Is anyone liking the BMW 1 series? I think it's kind of cute. Are there any BMW owners or lovers on the org that have opinions about the different models?

Which one do you own?

Or if you don't own one, which one do you want?

What do you like about it?

Discuss.

Never driven a 1 Series. I have a restored mid-1980s 3 Series that I love, though.

It's a great car to drive, reliable, and mechanically pretty simple.

I never drove one either.
But I do own a BMW fan-belt, though.
It's stashed somewhere, probably under a bunch of shit in the garage. Or in the shed.
Or maybe somewhere in the back of my yard.
I dunno.
I'd have to look for it.
But before I do,
lemme see how well this thread does first.
I mean, no offense, but if this is gonna turn out to be another "Easy Vegan Ice Cream Recipe" thread, I'm sure that you would have to agree that there really is no sense of me even getting off of my chair.

[Edited 9/5/12 20:53pm]

matt said:

Never driven a 1 Series. I have a restored mid-1980s 3 Series that I love, though.

It's a great car to drive, reliable, and mechanically pretty simple.

Matt?

I haven´t seen you in person since 2002 and haven´t seen you around here in ages...maybe 7 years? Are you still a Coca Cola afficionado?

I thought your BMW was a mid 90s model? Or do you have more? What 1980s model do you own?

matt said:

Never driven a 1 Series. I have a restored mid-1980s 3 Series that I love, though.

It's a great car to drive, reliable, and mechanically pretty simple.

I've never driven a BMW before, but I do know that they offer some test drive events. I'm not looking to buy right now, but planning on saving up to purchase another vehicle in about 2 years or so and when I do, I want to be sure to get exactly what I want and do as much research as possible. I mean I figure, why rush out and get something I really don't want at a cheap price where I could just continue to keep up what I drive now and save up to buy a car I really want that retains excellent value. Just my trail of thought right now.

I don´t really like the newer models and I can´t stand BMW in general but I used to drive this one:

[img:$uid]http://cdn.images.pistonheads.com/aimg/3895/3895830-1.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://www.flickr.com/photos/tautaudu02/5588105703/[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://www.flickr.com/photos/tautaudu02/5588115599/[/img:$uid]

Same model, same color. I had to sell it in 1999, which I regret because it is worth much,much more these days. It cost me a fortune on gas and was a bit too big to drive around in the narrow streets of where I live.

The reason why I can´t the new ones is not because I don´t like them but because I used to work for BMW when I was a student and sometimes I would drive a few hundred cars a day, all models, including the most expensive ones and some ultra rare special editions or customized cars that we used to send to the most exotic places, and working there was a bit like working at Mc Donald´s ....after a while, you simply can´t stand burgers anymore.

But I liked and still like the older models, especially the 1980s 3 series and the 3 series up until the mid 90s. After that, they started to look to "round" and less edgy for me, and I like the classice, edgy looking cars. If I had a say in modern car manufacturing, I would reintroduce old 1960s Ford Mustangs and BMWs and muscle cars to the market, but with updated technology.

BMW makes some of the best, if not THE best cars as far as driving and reliability are concerned but I´m really more of a Mercedes Benz fan. I love the mid 1970s 230 Coupe series of Mercedes:

[img:$uid]http://www.fahrzeugbilder.de/1024/mercedes-230-ce-kehl-22311-52918.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://www.collectioncar.com/files/1985-Mercedes-Benz-230_CE_W_123-181811343587878.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://www.collectioncar.com/files/1985-Mercedes-Benz-230_CE_W_123-181831343587879.jpg[/img:$uid]

The BMW 1 series does look cute though....I prefer it over the mid 90s Compact series of the 3 series, which was kind of like a predecessor of the 1 series.

[img:$uid]http://www.felgen-man.de/compact/6.jpg[/img:$uid]

[Edited 9/6/12 5:08am]

^^^Cool thanks for the feedback on that. Interesting.

missfee said:

matt said:

Never driven a 1 Series. I have a restored mid-1980s 3 Series that I love, though.

It's a great car to drive, reliable, and mechanically pretty simple.

I've never driven a BMW before, but I do know that they offer some test drive events. I'm not looking to buy right now, but planning on saving up to purchase another vehicle in about 2 years or so and when I do, I want to be sure to get exactly what I want and do as much research as possible. I mean I figure, why rush out and get something I really don't want at a cheap price where I could just continue to keep up what I drive now and save up to buy a car I really want that retains excellent value. Just my trail of thought right now.

