128i instead of a 135i?

[MarkR171]

Originally Posted by madowwn

The US pricing of a 128i is $29,150, while the 135i starts at $36,250. That's nearly a 25% increase in price. Not exactly "marginal"...

The 135i includes sport package, M-sport body kit, moonroof and xenon standard. If you were to start adding those to the 128, the gap lessens to about 4,000$

For example:

135i, 6mt, value package, m-sport package
36250
1300 M-Sport
----------
37550

128i 6mt, value package, m-sport package, moonroof, xenons
29150
1050 Moonroof
900 Xenon
2450 M-Sport
----------
33550


If someone were to buy, that 4000 gap isn't marginal, but if someone were to lease, it translates to roughly ~40$ per month with the 135's lower money factor.

[mrcardio]

I wouldn't exactly call the 128i slow (0-60: 5.9sec / 1/4: 14.5@97) but compared to the 135i it sort of is. I would just have a hard time dealing with the fact that 22k econoboxes w/ FI (WRX, GTI, Ralliart, MS3, Cobalt, etc) would be faster than me if I bought a 128i "Sorry hun I'm going as fast as I can!!! " I know it’s not really a big deal in the grand scheme of things, just a bit embarrassing. I’m sure it would be plenty fun to drive minus those scenarios though. The lower cost is very tempting but I think it’ll be worth it to spend the extra crash on the N55 equipped car w/ sport package. How’s that new DCT transmission? Is it just like the M3’s?

[MarkR171]

You're right about it not being slow but still relatively slow compared to lower priced econoboxes in their performance trims. I felt that way with my previous car (Merc SLK280.) I got the 280 with the same mentality thinking I don't need the extra power in the 350 (only 40 more hp at the time) but ended up wishing I did spend the extra money towards the end of my lease. I didn't want to make the same mistake and have the same regret with the 1 series so the 135 was the one for me.

As for the DCT, it's not quite like the M3s as the M3 has more settings (M-Drivelogic or whatever it's called). In manual+sport mode, it shifts instantly when you touch the paddle and rev matches perfectly on downshifts. Maintains boost on upshifts as well. Auto mode is very smooth, not nearly like the DCT in the EvoX I test drove which was jerky in 1st and 2nd gears.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by MarkR171

The 135i includes sport package, M-sport body kit, moonroof and xenon standard. If you were to start adding those to the 128, the gap lessens to about 4,000$

For example:

135i, 6mt, value package, m-sport package
36250
1300 M-Sport
----------
37550

128i 6mt, value package, m-sport package, moonroof, xenons
29150
1050 Moonroof
900 Xenon
2450 M-Sport
----------
33550


If someone were to buy, that 4000 gap isn't marginal, but if someone were to lease, it translates to roughly ~40$ per month with the 135's lower money factor.

This is why I always say that M-Sport is a rip-off on the 128i - the regular sport package includes all the stuff you need w/o the useless cosmetics that just degrade the relative value of the car. Same goes for sunroof - personally, I hate sunroofs anyway (they eventually squeak, leak, break, etc), so I was glad to not have it and save money there. Xenons were mandatory for me, personally, and worth the $900.

But, basically, if you take a 128i and try to option it out as close as possible to a 135i, and then start adding things like Nav or Premium Package or an auto tranny, you will end up with a seriously overpriced car. The correct approach with the 128i, IMO, is to keep it bare bones. A 6MT with Sport Package is a fun car.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by mrcardio

I wouldn't exactly call the 128i slow (0-60: 5.9sec / 1/4: 14.5@97) but compared to the 135i it sort of is. I would just have a hard time dealing with the fact that 22k econoboxes w/ FI (WRX, GTI, Ralliart, MS3, Cobalt, etc) would be faster than me if I bought a 128i "Sorry hun I'm going as fast as I can!!! " I know it’s not really a big deal in the grand scheme of things, just a bit embarrassing. I’m sure it would be plenty fun to drive minus those scenarios though. The lower cost is very tempting but I think it’ll be worth it to spend the extra crash on the N55 equipped car w/ sport package. How’s that new DCT transmission? Is it just like the M3’s?

People always mention the GTI in comparison to the 128i, which I don't get. The GTI is a slower, FWD hatch. Altogether different.

And did I mention slower?

(Oh, and a GTI aint $22k...)

