BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      07-12-2010, 03:40 PM   #1
BMWfan69
Private First Class
United_States
22
Rep
116
Posts

Drives: 2011 128i Coupe, AW/Terracotta
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Lancaster, NY

iTrader: (0)

Any 128i coupe drivers out there??

I have been reading all the performance driving posts regarding the 135i, but there is not much for the 128i at all. It's kind of frustrating. There may be some good reasons for the lack of 128i posts. A ton of folks that buy the 128i just buy it as a daily driver, and never even realize that it can hold it's own. Hell, I've even heard that a good percentage of it's drivers think it's front wheel drive! In my opinion why bother, but if driving around in a car just because it has a BMW badge on it floats your boat more power to you.

Back to topic, I think it may even be more important to post some performance driving information on the 128i because it's really a little more tricky to get it to give up everything it has. Since the power band of the 128i is not quite as large as the 135i, it takes a little more finesse and concentration to keep it in it's power band and shift at the right time for maximum torque and HP. I am by no means an expert and that is why I am asking for some input. I am mainly referring to the 6MT, but if any of you auto drivers want to chime in that's fine too.

1. At what RPM do you do a hard launch? Best techniques?

2. What are your best shift points for the fastest 0-60?

3. Any other fun performance driving tips for the 128i coupe?
Appreciate 0
      07-12-2010, 08:58 PM   #2
Greenkirby21
Vrooom :)
Greenkirby21's Avatar
United_States
313
Rep
2,602
Posts

Drives: C7 Stringray
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Dream Land

iTrader: (1)

I am assuming you have MT. I have an auto and I made a threat that is in the engine forum for 128i. Basically, for fastest time, make sure to hold the DTC button for 3-5 seconds until a yellow triangle shows up up. I heard shifting before redline is best.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=405968

i hope that helps
__________________
2014 C7 Corvette Stringray - Laguna Blue - NPP Exhaust - Competition Seats
Appreciate 0
      07-12-2010, 09:12 PM   #3
BMWfan69
Private First Class
United_States
22
Rep
116
Posts

Drives: 2011 128i Coupe, AW/Terracotta
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Lancaster, NY

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for the response! I was beginning to think that there were no real 128i drivers out there!

Yes I have the 6MT. I have turned off the DST, but I haven't yet noticed much of a difference. Of course I am still in my break in period and I am trying to keep RPM's down below 4K, but it seems really sluggish in first gear off the line. I am considering revving to 2,700 or so and doing a clutch drop, but waiting until I reach the 1200 mile mark. Anyone, try this yet?
Appreciate 0
      07-12-2010, 09:19 PM   #4
Greenkirby21
Vrooom :)
Greenkirby21's Avatar
United_States
313
Rep
2,602
Posts

Drives: C7 Stringray
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Dream Land

iTrader: (1)

ya i would definately break in the car and wait. I can tell you know from an auto tranny at least, first gear is neck breaking!
__________________
2014 C7 Corvette Stringray - Laguna Blue - NPP Exhaust - Competition Seats
Appreciate 0
      07-12-2010, 09:52 PM   #5
lib
Major
lib's Avatar
141
Rep
1,401
Posts

Drives: <This space for rent>
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: ATX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWfan69 View Post
Thanks for the response! I was beginning to think that there were no real 128i drivers out there!

Yes I have the 6MT. I have turned off the DST, but I haven't yet noticed much of a difference. Of course I am still in my break in period and I am trying to keep RPM's down below 4K, but it seems really sluggish in first gear off the line. I am considering revving to 2,700 or so and doing a clutch drop, but waiting until I reach the 1200 mile mark. Anyone, try this yet?
That's essentially what I was doing for autocross starts and it seemed to be effective. Granted, I like my clutch so I've been taking it easy on the launches for a while and don't remember the exact RPM I was using. Experiment with it and see what works best for you.

I do remember that if you go much higher than that you just start spinning the wheels.



And at the risk of being a jerk...
Quote:
Location: Lancaster, NY
Leave while you still can!

Last edited by lib; 07-12-2010 at 10:10 PM..
Appreciate 0
      07-13-2010, 08:05 AM   #6
BMWfan69
Private First Class
United_States
22
Rep
116
Posts

Drives: 2011 128i Coupe, AW/Terracotta
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Lancaster, NY

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by lib View Post

And at the risk of being a jerk...

Lancaster NY

Leave while you still can!

Ha! That's funny. I have been trying to for a while. It just never seems to work out. I've had it with the taxes and lousy pothill filled roads! To say the least. I assume you lived or visited here at some time.
Appreciate 0
      07-13-2010, 10:12 AM   #7
lib
Major
lib's Avatar
141
Rep
1,401
Posts

Drives: <This space for rent>
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: ATX

iTrader: (0)

^ Yep. I grew up off of Aurora and still have family in the area. It was a nice place to grow up but leaving was definitely the right move for me.