That sounds like a reasonable plan. But, to be honest, why would you buy a brand new car? Most cars don´t really retain excellent value, and you have to investigate to find the ones that do.

Remember Prince´s canary yellow 8 series BMW? That is an excellent car but it lost value real quick after a year, was considered a "pimp car" by the average car buying public and didn´t have much of a resale value compared to the orignal price.

[img:$uid]http://www.carmarket24.de/out/pictures/z1/web20839/gebrauchtwagen-bmw-850-ci-196393249_1.jpg[/img:$uid]

Then again, there are some BMWs that are still incredibly expensive second hand and very, very rare, like the Z1 series that came as a limited edition car and costs around 30.000 US dollars these days:

[img:$uid]http://www.mein-youngtimer.de/uploads/pics/BMW_Z1_rot_offen_01.jpg[/img:$uid]

Speaking from experience, I know that a brandnew car DOES have its advantages but personally, I´d rather buy a decent second hand car for a fraction of the original price or maybe wait a bit until the model you´re wanting to buy is no longer a brandnew model....some of the first batches of a new series are not always the best ones and need updates.

My wife has a one series. Very nice to drive. But...as with all BMW's not very well spec'ed at base cost.

KoolEaze said:

missfee said:

I've never driven a BMW before, but I do know that they offer some test drive events. I'm not looking to buy right now, but planning on saving up to purchase another vehicle in about 2 years or so and when I do, I want to be sure to get exactly what I want and do as much research as possible. I mean I figure, why rush out and get something I really don't want at a cheap price where I could just continue to keep up what I drive now and save up to buy a car I really want that retains excellent value. Just my trail of thought right now.

That sounds like a reasonable plan. But, to be honest, why would you buy a brand new car? Most cars don´t really retain excellent value, and you have to investigate to find the ones that do.

Remember Prince´s canary yellow 8 series BMW? That is an excellent car but it lost value real quick after a year, was considered a "pimp car" by the average car buying public and didn´t have much of a resale value compared to the orignal price.

[img:$uid]http://www.carmarket24.de/out/pictures/z1/web20839/gebrauchtwagen-bmw-850-ci-196393249_1.jpg[/img:$uid]

Then again, there are some BMWs that are still incredibly expensive second hand and very, very rare, like the Z1 series that came as a limited edition car and costs around 30.000 US dollars these days:

[img:$uid]http://www.mein-youngtimer.de/uploads/pics/BMW_Z1_rot_offen_01.jpg[/img:$uid]

Speaking from experience, I know that a brandnew car DOES have its advantages but personally, I´d rather buy a decent second hand car for a fraction of the original price or maybe wait a bit until the model you´re wanting to buy is no longer a brandnew model....some of the first batches of a new series are not always the best ones and need updates.

Well I didn't specifically say I was thinking of getting a brand new car, though I'm not ruling out the option. I'm thinking of buying something fairly used as well. The best thing is right now, my current car is reliable and I've taken pretty good care of it (it's an '05 Pontiac G6), so it's not like I have to make a rash decision in a matter of 6 months to a year, I have plenty of time to make a decision on what I want. However, you do make a great point in the different between buying used cars vs. brand spankin' new, hott off the tracks, new car. The part I bolded, I agree with you 200%.

As far as P's beemer goes, I just remember the white one that was in the "Betcha By Golly Wow" video (wasn't that one his?)

He´s had many BMWs over the years and BMW gets a mention in the Emancipation booklet, probably for giving him the white BMW Z3. ( An American BMW, by the way...good car but the first batch sucked.)

KoolEaze said:

He´s had many BMWs over the years and BMW gets a mention in the Emancipation booklet, probably for giving him the white BMW Z3. ( An American BMW, by the way...good car but the first batch sucked.)

That's another spot where I saw it, in the Emancipation booklet! You jogged my memory.

When you say first batch, are you saying the first batch of new models?

missfee said:

KoolEaze said:

He´s had many BMWs over the years and BMW gets a mention in the Emancipation booklet, probably for giving him the white BMW Z3. ( An American BMW, by the way...good car but the first batch sucked.)

That's another spot where I saw it, in the Emancipation booklet! You jogged my memory.

When you say first batch, are you saying the first batch of new models?

Yes. Even with the best engineers, it does take a while until they get it right. The very first Audi TT models had problems with their brakes. I´d never buy the freshest model of a brandnew series but that´s just me. BMW makes some of the best and safest and most reliable cars though.

KoolEaze said:

missfee said:

That's another spot where I saw it, in the Emancipation booklet! You jogged my memory.

