In the market for a 1

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by Bmwbreed

I agree with both of you. The 128i is very fun to drive I hate when 35i owners always make that remark "its not as fun though". Speed is not the only element of fun in driving the car. With the 128 you have a more connected feel and you actually have to keep the car in its power band which I think makes it a more connected drivers experience. I love my 135 but theres nothing wrong with a 128 either and they are certainly cheaper all around which noone would complain about im sure. Dont know why so many 135 owners act like we are so high and mighty when all that seperates us is a price tag 1 or 2 turbos.

+1. Years ago I had a Honda Civic and the only mod I had was some lightweight 17" wheels. That thing was no drag racer, but it was sure fun to drive it and push it hard on a twisty back road.

I've heard the phrase before "it is more fun to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow" and believe it to be true. Though I would hardly call the 128i a slow car.

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by vanondemand

Bad news...

"Has a 15k accident and also has had the engine just replaced under warranty.. approx 17k. Pretty awesome car. Have all documentation for the accident and the engine claim" thoughts? Don't touch it with a 10 foot pole?

I know what maintenance is like, I'm coming from a 3 series

$15K accident? I wouldn't touch it, no way.

[vertebra]

Originally Posted by Bmwbreed

I agree with both of you. The 128i is very fun to drive I hate when 35i owners always make that remark "its not as fun though". Speed is not the only element of fun in driving the car. With the 128 you have a more connected feel and you actually have to keep the car in its power band which I think makes it a more connected drivers experience. I love my 135 but theres nothing wrong with a 128 either and they are certainly cheaper all around which noone would complain about im sure. Dont know why so many 135 owners act like we are so high and mighty when all that seperates us is a price tag 1 or 2 turbos.

I would tend to agree but the difference between the way the two engines behave are so different. I have been driving around in a loaner 328i and it's engine feels like a neutered version of mine.

[631twentyeighteye]

Originally Posted by vertebra

How does the 128i handle in the snow(with the exception of that crazy storm you got last month)? Im from Stony Brook living in Atlanta now.

With 17x7.5's and 225-40-17 blizzaks(non-rft) in fresh powder, it handles surprisingly well. Naturally it takes a little longer to accelerate but it isn't unstable or quirky at speed in snow. I've been driving it all winter without issues. Most of the time i turn off my TC completely in the snow, just so i have a better feel of whats the traction really like underneath and if ice is in play. But with all the assists on, its VERY hard to mess up, they stop any sliding before it can even happen.

@Vertebra That's because it has 1/3 less power. The way it makes power is what makes it fun, keeping the RPM's up in twisties with a 6MT is a lot of fun.

[Bmwbreed]

Originally Posted by vertebra

I would tend to agree but the difference between the way the two engines behave are so different. I have been driving around in a loaner 328i and it's engine feels like a neutered version of mine.

Id imagine your loner 328 is also an auto. I was reffering to 6 speed form which is the only way Id take a 128

[vertebra]

Originally Posted by Bmwbreed

Id imagine your loner 328 is also an auto. I was reffering to 6 speed form which is the only way Id take a 128

True, there is much more fun rowing the gears but the auto is faster and from an acceleration standpoint it still does not have the same feeling.

[631twentyeighteye]

The auto 128i is a full second slower than the manual 128i 0-60.

[FIRST1]

Originally Posted by vertebra

How does the 128i handle in the snow(with the exception of that crazy storm you got last month)? Im from Stony Brook living in Atlanta now.

With the right (winter) tires, you're fine in the 28/35. My all-season Continentals got me through this winter, but I don't have heavy driving requirements

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by vertebra

Most of the things you listed are typical of all BMW's or have an extended warranty on them. Whats your point?

No, most of those things are common for the new shit era of BMW turbos. Early 128i have the water pump failure of that list and that's it.

This is going to be an amusing forum in 5-10 years when all the warranties are up and people actually have to maintain the cars.

Originally Posted by vertebra

How does the 128i handle in the snow(with the exception of that crazy storm you got last month)? Im from Stony Brook living in Atlanta now.

Like most cars, fine with the right tires.

Originally Posted by vertebra

I would tend to agree but the difference between the way the two engines behave are so different. I have been driving around in a loaner 328i and it's engine feels like a neutered version of mine.

Auto 328i has nothing to do with a 6MT 128i.

