BMW officially accidentally prices 135i at $35,675*

[1931Chevy]

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/15/b...es-135i-at-35/
UPDATE: Kicking Tires has learned that the 128i will start at a much more reasonable $29,375.

Click the image above for more live pics of the BMW 135i.

Our boy Omar over at eGMCartech passed along a tip yesterday that BMW had a plaque standing next to its 135i listing the available options and price of its turbocharged entrant into the sport compact scene. Finally, all the speculation shall come to rest. After weaseling our way onto the show floor before the doors opened this morning, we made a B-line for the Bimmer booth to check it out for ourselves. The 135i sat on its pedestal, but unlike every other model there, the telltale placard was absent. Five minutes of snooping later, we hit gold behind a wall and you can check out the entire pricing and options list after the jump.

Pricing for the 135i starts at $35,675 -- very close to what's been rumored since its unveiling in Frankfurt. While that's certainly on the high side of things, it's not until you start optioning up the coupe that things get out of hand. REALLY out of hand. Tick the box for an automatic, and you're up another $1,275. Want the paddle shifters? Tack on another $100. The premium package boosts it up another $3,300; navigation with iDrive, $2,100. And on, and on, and on. The only thing missing is the price of the rarified air in the cabin, but BMW was nice enough to provide the windshield for free.

Bottom line: if you MAX-OUT the 135i, you're looking at over $52,000. Considering that a base 3-series comes in at around $32k (stripped), you'd better be very confident with your decision to be the first on your block to sport BMW's new hotness.

[genjy]

Mercedes is coming out with a new C-Class Sports Coupe. I think it's going to be more reasonably priced than the 1-Series Coupe.

Since the base C-Class sedan starts around $30k, it's likely the new Sports Coupe will undercut the $30k priceline by a couple thousands to few thousands.

Old C-Class Sports Coupe for reference:

[Ach]

I was hoping for something around 32-33K for the 135i. At 35K+ I'd just spend three more grand and get a 335i. As for the MB, it might be cheaper at the low end but, like the C-Class, won't approach the performance of its BMW equivalent (right now a 328i performs as well or better than the more expensive C350).

[giagastormer]

As with every other BMW, you're paying for the name.

[Chaz_23]

Maybe they're just projecting what it will cost given the plummeting value of the dollar.

[HoosierRon]

You can get a 328i for $32,400.

[E. Haskell]

So including BMW's $775 destination charge, you're looking at a price starting at $36,450.

[zete]

Am I the only one who thinks $35+k for a 1 series is nuts?

[E. Haskell]

Originally Posted by zete

Am I the only one who thinks $35+k for a 1 series is nuts?

I was thinkin' it might be about $32k. I bet all the cars at the dealer will be $38k++.

[ChevroletRevived]

Originally Posted by zete

Am I the only one who thinks $35+k for a 1 series is nuts?

Absolutely, $29k is much more reasonable though. Still, I was expecting around $27,850 or something like that. It's expensive, yes...but what do you expect? It's a BMW. The do like the 1 Series though; it's a very cool car; small, 2-doors, RWD. Traditional BMW! I think it'll bring new buyers to the brand.

[Jimi]

With the M3 upwards of $60K and this in excess of $35K, I would be buying a Bimmer until I'm finished paying off my second mortgage.

[1BadPig]

Well, that makes the Audi A3 Quattro a much better deal by the minute.

[CobaltSScrazy]

what are the perforamnce stats of this car? I'd much rather have a Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo MazdaSpeed3 or GTI for their performance over this overpriced bmw. Like stated, you are paying the BMW TAX...uhhh

CobaltSScrazy

Yes comments about A3, Sport C, and spend 3k more for a 335i are very true!

[BrickTamland]

Originally Posted by zete

Am I the only one who thinks $35+k for a 1 series is nuts?

Add me to that list, especially since the more practical, roomier, and better looking 335i is in a comparable price range.

[adaca]

The 135i is the closest thing to an "M1" without reusing that special name. It should have the agility and performance of an Evo, nothing like the more bloated and larger 335i. As such, it really is a limited interest model meant for more hardcore drivers. For the poseurs, the 128i is probably much more car than they can handle.

I still love the fact that BMW makes the 5-series just a larger version of a 3-series, whereas every other maker seems to think people in that class are looking for a more laid back driving experience. The 135i should be the same versus its competitors.