[BMW86]

To the OP, you had your heart set on the 135i and if money isn't the issue I don't see why you shouldn't get it. As you said, you will be keeping the car for a long time and this as even more reason to get the best car you can possibly afford. The 128i can hold it's own but who doesn't want more power? 300hp twin turbo straight six with 400nm torque... stock!

[MarkR171]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

A 6MT with Sport Package is a fun car.

Agreed. A simple 128i with sport package, 6mt, suspension mods and some weight reduction would be a lot of fun.

[MikeVictor]

In Australia at least, the 135i has a better level of standard equipment.

[JimD]

Seriously boosting an econobox does not bring it into the same league as a 128i. Sure, some may even be a little faster, in a straight line, with a professional driver. But I did not buy my 128i to street or track race econoboxes. I have driven it in an autocross and hope to do so again but that was against BMWs and minis. Some of the minis where faster than me around the autocross. I blame that more on me than the car. And it does not bug me (but I would like to have a lower time this year). The fastest car was a mini but it was a full race mini (it was not even street legal).

The Evo is compared to the M3 in the current Roundel. They show it's optioned price over $40K. That's an awful lot to pay for an econobox. Especially one that overheats its transmission and engine if you take it on a track.

The difference between a 128i and 135i is mostly acceleration and a few other features, most of which are available separately. I did not really want all the "stuff" the 135i has so I got a 128i convertible with walnut trim and sport package. It is a far classier ride than any Subaru, Mazda, or Volkswagon. You cannot add enough "stuff" to make a Subaru or a Mitsubishi a BMW.

Jim

[boostm3]

Originally Posted by BMW86

To the OP, you had your heart set on the 135i and if money isn't the issue I don't see why you shouldn't get it. As you said, you will be keeping the car for a long time and this as even more reason to get the best car you can possibly afford. The 128i can hold it's own but who doesn't want more power? 300hp twin turbo straight six with 400nm torque... stock!

Uhm, starting with the 2011s, the x35i engines no longer use twin turbo! Check the specs of the N55 used on the '11s.

[bradleyland]

Originally Posted by MarkR171

I think you're misunderstanding me. I meant I still enjoy the extra power driving around town and on normal highway trips. One does not need to be driving at the limit to experience the extra power and enjoy it. To me, it's nice to have on every drive. I like it when the car accelerates with very little effort no matter what gear it's in. Going 60-65 on the highway, it can easily accelerate to pass while still in 7th gear at 2000rpm (DCT.)

Werd. I went for about 6 months with only my girlfriend's Jetta (2.5L) in the driveway. Is it a decent car? Sure. The 2.5L inline-5 has lots of torque and a whopping 170 HP. Around town, it's more than adequate; however, I did have the occasional scare getting out in to traffic. It'd give you pause when turning left on to a four-laner with a steady stream of traffic. On the highway is a different story though. With the pedal on the mat, the car just didn't deliver. Granted, a 128 isn't going to be a slouch, but I absolutely love the responsiveness of the 135 at any speed. When you put the pedal down, you're moving out.

Originally Posted by MarkR171

My only point is, if the OP really wants a 135 but is holding back only because of the risk of HPFP failure, I say get the 135. If the OP is 100% satisfied with the 128 (and not just "settling for" the 128), the 128 is a great choice too.

Perfectly stated. There's no right and wrong to this choice, but there is a "correct" perspective, and you just delivered it.

[roo97ss]

Everyone has their reasons for a purchase. I wanted the power of the 135 so that's what I bought. I also immediately added a jb3, but that's just me.

I had an e46 zhp which handles better, has more power and imho a better interior and even exterior imho than my 1. However to me it was just too slow. So 128 wasn't even in the running. That being said the guy I sold my zhp to loves the car, its handling and its power compared to his previous car.


If you want a no hassle purchase then drive to your dealer and buy new, for me my one year old nearly loaded 135 with under 7k was also under 30k.

Everyone has their reasons and their all valid. Buy what's right for you and enjoy it, don't judge everyone else. Opinions are like a holes..everyone has one and they all stink.

Mine is, how can you buy a 30-40k dollar car and not spend the 700 bucks for 70 extra hp....like I said they all stink.

[bradleyland]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

People always mention the GTI in comparison to the 128i, which I don't get. The GTI is a slower, FWD hatch. Altogether different.

