Coming from a GTI...

1ToBeOn2Wheels · 08-22-2012, 11:48 AM

I recently bought a fully loaded MK6 GTI Autobahn as a third vehicle in my household. Regarding the interior, there are things about the GTI interior that look and feel better than my 1er, but there are also things that feel cheaper (the center console area comes to mind). Overall, interior quality of the GTI vs. 1er is very similar, all things considered. GTI vs. 5 or even 3-series is another thing.

Schmoops135i · 08-22-2012, 10:14 PM

Here is my car lineage, 2001 Jetta 2.0, 2004 Jetta 1.8T, 2006 Mini Cooper, 2010 Mini Cooper, 2009 135i. The 1.8T Jetta was one of the best car's i have owned........until the 135i. It is simply in a league of it's own. I have personally never driven a 128i, although i have driven a 328i(2009) and would take my 1.8T any day over it. Although it must be said that the 135i is truly a "lose your license" type of car.

Bmwbreed · 08-23-2012, 12:12 AM

Theres nothing wrong with a 128 bro. Just as good as the 135 in many different ways. Honestly I'd be happy with a 128 around town but the highway is where I need the 135. I love to fly especially on long road trips i like to playgames to see how much time I can shave off a drive thats supposed to take a certain amount of time and I love to jus shoot from 70 to like 110 at random times but around town I dont really speed much.

I had a b6 audi a4 1.8t. I really did love that car. I know the 2.0t was better but with my reflash I had about 240hp and 270tq I think. I was actually very torn when deciding to get the 135 because I was really considering a new a4 also. But in the end it came down to missing the exhaust note of the straight 6. And I wasnt ready to shell out S4 prices just for the sound of the v6 over the 2.0t. Whatever you choose man I'm sure it will be nice and you will have a blast

Side note: I think its pretty funny in that article about the 128 they photographed or Placed a photo of a 135 in the article lol

froop · 08-23-2012, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elbles

Hi all,

The lease on my 2010 GTI is up in a few months, and while it's been a great car (with none of the VW gremlins, knock on wood), I really, really miss RWD after an AWD car followed by the FWD GTI. At the same time, the GTI has really spoiled me with its refinement and fantastic interior (which is really important with my current commute, at 80 mies a day).

I had high hopes for the FR-S/BRZ twins, and a test drive revealed the BRZ to be an absolute blast, but the interior is utter garbage. I had an Impreza 2.5i before the GTI, and if I had been coming from that, it'd have been OK, but not so much coming from a GTI.

I had seriously considered a Oner before the GTI, but couldn't stomach the extra cost at the time. Now, I'm thinking it'll be worth it, especially considering it'll be my last chance to get a normally aspirated inline 6 (I'm considering the 128i, mostly).

Any one else here come out of a GTI lately? I've found a few threads from the past, but nothing terribly recent. Most folks also seemed to gravitate toward the 135 (shocking), but the GTI has gotten me into enough trouble... I can't see a car with an extra 100 HP doing me any favors there. Plus, I plan on buying this time around, instead of leasing, and I just don't feel like dealing with the potential HPFP/turbo/wastegate/valve buildup issues in the long-term.

For what it's worth, I'm thinking specifically of a 128i/6 speed manual/M sports package (along with leather/HK/heated seats/HIDs, including the damn premium package for 2013

).

Thoughts welcome.

I came from an 07 DSG Golf GTI to my 135i auto vert in 2009.

The golf had more of a sense of urgency to it. I felt like I could thrash it around and I felt like I always wanted to drive it faster and faster.

With the 135i it doesn't have that same feeling. Because it pulls so easily from low revs I don't find myself thrashing it too much. It might also be because it makes a lot of noise even down in lower revs that I feel like I'm putting more effort into it than I actually am.

I think the additional weight because it's both a 135i and a vert as well as the fact that it's an auto lead to an overall feeling that I can just cruise around without having to thrash the car.

I did drive a manual 135i vert sometime after I'd bought mine and I wish I'd gotten that...I don't think it has that same lazy kind of feeling that I feel this one has.

elbles · 08-23-2012, 07:02 PM

It's funny how many people have commented on the DSG in the GTI. I drove one before I settled on stick, and it's fun as hell, and clearly faster than the stick, but just wasn't for me. Too much XBox/PS3, and not enough real car. :-)

1ToBeOn2Wheels, yeah, I figure the interiors will be roughly equal in sum. After 3 cars with black or dark gray interiors, I'm ready for something else, and thankfully, the Oner offers that.

