128i vert vs. 328i sedan

[ashlto]

Hey Gang,

First post - woot! I just got back from visiting one my local BMW dealerships after a long day of test driving. I originally set out to purchase a white 128 vert that happened to actually be on the lot (it used to be a demo car), but I was also enticed to look closely at the 328i's because of a special interest rate offer they have going (0.9%).

The 128i vert does not have many options, but comes with the things I really wanted anyways (alpine white, steptronic, wood trim, Ipod, etc.), and was an *absolute* blast to drive today. I cannot believe how much fun it was to drive around town with the top down zipping around corners with ease.

The 328i sedan, on the other hand, was not nearly as fun to drive, but because of the interest rate offer, I'm able to get a fairly loaded one for essentially the exact same monthly payment as the 128. On paper, the 328 is definitely the nicer car in terms of features and comfort, but it really doesn't compare to the driving experience I had with the 1.

Tomorrow I'm going back to the dealership to essentially buy either the 128 or the 328. Of course, I'm going to think about it all night, but would love to hear what you guys would do if you were in the same situation. Now I realize I'm asking this on 1addicts.com and there will certainly be some bias, but I'm hoping to hear anyways.

Final note - getting the 135 is not an option for me at this point, so bear in mind that you are comparing the 328 to the 128, and not the 135.

Thanks in advance!

[G5Ti]

Sounds like the 328 will grow old very quickly if you already don't find it fun to drive.

You live in TX - is a convertible likely to be difficult to keep cool in the summer heat?

[buckwheat986]

in a nutshell...IMO...

135>>328~128

with the low finance and free automatic...it tilts the favor to the 328i...

opps..just realized you were speaking about a vert...

than

135>>128 vert> 328i~128i


get the vert

[atr_hugo]

I think it comes down to how open are you to owning a convertible? (All puns intended.) That's the make or break in my opinion.

[bily]

What are driving now? I just came out of a 06 - 325i and got an 08 128 vert. there are some things I miss in the 3 series, but when the top goes down, i kind of forget most of them. I too took one from the lot and did not get everything I want, and every now and then, i kind of kick myself, but I am very happy with the car. The E90 is a solid car too. little bigger in the cabin. If you are a bigger guy, you may want the extra room. if you have passengers you may want that extra room. but you're in TX, forgo the roof.

[amybang]

Vert. But then, I'm kind of biased.

amy! (AW/CR 128 vert; but I found the 3-series bigger and slower as a vert, and after a month with my 128, the 328 loaner I got was no fun at all)

[x97Melbourne]

those are just two totally different cars....i find it a little weird you are comparing them simply because of similar price....

decide what car you want, the price shouldn't be the top issue....if you just want a low monthly payment look at the honda dealer.

if you want a convert, get the convert. if you want a nice sedan, get the 328.
thats my opinion.

[1Ronnie]

How long are you intending to have it, and are you a practical versus compulsive kind of person?

I leased a 323i two years ago, as I knew I needed a car for just a couple of years, I didn't get the exact car I wanted, and have had some regrets, but after two years it's going back.

My next car is the 1er (soon to arrive), and I ordered it exactly how I wanted. I inted to keep it for 4+ years, and I wanted something I can get a smile from every time I get in it.

But regardless, weigh up all the variables (including all the costs), make your decision ... and most of all ... enjoy whatever you do. I'm sure you'll have a great car either way !!

[ashlto]

Thanks all for the feedback. I'm a proud new owner of an Alpine White 128i vert. The thing is so much fun to drive and even moreso with the top down.

[1ToBeOn2Wheels]

Originally Posted by ashlto

Thanks all for the feedback. I'm a proud new owner of an Alpine White 128i vert. The thing is so much fun to drive and even moreso with the top down.

I think you made a good choice. You will definitely be happy.