If you honestly have been trying to move somewhere else, do it now. If you have a decent head on your shoulders you can survive anywhere but the longer you wait the more difficult it becomes.
Appreciate 0
      07-13-2010, 11:08 AM   #8
BMWfan69
Private First Class
United_States
22
Rep
116
Posts

Drives: 2011 128i Coupe, AW/Terracotta
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Lancaster, NY

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by lib View Post
^ Yep. I grew up off of Aurora and still have family in the area. It was a nice place to grow up but leaving was definitely the right move for me.

If you honestly have been trying to move somewhere else, do it now. If you have a decent head on your shoulders you can survive anywhere but the longer you wait the more difficult it becomes.
I live in a development off of Pleasantview. Yeah, well I am kind of a case of I waited too long and now it's too late. My roots are pretty deep with house, wife and kids in school etc. I could do it, but it would be a heavy lift. I travel around the country every other week or so, usually west coast. So at least I'm not stuck here all the time! Just wish I could bring my 1er!!
Appreciate 0
      07-13-2010, 04:20 PM   #9
lib
Major
lib's Avatar
141
Rep
1,401
Posts

Drives: <This space for rent>
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: ATX

iTrader: (0)

^ It's never too late. The only person stopping you, is you.

If you need some extra motivation, remind yourself the next time you have to shovel a few feet of snow that it's 70 and sunny somewhere else in the country at that moment.
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2010, 09:50 AM   #10
BMWfan69
Private First Class
United_States
22
Rep
116
Posts

Drives: 2011 128i Coupe, AW/Terracotta
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Lancaster, NY

iTrader: (0)

I am really surprised. Judging from the number of posts to this thread, it looks like there are only 3 of us 128i drivers out there including me! Wow! Well, at least I know my car is unique. Not like those 135's that everybody and their brother's drive
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2010, 11:59 AM   #11
jb2178
First Lieutenant
jb2178's Avatar
27
Rep
304
Posts

Drives: 2008 128i
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Riverview, FL

iTrader: (0)

I've got another autocross coming up on sunday and I'm excited since it's been almost 2 months since our last one. I love driving my 128i and the autocrossing it is a great way for me to push it hard but not worry too much about really breaking it. An old post of my early efforts: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=250054

Since last years events I've ditched my run flats for 225 front and 235 rear dunlop star specs and that helped a ton, the understeer is still there but it's much more managable. The new tires are a lot more controllable when they break loose, I can feel it coming instead of just losing it with the run-craps.

My answers to your questions:

1. When I do "launch" mine from the line at an event I pull my rpms up to about 3500 and quickly get off the clutch, not dumping it because spinning out doesn't help anybody and I autocross with DTC and traction control off. It causes some awkwardness in the corners with the inside wheel wanting to spin more but I feel like I've gotten better at managing that than the electronics.

2. I probably shift into 2nd around 6000 rpms but can't say for sure since all the courses are different and I'm usually trying to avoid the cones. 2nd gear shifts I LOVE to take all the way to 6500... and there's something grand about taking it to 90 miles an hour in third, but I never leave 2nd at an autocross.

3. Join you local SCCA chapter and go autocross, it's the best fun you can have for $20 on a sunday.
__________________
Ordered: 128i Titanium Silver, Black Leatherette, High gloss black trim, Sport Package, iPod Adapter, Premium Audio, BMW Assist
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2010, 12:27 PM   #12
axoid
Private First Class
13
Rep
194
Posts

Drives: '09 128i
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Columbus, Oh

iTrader: (0)

I've been autocrossing my 128 on and off. Last year I was running on the stock RFTs and this year I did a couple of events on new Star Specs on 18" wheels. Next year I think I'll go back the the 17" wheels for autocrossing with 225 Star Specs to meet the SCCA ST rules.

I haven't done much to my car yet, but a new alignment is the next thing I'm going to try to get the car to rotate better.
__________________

Bill [92 Camaro RS (Autocross ESP / Trackrat) | 09 BMW 128i Sport Package]
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2010, 12:54 PM   #13
jb2178
First Lieutenant
jb2178's Avatar
27
Rep
304
Posts

Drives: 2008 128i
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Riverview, FL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by axoid View Post
I haven't done much to my car yet, but a new alignment is the next thing I'm going to try to get the car to rotate better.
I've got a birthday coming up next month and I'm looking at the M3 front sway bar, hoping that will help me catch coopers in DS. I should get my alignment done as well and finish the season strong.
__________________
Ordered: 128i Titanium Silver, Black Leatherette, High gloss black trim, Sport Package, iPod Adapter, Premium Audio, BMW Assist
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2010, 03:37 PM   #14
Fireflyer239
First Lieutenant
United_States
19
Rep
349
Posts

