How happy are you with your 1-er?

[jmoretti]

So, my '09 128i is at the port and awaiting a shipping vessel, and up until a few days ago, I have been so excited about my new car that I could barely see straight. Reading the latest posts; however, have me pretty concerned that I shouldn't have sold my trusty ol' E46 328CI and that I might should have waited another year or two on the 1-er to improve in quality.

If you had to do it all over again, would you still by your car?

Thanks!

-Joe

[SoQuick]

I would, everyone has their own gripes, but I don't want to tarnish your anticipation. You will not be disappointed...I have the 135i btw.

[superpowers]

I'm curious to know as well. I'm beginning to see a lot of problems arising in this forum...then again, it's a forum...stuff is discussed, good or bad. And I understand that these are cars, and problems are probably rare.

However! Not a lot of 1series are sold in NA...I hope mine doesn't turn out bad.
Worries from HPFP, to rattling noises, and run-flats being defective, and dealership problems...this is my first BMW, and I've never driven one before. Hopefully it won't be that bad...

[Judge]

We're not seeing so many complaints with the 128 so you're probably good to go.

[Judge]

Originally Posted by superpowers

I'm curious to know as well. I'm beginning to see a lot of problems arising in this forum...then again, it's a forum...stuff is discussed, good or bad. And I understand that these are cars, and problems are probably rare.

Exactly. More people will take the time to gripe about a negative than praise a positive. To be sure I've been checking out the camaro forums to see if I should have waited for the new 2010 but then I learn they are having problems too. More than a couple posters report their transmissions dropping out of their SS. Makes the hpfp seem minor in comparison.

[jmoretti]

Originally Posted by Judge

We're not seeing so many complaints with the 128 so you're probably good to go.

Yeah, I got the 128i because I've never any really good long term experiences with turbocharged engines and I hope to keep the car for 7-10 years. That being said, it appears that majority of folks chatting on the forum have the 135i, and so I'm wondering if the that is why the majority of the complaints are directed towards that model.

Excluding problems relating to the HPFP, the TTs, and the fact that the 135i's has to deal with the extra torque, I imagine the 128i can probably expect to deal with the same problems as the 135i.

[Excitmnt94]

i LOVE my 135i. it continues to exceed my expectations every time i get behind the wheel. as far as performance goes, it is everything people are raving about and then some. it is more comfortable than my '06 Z4 3.0si roadster and feels so much more solid. just an amazing car on all levels!

[amdmaxx]

Waiting for Supersport and BMW to fix those HPFP issues..

[jsdaniels]

7400 Miles on my 128i two laps around the Nurburgring (more to come soon) its 100% stock.

My two issues so far have been the squeeky clutch return spring - Fixed via BMW (Guess its quite common in BMW's)

And squeeky armrest - Also take care of via BMW. Other then that I have zero complaints about the car.

Chances are there are more 135 owners out then 128's. Hence why you see a lot more activity from them. I also think that most of us 128 owners bought the car because it fits the perfect spot we where looking for. Fun, good looking, sport, and affordable. Some of us would probably do a few aftermarket mods to it but nothing that some of the 135 owners would do.

Just my thoughts o.0

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by Judge

Exactly. More people will take the time to gripe about a negative than praise a positive. To be sure I've been checking out the camaro forums to see if I should have waited for the new 2010 but then I learn they are having problems too. More than a couple posters report their transmissions dropping out of their SS. Makes the hpfp seem minor in comparison.

GM just put a hold on the cars because of the transmission. The big difference between that and the HPFP we're dealing with is that the transmissions are already being used in several other applications (Viper and GT500) with no issues, so it's likely just a bad batch. Three years in BMW still doesn't have a fix for the HPFP.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying a broken output shaft in a transmission isn't a serious issue, only that it's not going to be hard to take care of. Honestly a big honest and simple American V8 with a Tremec transmission is sounding pretty good to me right now.

