128i vs 135i for daily driving, long commute

JimD · 04-30-2013, 02:08 PM

I prefer rear wheel drive for snow. Conventional wisdom is to go with front wheel drive so you put more weight on the driving wheels. The problem with this approach is when you hit the limit of traction you loose everything. You can't accelerate AND you can't steer. I was engine braking down a hill in deep snow in Pittsburgh years ago and it was slick enough the front end was breaking loose on my FWD. That meant I couldn't steer. If I put it in neutral, I gained speed too quickly. Finally I thought to drag the back end with the parking brake and that worked. In a RWD, no drama. All the cars you are thinking of have stability control so you aren't even going to spin your wheels. You need at least all season tires (some will tell you you have to have snows, my experience is that is not strictly necessary but does add some margin). With decent tires, I would be very confident of my vert in snow less than about 6 inches deep.

Jim

135iMike · 04-30-2013, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suprgnat

I think that's what he said. The full paragraph was "That being said, a lot of people here are more than satisfied with their 128i though, so of course it comes down to a personal opinion. I'm not positive but I'd assume they're more reliable long-term just from the nature of the setup."

The "they" would refer to the "128i" in the previous sentence, not the 135i mentioned two paragraphs earlier.

Haha, thank you sir; I even thought about rewriting that sentence but figured it was clear.

@Stig - easy there, maybe you're mental my friend. haha

Gray_Panther · 04-30-2013, 02:22 PM

Addition: The 1 series NEEDS a set of snow tires. I remembered it snowed one night and I thought I would take it out for a run.
I did a 180 right when I left my house with ease. It was fun but I was sure as hell not confident in DDing it in the winter.

I did some more doughnuts that night and put a smile on my face. FYI

tuphdc · 04-30-2013, 02:44 PM

BMW wants you to think that 135 is "better" than 128 because it is a higher number. In reality, the number is for BMW to use internally so they know how many problems the car has when it rolls off the assembly line. Nice try BMW. Stay away from the 7 series!

chiguy20002 · 04-30-2013, 02:45 PM

No question, if I got the 128i (or the 135i, but am leaning towards the 128i), I would get snow tires. The spare set of wheels I have for the Countryman are the correct offset for the 1-series, but not the 3-series. The tires, however, may be too tall at 215/55 17.

328i xDrive or 335i xDrive are also possibilities.

vertebra · 04-30-2013, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

If you are looking for a zero hassle DD that is ironclad in reliability, you want the 128i. The only issues it suffers are items that are shared with the 135i, like the battery cable and third brake light. The N52 has been around since 2006 and has only one known issue, a ticking noise, which was fixed in '08.

Then you are mental.

As recently posted, stock 335i(same engine as 135i) maintenance history for the first 60,000 miles. This is my friend's wife's car that is driven in a completely normal fashion and has zero mods.

OK, so how many of those items have to do with the N54 engine?

Bimmer-Bob · 04-30-2013, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angerman

Only thing I have had wrong with my car is one injector; for over one year of current ownership on a 2008 135i (40800 miles)...You just have to take care of it properly...

You say that as if a failing fuel delivery system on such a young vehicle is the most natural thing in the world.

b1aze · 04-30-2013, 03:19 PM

Dont get a BMW if you already know your commute is going to be that long. The cost/mile is CRAZY expensive and if i could go back and do it again, I probably would not have got a BMW in general. I do the same commute as you do and all I can think about is how the car will essentially be traded in or retired to a weekend-only car once the mileage gets near 100k and I will still have, theoretically, 2+ years of financing I have to pay and guess what? Its still like 80% of the financed value still left to be paid! It has made me consider getting rid of the car unless I decide to buy a house closer to work and get me a more reasonable ~20 or less miles each way to work commute.

tuphdc · 04-30-2013, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1aze

Dont get a BMW if you already know your commute is going to be that long. The cost/mile is CRAZY expensive and if i could go back and do it again, I probably would not have got a BMW in general. I do the same commute as you do and all I can think about is how the car will essentially be traded in or retired to a weekend-only car once the mileage gets near 100k and I will still have, theoretically, 2+ years of financing I have to pay and guess what? Its still like 80% of the financed value still left to be paid! It has made me consider getting rid of the car unless I decide to buy a house closer to work and get me a more reasonable ~20 or less miles each way to work commute.

not to be an ass, but I wanted to share:
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-li...-stuff/n12020/

vertebra · 04-30-2013, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

You say that as if a failing fuel delivery system on such a young vehicle is the most natural thing in the world.

The 128i doesnt have fuel injectors?

vertebra · 04-30-2013, 03:48 PM

Honestly, if all you are looking for is a fun 200 hp car you should check out a BRZ/FR-S or a GTI. Very similiar performance and will save you a ton of cash.

Bimmer-Bob · 04-30-2013, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vertebra

The 128i doesnt have fuel injectors?

