Today is a 135i theme day I guess. Another thread about Jeremy Clarkson's scathing, albeit tongue in cheek, review of the STi features a bit of back and forth about the merits of the STi vs the 135i. I stand by my point that the two do not compare and that the STi is too expensive for what it is - a suped up econobox. However, I may have to rethink my assessment of the 135is value as well. I thought the 135i and the STi would sticker out at about the same price. I'm not so sure anymore after reading the Roundel that I received just today. The base price for the 135i is set near $35k. However, the options are quite expensive. For example, you could spend $2200 on the stereo alone! The premium package is $3500 or 10% of the base price of the car! Even modestly equiped, it's very unlikely you will leave the dealership much under $40k. It's also possible to option it out to head north of $50K!
That is too much! For that kind of $$ you could select from a host of superior cars, not to mention a M coupe well up BMW's own product line.
I know the euro/dollar imbalance makes it difficult to bring a "cheap" BMW to the States right now, but this does not bode well for would be first time new BMW buyers. I
was going to get on a list for the Tii. I'm thinking it will cost a minimum of $45k for that car. Just not worth it imo. Hmmm - maybe an STi wouldn't be so bad after all.
