Progress in a 1

[J1Coupe]

Hello everyone, I am new to the forums and this is definitely my first german car. I bought my 09' 128i 6MT in april 2016 and I must say, I have been very happy since. I picked my 1 up from CARMAX with 38k miles but to be completely honest it was never in my list to choose from. The test drive was definitely the deal breaker, so tight on the road with m sport suspension and just enough umph to get outta turns and pass. It really was a blast

I now have owned the car for 8 months and i started feeling like I should start a modifications list for this guy. I personally am an auto tech at a Lincoln Dealer, so I have plenty to work with and all the help I can get. I don't have pictures for what work i have done so far, but to at least update everyone:

SERVICE: I have now reached 50k miles and have serviced my 1 with mobil 1 synthetic and purolator oil filters, Replaced spark plugs at around 43kmiles, just recently flushed and replaced transmission fluid with Redline M/T fluid and diff fluid with 75 90w NS Redline.

"Mods": Golf tee, Charcoal filter delete, 15% tints.

Repairs: When first buying the car I have always had this hiccup coming out of gear and braking at a stop sign/light, only with the A/C on, where the car would drop RPM's and then stall out. I took the car in and found that my eccentric shaft sensor was bad at 40k miles and that my PCV valve/ Valve cover has been consuming oil and had to be replaced. After a 300$ burn, the car is now good but still feel like the a/c is robbing so much more power from the engine then any other car I've owned.

So…. there you have it. I hope to bring more fixing or "modding" to my posts to feed the masses and am very happy to be part of this forum. Thanks guys.


~::I will post pictures soon::~

[mr.fabulous]

An MSport 6MT 128 is difficult to find, you got lucky If I'd have known then what I know now, that would have been the car for me (no slam to my 135 intended, the thing is a beast and I do love it... but more power than I need and more shit to break)

[Ric in RVA]

Great car.

I feel the same about the 128 over the 135....I have had both. If I had to choose it would be tough. Very different in some ways.

Immediately do the clutch delay valve removal. So worth it and free!!!!

And get PE as soon as you can.

[ShocknAwe]

A/C robs a ton of power I feel. Usually don't use it. Windows down is nice where I live 90% of the year.

[desertman123]

(Here's a late) welcome to the port 6MT 128i club!!

Well you had most of the common issues out of the way. Save up for the water pump and OFHG (both pretty easy DIYs). I found my OFHG to be leaking internally - didn't even have any oil leaking out (also an excuse to swap out coolant)

Otherwise I'd highly recommend the short shift kit, CDV delete and clutch stop. BIG improvement on mine - I can actually be in gear by the time the RPMs drop to where they need to be. Shifts are buttery smooth and lighting quick. I do have to say on cold mornings the gearbox can be cranky with Redline MTL, but once it warms up it's amazing. Also trans bushings are a worthy mention to improve feel.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showp...00&postcount=1

For power you can check out BPC and AA tunes that are combined with the 3 stage intake and even AA/SS headers.



128i manual with headers/3 stage intake.

Just letting you know your options. Trust me, it never ends.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Welcome!!

Post some pics

[Mach1er]

Welcome!

And yes, the A/C robs a ton of power. It sucks, but turning it off isn't really an option much of the time. Now I just look forward to the winter when I can "take off" the bridle and let the horses free.

[Esteban]

Welcome to the club and congrats on the 1er.

[asbrr]

Welcome - one of the last (if not the last) "classic BMW" - the Manual 128i! Even better, as you're a mechanic you will get to do a lot of the stuff yourself and save a ton of cash...