Who said that? You should probably go ahead and re-read my post if that's what you took away from it the first time.

angler · 04-30-2013, 05:10 PM

My last car was a e92 70k on it never in the shop. The n55 engine is just fine. Would not let maintenance be a deciding factor. IMO 135 all the way as life is short.

bmw1racer · 04-30-2013, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuphdc

not to be an ass, but I wanted to share:
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-li...-stuff/n12020/

LOL... That applies to a whole lotta folks.

bozola · 04-30-2013, 05:46 PM

I drive a 128i as a daily driver with a 50 mile a day commute and I think it's the perfect car. I have added a BMW performance exhaust and the e92 M3 sway bar up front. The inline 6 linear acceleration along with the BMW PE is music to my ears. The car has plenty of power and is fully loaded with options. I couldn't be happier. Reliability has been average at best, but I love driving this car. Sure, I might be happier with more power, but for me, the fun is in the turns, not so much in the straights. Both cars are good choices, unique in character and not seen on the road very often (I like that).

Good luck with your choice, there is no wrong choice.

TheSt|G · 04-30-2013, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suprgnat

I think that's what he said. The full paragraph was "That being said, a lot of people here are more than satisfied with their 128i though, so of course it comes down to a personal opinion. I'm not positive but I'd assume they're more reliable long-term just from the nature of the setup."

The "they" would refer to the "128i" in the previous sentence, not the 135i mentioned two paragraphs earlier.

Yup, early morning reading comprehension failure on my part.

chiguy20002 · 05-01-2013, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vertebra

Honestly, if all you are looking for is a fun 200 hp car you should check out a BRZ/FR-S or a GTI. Very similiar performance and will save you a ton of cash.

A BRZ/FR-S would be interesting. I have never sat inside one, but I have looked at them in person, and they seem very small, compared to the 1-series. The 1-series to me was very comfortable, and something I could take on long trips.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bozola

I drive a 128i as a daily driver with a 50 mile a day commute and I think it's the perfect car. I have added a BMW performance exhaust and the e92 M3 sway bar up front. The inline 6 linear acceleration along with the BMW PE is music to my ears. The car has plenty of power and is fully loaded with options. I couldn't be happier. Reliability has been average at best, but I love driving this car. Sure, I might be happier with more power, but for me, the fun is in the turns, not so much in the straights. Both cars are good choices, unique in character and not seen on the road very often (I like that).

Good luck with your choice, there is no wrong choice.

I like the idea that there is no wrong choice. I am just a little bit curious about a 328i xDrive coupe (and sedan), and the only thing that would sway me in that direction is the xDrive. If I wasn't considering xDrive at all, I would just go with the 128i coupe. I think about a convertible every so often, but it seems more "girly" than the coupe, not sure, but that may be just me.

phobic · 05-01-2013, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiguy20002

A BRZ/FR-S would be interesting. I have never sat inside one, but I have looked at them in person, and they seem very small, compared to the 1-series. The 1-series to me was very comfortable, and something I could take on long trips.

I checked out the BRZ/FRS before buying my 1 series and it looks and feels much cheaper than the 1 series, and if you're looking at a 128, the price difference really isn't much. Especially if you want all the goodies the BRZ offers via the premium package (costs about 28K). And with the BRZ at 200hp and the 128 at 230 the feel is also different. The BRZ just feels much slower than the 128.

I will also agree the interior feels much smaller than in the 1 series but the length is about the same. Plus the trunk on the 1 series is much bigger.

I ended up with a used 135 and love it. Yes, the 128 would have been a good choice for me as I will only use the 300hp when Im about to get pulled over, but it's nice to have if I ever need to save the world.

drFUNK · 05-01-2013, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phobic

... but it's nice to have if I ever need to save the world.

I like your perspective here

Colt · 05-01-2013, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vertebra

The 128i doesnt have fuel injectors?

Don't worry, I didn't really know what it was supposed to mean either

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

You say that as if a failing fuel delivery system on such a young vehicle is the most natural thing in the world.

Don't really know what your statement is supposed to mean... If you're implying that I think it's natural or something? I never said it was in my post. Two cars I've owned have never had such a thing happen, or any of the stories I have read of accessories failing on the N54/N55 engine platform in such a short amount of time through ownership. Good thing I haven't had half the issues some members have had so far. One issue over a year of ownership for a car that has had 2 other owners, is pretty decent IMO.

P7X · 05-01-2013, 10:36 AM

I would think the 128i would suit your needs for a basic commuter. It's more down to personal preference in my opinion. I spend alot of time in my car so I really enjoy having the power and a manual in my 135i.

hydroboy35th · 05-01-2013, 10:50 AM

Good choice, I use my 08 135i for my DD which consists of a 70mi round trip.

