Collector item?

[Upgrade+]

Since this is the first year of it's inception and it's low first year production numbers, anyone think that the 2008 135i will be a collector item or more coveted in years to come? I'm kind of banking on this being the case and that it won't depreciate as much as other cars do. Please post opinions...

[larryn]

It will be quite a while before that happens, if it happens. It really depends on what's in store for the 1 going forward. If it keeps getting better and better, don't count on a return on "investment".

Looking at recent new BMW models, none are sought after.. with the exception of maybe the 1994 325is LTW, or the 1995 M3 LTW. Z4 and Z3 cars are certainly not singled out or appreciating, and this car is not in the same class as the Z8.

[mtla4]

far from there

[ChrisK]

Can any non-exotic even become a Collectors item anymore? :iono: The car industry isn't like what it used to be? :iono:

[shivaswrath]

really doubt it, these are mass-produced coupes not made in limited production numbers; a series number is a series number, more marketing hype to make you feel special than a tool to "increase" the residual value of a used car. . .

[larryn]

I have some beanie babies I could sell you. :smile:

[mtla4]

To be collectors they would have to stop production like now or a year from now which is impossible. Then it would maybe become one of those

[spudw]

Best case scenario is a good resale value, IMO. In fact, I think good resale value is likely (just look at the Minis, not to mention most other Bimmers).

But a 1990 Miata wouldn't command any kind of nostalgia-inspired resale premium. Nor would a 2002 Mini. I don't see it happening for the 1er.

But I'm still pissed at my parents for selling all those original Star Wars action figures...

[Upgrade+]

I guess not so much of a collector's piece, but rather a desired production year model (being the first year). Aren't the production numbers limited to only 10,000 units (maybe misinformed)?

[zbladejr]

20 years from now we'll all know. Until then it'll keep depreciating like any other bimmer. One possibility is they change styling towards the 'ugly' in '09 (always a real possibility) and then our year would be unique. Also, they could tame the beast by cancelling the 135i version due to mass hysteria on gas pricing. That would guarantee it a slot in US bimmer history.

[djminkin]

It really depends on how many cars BMW produces. I think the car has the goods as far as performance and desireability, and if BMW scraps production of the car due to poor sales (which I think will happen within two years), I do think they will become collectible like the M coupes are slowly becoming. I know BMW is having some difficulty moving them, because there is horrible lease programs on them, and unless you really know the car, most people opt for the 3 series for the money, and lease factor.

[Jewpac]

About as much as an 80's M6 or L6, probably less though.

[esses]

Nah.

[Perfect128]

Respected and valued as a better BMW design and return to its legacy - yes. Collector or cult status less likely.

[plien69]

I don't see it happening. They might be bringing over fewer than they initially anticipated, but it's not like it's a limited edition or anything. It's still a mass-market car.

[atr_hugo]

Originally Posted by mtla4

To be collectors they would have to stop production like now or a year from now which is impossible. Then it would maybe become one of those

They stopped production on Edsels and their value has been relatively stagnant. ; -)

Really - the car is going to be a used car in years to come. It may eventually command a better than average price, but that'll be 25 years from now when all the middle-age-crisis dudes snap them up at Barrett-Jackson (kinda like my generation is buying crappy old Mopar stuff now. ; -)

[Omega Man]

It's possibly there could be a very short run on the 135i dual turbo gas inline 6 and that could make it a more coveted car over time. If the US and Iran go at it or even if it just keeps going like it is with demand in China and India increasing double digit every year, then yeah this could be it for the straight gas engine. It probably is the end anyway. I'm sure the dual hybrid stuff is coming in 2010 even for the 1er. Comments?

[coco_m3]

Originally Posted by larryn

I have some beanie babies I could sell you. :smile:

i have so many of those dang things!
i need to sell them.:iono:

[Omega Man]

Originally Posted by atr_hugo

They stopped production on Edsels and their value has been relatively stagnant. ; -)

Really - the car is going to be a used car in years to come. It may eventually command a better than average price, but that'll be 25 years from now when all the middle-age-crisis dudes snap them up at Barrett-Jackson (kinda like my generation is buying crappy old Mopar stuff now. ; -)

Middle-age-crisis dudes you say? I resemble that remark.

[jeremyc74]

I think this depends largely on what happens over the next few years. If the 1 Series sells well, and continues to improve, I'd say the first year won't be a big deal.

If BMW cancels the vehicle, and fuel prices continue to climb as they have been, I'd say it will be worth much more than it's 3 Series counterpart in 10-15 years. It's really hard to say at this point though.

[Bullitt]

Originally Posted by plien69

I don't see it happening. They might be bringing over fewer than they initially anticipated, but it's not like it's a limited edition or anything. It's still a mass-market car.

When the Mustang debutted in 1965, Ford sold 680,000 units in North America by the end of the year--a record that has yet to be broken. Through the late 60's, it was the most mass produced car of all time. Simply put, the original Mustang is the mother of the "mass-market car".

It was such a commonplace car during that era. Nobody imagined that these Mustangs would someday become collector's items.

It is a wildly different era now, and it may be inappropriate to compare the new 1 Series with a proven classic. This is just a perspective to keep in mind.

[plien69]

^^^ Good points.