Take a look at what an N54 short block costs, and it will make you think twice about cranking the boost up on these cars. I'm seriously considering pulling the JB3 back off mine, and trading it next year because I'm worried about all the issues we're seeing that seem to have no real solution.

[My135]

The only thing that you have to worry about is the HPFP failure. Although it has 10 year warranty, but taking it back in for dealer repair is a hassle. So far so good, my car has 17000 miles and no major problem except tail light went out and brake light lense broken. Both items replaced under warranty.

[BlackjackMulligan]

In all honesty, I like my car, probably could say I like it a lot. But it's not the favorite car I've ever owned and after the 2 year lease is up I'll look for something else.

It doesn't stir my heart strings like my Boxster did.

[sparoz]

Quality has never been a big plus for BMW - there were so many issues with my e46, and littles issues with the e87 I had. So, this is expected on a new car before they are ironed out. The main gripe is the suspension is no where near what a sports coupe should be... but I am going to fix that very soon!

[BrokenVert]

I've had my fair share of issues with my 1er. But I still love the car. I'm hoping that this first year of ownership will be the hardest. (Nobody better burst my bubble).

[Tom K.]

Guess I'm in the minority here as my '08 128i has performed flawlessly for 19,000 miles. My wife & I just returned from a 4,000 mile vacation trip where the Bimmer easily handled some of the worst unpaved roads I've ever encountered in the Cape Breton highlands - on the original RFTs. It carried our luggage for 2 for 4 weeks, continues to yield a comfortable ride and returned 27.5 MPG for the trip. Oh yeah, there were two problems - small stone chips in the hood & windshield...
Tom

[jb2178]

I bought my 08 128i last march and picked her up in July, everything after that has been a joy. Keep in mind I upgraded from a 95 civic but I absolutely love my car after 20,000 miles. Yes the black leatherette gets hot but the 1 has a good AC and the sunroof makes a fine vent. Yes my bumper is covered with pebble damage but so would any other car.

I've taken my 1 to 9 or 10 autocross events this year and it's been pure joy to drive in a safe enviroment as fast as I possibly can. It would definatly be an improvement with a REAL lsd but when you buy the cheapest BMW they make you have to give some things up.

About my only gripe is that free scheduled maintenance only pays for every third oil change and you would be foolish to think oil protects as well at 15,000 miles as it does at 5,000 miles - which is when I change mine.

1 year, 20,000 miles no issues at all other than I need to driver her less this year so I don't wear out my warranty too soon.

Also, I'm finally ditching the run flats!!

[Garduna]

Love my car but wish I had more cash to give it all the mods I want right now!!!

[backtoreality15]

Originally Posted by Judge

We're not seeing so many complaints with the 128 so you're probably good to go.

I drive this thing hard, too. Gotta love NA.

[Jaguar66]

!

[bmwzone]

Originally Posted by BlackjackMulligan

It doesn't stir my heart strings like my Boxster did.

I know what you mean. Just doesn't compare to my Bugatti Veyron that I donated to charity either.

[kb2dhg]

My biggest gripe is: NO oil dip stick,no real gauges. and can't really work on it my self

[otterdoc]

I'm incredibly happy to be back in a BMW. My 330ci fragged a transmission (Step) in February and I just took delivery at the end of June.

I test drove a Camaro SS, a G37, a G8 GT, a 370Z, and a CTS. Between the sheer all around Good Driving on the 135i and the top notch service I get from my dealer, it was a simple decision in the end.

My 135 is in some ways a VERY different car than the 330ci. There are tons of electronics and gadgetry and technology -- but I can ignore all of that and still just DRIVE. The toys make daily driving more fun on my otherwise boring short commute. The car turns heads, I get nothing but compliments from everyone that sees it, and I'm willing to accept higher upkeep effort/cost to enjoy this vehicle.

I don't think too many people on any of the BMW addict/fanatic boards is unaware of the quirks and little irritating things that you have to endure with this marque. It's all part of the experience, it's not for everybody, but as long as the payoff exceeds the pissed off, well...