04-30-2013, 02:08 PM	#23
JimD Brigadier General 368 Rep 3,547 Posts Drives: 128i convertible Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lexington, SC iTrader: (0)	I prefer rear wheel drive for snow. Conventional wisdom is to go with front wheel drive so you put more weight on the driving wheels. The problem with this approach is when you hit the limit of traction you loose everything. You can't accelerate AND you can't steer. I was engine braking down a hill in deep snow in Pittsburgh years ago and it was slick enough the front end was breaking loose on my FWD. That meant I couldn't steer. If I put it in neutral, I gained speed too quickly. Finally I thought to drag the back end with the parking brake and that worked. In a RWD, no drama. All the cars you are thinking of have stability control so you aren't even going to spin your wheels. You need at least all season tires (some will tell you you have to have snows, my experience is that is not strictly necessary but does add some margin). With decent tires, I would be very confident of my vert in snow less than about 6 inches deep. Jim __________________ 128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09
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04-30-2013, 02:22 PM	#25
Gray_Panther Brigadier General 1555 Rep 3,234 Posts Drives: 128i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Upstate NY iTrader: (0)	Addition: The 1 series NEEDS a set of snow tires. I remembered it snowed one night and I thought I would take it out for a run. I did a 180 right when I left my house with ease. It was fun but I was sure as hell not confident in DDing it in the winter. I did some more doughnuts that night and put a smile on my face. FYI __________________ 2012 BMW 128i 6MT Deep Sea Blue Metallic
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04-30-2013, 02:44 PM	#26
tuphdc Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 212 Posts Drives: 09 BMW 128i 6MT Sport Pkg Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: King of Prussia, PA iTrader: (0)	BMW wants you to think that 135 is "better" than 128 because it is a higher number. In reality, the number is for BMW to use internally so they know how many problems the car has when it rolls off the assembly line. Nice try BMW. Stay away from the 7 series!
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04-30-2013, 02:45 PM	#27
chiguy20002 New Member 7 Rep 23 Posts Drives: 2010 335i x-drive Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: MI iTrader: (0)	No question, if I got the 128i (or the 135i, but am leaning towards the 128i), I would get snow tires. The spare set of wheels I have for the Countryman are the correct offset for the 1-series, but not the 3-series. The tires, however, may be too tall at 215/55 17. 328i xDrive or 335i xDrive are also possibilities. __________________ 2012 MINI Countryman S ALL4 LW/BL/CR (current) 2010 BMW 335i xDrive (Wife's)
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04-30-2013, 03:19 PM	#30
b1aze Just one more taste... 566 Rep 2,011 Posts Drives: 2013 128i 6MT MSport Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Uxbridge MA iTrader: (18)	Dont get a BMW if you already know your commute is going to be that long. The cost/mile is CRAZY expensive and if i could go back and do it again, I probably would not have got a BMW in general. I do the same commute as you do and all I can think about is how the car will essentially be traded in or retired to a weekend-only car once the mileage gets near 100k and I will still have, theoretically, 2+ years of financing I have to pay and guess what? Its still like 80% of the financed value still left to be paid! It has made me consider getting rid of the car unless I decide to buy a house closer to work and get me a more reasonable ~20 or less miles each way to work commute.
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04-30-2013, 03:48 PM	#33
vertebra Lieutenant 21 Rep 493 Posts Drives: 2010 135i vert Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 Audi A4 Vert [0.00] 2010 BMW 135i Vert [0.00]	Honestly, if all you are looking for is a fun 200 hp car you should check out a BRZ/FR-S or a GTI. Very similiar performance and will save you a ton of cash.
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04-30-2013, 05:10 PM	#35
angler love to fish! 46 Rep 649 Posts Drives: 13: SG 135i M-Sport Cabrio 6mt Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: riding in the ultimate tanning machine iTrader: (1)	My last car was a e92 70k on it never in the shop. The n55 engine is just fine. Would not let maintenance be a deciding factor. IMO 135 all the way as life is short.
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04-30-2013, 05:46 PM	#37
bozola Unloved BMW Addict 86 Rep 1,185 Posts Drives: Z3 Coupe, 3 318Ti Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: King County WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1999 Z3 Coupe [10.00] 1998 318Ti [0.00] 1998 318Ti [10.00] 2008 128i [9.00]	I drive a 128i as a daily driver with a 50 mile a day commute and I think it's the perfect car. I have added a BMW performance exhaust and the e92 M3 sway bar up front. The inline 6 linear acceleration along with the BMW PE is music to my ears. The car has plenty of power and is fully loaded with options. I couldn't be happier. Reliability has been average at best, but I love driving this car. Sure, I might be happier with more power, but for me, the fun is in the turns, not so much in the straights. Both cars are good choices, unique in character and not seen on the road very often (I like that). Good luck with your choice, there is no wrong choice.
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05-01-2013, 10:36 AM	#43
P7X Lieutenant 70 Rep 527 Posts Drives: 2016 M235i 6MT Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	I would think the 128i would suit your needs for a basic commuter. It's more down to personal preference in my opinion. I spend alot of time in my car so I really enjoy having the power and a manual in my 135i.
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05-01-2013, 10:50 AM	#44
hydroboy35th Private First Class 5 Rep 110 Posts Drives: BMW 135i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Dublin, OH. iTrader: (1)	Good choice, I use my 08 135i for my DD which consists of a 70mi round trip.
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