I haven't ruled CPO out, but given that I want a 128i, with stick, with the M sports package, and in a somewhat specific color combination, it may be hard to find. Plus, I like the LCI tails, ha.

And Schmoops135i, you hit the nail right on the head about the 135 being a lose your license kind of car. I've done things in my 200 HP GTI that were lose your license worthy, and have had the good fortune of being caught by merciful LEOs (when caught). The 135 is that much quicker than the GTI, and it's entirely too easy to not even notice it.

VMRWheels · 08-23-2012, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2012_135i

There's something appealing about the simplicity of a normally aspirated in line six.

Couldn't say it better myself. Turbos are cool at times but NA I6 is music to my ears. IE: E36 M3 is one of the best sounding cars IMHO.

Bmwbreed · 08-23-2012, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VMRWheels

Couldn't say it better myself. Turbos are cool at times but NA I6 is music to my ears. IE: E36 M3 is one of the best sounding cars IMHO.

You are right about that. My favorite NA straight 6 is the s38 in the e34 m5. That thing is just amazing. The e36 m3 sounds good also. And an early e36 325i with over 100k and stock exhaust sounds amazing. IDK its like once their exhaust are broken in they get much louder and deeper.

elbles · 08-23-2012, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bmwbreed

You are right about that. My favorite NA straight 6 is the s38 in the e34 m5. That thing is just amazing. The e36 m3 sounds good also. And an early e36 325i with over 100k and stock exhaust sounds amazing. IDK its like once their exhaust are broken in they get much louder and deeper.

I think the E46 sounds better, particularly considering that we (North America) didn't get the "good" E36 M3 motor. I've been looking at any of the cars with that motor, in some ways just for that motor, haha.

Bmwbreed · 08-23-2012, 10:11 PM

[QUOTE=elbles;12559354]I think the E46 sounds better, particularly considering that we (North America) didn't get the "good" E36 M3 motor. I've been looking at any of the cars with that motor, in some ways just for that motor, haha.[/QUOTE

The e46 m3? It does sound good. Alot like s38 IMHO. And I assume you're talking about the euro m3 motor the s50b32 that came in the e36M's in europe with the ITBs. Ya dude those things are tits. I used to listen to vids of them on youtube and they sound so raw and powerful. When I had my e36 I seriously considered that swap but just the motor alone was gonna run me colse to 5grand. It was so expensive. Ya we got a "fake m3" engine in the e36 no individual throttles or anything. But it still had a good exhaust note.

elbles · 10-04-2012, 07:56 PM

I took a test drive in a 2012 128i tonight, but unfortunately it was without either of the sports packages. It's the first test drive where I've really focused on comparing it to the GTI, and here's what I noticed:

* Despite being an automatic, it felt as quick as the GTI, which is somewhat surprising (I know it's up 30 HP on the VW, but it's also got some weight and an auto) - great sound too
* The steering felt a little boat-like compared to the GTI. The GTI has an immediacy to it that the Oner didn't have. I don't know if this can be attributed to the lack of the sports package or not, but it was surprising.
* The improvement in balance compared to the GTI was noteworthy. You can feel the weight distribution and RWD making a difference in how it drove.
* It really is a draw between the two cars, as far as interior is concerned - I know the Oner is cheap for a BMW, but at $13,000 more than my GTI, I wish it felt like $13,000 more car

All in all... it's a difficult choice. On paper, the Oner is everything I want. In the real world, it's hard to tell.

Any words of advice? I'd be particularly interested to hear from anyone who's driven a base car, and one with one of the sports packages...

ptack · 10-04-2012, 08:04 PM

I think you'd find the 128i a nicer DD, but if you also want the most fun you'll have to smash the piggy bank and double down on a 135i.

Greenkirby21 · 10-04-2012, 08:56 PM

find one with sport package! it makes a big difference(mostly because of the suspension/tire set up)

elbles · 10-04-2012, 09:17 PM

I'd definitely be ordering one with the M sports package, if I decide to get a 1. The problem is in figuring out whether or not I want one... ;-)

You say it makes a big difference... things you noticed in particular? The base one felt good, it was just a little boaty/wallowy when transitioning from side to side (i.e., going left and right with the steering wheel quickly).

