i

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Porschinator - 10/25/2007 6:17:53 PM

+1 Boost

Still undecided about the looks; I think it is droopy lines on side/door panels. May grow more on me or in look better in person. I believe the new 1 series is the same size as the 1980's 3 series.

As for performance, this should be interesting and perhaps under-cut the 335i. Looking foward to drag/G's numbers between the 1 and 3 series.

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jgf330xi - 10/25/2007 6:29:31 PM

+1 Boost

WOW...

Who said "grain if salt"??

I have been waiting for this review.. for 001 to lay his hands on the car.. and it sounds like he is very glad he did..

There are very few cars I can get excited about, but this is one! Sedona red is over done, and cannot wait to see in other colors.

BMW rules.. and has knocked the socks off the competition.. well there is NO competition for this car, and that is all need be siad. It's creating it's own segment.

This much performance and 30+ mpg highway.. KUDO's to BMW...

The 135i Coupe' is faster than the 335i... but just a few hundred pounds lighter. Wait for the Cab version where the 135i has the cloth vs the HEAVY metal roof of the 335i.. Mine arrives in May-June Or when Euro Delivery is allowed.

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Agent001 - 10/25/2007 6:42:39 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

There are other pics in our previous article covering the press event...Looks unreal in Silver with Red interior

001

mscottc1 - 10/25/2007 9:49:18 PM

0 Boost

My favorite (AND how I will order my convertible) is Black Sapphire with Lemon/Black Leather.

You're totally right about how much better it looks in person than in pics, 001. My first in-person time with a 135 cp was at a BMW event a few months ago, still haven't driven one & am very excited to get to do so soon!

Bmw8ter - 10/25/2007 6:59:47 PM

0 Boost

The review sounds like 004 is still trying to catch his breath after a test drive.

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Need4Speed - 10/25/2007 7:20:26 PM

+1 Boost

I just picked up a CPO 2005 330Ci ZHP and I gotta tell ya, this is my first BMW and I'm really lovin this car. The car is a 6 speed and clutch takeup is sweet. It's not potently fast but I can run from most anything with this car. The thing I really like about it is changing lanes "at speed" and corners. I can only imagine what the performance on the 135i is like. I'm sure its faster and corners better. IMO ff you value performance more than anything else then this car will be hard to beat. If it wasn't for the fact that I'm stuck on the 'old' design...I would definetly be inclined to trade up. It's amusing to think that this car would actually give cars like the new IS-F and even the new M3 a run for its money.

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/25/2007 7:31:00 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Amazing! I never thought I would consider the 1 Series, but after this review...

The 335xi still beckons to me as a winter car (so does the S5 and many others), but will the 135i be available with xDrive any time soon? If not, it probably won't have any place in my garage... )-:

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AE86 - 10/25/2007 11:11:08 PM

-2 Boost

If looks are your thing, you won't want to think about the 3 series after you see one in real life. Dynamically, the S5 is not all that special...

S4cabriofoxone - 10/25/2007 11:49:40 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

You think I haven't seen a 3 Series coupe? LOL.

And have you driven the S5? I didn't think so.

AE86 - 10/27/2007 1:41:36 AM

+1 Boost

I meant I didn't think you had seen an S5, and yes, I have driven a prototype S5.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/28/2007 1:54:14 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

The S5 is gorgeous. So is the 335xi (coupe).

And the S5 may not be quite as dynamically talented as the 3er, but its V8 engine makes up for it.

AE86 - 10/31/2007 1:45:17 AM

+1 Boost

Well, I think we all can agree the S5 is a looker. It just isn't that exciting to drive.

amazinBimmer - 10/25/2007 7:35:54 PM

0 Boost

audi will not sell one A3 in the coming year. if somebody does, it will be because they are deranged. another super blow by the best in the business



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S4cabriofoxone - 10/25/2007 7:47:49 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Uh. The 1 Series is a two-door coupe that will start at about $35,000. The A3 is a five-door hatch that starts at $26,000. I know you hate Audi because of the crappy one you had in the '80s, but comparing the A3 to this is a bit much. I have an A3 and if mine is any indication, it will still sell. LOL.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 10/25/2007 8:13:55 PM

+1 Boost

In the UK this ugly monstrosity will find very few buyers

Here you can get the Sexy A3 (3 Door) so you can get the even Sexier S3

So why then would anyone walk past a Quattro Beauty like the S3 and buy a RWD Ugly Duck like this

I fully understand that beauty is dependant on peoples' tastes but i dare anyone to tell me this 135i is betterr looking than an Audi S3.

Rupert - 10/25/2007 8:54:45 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I like the 135i, but the S3 just blows it away, especially the probably large price difference. This BMW's gonna be what, 28-30000 pounds? Way too much for such a small car. The S3 is expensive enough at 26000.

Kinger - 10/26/2007 6:11:30 AM

0 Boost

The S3 might blow it away in price, but it has about 40 bhp less, plus the S3 isn't sold in North America.

