Hello BMW: The 1-series I really wanted.

[ulrichd]

Below is a pic of my completed 128, the way I wanted to order it from the factory. In any other world market you can order a 118, 125, 123d, etc. with the M-aero pak and 18" wheels, but not in the US. Why? BMW made such a marketing fuss over going back to basics with this model. I would argue that this is the model that has the 2002 genes, not the twin turbo 135.

I ordered a low spec 128 with 6 speed, sport package, xenons and coral red leather with a $1K off sticker. I would have skipped the leather in favor of the euro fabric/leather seats, but also NA in the US. The side skirts and wheels were bought used from this site and front and rear bumpers were sourced, already painted, from Dan at United. Labor was all mine (detailed in the DIY section). Original wheels and tires were sold on this site as well. Total cash outlay for the mods: $2,500.

So thanks BMW for making me build the car I really wanted.

[ulrichd]

I meant to say: "BMW made such a marketing fuss over going back to basics with the 1-series. I would argue that this is the model that has the 2002 genes, not the twin turbo 135."

[Monaco35Dream]

you would think that if someone was willing to pay, theyd do whatever you asked...looks great though!!

[Monaco35Dream]

dumb question....how do you get the sunroof opened up like that? mine only goes forward and back....

[S54dan]

Press the middle of the sunroof button.

I'm loving the M bumper with fogs...!

[tkbr0wn]

Originally Posted by Monaco35Dream

dumb question....how do you get the sunroof opened up like that? mine only goes forward and back....

Press the sunroof button in rather than sliding it backward or forward.

[Monaco35Dream]

awesome thanks guys!!!

[KeithLM]

Originally Posted by ulrichd

I meant to say: "BMW made such a marketing fuss over going back to basics with the 1-series. I would argue that this is the model that has the 2002 genes, not the twin turbo 135."

This I just don't get. You are saying a better power to weight ratio is bad? I find that an odd statement. Or are you arguing about price? Not that the 135i is that much more considering the extra money you spent on your mods. Or is it the simplicity? The lack of two turbos considering everything else on the car doesn't make it that much simpler. And if anything you took away from the simplicity of the looks by adding the 135i bumper. A 2002 is pretty blah looking. The 135i is definitely not.

[ulrichd]

I was thinking more of the comparison between the original tii vs. 2002 Turbo. The 2002 was normally aspirated, known for its handling rather than scorching performance numbers. I tend to keep my cars for long periods, so yes, the simplicity of a non-turbo engine is a plus. As for the looks, I think the question of why BMW does not offer an M-package 128 in the US is fair. I simply wanted the choice that BMW owners in other markets have. Apples to apples the price gap between my 128 vs. an identically equipped 135 is $6K, minus the $2.5K. Not a huge sum I agree, but I did not want a 135, it is simply wasted on my mostly town driving.

[KeithLM]

Ah, I think I see where you are coming from as far as engine choice, etc.. However it seems like many people want a 4 cylinder or smaller engine to be more tii like, but I've never seen any numbers to support the idea that the bigger engine is somehow taking away from the handling of the 135i.

I do find it annoying when car manufacturers arbitrarily change option availability in different countries. Engines and safety features I can see having issues, but the different options available on different models in the same country don't always make sense. I could see them having specific body parts for the higher end model to potentially drive more sales of that model, but why should that be country specific?

[ulrichd]

Originally Posted by KeithLM

Ah, I think I see where you are coming from as far as engine choice, etc.. However it seems like many people want a 4 cylinder or smaller engine to be more tii like, but I've never seen any numbers to support the idea that the bigger engine is somehow taking away from the handling of the 135i.

I do find it annoying when car manufacturers arbitrarily change option availability in different countries. Engines and safety features I can see having issues, but the different options available on different models in the same country don't always make sense. I could see them having specific body parts for the higher end model to potentially drive more sales of that model, but why should that be country specific?

There are rumors of twin-turbo 4cyl. 1-series being tested.

Since all 1ers are built at the Leipzig plant it seems that all markets should have easy access to all available options. If the german bound 123d on the assembly line behind mine can have the aero package and fabric/leather seats why can't my US 128?

[MOCKBA]

Where did you buy hungers for the bicycle?

[ulrichd]

Originally Posted by MOCKBA

Where did you buy hungers for the bicycle?

They are actually hangers for potted plants I picked up at a hardware store.

[jkp1187]

Looks great. Nice job!

[LeifW]

That looks great! I'm with you on everything you said. I too wish they'd offer the M-Sport package on the 128.

Leif W.

[G5Ti]

Your car looks great. I've been contemplating a set of wheels from a 135i and the rear bumper (breaks up the back and gives a more aggressive appearance).

The front fascia looks nice, especially with the fogs. My only reservation is I have the headlight washers, which on the 128 are not retractable. It seems the M-sport bumper only supports those. Bummer…

[Dave]

ulrich always said you had the cleanest 128 here

nice job on your build

[Xyloft]

Originally Posted by ulrichd

There are rumors of twin-turbo 4cyl. 1-series being tested.

Since all 1ers are built at the Leipzig plant it seems that all markets should have easy access to all available options. If the german bound 123d on the assembly line behind mine can have the aero package and fabric/leather seats why can't my US 128?

car looks great. alot of those mods i'd like to do to mine (if i had the money).

twin turbo 4? seems like over kill when you can match a single turbo and still get decent low and top end out of it.

if you only had 2 cylinders pushing the compressor, i can't imagine the turbo could be very large at all.

then again, i'm not a mechanical engineer, so who knows.

[ulrichd]

Originally Posted by G5Ti

Your car looks great. I've been contemplating a set of wheels from a 135i and the rear bumper (breaks up the back and gives a more aggressive appearance).

The front fascia looks nice, especially with the fogs. My only reservation is I have the headlight washers, which on the 128 are not retractable. It seems the M-sport bumper only supports those. Bummer…

Ask Dan at United BMW. I only see a nozzle assembly and the cover on the enclosed diagram. Maybe it's doable.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...80&hg=51&fg=15

[ulrichd]

BTW, thanks for all the kind comments. To be honest I've I've been a bit of an attention wh*re with these mods because I am so stoked that I was able to do this on my own. I thought I would have to splice the foglight wires on the front bumper to my car. When I found out the bulb assemblies simply wisted off and back on to my car I thought are you effing kidding me? It can't be that simple.