And did I mention slower?

(Oh, and a GTI aint $22k...)

Have you ever driven a GTI? Motor Trend, who typically don't obtain scorching performance results, pulled out a 5.8 0-60 and 14.5s @ 96.7 in the quarter in a 2010 GTI DSG. That's right on spec with a 128i. The suspension on the GTI is a fantastic design as well. No more torsion beam in the rear. Every time I took my car in for an alignment, the techs would comment on how many adjustments the car had. My GTI was the only FWD car I'd ever driven that would oversteer in a corner (with some trail-braking, of course).

The other cars mentioned there deliver more raw performance, but the GTI has BMW (1-series at least) levels of refinement. The interior quality in the GTI is fantastic. Quite honestly, I think the dash material quality in my GTI was actually better than my 135i. The lower part of my dash looks shiny in the sun. The materials in my GTI always looked soft and smooth.

IMO, the GTI delivers a lot of the same qualities that the 128 does, but at a lower price point. If you're interested in performance, you go with the 135. If you're looking for "sporty" with a nice, refined experience, the GTI is definitely worth a look.

[Taymaishu]

Originally Posted by bradleyland

Have you ever driven a GTI? Motor Trend, who typically don't obtain scorching performance results, pulled out a 5.8 0-60 and 14.5s @ 96.7 in the quarter in a 2010 GTI DSG. That's right on spec with a 128i. The suspension on the GTI is a fantastic design as well. No more torsion beam in the rear. Every time I took my car in for an alignment, the techs would comment on how many adjustments the car had. My GTI was the only FWD car I'd ever driven that would oversteer in a corner (with some trail-braking, of course).

The GTI had crossed my mind when looking last year.

My personal choice was to go with the 125/128. It was too good of a car as a complete package.

[madowwn]

Originally Posted by MarkR171

The 135i includes sport package, M-sport body kit, moonroof and xenon standard. If you were to start adding those to the 128, the gap lessens to about 4,000$

For example:

135i, 6mt, value package, m-sport package
36250
1300 M-Sport
----------
37550

128i 6mt, value package, m-sport package, moonroof, xenons
29150
1050 Moonroof
900 Xenon
2450 M-Sport
----------
33550


If someone were to buy, that 4000 gap isn't marginal, but if someone were to lease, it translates to roughly ~40$ per month with the 135's lower money factor.

Point taken. You're making quite a few assumptions though and missing the fact that if someone wants to sit their butt in a 1 series, they can do so for much less in a 128i.

[Niblet]

I would like to see where you can get a 2011 128I
for 33500 or so with the above mentioned options??????

I priced mime at a dealer in the usa and he wanted 40K for a car that cost
me 35K in germany!

[gnat]

I appreciate everyone's opinions, but can we drop the "you should really get the 135" stuff. I am under no circumstances giving BMW (or anyone else) money for a known flawed product. I understand that you may disagree with my reasons, but I will not buy a 135.

The point of this thread was supposed to be to get the opinions of 128 owners that originally wanted the 135 but didn't get it, for whatever reason, and how they ended up feeling about the 128 in the long run.

Thanks,
-dave

[Niblet]

Dave,
I bought my 128I and never even test drove it,,,,
I wanted to be surprised,,,and I was,,,,buy one,,you wont regret it

fast,,is a relative term,,,whats fast or powerful to one guy may be
so- so to another,,,,I had mine up to 140 MPH the other day and it went just fine,,,I can hang with just about anyone on the autobahn unless it' some crazy in a porsche or audi with a v-10!

I cant see owning something so expensive and powerful in the USA where the car can never achieve its full potential without the owner risking serious jail
time,,,

[3liter1]

Originally Posted by tgxmike

So I had to make the same decision about a 128i over a 135i. I really love the power of the 135i, it's totally addictive. But it is quite a bit more money, and I almost always buy only a minimalist car. I decided to go for a 128i after I was able to test drive a manual 128i with only the cold weather package, and no sport package. The car was great (well at least that was my first impression.)

Manual compared to Auto 128i was the clincher for me. The manual on the 128i is much more responsive than the auto. Much bigger difference than the 135i.

I was also able to get it cheap and in 2009, the car had better options than now (i.e. sunroof, and 10 speaker audio.

