128i or 135i Which do you prefer?

[Esteban]

128i - with the naturally aspirated inline 6 cylinder N52 engine making 230 horsepower, steptronic transmission or 6 speed manual transmission.

135i - with the twin turbocharged inline 6 cylinder N54 engine making 300 or 320 (PPK) horsepower, or twin scroll turbocharged inline 6 cylinder N55 engine making 300 or 320 (135is or PPK) horsepower, steptronic transmission, dual clutch transmission or 6 speed manual transmission.

Naturally aspirated engine, turbocharged engine, lighter weight, better standard brakes and suspension, cheaper price, more standard equipment, etc.

What do you think?

[zamboni]

For me 135i is the way to go more power and fuel efficient.

[Billup]

N/A 6MT all day. I love the sound of a turbo spooling and the PShhhhhh of a BOV, but I drive my car way too much on a daily to worry about turbo issues and having no extended warranty.

[Stvee]

I'm pretty jaded at this point and anything under 300whp feels really slow so the choice was easy for me. N54 and a tune and you're right around 350whp (or ~400bhp).

[Esteban]

I love the turbocharged power of the 135i. 320 horsepower, handles great, stopping power is phenomenal. This is my second 135i. First one had the steptronic, but I wanted the dual clutch transmission. Best choice I ever made. I'd go manual if I could but can't because of a badly damaged left foot and ankle. With that said, I love the dual clutch. Fastest auto I've ever had.

[Kgolf31]

Ultimately it will be a decided crowd, and most people are going to list the car that they own.

My car was optioned as an M Sport package, aka 135i suspension. With that being said I really hated the suspension, and it offered nothing to rave about versus standard 128i suspension.

The brakes on the 128i vs 135i are the same, and unfortunately people do not understand that. Stopping "power" isn't exactly a term to use, because my car with 245 RS3s up front and upgraded pads will stop quicker than a 135i. The stock calipers on a 135i are actually really lack luster. Additional weight leads to a higher MOI and slower acceleration.

Anyways, I personally bought a 128i to build and be competitive within SCCA STX autocross class. I own a Z4M and felt it was overkill to have a 135i as a DD. Additionally a 135i isn't competitive in its respective SCCA autocross class.

[Overpar56]

You sure about the brakes? 135has 6 piston and 1.5" diameter rotors in front and about an 1" bigger on the back from what the BMW brochure from 2011 listed. Grante the 135 w/Dct weighs about 150lbs more than a 128. I drove both a 128 and 135 and the 135 just felt like it had more stopping power. The 128 felt more nimble and with the right suspension tweaks, probably would keep up with a 135 on a tight track. On an autocross course, give me the 128.

This is JMHO and I don't want to start a pissing contest all over again. A 128i manual tweaked up would make a great track car. You still see a couple of them in the Continental Tire series.

[mtowle182]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

The brakes on the 128i vs 135i are the same, and unfortunately people do not understand that. Stopping "power" isn't exactly a term to use, because my car with 245 RS3s up front and upgraded pads will stop quicker than a 135i. The stock calipers on a 135i are actually really lack luster. Additional weight leads to a higher MOI and slower acceleration.

not really sensical to compare aftermarket components to a stock counterpart is it?

[TwinTurboXI]

This thread is bound for failure. Both are great cars and very fun. Personally, I prefer the way either of my 330i ZHP's drove to any of the E82 1 series I have driven, including my 2011 135i.

I think all of us on this board can classify ourselves as enthusiasts. The ones with the 128i's seem to clearly prefer the classic BMW formula, NA inline 6 in a compact package with a 6spd. Other's with the 135's may place a priority on the power output over the NA engine. Is there a wrong answer? I do not think so. Let's enjoy our E82's and put an end to these past two days of pissing matches. No need to divide our forum over a turbocharger or two.

[ShocknAwe]

I really love the 128i actually. Equipped properly (unicorn edition) it's about perfect. I wish it could have been lighter from the factory.

That being said, it's not what a bought. It was a big power/weight issue for me.

[e36addict]

Thread is definitely bound for failure.. Just wait for some of the hardcore 135i fanboys to get in here..

I like both. Personally i'm addicted to going fast, and I love N55 noises. But the 128i is a super fun car that I feel isn't too slow, just too slow for me. But they are well balanced, and I do love the throttle response.

[inFamousKicks]

135i was the easy choice for me. Was just more interested in upgrading to something turbocharged with a lot more modding potential than something NA.

I love the 1 in general and have no hate for the 128i crowd. Everyone is entitled to have their opinions as well reasons for which car to they wish to purchase.

[Esteban]

There's nothing wrong with a calm discussion. Granted, things got carried away on that other thread, but that doesn't mean it has to happen here.

Our forum is divided, in a way. There are 128i owners and there are 135i owners. There are also 1M owners, but they are in another class completey because they are ///M cars. We're still all car enthusiasts and part of the same forum.

I don't think there's anything wrong with a healthy discussion as to why some of us like the 128i better, and some of like the 135i better.

There are differences, pros and cons to both. So lets talk about them and share why we chose the ones we have.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by Overpar56

You sure about the brakes? 135has 6 piston and 1.5" diameter rotors in front and about an 1" bigger on the back from what the BMW brochure from 2011 listed. Grante the 135 w/Dct weighs about 150lbs more than a 128. I drove both a 128 and 135 and the 135 just felt like it had more stopping power. The 128 felt more nimble and with the right suspension tweaks, probably would keep up with a 135 on a tight track. On an autocross course, give me the 128.

This is JMHO and I don't want to start a pissing contest all over again. A 128i manual tweaked up would make a great track car. You still see a couple of them in the Continental Tire series.

I'm positive. If you think the brakes contribute to better braking distances you're insane.