When you say first batch, are you saying the first batch of new models?

Yes. Even with the best engineers, it does take a while until they get it right. The very first Audi TT models had problems with their brakes. I´d never buy the freshest model of a brandnew series but that´s just me. BMW makes some of the best and safest and most reliable cars though.

True. I took a chance when I bought the G6 though. I was lucky. I bought it not too long after it was introduced and haven't had any major problems with it and it'll be 8 years next month that I've had it. I only have about 102K miles on it, but I know once I drove it off the lot, it probably dropped about $10K in value. I may even keep it after I get another car in 2 years or so. It's an automatic and I really want a manual transmission for my next car.

I own 3.

Love the cars and would probably not by any other brand of vehicle.

6 series

5 series

X5

Thinking about picking up a X6.

Graycap23 said:

I own 3.

Love the cars and would probably not by any other brand of vehicle.

6 series

5 series

X5

Thinking about picking up a X6.

Are any that you own in manual transmission?

[Edited 9/6/12 6:38am]

missfee said:

Graycap23 said:

I own 3.

Love the cars and would probably not by any other brand of vehicle.

6 series

5 series

X5

Thinking about picking up a X6.

Are any that you own in manual transmission?

[Edited 9/6/12 6:38am]

I wish..............never learned 2 drive a stick.

Graycap23 said:

missfee said:

Are any that you own in manual transmission?

[Edited 9/6/12 6:38am]

I wish..............never learned 2 drive a stick.

Why? Because they need less gas or because they´re more fun to drive? Just curious...

KoolEaze said:

Graycap23 said:

I wish..............never learned 2 drive a stick.

Why? Because they need less gas or because they´re more fun to drive? Just curious...

It seems like they would be more fun 2 drive but clutches always seem 2 be a problem. I guess that never really appealed 2 me.

KoolEaze said:

Graycap23 said:

I wish..............never learned 2 drive a stick.

Why? Because they need less gas or because they´re more fun to drive? Just curious...

Was your BMW in manual Kool? Is it safe to assume that you drive/prefer manual transmissions?

[Edited 9/6/12 7:16am]

Graycap23 said:

KoolEaze said:

Why? Because they need less gas or because they´re more fun to drive? Just curious...

It seems like they would be more fun 2 drive but clutches always seem 2 be a problem. I guess that never really appealed 2 me.

I see. It's not for everyone I guess. It took me a while to learn, but I did. Though I haven't driven one in a few years, I may be a bit rusty, but they say once you learn, you never forget. I would had bought a manual trans my last car, but at the time, they didn't offer it in the model I bought...in hindsight, I should had waited because later they did end up making it in manual, but no use in crying over spilled milk.

missfee said:

KoolEaze said:

Why? Because they need less gas or because they´re more fun to drive? Just curious...

Was your BMW in manual Kool? Is it safe to assume that you drive/prefer manual transmissions?

[Edited 9/6/12 7:16am]

No, it wasn´t , even though I usually prefer manual because it costs you less and is easier to repair but then again, I think it is a bit too stressful to drive a manual one, even though most people think it´s more fun. Models with an automatic shift gear use more gas and are very expensive when it comes to fixing them.

KoolEaze said:

missfee said:

Was your BMW in manual Kool? Is it safe to assume that you drive/prefer manual transmissions?

[Edited 9/6/12 7:16am]

No, it wasn´t , even though I usually prefer manual because it costs you less and is easier to repair but then again, I think it is a bit too stressful to drive a manual one, even though most people think it´s more fun. Models with an automatic shift gear use more gas and are very expensive when it comes to fixing them.

It was stressful for me at first because I was learning...but after I got the hang of it, it was fun. To me a manual keeps me alert, where as with an automatic sometimes I have to make myself stay alert, especially if I'm very tired. I know some folks who swear by and will ONLY drive a manual, whereas I know some folks who feel that manual just isn't for them, like Gray. And that's okay too. I think once I start driving it again, it'll be stressful, but I don't think it will be (stressful) for long...that is unless I start familiarizing myself again with it now with one of my friend's car's that is a manual.

missfee said:

KoolEaze said:

No, it wasn´t , even though I usually prefer manual because it costs you less and is easier to repair but then again, I think it is a bit too stressful to drive a manual one, even though most people think it´s more fun. Models with an automatic shift gear use more gas and are very expensive when it comes to fixing them.