Dragonkiller11 · 10-04-2012, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elbles

I took a test drive in a 2012 128i tonight, but unfortunately it was without either of the sports packages. It's the first test drive where I've really focused on comparing it to the GTI, and here's what I noticed:

* Despite being an automatic, it felt as quick as the GTI, which is somewhat surprising (I know it's up 30 HP on the VW, but it's also got some weight and an auto) - great sound too
* The steering felt a little boat-like compared to the GTI. The GTI has an immediacy to it that the Oner didn't have. I don't know if this can be attributed to the lack of the sports package or not, but it was surprising.
* The improvement in balance compared to the GTI was noteworthy. You can feel the weight distribution and RWD making a difference in how it drove.
* It really is a draw between the two cars, as far as interior is concerned - I know the Oner is cheap for a BMW, but at $13,000 more than my GTI, I wish it felt like $13,000 more car

All in all... it's a difficult choice. On paper, the Oner is everything I want. In the real world, it's hard to tell.

Any words of advice? I'd be particularly interested to hear from anyone who's driven a base car, and one with one of the sports packages...

hell, if you are thinking about leasing, then why not lease a Ferrari, Bentley or Lambo? ive seen mexicans working at mcdonalds leasing BMWs or Benz, im sure someone in your position can do better....

think about all of the pussy you will be getting.

elbles · 10-04-2012, 09:24 PM

Well there goes another BMW driver fitting the stereotype...

The TT feels a hell of a lot nicer inside than the 1-series for about the same price. Drives pretty well too... just doesn't come in stick until you get to the RS, which, despite my vast quantities of success beyond McDonalds, is still a bit out of my price range.

DRedman45 · 10-04-2012, 10:11 PM

I am in a similar situation to you...I am in a k04 mk6 right now, looking at 135's

with my personal addiction to modding and turbo cars, i couldn't settle for a 128 haha...but you being able to keep the easily tunable gti stock, the 128i is a better performer in completely stock form if thats what you are looking for.

KingOfJericho · 10-05-2012, 07:20 AM

I came from a 2009 GTI to a 2010 135i. You definitely lose some utility in moving from the hatch but the 135i is absolutely $13,000 more car. With a Cobb tune alone, it's one of the quicker cars I've ever been in. Very fun to drive on a daily basis and one of the biggest differences when I moved was just how quickly things disappear in the rear view mirror - and that was before the Cobb. I say go for it.

JTBMW1 · 10-05-2012, 08:03 AM

I almost bought a GTI in 2011. I took an extended test drive in it- which the dealer allowed me to do, then I did not get it due mainly due to pricing. I choose a 2011 MazdaSpeed 3. Having owned a 2010 WRX, and I currently own a 2011 Mazda Speed 3 and also a new 2012 BMW 128i auto, a nice option for you is the the 128i 6 speed manual with sport package. It's a perfect compromise between the 128i automatic and the 135i. The 128i 6 speed is much more lively than the 128 automatic- 0-60 is about 5.9 seconds versus 6.7 in the automatic. A GTI will most likely take a 128i auto in a drag race, will not come close to a 128i manual. The sport package makes a big difference as well for handling and the better seats. I love my 128i with sports package, 18 inch wheels and the automatic-even though it is slower- the handling, comfort and how precise the car is makes up for the acceleration. So find a 6 speed 128i with sports package and test drive it.

If that's not enough, then the 135i might be the answer- automatic or manual- they are both significantly faster than the 128i, GTI and most all other pocket rockets.

cvandenhaute · 10-06-2012, 10:53 AM

You may have to do a leap of faith. I came from a '08 R32 and was sick of the dsg that I hated and wanted to go back to more balance (the R32 was horribly front heavy) and a GOOD manual (I had been soiled with my 07 Miata that had the best stick shifter ever).
Had the chance to drive a 128i manual non sport a year prior the chance and quite liked it. When I was about to make my decision I drove back to back a 135i m-sport manual and a 128i auto sport pack, all I can say is that I hated the auto in the 128i that was killing 50% of the fun.
The 135i feels very fast but there is something I truly love about being able to "play" with the 128i at legal speed. Tat engine LOVES to rev high.

Compared to my R32, here is what I think:
- so much more balanced
- not as strong and fast but way more poised
- steering is the greatest thing in that car (sport pack), weight is ideal and feedback is perfect
- not the same exhaust sound but certainly more rewarding than the GTI for that matter
- HK sound Way better than the R32 sound system (not sure how the mk6 compares, the one in the R32 was weak and pretty lame)
- that manual gearbox is an absolute joy
- the car grows on you, that engine expresses itself with time , a bit like a good wine.
- handling is way better (but not as fun as a Miata)
- trunk is surprisingly big.

