The sun sets on the long term test of our 2008 BMW 135i. Photo by Andrew Reed.
I drove our 2008 BMW 135i for three weeks during the time it took to sell. As time passed I bonded more strongly with this amazing car. When a buyer finally stepped forward and the time to pass the keys arrived, I found it difficult to let go.
Surprisingly, it took a while to sell this car and although we got a fair price the buyer got a bargain. Here are a few details.
I had the 1 listed on Autotrader for $27,300. The buyer emailed and offered $25,000. Although I don't like to negotiate via email I hadn't had much action. So I emailed back that the lowest I'd go was $26,500. He came, drove it and offered $26,000. Sadly, I accepted.
I met the buyer at the bank and we signed papers there. He then drove me home and I could see the bonding process taking hold of him, too. While he initially said he had to hurry back to get some work done, he began to change his tune. Suddenly, his schedule allowed for a drive down PCH with the sunroof open.
Okay, so we could have done better than $26,000 if we had waited for just the right buyer. But there are new cars to buy and we had to work with the best offer at hand.
s197gt says:
11:10 AM, 09/25/09
sometimes while shopping for cars it is too easy to get deterred by the price on the window. it is true, though, what a salesman once said, "the price on the window means NOTHING!"
bkochuk says:
11:29 AM, 09/25/09
This was one of my favorite long-term test cars to read about. I'm sorry to see it go.
The good news: somebody got a bargain, and you didn't sell it to Carmax!
corollasman says:
11:38 AM, 09/25/09
At least the buyer got a great deal.
redwoodaggie says:
11:58 AM, 09/25/09
I was just wondering yesterday if this had sold yet. Thanks for the update and sad to see it go.
fuhteng says:
12:08 PM, 09/25/09
+1 redwood. I hope the new guy likes it as much as the IL crew did.
And no, it doesn't look like a Pot-bellied pig!
foxtrot685 says:
01:00 PM, 09/25/09
while its equipment/dollar ratio was off quite a bit, it seemed like a very well sorted vehicle. please dont do another BMW to replace it, there are other small luxo-sport mobiles out there. try out an audi TT, audi A3, porsche cayman s, hyundai genesis coupe (although that seems to be more 'sport' than luxo) volvo C30 (wait for the updated version tho...). just no more bmw's. im begging you!
desmolicious says:
01:09 PM, 09/25/09
I dunno if he got a bargain seeing it was treated like a rental car...
prndlol says:
01:11 PM, 09/25/09
"Hello i'd like to offer $25,000 for the car
-The lowest i'm willing to go is $26,500
Um, well alright.
-Just so you know this 135i was part of the Edmunds long-term road test fleet...
Oh!"
*click*
clarkma5 says:
01:12 PM, 09/25/09
Jeez I wouldn't pay $26k for a 135i that you guys drove for a long-term test, particular because its color combo is all wrong and it lacks the sport package.
stovt001 says:
01:16 PM, 09/25/09
"This was one of my favorite long-term test cars to read about. I'm sorry to see it go.
The good news: somebody got a bargain, and you didn't sell it to Carmax!"
+1 to bkochuck's comment. This was also one of my favorite LT cars, and I'm seriously considering picking up a used one. Can't wait to see what replaces it. I'm hoping the replacement is also small and sporting.
Mad_Science says:
02:07 PM, 09/25/09
Taking replacement suggestions?
C30
Mustang GT Track pack
Any AMG Mercedes
CTS-V
New WRX or STI
Please avoid:
Any new Acura
Any new Lexus
hispd4fun says:
02:39 PM, 09/25/09
please buy a fully loaded bmw 535 i or xi. it is the best sedan on the road under 70k
Mad_Science says:
02:45 PM, 09/25/09
535xi _wagon_
You can theoretically get them with a 6-speed stick.
blueguydotcom says:
03:12 PM, 09/25/09
You had little to no chance of getting more than 26k for a 135 that lacked a sport package.
Still can't understand why the car was purchased that way.
FWIW, I had a 128 this week (335i was in the shop). Decent car. Far more nimble and light than my 335i. Sadly it was a dealer loaner so it lacked a manual. Saddled with BMW's awful automatic it negated most of the car's fun. Made me wonder how anyone can tolerate a BMW with automatic. It just feels so...so numb.
subaru123 says:
04:14 PM, 09/25/09
I know people are saying no more BMWs in the LTRTB fleet but I would like to see an X1 when it's available.
kingkhalas says:
04:34 PM, 09/25/09
Did you get an trade in estimate from Carmax?
epbrown says:
05:17 PM, 09/25/09
My replacement suggestion still stands: used Cayman S.
sgude says:
05:40 PM, 09/25/09
I'm with epbrown -- Cayman S
estreka says:
06:51 PM, 09/25/09
I'm curious how an NSX would be like to own.
roadburner says:
08:15 PM, 09/25/09
My dealer just received a Le Mans Blue 135 M Sport. Must resist...
thanks_doc says:
02:45 PM, 09/26/09
I agree with subaru123,
I'd love to see the x1 in the long term fleet.
Maybe to replace the FX50?
Cayman S would be great to see. Also, (Not all particularly for the 1 series replacement)
A3
S4
Golf GTI
New Ford Fusion
PT Cruiser convertible (joking.. puuuke)
bimmerjay says:
08:51 PM, 09/26/09
The X1 isn't expected to go on sale in the U.S. until Q1 2011.
redwoodaggie says:
10:27 AM, 09/27/09
New Ford Fusion in the sportiest configuration would be nice, as would a new Subaru WRX (NOT STI). New S4 would be nice as well.
mopho says:
06:58 PM, 09/29/09
I'll miss the little guy.
syt_shadow says:
07:30 AM, 09/30/09
Are we going to get a write up soon?
tcd223 says:
12:29 PM, 09/30/09
+1 syt_shadow.
yellowmiata says:
03:36 PM, 10/ 7/09
+1 on foxtrot685
Something other than a BMW - diversify!!!