It was stressful for me at first because I was learning...but after I got the hang of it, it was fun. To me a manual keeps me alert, where as with an automatic sometimes I have to make myself stay alert, especially if I'm very tired. I know some folks who swear by and will ONLY drive a manual, whereas I know some folks who feel that manual just isn't for them, like Gray. And that's okay too. I think once I start driving it again, it'll be stressful, but I don't think it will be (stressful) for long...that is unless I start familiarizing myself again with it now with one of my friend's car's that is a manual.

Some times I'm on the phone, or messing with my Ipod, or cd, or GPS, or movie or eating....a manual would get in the way of all of that. Seems like a lot of work.

[Edited 9/6/12 8:21am]

KoolEaze said:

matt said:

Never driven a 1 Series. I have a restored mid-1980s 3 Series that I love, though.

It's a great car to drive, reliable, and mechanically pretty simple.

Matt?

I haven´t seen you in person since 2002 and haven´t seen you around here in ages...maybe 7 years? Are you still a Coca Cola afficionado?

I thought your BMW was a mid 90s model? Or do you have more? What 1980s model do you own?

I was alerted to this thread by another member. And yes, I still seek out imported Coca-Cola with cane sugar.

No, I've owned only one BMW, a 1987 325 sedan. I displayed it today at a vintage BMW show organized by the local chapter of the BMW Car Club of America. Here's a picture:

Note the license plate having expired back in 1987. Indiana will let you plate an old car with a license plate from the same year as the car.

missfee said:

It was stressful for me at first because I was learning...but after I got the hang of it, it was fun. To me a manual keeps me alert, where as with an automatic sometimes I have to make myself stay alert, especially if I'm very tired. I know some folks who swear by and will ONLY drive a manual

I've never even owned a car with an automatic transmission.

As for the BMW, I have an appraisal letter that says the manual transmission doubles the value of the car, at least in the enthusiast market.

BMWs are extremely reliable and well-built cars. You can feel the perfectionist German engineering when you're driving one. However, this advantage is also the downside of German cars (especially BMW), in my opinion, as it makes the car feel somehow cold. From the colours inside (mostly greyish and white, like a doctor's office) to the fact that everything about the design (inside and outside) seems so very stubborn, with no soft hints or subtle details in design. Everything is perfect, but for my taste often too perfect, if you know what I mean.

There were several BMWs in my family and I drove them often, but I never owned or let alone bought one myself.

matt said:

KoolEaze said:

Matt?

I haven´t seen you in person since 2002 and haven´t seen you around here in ages...maybe 7 years? Are you still a Coca Cola afficionado?

I thought your BMW was a mid 90s model? Or do you have more? What 1980s model do you own?

I was alerted to this thread by another member. And yes, I still seek out imported Coca-Cola with cane sugar.

No, I've owned only one BMW, a 1987 325 sedan. I displayed it today at a vintage BMW show organized by the local chapter of the BMW Car Club of America. Here's a picture:

Note the license plate having expired back in 1987. Indiana will let you plate an old car with a license plate from the same year as the car.

I love those 1980s and 1990s cars ( well, up until 1995 or so).

It´s interesting that the bumpers of German cars in America used to be so much bigger in the 1980s than they were here. I noticed this in many TV series or when I saw old German cars in America. For some reason, they changed that after the 1980s and now they have the same bumpers.

That´s a nice car !

matt said:

KoolEaze said:

Matt?

I haven´t seen you in person since 2002 and haven´t seen you around here in ages...maybe 7 years? Are you still a Coca Cola afficionado?

I thought your BMW was a mid 90s model? Or do you have more? What 1980s model do you own?

I was alerted to this thread by another member. And yes, I still seek out imported Coca-Cola with cane sugar.

No, I've owned only one BMW, a 1987 325 sedan. I displayed it today at a vintage BMW show organized by the local chapter of the BMW Car Club of America. Here's a picture:

Note the license plate having expired back in 1987. Indiana will let you plate an old car with a license plate from the same year as the car.

Cool Bimmer Interesting fact about Indiana will let you keep the old plate. If you were in VA, they would pull you over in 2 seconds regarding an expired plate. Go figure.

[Edited 9/9/12 6:13am]

matt said:

missfee said:

I've never even owned a car with an automatic transmission.

As for the BMW, I have an appraisal letter that says the manual transmission doubles the value of the car, at least in the enthusiast market.

Interestingly enough, I had a dream last night that I was driving an X6, 6 speed, to my grandmother's house. In reality, the X6 isn't even offered in manual and then I'm not even interested in an X6!

[Edited 9/9/12 6:20am]