I never looked back at the R32, the only thing I miss about it is the Exhaust sound that was spectacular, the driving experience not at all, plus I was kind of tired of the hatch "boy racer" style

Ammonia · 10-06-2012, 11:14 AM

Have driven both 128i and 135i, and from what you described, OP, you're probably better off with the 128i. Both fantastic cars, sound great and handle great. Lower price point on the 128i is just gravy too. I stumbled upon this 135i when it was traded into my dealership, and it has world-ending acceleration, especially with the mods. Can't quite compare the feeling, it truly is ludicrous speed. Haven't been caught yet though by any police, so that may be why I love it so much. Ask me after a few tickets.

Schmoops135i · 10-06-2012, 11:16 AM

Test drive a 6 speed manual, the difference is night and day especially if your coming from a manual car. Plus, isn't the auto in the 128i steptronic (glorified torque converter)?

elbles · 10-06-2012, 11:16 AM

Thanks for all the helpful advice all.

As far as power goes... the 128 is enough for me. The 135 is nice, of course, ha--it's just total excess for me. And that means going through rear tires faster, more speeding tickets, etc. I have no real desire for a whole lot more power than my 100% stock GTI has... just better handling. I think I really just need to test drive one (either a 128 or 135, doesn't really matter to me) with the sports package.

cvandenhaute, if the Golf R still had the VR6, I'd be giving that some serious consideration for the exhaust note alone. There's someone with a blue MKV R32 in the parking garage at work, and the sound that makes going through there is something. That said, I'm with you on the front heavy thing. The GTI is great for what it is, and if it were RWD, I'd probably be keeping it.