Heyhuub - 10/26/2007 7:15:01 AM

+2 Boost

The A3 outsells the 1 series 2 to 1 overhere. Plus the S3 maybe down on power, it keeps up with the euro spec EVO IX and STI on the track.

MaindrianPace - 10/26/2007 8:29:44 AM

-1 Boost

Okay "this 135i is betterr looking than an Audi S3", which it is.

investor27 - 10/25/2007 7:46:07 PM

+2 Boost

Does anyone know when the 123D (diesel version) will be coming to the US? Wouldn't it be possible for BMW to release both the petrol and diesel versions at the same time in the US?

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AE86 - 10/25/2007 11:13:23 PM

0 Boost

I HOPE they bring the 123d to the US. I won't have to hear how great the Prius is if they finally bring some decent diesels to this market!

lexusis350 - 10/25/2007 8:35:41 PM

-1 Boost

I really like this. It has a unique look to it.

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EL34 - 10/25/2007 8:51:06 PM

0 Boost

Oh my goodness, look at all those BMW 135i's!!!

Agent001 & 004, how is the front leg room?

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henbmw - 10/25/2007 9:20:47 PM

0 Boost

Also, how much rear space is there; can adults fit in back? Otherwise, it looks great. I just neeeed pricing on this beauty.

Agent001 - 10/26/2007 12:49:13 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Front leg room is virtually the same as the three and adults 5'10" and under could fit in the back but they probably wouldn't want to be there for anything more thsn short drives.

The front seats are sportier than the 3 so they feel a little tighter width-wise on your back and bottom.

Also, cargo space in th trunk is quite generous and the back seats fold down which is handy.

Check out the color combo's in the powerpoint slide photos here:

http://www.autospies.com/news/Spies-give-you-the-first-look-at-the-BMW-135i-press-drive-in-Copenhagen-Exclusive-photos-22232/

001

EvoAudi - 10/25/2007 9:46:34 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

I'll take it in Black.

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no1listensanyway - 10/25/2007 10:00:01 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I like it a lot. I want a coupe but this may end up being too small. The other issue I may come across when considering the 135 is, who is going to end up driving it? I see every high school in any middle upper class neighborhood having at least 4+. Time will tell.

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EvoAudi - 10/26/2007 1:50:28 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

that's exactly why i can't have one in my area. it's a cute small 2 door coupe/cabrio BMW. It screams 16 year old high school rich dumb blonde all over it. frickin pisses me off.

ICON - 10/25/2007 10:32:36 PM

+1 Boost

I am really liking this car..some great angles of it in your photos 001, thanks for those.

This reminds me of the character of my first new car out of college - 1981 320i---Loved that auto and I can't wait to test the 135i...ahh memories :}

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Will_ - 10/25/2007 10:37:30 PM

+1 Boost

Is it really going to cost just as much as a 3-Series? If so, WHY?

This seems like a fantastic little car, but imagine how much better it would be if it were priced in the $15-20K range...

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AE86 - 10/25/2007 11:15:50 PM

0 Boost

That is Corolla Pricing Will. Do you really see this as a Corolla competitor?

Before you start whining about an unfair pricing comparison:
http://www.toyota.com/byt/pub/showSummary.do?sessionName=Corolla%20LE&seriesCategory=5&zipCode=90254&modelId=22785703&packageId=12689777&exteriorColorId=28052628&interiorId=28052642&packageName=C&accessories=28052661&[object%20MouseEvent]

S4cabriofoxone - 10/25/2007 11:51:04 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Imagine if the Porsche Turbo was $30K! But that's not going to happen. We knew this car would be $30K-40K from the start.

LexSucks - 10/26/2007 3:48:05 PM

+2 Boost

Will,

You just made yourself look really stupid.

huu76 - 10/25/2007 11:13:10 PM

-6 Boost

Swedish for junkyard?

Try spending some money on the interior. Still loses to the STi in every category except the propellor one.

Perhaps its an Enterprise Rent-a-car lot?

My God, is that a Yaris rear bench? BMW is going wayyyyy down market aren't they? I should know, my friend just purchases a 2007 Yaris and the material looks the same, except the Yaris has a real backseat.

That picture of the cow pretty much sums up this article, and this car.

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ICON - 10/26/2007 12:43:21 AM

+2 Boost

Paging bitter, party of one.
Idiot!

Matthew1 - 10/26/2007 1:05:53 AM

+3 Boost

Who cares what your friend drives, he/she (it?) sounds like a right idiot for buying the dreary Yaris.

And your definition of 'bench seat' isn't the same as mine.

And I think you'll find the material quality in the BMW is far superior to the Yaris, despite what you may ASSUME from pictures.

The sooner you realise you are on the wrong website, the better.

Ignorance.com is waiting for YOU!