Originally Posted by vertebra

True, there is much more fun rowing the gears but the auto is faster and from an acceleration standpoint it still does not have the same feeling.

I don't even know what to say to this, but then I saw you had a vert.

[livnpaintball2]

Originally Posted by hydroboy35th

It means set a couple grand aside for repairs. Like water pump/fuel pump/valve cleaning/etc. etc.

Valve cleaning? I'm new so don't flame me..

[Ender_]

Originally Posted by vanondemand

Bad news...

"Has a 15k accident and also has had the engine just replaced under warranty.. approx 17k. Pretty awesome car. Have all documentation for the accident and the engine claim" thoughts? Don't touch it with a 10 foot pole?

I know what maintenance is like, I'm coming from a 3 series

I was wondering what was wrong with it. The American's here wouldn't question a 2008 $20k 135i but in Canada that is way to too cheap. You might find one for $25k if your lucky, $21k is a 128i range.

[hydroboy35th]

Originally Posted by livnpaintball2

Valve cleaning? I'm new so don't flame me..

Because of the direct injection you get carbon build up on the valves & they should be cleaned every 50k miles (give or take) you don't NEED to do it persay but your car will run a little better.

[hydroboy35th]

Some of you guys remind me of V6 mustang owners lol.

"I'm going to buy a 128 over the 135 because its more fun to drive", said no one ever!!

[631twentyeighteye]

Again i'll remind you in 10 years

on a less jerk note lol, I don't think its about more or less fun, it's HOW you want to have fun. Going fast in a slow car is more fun to me rather than being able to rely on power to be fast. I like the touge mentality.

[the1andonly]

Ive driven both extensively and a manual 128 is MORE FUN AND ENGAGING than an auto 135...period

[Gray_Panther]

My old 1984 MB 190E with the 2.3(not cosworth). It was slow as shit but with that 5 speed it was extremely fun to drive. I really miss that car and still remember the sounds it made.

Same can be said about my uncle's MKII golf in Greece with a 1.6 and a 4 speed.

[FIRST1]

OP look what you started lol......

[hydroboy35th]

I completely understand the concept of driving a slow car fast is fun, this same concept holds true in the motorcycle world & is even more magnified there. However, hearing turbo(s) spool/blowoff valves/ and that addicting thrust push you in the seat is part the "fun" in my book but to each thier own.

To the OP, you may want to consider something like a 8th gen civic Si (not joking) it has a great transmission, high rpm redline, handles good, and RELIABLE. You could always look at something like a S2000 or BRZ for the same reasons if you wanted rear wheel drive.

[hydroboy35th]

Originally Posted by 631twentyeighteye

Again i'll remind you in 10 years

I will most likely have 4-5 different cars in the next 10yrs lol, I always get tired of them and want something else. Besides there are so many great cars out there why would you want to hold on to just one for that long. How are those hankook v12's working out for you? I just bought a set.

[livnpaintball2]

Originally Posted by hydroboy35th

Because of the direct injection you get carbon build up on the valves & they should be cleaned every 50k miles (give or take) you don't NEED to do it persay but your car will run a little better.

Thanks for the info, I hope mine was done before I bought it.

[631twentyeighteye]

Originally Posted by hydroboy35th

I will most likely have 4-5 different cars in the next 10yrs lol, I always get tired of them and want something else. Besides there are so many great cars out there why would you want to hold on to just one for that long. How are those hankook v12's working out for you? I just bought a set.

If i had the money to do so would i, but being young doesn't provide that perk. The v12's are great tires for the road. Good traction and they're comfortable. Apparently they lack on the track, but i don't need em for that so it's fine. plus their price is awesome.

I'll stop hijacking the thread now OP hahah.

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by hydroboy35th

Some of you guys remind me of V6 mustang owners lol.

"I'm going to buy a 128 over the 135 because its more fun to drive", said no one ever!!

I did, and it is. Money wasn't an issue at all. It is a significantly lighter, better balanced, and more engaging car.

Originally Posted by hydroboy35th

I will most likely have 4-5 different cars in the next 10yrs lol, I always get tired of them and want something else. Besides there are so many great cars out there why would you want to hold on to just one for that long. How are those hankook v12's working out for you? I just bought a set.

What good cars? Everything is automatic, heavy, and filled with turbos and autodrive computers.

Fast yes, good no.