08-22-2012, 11:48 AM	#23
1ToBeOn2Wheels Freude am Fahren 31 Rep 703 Posts Drives: B9 Audi S5 Coupe Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sierra Nevada Foothills, California iTrader: (0)	I recently bought a fully loaded MK6 GTI Autobahn as a third vehicle in my household. Regarding the interior, there are things about the GTI interior that look and feel better than my 1er, but there are also things that feel cheaper (the center console area comes to mind). Overall, interior quality of the GTI vs. 1er is very similar, all things considered. GTI vs. 5 or even 3-series is another thing.
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08-22-2012, 10:14 PM	#24
Schmoops135i New Member 4 Rep 101 Posts Drives: 2014 328i XDrive - Sport line Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	Here is my car lineage, 2001 Jetta 2.0, 2004 Jetta 1.8T, 2006 Mini Cooper, 2010 Mini Cooper, 2009 135i. The 1.8T Jetta was one of the best car's i have owned........until the 135i. It is simply in a league of it's own. I have personally never driven a 128i, although i have driven a 328i(2009) and would take my 1.8T any day over it. Although it must be said that the 135i is truly a "lose your license" type of car.
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08-23-2012, 12:12 AM	#25
Bmwbreed Major 60 Rep 1,198 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 135i Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Rota Spain (US Forces) iTrader: (3)	Theres nothing wrong with a 128 bro. Just as good as the 135 in many different ways. Honestly I'd be happy with a 128 around town but the highway is where I need the 135. I love to fly especially on long road trips i like to playgames to see how much time I can shave off a drive thats supposed to take a certain amount of time and I love to jus shoot from 70 to like 110 at random times but around town I dont really speed much. I had a b6 audi a4 1.8t. I really did love that car. I know the 2.0t was better but with my reflash I had about 240hp and 270tq I think. I was actually very torn when deciding to get the 135 because I was really considering a new a4 also. But in the end it came down to missing the exhaust note of the straight 6. And I wasnt ready to shell out S4 prices just for the sound of the v6 over the 2.0t. Whatever you choose man I'm sure it will be nice and you will have a blast Side note: I think its pretty funny in that article about the 128 they photographed or Placed a photo of a 135 in the article lol
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08-23-2012, 07:02 PM	#27
elbles New Member 4 Rep 27 Posts Drives: Volkswagen GTI (MK6) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	It's funny how many people have commented on the DSG in the GTI. I drove one before I settled on stick, and it's fun as hell, and clearly faster than the stick, but just wasn't for me. Too much XBox/PS3, and not enough real car. :-) 1ToBeOn2Wheels, yeah, I figure the interiors will be roughly equal in sum. After 3 cars with black or dark gray interiors, I'm ready for something else, and thankfully, the Oner offers that. I haven't ruled CPO out, but given that I want a 128i, with stick, with the M sports package, and in a somewhat specific color combination, it may be hard to find. Plus, I like the LCI tails, ha. And Schmoops135i, you hit the nail right on the head about the 135 being a lose your license kind of car. I've done things in my 200 HP GTI that were lose your license worthy, and have had the good fortune of being caught by merciful LEOs (when caught). The 135 is that much quicker than the GTI, and it's entirely too easy to not even notice it.
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08-23-2012, 10:11 PM	#31
Bmwbreed Major 60 Rep 1,198 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 135i Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Rota Spain (US Forces) iTrader: (3)	[QUOTE=elbles;12559354]I think the E46 sounds better, particularly considering that we (North America) didn't get the "good" E36 M3 motor. I've been looking at any of the cars with that motor, in some ways just for that motor, haha.[/QUOTE The e46 m3? It does sound good. Alot like s38 IMHO. And I assume you're talking about the euro m3 motor the s50b32 that came in the e36M's in europe with the ITBs. Ya dude those things are tits. I used to listen to vids of them on youtube and they sound so raw and powerful. When I had my e36 I seriously considered that swap but just the motor alone was gonna run me colse to 5grand. It was so expensive. Ya we got a "fake m3" engine in the e36 no individual throttles or anything. But it still had a good exhaust note.
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10-04-2012, 07:56 PM	#32
elbles New Member 4 Rep 27 Posts Drives: Volkswagen GTI (MK6) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	I took a test drive in a 2012 128i tonight, but unfortunately it was without either of the sports packages. It's the first test drive where I've really focused on comparing it to the GTI, and here's what I noticed: * Despite being an automatic, it felt as quick as the GTI, which is somewhat surprising (I know it's up 30 HP on the VW, but it's also got some weight and an auto) - great sound too * The steering felt a little boat-like compared to the GTI. The GTI has an immediacy to it that the Oner didn't have. I don't know if this can be attributed to the lack of the sports package or not, but it was surprising. * The improvement in balance compared to the GTI was noteworthy. You can feel the weight distribution and RWD making a difference in how it drove. * It really is a draw between the two cars, as far as interior is concerned - I know the Oner is cheap for a BMW, but at $13,000 more than my GTI, I wish it felt like $13,000 more car All in all... it's a difficult choice. On paper, the Oner is everything I want. In the real world, it's hard to tell. Any words of advice? I'd be particularly interested to hear from anyone who's driven a base car, and one with one of the sports packages...
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10-04-2012, 08:04 PM	#33
ptack Brigadier General 266 Rep 4,469 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [6.50]	I think you'd find the 128i a nicer DD, but if you also want the most fun you'll have to smash the piggy bank and double down on a 135i. __________________ 135i, SGM, Coral, Sport Package, Auto, Premium Hifi, USB/ipod, Apex EC-7s, PPK Stage II
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10-04-2012, 08:56 PM	#34
Greenkirby21 Vrooom :) 313 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: C7 Stringray Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Dream Land iTrader: (1)	find one with sport package! it makes a big difference(mostly because of the suspension/tire set up) __________________ 2014 C7 Corvette Stringray - Laguna Blue - NPP Exhaust - Competition Seats