AE86 - 10/25/2007 11:22:13 PM

+1 Boost

PRICING- Lets not continue to PUMP the pricing on the 1 Series. Of course the BMW fan-boys are willing to pay $40k for a 1er convertible, but that price does seem ridiculous to me.

I went to the local BMW when the news first broke to put a down payment on one. The salesmen didn't know much about the car (not surprising) but had heard about it and said the target price was the low 20's. This was a BMW target and that target must have been made when the dollar was much stronger. EVEN SO, Stop talking about how it will be such a deal at high 30's.

I feel a fully optioned 135i without iDrive shouldn't be more than $32k.

I am not a convertible person, but $40k for a 135ci seems outrageous to me. 3er convts usually seem to be about $5k more than their coupes. $35k seems like the absolute max one of these coupes should cost and I think that is TOO damn much.

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/25/2007 11:48:55 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

That is a little ridiculous. A fully-optioned A3 2.0T DSG is more than $32K. It is simply impossible for them to make a loaded car with a twin-turbo six that cheaply. They are in it for the profits, just like anyone else.

Will_ - 10/25/2007 11:57:41 PM

+1 Boost

I really don't see this being more than $30K. I thought this was an "economy" car? With "economy car" designation, and it's size, it should automatically start in the $15-20K range. However to continue arguing pricing on any BMW, including their "economy" car is pointless, as S4 just pointed out with his last sentence. This should make for a good pre-owned buy though.

Will_ - 10/26/2007 12:31:35 AM

+3 Boost

Why is $15-20K ridiculous, but over $40K not ridiculous?

"The salesmen didn't know much about the car (not surprising) but had heard about it and said the target price was the low 20's. "

BMW themselves initially wanted it to be in that price range. BMW ends up charging nearly double what they initially projected and that's not ridiculous? At most, this should be in the same price bracket as the A3, not BMW's very own 3-Series.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/26/2007 12:45:09 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Over $40K will be for a loaded, loaded, loaded 135i coupe or convertible. That's not ridiculous. Think about it: it can hang with the M3, the interior is fine if you get it with options and it will be fairly unique.

I would still get a 335i coupe over it if we're going into the $40Ks, but that's only because I prefer the E92's looks, and I think the 1 looks a tad too diminutive in photos (and it probably is in real life, too). I want to fit real people in the back.

Heyhuub - 10/26/2007 7:17:20 AM

+2 Boost

Overhere the 135i coupe is only 3k cheaper then the 335i.

Rupert - 10/26/2007 7:40:45 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I think Will's American viewpoint of Small=Economy is what's clouding his judgment.

This isn't an economy car, it's a small BMW. All the BMW attributes in a smaller, more fuel efficient package.

LexSucks - 10/26/2007 3:52:53 PM

+2 Boost

Will,

You are an idoit. How many 300hp $15,000-$20,000 cars are available today. Answer None.

investor27 - 10/25/2007 11:55:46 PM

+4 Boost

Amen to that, brother. $32 thousand fully equipped 135i is more than enough. What BMW is asking for right now for the 1 series is too much, and just plain ridiculous. I hope the S3 is coming over here to the US. The S3 is priced much more reasonable when compared to the BMW.

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/26/2007 12:46:27 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

The S3 would make the A3 3.2 quattro redundant and obsolete... which is a good thing. We don't need the 3.2. Too heavy, and it gets disappointing performance and mileage. It's sort of the LS600hL of the A3 range: fancier, more expensive and more powerful, but slower, less fuel efficient and less fun.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/26/2007 12:47:25 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Well, wait... it's not SLOWER. But it's only about 0.2 sec quicker which isn't worth $8,000. You have to REALLY want the AWD, which isn't even "real" quattro AWD. It's VW's system.

Heyhuub - 10/26/2007 7:22:27 AM

+1 Boost

The S3 wouldn''t really make the 3.2 obsolete, seeing as the s3 is far more performance aimed and over here still 4k more expensive then the 3.2 quattro.

kdawg - 10/25/2007 11:57:53 PM

+1 Boost

Overall I like it. The only thing missing is dual exhausts. I know it's based on the e46 platform, but it appears smaller in the pictures.. Have the dimensions been released yet? I can only assume the 335i is going to get a HP bump real soon with this car coming...

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/26/2007 12:41:57 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

No, I don't think so, that would push it too close to the M3. The 135i and 335i can co-exist.

Will_ - 10/25/2007 11:59:50 PM

+2 Boost

Maybe BMW will offer $5000 in BMW credit 2-months in to early-1-Series adopters like Apple did with the iPhone?

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ICON - 10/26/2007 12:54:33 AM

-1 Boost

Will are you being serious? BMW did not intend this to be "an economy" car. But they did position it to be the entry level product to the BMW line.

Offering Premium products at every category they enter is their stated corporate strategy..they are not positioning the 1 series against the Camry/Corolla.

Got it?

minimalist - 10/26/2007 1:39:10 AM