Lots of ways to go with this car, but to keep the classic BMW formula and "magnify" it a bit (which is what I've been doing):

Relatively Cheap Mods:
- Golf tee, or even better a 135i used muffler & Golf tee = great / civil sound!
- CDV delete, clutch stop
- Highly recommend the AKG DTM DSSR, and a weighted shift knob of your choice (http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1331795)
- Clutch pedal bushings
- E46 M3 or Rogue Transmission moutns
- Rear subframe bushing "inserts", Whiteline

Starting to cost more money:
- Used 135i front calipers & rotors, stainless lines
- Add F30 front splash shields for a bit better air flow to the rotors
- Add used/refurb 328i rear calipers (larger piston) to replicate the original BMW performance brake kit for a 128i

And then more money:
- Full subframe bushings (2 piece like whiteline or AKG or OEM E90 M3 single piece etc
- Rear stainless brake lines, since you need to drop the subframe to do these, maybe do them at the same time as the bushings!
- 3 stage intake manifold + tune
- Your choice of suspension (from BMW PS kit, to 3rd party cup kits, to coilovers)

Even bigger money:
- Headers, custom tune


If you did all the above, you'd have a fantastic "modern" interpretation of a very well sorted "classic" BMW formula. About 280hp at the crank, daily driveable, corner carving, driver's machine...

Happy modding!!!

(I'm sure there's some obvious other things I'm missing)....

[J1Coupe]

Originally Posted by mr.fabulous

An MSport 6MT 128 is difficult to find, you got lucky If I'd have known then what I know now, that would have been the car for me (no slam to my 135 intended, the thing is a beast and I do love it... but more power than I need and more shit to break)

Yeah, it is a car you don't see often on the road and i like that. Plus the car truly is a great looking and performing car. The 135i is still something I am jealous of but i'll manage for now with the n52. lol thanks Mr.fabulous.

[J1Coupe]

Originally Posted by Ric in RVA

Great car.

I feel the same about the 128 over the 135....I have had both. If I had to choose it would be tough. Very different in some ways.

Immediately do the clutch delay valve removal. So worth it and free!!!!

And get PE as soon as you can.

Thanks Ric,

I actually forgot to add that on my mod list, I have done the CDV delete, huge difference, yet, I'm pretty sure the last guy who owned it didn't know how to drive, or better yet, learned how to drive w/ a clutch in this car because i hear the throw out bearing rattling a little in the cabin and it goes away when i depress the clutch pedal.

[J1Coupe]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

A/C robs a ton of power I feel. Usually don't use it. Windows down is nice where I live 90% of the year.

Well, living in Miami,FL, it hurts not to have it on even with the windows down. I do try my best though but humidity levels are ridiculous down here.
But yes the A/c is a power robbing S.O.B.

[J1Coupe]

Originally Posted by desertman123

(Here's a late) welcome to the port 6MT 128i club!!

Well you had most of the common issues out of the way. Save up for the water pump and OFHG (both pretty easy DIYs). I found my OFHG to be leaking internally - didn't even have any oil leaking out (also an excuse to swap out coolant)

Otherwise I'd highly recommend the short shift kit, CDV delete and clutch stop. BIG improvement on mine - I can actually be in gear by the time the RPMs drop to where they need to be. Shifts are buttery smooth and lighting quick. I do have to say on cold mornings the gearbox can be cranky with Redline MTL, but once it warms up it's amazing. Also trans bushings are a worthy mention to improve feel.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showp...00&postcount=1

For power you can check out BPC and AA tunes that are combined with the 3 stage intake and even AA/SS headers.



128i manual with headers/3 stage intake.

Just letting you know your options. Trust me, it never ends.

Omfg!!!! why have i never seen this mod for the clutch throw!? its amazing thats exactly my problem with this car… The clutch engages too high. This is something I'm going to do today lol . As far as everything else in the mods list you've said, it's already being assembled.

The 3 stage intake manifold is something I'm not sure on yet, and by that i mean I don't know if i should just assemble it OEM or buy the ECS version for $1k and change. I guess it really has to do with patience. haha

[J1Coupe]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Welcome!!

Post some pics

Thank you!

[J1Coupe]

Originally Posted by Mach1er

Welcome!

And yes, the A/C robs a ton of power. It sucks, but turning it off isn't really an option much of the time. Now I just look forward to the winter when I can "take off" the bridle and let the horses free.

I definitely concur. Right now we are having some nice 60 degree weather down here, but I'm sure the heat is not too far away.