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10-04-2012, 09:17 PM	#35
elbles New Member 4 Rep 27 Posts Drives: Volkswagen GTI (MK6) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	I'd definitely be ordering one with the M sports package, if I decide to get a 1. The problem is in figuring out whether or not I want one... ;-) You say it makes a big difference... things you noticed in particular? The base one felt good, it was just a little boaty/wallowy when transitioning from side to side (i.e., going left and right with the steering wheel quickly).
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10-04-2012, 09:24 PM	#37
elbles New Member 4 Rep 27 Posts Drives: Volkswagen GTI (MK6) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	Well there goes another BMW driver fitting the stereotype... The TT feels a hell of a lot nicer inside than the 1-series for about the same price. Drives pretty well too... just doesn't come in stick until you get to the RS, which, despite my vast quantities of success beyond McDonalds, is still a bit out of my price range.
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10-04-2012, 10:11 PM	#38
DRedman45 Lieutenant 35 Rep 441 Posts Drives: E86 //M coupe Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Northern va iTrader: (0)	I am in a similar situation to you...I am in a k04 mk6 right now, looking at 135's with my personal addiction to modding and turbo cars, i couldn't settle for a 128 haha...but you being able to keep the easily tunable gti stock, the 128i is a better performer in completely stock form if thats what you are looking for. Last edited by DRedman45; 10-05-2012 at 08:54 AM..
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10-05-2012, 07:20 AM	#39
KingOfJericho Major General 2452 Rep 7,341 Posts Drives: Yes Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CT iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 135i Coupe [5.26]	I came from a 2009 GTI to a 2010 135i. You definitely lose some utility in moving from the hatch but the 135i is absolutely $13,000 more car. With a Cobb tune alone, it's one of the quicker cars I've ever been in. Very fun to drive on a daily basis and one of the biggest differences when I moved was just how quickly things disappear in the rear view mirror - and that was before the Cobb. I say go for it. __________________ The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Bimmerpost. 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude Hemi \| 2010 S4 Sold \| 2010 BMW 135i Retired \| 2006 Lotus Exige Sold
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10-05-2012, 08:03 AM	#40
JTBMW1 Private 3 Rep 63 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 128i Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Naples, FL iTrader: (0)	I almost bought a GTI in 2011. I took an extended test drive in it- which the dealer allowed me to do, then I did not get it due mainly due to pricing. I choose a 2011 MazdaSpeed 3. Having owned a 2010 WRX, and I currently own a 2011 Mazda Speed 3 and also a new 2012 BMW 128i auto, a nice option for you is the the 128i 6 speed manual with sport package. It's a perfect compromise between the 128i automatic and the 135i. The 128i 6 speed is much more lively than the 128 automatic- 0-60 is about 5.9 seconds versus 6.7 in the automatic. A GTI will most likely take a 128i auto in a drag race, will not come close to a 128i manual. The sport package makes a big difference as well for handling and the better seats. I love my 128i with sports package, 18 inch wheels and the automatic-even though it is slower- the handling, comfort and how precise the car is makes up for the acceleration. So find a 6 speed 128i with sports package and test drive it. If that's not enough, then the 135i might be the answer- automatic or manual- they are both significantly faster than the 128i, GTI and most all other pocket rockets. Last edited by JTBMW1; 10-05-2012 at 08:13 AM..
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10-06-2012, 10:53 AM	#41
cvandenhaute First Lieutenant 19 Rep 370 Posts Drives: '11 BMW 128i, '19 Genesis G70 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (0)	You may have to do a leap of faith. I came from a '08 R32 and was sick of the dsg that I hated and wanted to go back to more balance (the R32 was horribly front heavy) and a GOOD manual (I had been soiled with my 07 Miata that had the best stick shifter ever). Had the chance to drive a 128i manual non sport a year prior the chance and quite liked it. When I was about to make my decision I drove back to back a 135i m-sport manual and a 128i auto sport pack, all I can say is that I hated the auto in the 128i that was killing 50% of the fun. The 135i feels very fast but there is something I truly love about being able to "play" with the 128i at legal speed. Tat engine LOVES to rev high. Compared to my R32, here is what I think: - so much more balanced - not as strong and fast but way more poised - steering is the greatest thing in that car (sport pack), weight is ideal and feedback is perfect - not the same exhaust sound but certainly more rewarding than the GTI for that matter - HK sound Way better than the R32 sound system (not sure how the mk6 compares, the one in the R32 was weak and pretty lame) - that manual gearbox is an absolute joy - the car grows on you, that engine expresses itself with time , a bit like a good wine. - handling is way better (but not as fun as a Miata) - trunk is surprisingly big. I never looked back at the R32, the only thing I miss about it is the Exhaust sound that was spectacular, the driving experience not at all, plus I was kind of tired of the hatch "boy racer" style __________________ 128i manual, AW, Boston Terra Leather, Sport package, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, HK sound
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10-06-2012, 11:14 AM	#42
Ammonia Captain 37 Rep 747 Posts Drives: 440i GC Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Wilmington NC iTrader: (4)	Have driven both 128i and 135i, and from what you described, OP, you're probably better off with the 128i. Both fantastic cars, sound great and handle great. Lower price point on the 128i is just gravy too. I stumbled upon this 135i when it was traded into my dealership, and it has world-ending acceleration, especially with the mods. Can't quite compare the feeling, it truly is ludicrous speed. Haven't been caught yet though by any police, so that may be why I love it so much. Ask me after a few tickets.
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10-06-2012, 11:16 AM	#43
Schmoops135i New Member 4 Rep 101 Posts Drives: 2014 328i XDrive - Sport line Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	Test drive a 6 speed manual, the difference is night and day especially if your coming from a manual car. Plus, isn't the auto in the 128i steptronic (glorified torque converter)?
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