Which 1 coupe.... fully loaded 128 or lightly equipped 135?

[sluday]

I don't want to pay more than $40k out the door. (trade worth about $3500-$4000 so $42k and change before trade) Should I go with a fully loaded 128 (no nav or steering) or 135 w/ a couple thousand in options. I would use the car as a daily commuter. The 128 is on the lot and the 135 would probably need to ordered. All the cars I had previously were loaded but will the twin turbo make those options seem silly. the salesman said I should go with the 128 for now and then in a few years upgrade to the 135 a few years later if i still like the car. Is he right or just wanting his commission now then in a few months? By the way, I don't care about having the cheaper 1 series(128 vs. 135) I just like the way it looks and drives so I am not a badge whore. Others cars I am shopping are the 09 Audi A4, 09 Audi A3, VW r32 and maybe VW Tiguan suv. :roundel:

[S54dan]

Depends on your income. If you can spend the extra cash on fuel and upkeep, I'd say definitely get the 135i!

[Neo187H]

Lightly loaded 135i all the way. You can get a 135i with every package and base paint for 40,500 MSRP so you could get it for under 40K. Not including taxes and fees of course. Course drop the premium package and that alone is 3 grand right there, depending on if you want leather or not.

[esses]

Definitely the 135. A non-metallic color, premium pkg, sport pkg 135 is 39,975 MSRP. I would call that "nicely equipped" and under your 40K mark.

[Brix]

All yo really need on the 135i IMO is the zsp. If yo want to get crazy go for the zpp and your right around 40k. Its a no brainer. Unless you are against turbos and low pro tires. Or dont trust yourself because the 135 is such a monster, that you will be getting tickets left and right.

Simply stated... Go for the flagship.

[G5Ti]

I went for a well-equipped 128i stickering near $36k. The 135 is nice, but it's way too much power for public roads (for me, anyway). The 128 is a great machine, and the performance is something you can actually use every day.

[Jewpac]

I went for the 135.

[sluday]

Originally Posted by Dan@UnitedBMW

Depends on your income. If you can spend the extra cash on fuel and upkeep, I'd say definitely get the 135i!

The extra fuel cost is not that big a deal but what upkeep do you mean?

[gizmo]

135 /w zsp...

[imported_NA]

If price is equal on a loaded 128 vs stripped 135, I would rather have the 135 - you'll do better on resale. Also, your saleperson suggests trading up in a few years but would he ever suggest trading down? No way - the 135 is a better deal. If both were on the lot right now I doubt you would be asking this question, you would be driving a 135.

Just my opinion...

[ucb]

turbo cars require more frequent oil changes, more things to potentially break, etc etc

[sluday]

If I do order a 135 I will get hit with BMW price increases after June 1st, right? that will add hundreds.

[sluday]

Originally Posted by NA

If price is equal on a loaded 128 vs stripped 135, I would rather have the 135 - you'll do better on resale. Also, your saleperson suggests trading up in a few years but would he ever suggest trading down? No way - the 135 is a better deal. If both were on the lot right now I doubt you would be asking this question, you would be driving a 135.

Just my opinion...

You are correct sir.

[asv]

No contest, the 135i with ZSP.

[sluday]

Originally Posted by ucb

turbo cars require more frequent oil changes, more things to potentially break, etc etc

Does'nt BMW cover all oil changes anyway?

[Thud]

You can do a nice 135 for $40k.

Might want to check insurance rates too.

[jerico68]

Lightly optioned 135i will have better resale down the road. And trading up to a 135i in a couple of years would end up costing you way more money. Wait a few more months for the 135i and enjoy the twin turbos...

[topvega]

This is a no brainer....135
2 words....twin turbos

[lib]

For under 42k you can have a 135i + Premium + Sport + Ipod/usb + comfort access + heated seats + metallic paint. That's hardly "lightly equipped"

Now, I don't know the taxes out there but if they push you over that 42k limit you can always drop the premium and keep the leather. You could even go with leatherette if you like it.

Drive both and figure out the out-the-door price with the options you would like. Then decide if the difference in enjoyment between the two is worth the difference in price between the two.

A lot of people will say yes. A lot of people will say no. It depends on too many personal variables to get the best answer from the internet

Edit:
Then again, I'm too practical about these things. You might just want the 135i

[sluday]

Originally Posted by lib

For under 42k you can have a 135i + Premium + Sport + Ipod/usb + comfort access + heated seats + metallic paint. That's hardly "lightly equipped"

Now, I don't know the taxes out there but if they push you over that 42k limit you can always drop the premium and keep the leather. You could even go with leatherette if you like it.

Drive both and figure out the out-the-door price with the options you would like. Then decide if the difference in enjoyment between the two is worth the difference in price between the two.

A lot of people will say yes. A lot of people will say no. It depends on too many personal variables to get the best answer from the internet

Edit:
Then again, I'm too practical about these things. You might just want the 135i

7% tax in New Jersey. Also forgot to mention I may need the Steptronic so that another $1275. i know i know an auto in the 135 is a waste of power. My wife can't drive stick and sometimes we swap cars in bad weather or if I need a bigger car for passengers.

[ucb]

Originally Posted by topvega

This is a no brainer....135
2 words....twin turbos

+engine of the year

135i already has xenons, sport suspension, and 18s as well, which were likely part of the money you tacked onto the 128

If I get one, im shooting for 135i, AW, black leatherette, ipod/usb, sport package, and navi. If I can score the same deals some other members are getting, it will be well under 40k, slightly under 41k after TTL

[S54dan]

Originally Posted by sluday

Does'nt BMW cover all oil changes anyway?

BMW covers oil every 15,000 miles.. which isn't a very smart plan to stick to if you're owning a 135i.. I suggest changing oil and most importantly the filter every 5,000 miles. BMW also has a fuel cleaner that is recommended every 3,000 miles.

Of course, changing the oil every 5k miles is at the customer's expense