I've been in a couple 1-series and I can testify that their interior materials my be better in some some respects than those in the Mustang, but the advantage stops there. The overall look is very dated and staid, with tech no more impressive than the basic GT interior's. Plus there's that whole iDrive mess. Mercedes, Audi, and Jaguar give you comprehensive high level design and features (inside and out) at the price you pay, BMW gives you the engineering and (maybe) exterior design but if you want the rest look elsewhere.

It's sad because I was really excited for the 1-Series when it was being developed, and I do like they way they look/drive. If their reliability ratings hold together, I might even shop a lightly used one against a lightly used Mustang. But I can't see paying full price for that thing new.

 

Would rather mod a 335 instead.