[seh]

Originally Posted by JamieA

I am sorry if I offended compact owners I was a bit harsh, and I should think sometimes before posting.

The compact is an extreme example of a polarizing design -- beauty only in the eye of the right beholder. Of course I adore the looks of my 318ti and even prefer its shape to the E36 coupe. However, over the course of owning it, I have accepted that I must describe it as "like a BMW 3 series coupe, but squished in the back like it got rear-ended, and with a hatch."

Originally Posted by JamieA

The E46 based model was much better looking, though I wasn't crazy about the high-jewel rear lights, the shape was more resolved and it looked like it was designed with more purpose.

It's interesting that you are more positive about the E46 version.

In the months prior to and for maybe a year after purchasing my 318ti I followed several mailing lists on the subject. It must have been late 1998 or maybe early 1999 when the E46 compact prototype pictures came out. Perhaps like the current anti-E90 E46 holdouts, everyone discussing the prototypes thought they were just awful. As you point out, the tail lights were terrible. There was some relief that the E46 compact never came to America, as if it would have soiled the lineage of the E36 compact.

[Dante]

Originally Posted by seh

As you point out, the tail lights were terrible.

I second that, but only for pre 2003 models, they had these aweful lexus style tail lights. I think the red coloured face lift tail lights on mine look way better. Also I only like the e46 compact with the M-package, without it looks gross.

Alltogether it´s a light, well-handling car with much variability and I still enjoy the ride. SMG is awesome on small windy roads!
And you don´t get SMG in the 1 series

But after all I will be very pleased with the E91 M-sport which will replace her in exactly 1 year (12-16-2006 )

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by Robin Hood

Just bloody great, Iceracing in France or Switzerland



:rocks:

Long live the dutch !

[StewtheBassman]

look at the little pervert behind the babes...

[E90-4life]

The one on the right is cute.

Back on topic, after some thinking and reading, I'd much rather have an MKV R32....anyday.

[red_wagen]

Yes

[Hornet]

1-series is a great car but I might choose an A3 over the 1-series.

[Spiffy_and_Pink]

no.

[ages944]

hell yea. Waiting for it to come to the states, and trying to work it into the girlfriend's mind now. she'll be needing a new car in a couple of years

[ZuerstBMW]

Id get one in a heartbeat.

I actually got to sit in one while I was in Madrid and I really like them ALOT.

[JamieA]

Originally Posted by Hornet

1-series is a great car but I might choose an A3 over the 1-series.

If I had to choose between a VW Golf in drag or a proper BMW, I would choose the proper BMW, ie the 1


(in fact the Golf actually handles better than the A3, Audi screwed up the handling when they softened it for their market)

[spikes111]

I'd totally rock an ///M1 or ///M2 coupe

[James Bond]

Well, I really can´t believe that´s a 135i comming out - in my eyes the
130i is perfect enough, but for all, which want more power, look at following dates:

HARTGE H1
5,0-litre V8 engine with 450 HP und 510 torque
3,23 kg weigh p. HP
0-100 km/h in 4,6 seconds
V-max = 300 km/h

@Dante: You´ll get my full aid, the compact with M-Package and 18"-
alu-tires is looking very, very good!!! :rocks:

[Robin_NL]

JB, I think that engine is a bit heavy

I had a 120d too like you for about half a year. Great chassis/setup. What a car. A 130i suits me fine. Much more balanced sporty agile than my current 730i errr I mean 330i

Quality feel was a bit less and it's a bit 'small' in some circumstances. But I'm not a schoolbus driver after all.

[James Bond]

@Robin Hood: Oh really, you hadn´t have an 120d, too!
Yes, the engine was fantastic, also the interiour and size of the car, but with
one thing I didn´t come out, it was while faster driving with much water on
motorways, the car swam up and the rear axes was because of this situation
with once quite without traction, a very strange feeling - I didn´t feel well
with this and BMW couldn´t make something, so I sold the car, otherwise I
would have it presently.

[Agni]

I dont think 1 series is going to happen in the US, b/c it will bring the BMW brand downmarket.

The entrance price for a new BMW now is like 35k with mild options.

[James Bond]

@Agni: Then you aren´t informed correct, it´s official, that BMW starts
the 1 serie with 3 doors at first in USA and after time also in Germany and other European contries.

[bavarian19]

No I would not buy one... I dont like the looks or the size of it...

[Jason]

Originally Posted by James Bond

@Agni: Then you aren´t informed correct, it´s official, that BMW starts
the 1 serie with 3 doors at first in USA and after time also in Germany and other European contries.

Where'd you get this news from? I haven't heard/seen anything official from BMW regarding bringing a 3-door hatchback here. I'd be surprised if they did. I wouldn't be as surprised to see them bring the 1/2-series convertible and coupe here however.

[vladinecko]

i'd get 1er in an instant! i saw one in person in europe last christmas and now i want it even more.

[vladinecko]

Originally Posted by James Bond

@Agni: Then you aren´t informed correct, it´s official, that BMW starts
the 1 serie with 3 doors at first in USA and after time also in Germany and other European contries.

that doesn't sound right

[Hunter399]

Saw a few in Greece...I LOVED IT

Yes, I would buy one