[JohnnyBighead]

Hey guys hows it going? ive been lurking here for a while reading pretty much every post around and i really havent had anything to contribute because i really havent been a car guy in the past, well at least not late model European imports (my first car was a '59 Bel Air and i still have a '65 Impala SS, although it doesnt see much road time).

That being said i am at a point in my life where i am able to get something new for the first time and i need a little guidance. This is my situation, I drive 34.96 miles uphill to work and then 34.96 miles downhill to go home. Then if i decide to go to the big city, which is 3-4 times a week its an additional 20 miles each way. I currently drive an 04 Scion XB, go ahead and s******, im used to it, and while it gets great mileage, it sort of struggles uphill. I like the car and its been good to me but its time for a change.

That means i need a car that will be an able commuter while beign something i want and like to drive. I was one of the idiots that was fooled by comparing the european mileage numbers to the ones we use here. And before i saw the err in my ways i was hooked on the 1er. Once the prices came out i realized that im probably looking in the price range of a stripped 135 or a well optioned 128.

Now heres the big question...any advice on what i should look at? I am opening it up to any and ever manufactorer and model out there. Just keep in mind i want to get as close to the XBs mileage as possible and i also want a high performing car. I know some of you will say get a honda and all that but frankly i dont want one. I want to be in something fairly unique and something i enjoy. And before someone says it, no im not looking at bmws for the status of having one or some garbage like that. I just appreciate the beauty and history of the brand.

So go ahead and lay it one me, what do you guys have?

P.S. I am sort of digging the r32 but that mileage wont work for me i think.

Thanks for all you do!

[imported_emos325]

128i little better since you can afford more options. 135i if you don't mind spending more. test drive both and make a decision.

[JohnnyBighead]

thanks for the reply! so you think i should stick with the one series then? im not really all that opposed to that! if i get the 128, heres what im looking at...

steptronic(so the wife can drive it)- 1275
Paddle Shifters-100
xenons-800
metallic paint-475
and maybes
sport package-1200
comfort access-500
nav-2100
different interior trim-500
boston leather-1450(im hooked on that coral red)

anybody else?

[Dave]

I would stick with 128 ...keep the options minimal and mod it later

[redwood]

The 128i with sport package and some other options will probably be your best bet. Although the 135i gets good mileage for the performance, you'll get better mileage in the 1.

[Khobin~]

If you're thinking BMW, 128 for the mileage vs the 135...or 135 for the performance vs the 128....:biggrin:

For "other" options, personally I like the A3's, and to a lessor extend the GTI's(yeah same car, but the A3 looks great, while not as good as the 1'er, but the GTI is... fugly, exterior that is)

Or Even a Mini if you're just looking for a fun to drive, comuter car, with great mileage(again another option I've thought about, but I HATE the dash/centre console)

[JohnnyBighead]

thanks for the responses...i may go with the 128 but i am keeping my options open. Whats the deal with the new mini clubman? any word on how that thing is supposed to be? and i like the gti's, even how they look but are they a young look or would it be okay for me to drive clients around in (im in the architecture field)

[BForbes]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBighead

I drive 34.96 miles uphill to work and then 34.96 miles downhill to go home.

Man I hope your a writer. I felt like I was reading a fable for a second... But honestly I think you'd have to drive them both. Just make sure you drive the 128i first. If not, the chances of you picking the 135i will most likely be greater

[Race 1]

i also want a high performing car

135i stripped + non-metallic paint or
135i + sports package and non-metallic paint = close thread!

you'll regret getting a 128 in my opinion. i dont care if its loaded! options are just that...options...things you dont REALLY need

having a car you can drive to work that will put a smile is better than any option!

[kurichan]

Impreza 2.5

[JohnnyBighead]

i think you are probably right. we will see how it goes in the near future. im going to go test some stuff out and see how it feels. any of the options out there will feel great compared to the xb.