After a year, I decided to start prepping the car for some weekend AutoX. Tires were first (hankook V12), and this opened the flood gates. Well the tire were such and improvement that the suspension float really stood out. So I spend $2700 on BMW performance suspension + springs. Awesome!! (Do this when you order the car, it is way cheaper)

So $30.5K car + $1500 Tires (winter wheel + tire and Summer Tires) +$2700 suspension = Killer 128i for less that 135i.

I was recently in a 135i again. I think compared to my car the stock 135i is not as much fun. More powerful, yes.

I'm really happy with the 128i plan on keeping it to 85K-100K mi. BUT

I think my next car I'm going to order is a 135i, w/performance suspension and do either PCD or ED......

Your will be happy either way, but in the end you will always be planning to get a 135i next time

Completely agree with the above. I also have a 128i - M Sport and the only remote complaint I would have is on the suspension .The power is great, but you always want more. One thing to consider is where the power comes in. If you like to rev the engine to 4,000+ RPM to get the power , the 128 is fine. The 135 will give you the power at lower RPM

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by bradleyland

Have you ever driven a GTI? Motor Trend, who typically don't obtain scorching performance results, pulled out a 5.8 0-60 and 14.5s @ 96.7 in the quarter in a 2010 GTI DSG. That's right on spec with a 128i. The suspension on the GTI is a fantastic design as well. No more torsion beam in the rear. Every time I took my car in for an alignment, the techs would comment on how many adjustments the car had. My GTI was the only FWD car I'd ever driven that would oversteer in a corner (with some trail-braking, of course).

The other cars mentioned there deliver more raw performance, but the GTI has BMW (1-series at least) levels of refinement. The interior quality in the GTI is fantastic. Quite honestly, I think the dash material quality in my GTI was actually better than my 135i. The lower part of my dash looks shiny in the sun. The materials in my GTI always looked soft and smooth.

IMO, the GTI delivers a lot of the same qualities that the 128 does, but at a lower price point. If you're interested in performance, you go with the 135. If you're looking for "sporty" with a nice, refined experience, the GTI is definitely worth a look.

I was going off of Edmunds Inside Line's times, which gives a 0-60 time of 6.9 seconds (they give the 128 5.8 or 5.9, IIRC). I think VW themselves claim about 6.8. Probably not the DSG, but Motor Trend seems to be the only mag able to get less than 6 seconds out of the GTI. Maybe they got a chipped version? Or had very good drivers? Who knows.

Anyway, I actually like the GTI, and my point was not to malign it per se, but it is definitely no BMW. I probably would have cross-shopped the GTI under different circumstances, and maybe even picked one up - I've always been a VW fan and have owned several in the past. However, I also think the GTI has been creeping up in price over the years - optioned out the way I like, it's over $27k, which is more than I could stomach for a FWD hot hatch. Also, I prefer the effortless power delivery of an NA I6 over a boosted four-banger.

I guess the point is that, yes, you can go faster than the 128i for less money, but so what? The BMW is simply going to offer things that (for one example) a Chevy Cobalt SS cannot.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by AudiS4

One thing to consider is where the power comes in. If you like to rev the engine to 4,000+ RPM to get the power , the 128 is fine. The 135 will give you the power at lower RPM

Definitely true. But the 128i sings at 5,000 RPM!

[The1]

Originally Posted by gnat

I appreciate everyone's opinions, but can we drop the "you should really get the 135" stuff. I am under no circumstances giving BMW (or anyone else) money for a known flawed product. I understand that you may disagree with my reasons, but I will not buy a 135.

The point of this thread was supposed to be to get the opinions of 128 owners that originally wanted the 135 but didn't get it, for whatever reason, and how they ended up feeling about the 128 in the long run.

Thanks,
-dave

Thats a pretty blind way to look into purchasing a car. No matter what car you look at, there's going to be faws. I assume you won't touch toyota anymore because of the limited run of cars that ran away. Old hondas all had head gasket issues, surbarus go through clutches, volkswagon has a lot of issues, i'm not even going to get started on them....
Mercedes has the cost cutting showing in longevity of parts. no matter what way you turn, you're going to find something you don't like, I'm sure the 128 has a problem that nobody has come across yet, so just go with your passion, no matter what, a car is a death trap, you may as well enjoy it while it lasts and listen to your heart. If you really want the 128, then that's the car for you. Just don't come back complaining about a part after all this.