135i has a crappy 6 piston design, with OEM brake pads. That offers you nothing over a 128i brake package.

Not to mention 135i brakes are heavier than a 128i

Originally Posted by mtowle182

not really sensical to compare aftermarket components to a stock counterpart is it?

No, but just saying..I don't have OE BBKs and don't have an issue with stopping shorter. It is physicals, not magical BBK dust

[ONDEMAND]

Originally Posted by Overpar56

You sure about the brakes? 135has 6 piston and 1.5" diameter rotors in front and about an 1" bigger on the back from what the BMW brochure from 2011 listed. Grante the 135 w/Dct weighs about 150lbs more than a 128. I drove both a 128 and 135 and the 135 just felt like it had more stopping power. The 128 felt more nimble and with the right suspension tweaks, probably would keep up with a 135 on a tight track. On an autocross course, give me the 128.

This is JMHO and I don't want to start a pissing contest all over again. A 128i manual tweaked up would make a great track car. You still see a couple of them in the Continental Tire series.

THIS IS JUST MY HUMBLE OPNION!

Im a FBO 135 MT driver but would be just as happy with a 128i. Boost is addictive no doubt and I'm as guilty as they come for striving to get allt he POWA out of my N55 as possible, but in the end a NA BMW I6 is the sweetest thing around. No lag, power to redline (and above if you tune for it) and certainly less plumbing and what not under the hood.

Before BMW was putting turbos in cars you had several NA engines that made excellent cars, E36, E46, ect.

Lighter weight makes all the difference in the world but I understand one could always say well why not have the light weight and the POWA? It does make sense.

I guess all Im trying to say is they are both great cars with there own strengths. Any one who thinks a 128 is inferior to a 135 knows nothing about competitive motorsports! (ie those that refer to the drag strip as a track)

Ive seen the burton 128's and bimmer world 328's run many times. Hell last weekend I spent an hour in the Bimmerworld garage at Road Atlanta for the petit. Those N52 cars scream! They are running with caymans for crying out loud!

[swagon]

If BMW offered the E82 with the pre-LCI 130i's N52 that was not fucked up by EU emission regs and other BS, I'd be all over it. Or the 1 M. Really wanted a NA engine because YOLO.

That said, I'm quite happy with the N55. I just wish BMW had put more development into the whole E8x series. It could have been much, much better. Shame.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

Anyways, I personally bought a 128i to build and be competitive within SCCA STX autocross class. I own a Z4M and felt it was overkill to have a 135i as a DD. Additionally a 135i isn't competitive in its respected SCCA autocross class.

Remember, most of these cars will never see a track, and it's really not fair to compare a car built for the track to a stock car that is meant for the street, don't you think? I have never been on a track and never plan to be on one. I'm also pretty sure your car would run rings around mine.

[JimD]

I like my e88 with n52. I drove a e82 n54 at performance center delivery and while I liked it, I did not think it was very different in acceleration. I am not saying my n52 would win any races against a n54, just that they feel very similar to me. I am happy with my n52. It's fast enough for me. But if I want it to go a little faster, I can always add the 3 stage intake and headers to gain ~50hp. Still not turbo territory but very respectable, and very consistent with a e36 M3.

I looked on real OEM for front brake rotor diameter. For 2009 e88s, it shows the 135i with a 38mm bigger front disc rotor (338x26 versus 300x24). That doesn't mean it will stop shorter but it is in that direction. The six piston calipers of the 135i sound neat and can be a "better" design in that they don't have to slide but there are numerous reports of calipers failing after hard track usage. The sliding caliper design of the 128i is more mundane but apparently functions just fine.

[chris82]

Having driven both:

128i:
sounds better
I think it's more fun
can wind out the engine on public roads

135i
wayyyyy faster
turbos are sweet
more mod support and upgrades to do
better transmission

[lowbudgethero]

I would have been more onboard with the 128i if it was lighter, but it was just so much slower than what I was used to and didn't really have better handling and lightness to make me want it more than the 135i. I also couldn't justify the price when I could buy another low mile Z3 M roadster or e36/46 M3 or just spend a bit more for a 135i. It handled great, but I'd rather have the same handling with the potential to easily have a 400whp car if I so choose.

I love both cars, but that's why I went with the 135i over the 128i. The 128i just wasn't as fun of a car than my modified saab 9-3 and not even close to the modified m roadster.

[chris82]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

Ultimately it will be a decided crowd, and most people are going to list the car that they own.

My car was optioned as an M Sport package, aka 135i suspension. With that being said I really hated the suspension, and it offered nothing to rave about versus standard 128i suspension.

The brakes on the 128i vs 135i are the same, and unfortunately people do not understand that. Stopping "power" isn't exactly a term to use, because my car with 245 RS3s up front and upgraded pads will stop quicker than a 135i. The stock calipers on a 135i are actually really lack luster. Additional weight leads to a higher MOI and slower acceleration.

"The brakes on the 128i vs 135i are the same"

. . . . . WAIT WHAT? LOLOL

You honestly can't even make this stuff up if you tried. 135i has much bigger rotors and 6 piston calipers, where do you get off saying they are the same? If you mean in the sense that they do the same thing then I suggest you word your sentences better . . .

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by Chrisar82

"The brakes on the 128i vs 135i are the same"

. . . . . WAIT WHAT? LOLOL

You honestly can't even make this stuff up if you tried. 135i has much bigger rotors and 6 piston calipers, where do you get off saying they are the same? If you mean in the sense that they do the same thing then I suggest you word your sentences better . . .

The 6 piston brembos the 135i has are really sort of lackluster in their stock form. The initial bite on the pads is good, but I feel it fades too fast. Again, if you're going to upgrade both, I feel like the "bbk" the 135i has is totally workable with new piston seals, fluid, pads, etc.