Drives: BMW, Jeep, Ducati & Harley
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: New Haven, CT

iTrader: (0)

Just had my 128/Sport Pkg/6MT to Lime Rock Raceway for a BMW CCA Driver's School. Extremely pleased with the car on the track. I plan to post about it when I have a few moments, been busy. I'd have to wear a heavy-duty flame suit to tell about the (supposedly faster) cars we were picking off all day, in fact I almost didn't want to bother talking about it because I really don't care to hear the crap from non-believers and would-be challengers. Suffice to say it's a fantastic track car, especially with Hotchkis front bar, BMS P-box, Breytons, Pilot Sports. Perfectly nuetral and controllable beyond adhesion limits, people were asking me about the car all day and making lots of great comments, like they thought we were cheating or had something secret lol. Big fun!

Last edited by Fireflyer239; 07-16-2010 at 03:49 PM..
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2010, 02:59 PM   #15
Xyloft
Lieutenant
Xyloft's Avatar
34
Rep
504
Posts

Drives: 2008 AW 128i
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (0)

What tire pressures are you guys running when you run the stock RFTs on the sport package?

you can upgrade the sway bar and stay in the stock class? I havn't really read the mod rules in the rulebook since i havnt modded my own car for at least 5 years.

I'll be running my 128i in it's first autoX this weekend. I dont think I've been to one for about 3 years and I've only ran FWD and AWD cars in the past. should be interesting...
Appreciate 0
      08-03-2010, 09:23 AM   #16
Jobu
Private First Class
Jobu's Avatar
United_States
5
Rep
181
Posts

Drives: 2006 911 Carrera S
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NE New Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2006 911 Carrera S  [0.00]
2007 E92 335i  [0.00]
2003 530i  [0.00]
You 128i Coupe owners should check out an article in this month's Roundel "A Better 2002" http://roundel.imirus.com/
(You have to be a member of the CCA to read) Its a loving review of the 128i by a guy who says its the best enthusiast BMW!

As for me, I'm happy with my ride, but watching the 1M with keen interest.
__________________
2011 X5d Platinum Grey/Oyster/Bamboo/+lots of stuff
2006 911 Carrera S - 6MT - Seal Grey/Black/Sport Seats/Sport Exhaust/Sport Chrono/Nav
Gone: 2007 E92 335i - 6spd - MontegoBlue/Black
2003 E39 530i - Auto - Black Sapphire on Black
Gone: 2001 325Ci - 5MT- TopazBlue/Black Trackday Count: 10

Last edited by Jobu; 08-03-2010 at 09:26 AM.. Reason: improving post
Appreciate 0
      08-03-2010, 09:26 AM   #17
Evice
Major
Evice's Avatar
193
Rep
1,457
Posts

Drives: E92M3
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Somewhere here

iTrader: (1)

I am doing the same thing ! 1M Coupe is in my radar, already told me CA to let me know once ordering is available.

As for track days, I have been hitting up MidOhio since I got my car. Besides learning the track and the car, one thing that bothered me with sports suspension was the huge understeer that the KeyHole and Couresel. Now, I have the new suspension and really looking forward my next hpde in mid august.

Besides the track stuff, my experience to your question as follows.
1- I launch the car for around 3-3.5k rpm range, I don't do it oftern but that's my hard launch range.
2- I tend to shift max at 5.5-6k because I feel like the power dies down and I wanna keep it easy on my engine..
3- Don't let engine drop below 3k rpm ever if you wanna feel sporty driving. rev it high. just like any NA.


Edit: I remembered that in my 1st autocross ever my best time was about 5 sec slower than the other 128 (Axoid) in my group, but Axoid was very experienced. and I think his time was 3 sec slower then the fastest 135. Our cars were stock compared to suspension and camber plates of 135.
__________________

Last edited by Evice; 08-03-2010 at 12:28 PM..
Appreciate 0
      08-03-2010, 11:04 AM   #18
JimD
Brigadier General
JimD's Avatar
367
Rep
3,547
Posts

Drives: 128i convertible
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Lexington, SC

iTrader: (0)

The only track I've driven my 128i on is at the BMW performance center. I did performance center delivery in one of their 135i coupes and was back last fall for an autocross in my 128i vert. The little bit of autocross style exercise during PCD was fun in a 135i but it was pretty low speed. The fastest cars were getting up over 70 mph in the BMWCCA autocross later. I don't think I got out of the 60s but I needed 3rd some since 60 is redline in 2nd. Figuring out when to shift gears was one of my issues. I was not last or real close to it but I was closer to last than first. Was still a lot of fun. And the main limitation on my times was the driver, not the car.

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
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:53 AM.




1addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST