Un-love for non-m-sport 128i's?

[amancuso]

One thing I've noticed on this forum is that owners here (usually 135i peeps) have a tendency to look down at 128i's in general. For the the 128i is equivalent or better (due to being more modern) then the e46 330Ci. People are saying that 128i's are slow. Since when is 230 HP slow?? I think thats quite a bit of HP for a car that size. Sure the non M-sport bumpers aren't as snazzy as the M-sport ones, but they aren't boring or uninteresting. I think the car flows together quite nicely. The chrome trim on the non sport package cars reminds me of 3 series coupes that all came with chrome unless you ordered an M3 or later in the line up a ZHP equipped car. Anyway, let's not divide our ranks as such and all unite in the fact that we have purchased one of the most fun and sexy vehicles on the road today!

[AW128i]

I agree, the 128i is essentially comparable to the E46 330Ci in terms of weight and power output (even the ZHP had only 5 HP more than the 230 HP 128i, if I'm not mistaken). And yet, people do seem to really look down on the 128i as the ugly step-brother of the 135i. Meh, I don't care, I bought my car for a reason and I very easily could have afforded the 135i. It was the ridiculously low price that I paid for my car that convinced me that the 128i was for me over the 135i. I look at it like this, I got 95% of the car, for A LOT less money.

[Bimmer-Bob]

+1

It doesn't help that 128i owners with the M-Sport option tend to look down their noses at those with the standard body kit. I'll admit I prefer the M-Sport front bumper, but I also don't think it's such the dramatic difference it's made out to be.

The problem is, people are conditioned to turn up their nose at base models. Never mind the fact that the 128i boasts numbers similar to the E46 ZHP of not too long ago, itself a premium model. Most of the people who criticize the 128i have little to no experience with it, and are not really judging it on its own merits. They are simply falling prey to the marketing machine that dictates that you must spend the most money to be at the top of the food chain.

Deep down, these folks must lament the arrival of the 1M.

[Garduna]

I love my 128i, I could care less what other people think of my car.

[amancuso]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

+1

It doesn't help that 128i owners with the M-Sport option tend to look down their noses at those with the standard body kit. I'll admit I prefer the M-Sport front bumper, but I also don't think it's such the dramatic difference it's made out to be.

The problem is, people are conditioned to turn up their nose at base models. Never mind the fact that the 128i boasts numbers similar to the E46 ZHP of not too long ago, itself a premium model. Most of the people who criticize the 128i have little to no experience with it, and are not really judging it on its own merits. They are simply falling prey to the marketing machine that dictates that you must spend the most money to be at the top of the food chain.

Deep down, these folks must lament the arrival of the 1M.

I know what you mean.... Already I'm hearing a lot of "the 1M isn't worth it for the $$,$$$" from 135i owners. Personally I welcome the 1M into the fold. It seems us "lower model" owners are generally more accepting and enthusiastic about the brand.

[jaf89f]

For most people, there will always be something better than what you have. So I try to stop thinking that my 128i doesn't look as cool or isn't as fast as the 135i. Instead, I enjoy it for what it is. That being said, if a great opportunity presents itself to upgrade to some 135i cosmetic parts I will look into it (as i did with the rear bumper), but I won't stress out about it. Both cars are sweet and to those who don't have a 1 series or a bmw for that matter, they think these cares are awesome, both the 128 and 135. Enjoy guys.

[1-2MANY]

128i with sport pack and 6sp is awesome...pure bmw

[Raine]

The car's a beast. No need to care about what people think. At least we don't have turbos that'll crap out on us after warranty ends.

Slap on a spoiler and some nice rims, that's all you need.

[ScarecrowBoat]

I wouldn't mind a 128i at all. Only reason I am in a 135i is bc when I was shopping around for my 1 the difference between 128 and 135 prices was only a couple thousand so I thought it was worth it for the extra power. (Used)

...also the non sport bumper still looks pretty good, I like it better on the lighter colors even. We're all brothers!

[miro2296]

Originally Posted by Garduna

I love my 128i, I could care less what other people think of my car.

[Focusedintntions]

I wave at all my 1 series breatherin, even if people do look at me like i'm crazy...

[jaf89f]

Originally Posted by Focusedintntions

I wave at all my 1 series breatherin, even if people do look at me like i'm crazy...

+1 Me too! Got a wave from a guy in a 135i when I test drove my 128i back in April 2010. It was a great welcoming to the group of 1ers. Oh man my 1 year anniversary of purchasing the car was yesterday. Can't believe I forgot.

[zkeeper]

I am on the same page here...same song. I heard a young 135 owner saying he thot the 1M was not legit for the money,,,and it came out in tone with jealousy. Looking "down" on a 128er with or w/o Msport, has been easy for many owners of 135's. NOW there is a bigger kid on the block and many of these same 135 folks are no longer "on top". It's just too easy to look down, or be jealous of something bigger, better. BUT, I love this little 128i, and I also could have afforded the 135...just did not like its reputation this past year. This thing is pleny quick to get me into DMV trouble if I wish. And it handles like a dream. Not much more needs to be said...if you like it, then enjoy it--there is always someone with more money, better looking & with a bigger house.

[1speedbike]

I think the "un-love" comes from the many non-enthusiasts we tend to see driving non-sport package _28i's. We tend to look down on these non-enthusiasts because they buy the BMW for the badge, to show off to their friends, to impress girls, or what I see a lot is middle aged women who look like their husband bought them the car and obviously know nothing about the car and the quality of it. To them it is equivalent to the 4 cylinder A4 or the base Merc C-Class. They just picked one for looks and went with it, without realizing the true marvel behind the engine, driving dynamics, etc.

The un-love for these non-enthusiasts naturally gets semi-transferred to the car they drive. It's not that "my 135i is SO much better than your 128i" because honestly how much difference can there be for about $5k price difference? It's more like "I bought my car because it's a great car and I like cars, and you bought yours because you want to look rich, so fuck you, and fuck your car too" and that "fuck your car too" part crosses over to the people who appreciate the _28 for how great it is. I test drove an auto 135i and a stick 128i before buying my car, and i had much more fun in the non-turbo. And then my old lease was up and i needed to cancel my ordered car and pick an auto 135i off the lot. Part of me still regrets this..

That said, anyone should consider themselves lucky to be driving a bmw of ANY kind. I see threads bashing the 328 and 128 loaners we get when we go for service. I'd like to see those people receive V4 chevys and see what they think. People are whiney and spoiled, and of course everyone will always think their car is the best no matter what, so there will always be some self-justification in bashing another car to make the car you bought seem better.

[Riley1524]

I could very easily had a 135i and came very close to buying it but I got such a great deal on my loaded to the teeth 128i, that there wasn't any justification other than the turbo's, which are not that great without modding to begin with. Then I did the research on the problems associated with the 135i and it was a no brainer for me personally.

[Choclove23]

Awwww, diddums...

[N55_BBM]

Nothing against the 128i, if it has the M-sport package it looks just like the 135i. And it's not slow by any means. It'll outrun most cars out there and the NA engine is fun

I had a '11 128i 6mt M-sport loaner from the dealership last time my '11 135i was in for service and it was a great car. But I just love the absurd torque and pull of the turbo on my 135i and the sound of the engine especially when paired with the performance exhaust makes me shed a tear of joy every day

1M > 135i > 128i, no secret there let's be real. Same car with a faster engine. But if you don't need to go 155mph and don't need to get to 60mph in under 5 sec (which let's be realistic, no one needs), then there's nothing wrong with the 128i... shame on whoever bashes it.

[Greenkirby21]

I love my 128i. Not everyone can afford 30k+ cars. I am very lucky, as I was going to get a GTI, but a BMW dealership friend offered me a new 128i for a very low price(back when 128i started at 29k lol). I couldn't afford more then 34k car, and I got a 128 with sport and premium for 33k .

Only thing that does bugs me is that I didn't get stick. I don't like the auto tranny xD

Being 20, the 128i has A LOT of power for me. My first car was a vw rabbit, going from 170 hp to 230hp RWD is a drastic change for me at least. I don't think I would be able to handle 300 HP lol.

[RoundelM3]

...or you can just ignore what "others" say and drive what you like. I could give a rat's a$$ what someone thinks about what I'm driving. That's what happens when you grow up and stop worrying about insignificant stuff.

[wgs426]

I drove both a 135i manual and a 128i Step and bought the 128i Step Sport Pkg. because that is exactly what I wanted. This is a great car and absolutely no regrets. This is so much better than my 04 330xi.

[misk]

Originally Posted by Greenkirby21

I love my 128i. Not everyone can afford 30k+ cars. I am very lucky, as I was going to get a GTI, but a BMW dealership friend offered me a new 128i for a very low price(back when 128i started at 29k lol). I couldn't afford more then 34k car, and I got a 128 with sport and premium for 33k .

Only thing that does bugs me is that I didn't get stick. I don't like the auto tranny xD

Being 20, the 128i has A LOT of power for me. My first car was a vw rabbit, going from 170 hp to 230hp RWD is a drastic change for me at least. I don't think I would be able to handle 300 HP lol.

haha, I guess its a practice car till its time to upgrade to the 135i! I had the same experience, somewhat. I went from a VW GTI MK5 to my 128i and the second I took that test drive I was like this is amaaazing. Never had a rear wheel drive car let alone with that size-power ratio! Only downside is that I got it with out the M package . I won't make that mistake when its time to turn it in! All I can ask for now? 1m rims and headlights....

[130iguy]

130's are better than 128's