[J1Coupe]

Originally Posted by Esteban

Welcome to the club and congrats on the 1er.

Thanks Esteban.

[J1Coupe]

Originally Posted by asbrr

Welcome - one of the last (if not the last) "classic BMW" - the Manual 128i! Even better, as you're a mechanic you will get to do a lot of the stuff yourself and save a ton of cash...

Lots of ways to go with this car, but to keep the classic BMW formula and "magnify" it a bit (which is what I've been doing):

Relatively Cheap Mods:
- Golf tee, or even better a 135i used muffler & Golf tee = great / civil sound!
- CDV delete, clutch stop
- Highly recommend the AKG DTM DSSR, and a weighted shift knob of your choice (http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1331795)
- Clutch pedal bushings
- E46 M3 or Rogue Transmission moutns
- Rear subframe bushing "inserts", Whiteline

Starting to cost more money:
- Used 135i front calipers & rotors, stainless lines
- Add F30 front splash shields for a bit better air flow to the rotors
- Add used/refurb 328i rear calipers (larger piston) to replicate the original BMW performance brake kit for a 128i

And then more money:
- Full subframe bushings (2 piece like whiteline or AKG or OEM E90 M3 single piece etc
- Rear stainless brake lines, since you need to drop the subframe to do these, maybe do them at the same time as the bushings!
- 3 stage intake manifold + tune
- Your choice of suspension (from BMW PS kit, to 3rd party cup kits, to coilovers)

Even bigger money:
- Headers, custom tune


If you did all the above, you'd have a fantastic "modern" interpretation of a very well sorted "classic" BMW formula. About 280hp at the crank, daily driveable, corner carving, driver's machine...

Happy modding!!!

(I'm sure there's some obvious other things I'm missing)....

Sounds exciting and yes to all of it. lol I appreciate the options. Im going to be posting some pictures so that you can all have something to look at. Income taxes are right around the corner so the mods will be coming soon as well. For sure I want to replace my nasty looking headlamps to some V2 Depo headlamps. After that I'm game for anything.

[J1Coupe]

So there is a 135i on craigslist near me that was rear ended and is parting it out, he's asking 300 for just muffler and its all i really want. Im not sure if this is reasonable and could use some opinions.

[FrostyDC4]

Originally Posted by mr.fabulous

An MSport 6MT 128 is difficult to find

^^^what he said.

When I was originally looking for my 1er I was looking for a 6mt 128.

[J1Coupe]

Long awaited and more to come, My stock 128i Msport 6MT! :thump:

I couldn't figure out resizing for the forum so it took me a while but its all a learning process so the next bundle of pics should be better.

Enjoy

[J1Coupe]

So as I stated in earlier posts, It is still relatively stock. I haven't spent money on any performance parts but I will be ordering BC Coilovers from ebay on the 15th of april, so I'm excited for that. In doing so, I will also sit with my used car parts department this week and see what my prices are for m3 bits on RSFB, LCA's and possibly diff mounts(most likely cost thanks to my buddy.

As far as performance on the engine, I will be adding the 3 stage intake manifold to my n52 and hold off on the rest till next year. I just wanna relinquish any bounce or loose/squirrely feel from the suspension and enjoy the nice tightness I'm used to from all my previous cars. By the way…. I would like some peoples opinions of ECS manifold to OEM manifold, is there a difference in quality? Should i just go OEM? I hear the DISA Valves go bad and pieces may go into the chamber? yikes! please inform me on this.

I have already tackled the e46 M3 Tranny mounts, CDV delete, Charcoal delete, made my own peddle stop out of some nuts and an interior plug(ghetto rigged), golf tee, and replaced all fluids on drive train with Redline products.
I will have more on the car soon, and it will start with the suspension in april. (1month) so, stay posted everyone.


P.s. Heres another photo for you guys, Had to do it since i work on them lol

[BlackLizard]

Looks good

My recommendation would be to, at the very least, do RSFB inserts to eliminate a lot of the bounce and squirrelly feel in the suspension at the rear. That'll give you a much more stable foundation to build your suspension on.