Help!! 128 vs 135

[JT1711]

I recently went out and starting shopping for my 1. Given my budget I was either going for a sport, premium 128 or a bare bones 135.

Unfortunately, i'm going for demo models so my choices are limited. Here are the two options I have:

128i, sport pack, sunroof, heated seats (no xenons )

or

135i, M package, premium, navi.


Now although there both very different, the difference in price is about 150$ a month (for 39 months) and 9k in residual at the end of the term, which isn't all that bad considering the differences between both cars.

I was more than happy with the power and grunt that the 128i delivered during the test drive (the sports seats really are a must), but the one thing keeping me from being decided is those headlights, I really wanted the xenons.

Does anyone know if they are easy swap out? Would it be worth it in the end to just buy the 128i and change the lights in the future?

Any input is appreciated, the 128i falls right at the limit of my budget and getting the 135i would be a bit of a stretch, even though it is the better bargain.

Thanks:smile:

[HeyMoe53]

I test drove a 128 a month ago. I agree with your statement about having enough power, at least for the driving I do.

The CA who rode with me felt that you could notice the difference with the xenons, but it was not a "must-have" option.

Have you had a chance to drive the two cars at night? That would probably give you your answer.

Others can probably chime in about adding xenons later, though that would surely rule out having the "adaptive" feature.

[jeremyc74]

The headlights are pretty expensive. I think I remeber seeing them go for $1k/set. The adaptive headlights are really nice if you do any driving in rural areas with winding roads. I've got a video up on Youtube and Vimeo (quality is much better) if you want to see a demo.

Personally I'd do what it takes to get the 135i within your budget. That might mean traveling to get one that isn't loaded up like the demo you're talking about, or going with one that's slightly used. I value the speed though, and that may not be something that's high on your priority list, so take it for what it's worth.

[JT1711]

I unfortunately did not get the chance to try both at night (the one I drove was the demo model in question), but I have driven in my friend's 328xi and I really do see a difference.. plus a BMW without xenons, feels like it just doesn't go

[MrRoboto]

135 without a doubt if you can swing the additional cabbage. You will never regret choosing the 135 but you may if you choose the 128.

[JT1711]

Originally Posted by jeremyc74

The headlights are pretty expensive. I think I remeber seeing them go for $1k/set. The adaptive headlights are really nice if you do any driving in rural areas with winding roads. I've got a video up on Youtube and Vimeo (quality is much better) if you want to see a demo.

Personally I'd do what it takes to get the 135i within your budget. That might mean traveling to get one that isn't loaded up like the demo you're talking about, or going with one that's slightly used. I value the speed though, and that may not be something that's high on your priority list, so take it for what it's worth.

Before test driving the 128i, I thought the exact same way, but in reality the 128i is as fast as I need it to be. I dont plan on tracking it etc., just daily driving with above average fun .. Adaptive or not doesnt really make a difference, I really just like the look and brightness of the xenons (1k isnt all that bad). I searched though and couldnt find anywhere to buy them though:iono:

[MrRoboto]

What is the price on the 135.

[JT1711]

56k..the 128 comes out to 44k

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by JT1711

Before test driving the 128i, I thought the exact same way, but in reality the 128i is as fast as I need it to be. I dont plan on tracking it etc., just daily driving with above average fun .. Adaptive or not doesnt really make a difference, I really just like the look and brightness of the xenons (1k isnt all that bad). I searched though and couldnt find anywhere to buy them though:iono:

If the 128i is fast enough for you, then I'd save the money. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I think all the Xenon headlights incorporate the adaptive features (meaning they move around while you're turning and braking). :w00t:

[My135]

Just get a base 135 with sport package. You won't regret with this decision.

[JT1711]

most demo 135s come pretty loaded unfortunately

[Coach]

The 135 you are looking at lists at $43,000 and a 135 with sport only is $37,500. Not sure what they want for the demo but ordering an 09 with the color and option you want might be a good idea.

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by JT1711

most demo 135s come pretty loaded unfortunately

At that pricing, why are you even considering a demo instead of ordering? You can get a lightly optioned 135i built for much less than they're asking for that loaded demo 135.

[JT1711]

Both are very good deals (I compared with pricing on the bmw site), however the 128i is missing that one little detail, and the 135i really does have alot of what I don't need. The price difference and higher interest rate of buying a brand new 09 does not permit me to own either model the way I want them equiped.

[JT1711]

**note prices I listed are in CDN $$

[Tom K.]

One reason I didn't order xenons for my 128i is the repair expense. When my xenon equipped Z4 was damaged in a parking lot, the (U.S.) parts cost to replace one headlight assembly was $800 plus $200 for the bulb (luckily the other party covered the cost).

Yes, the xenons are better at night - but not that much better, IMHO.

Also, are both the demo models you're looking at equipped with manual transmissions? You'd have a hard time find that on a U.S. dealer's lot!
Tom

[MrRoboto]

56k is way too much. Talk to your dealer and see if they can find one at another dealer, at autoport in Halifax, or in transit. This is what I did and ended up with a 135 with M Sport, and sunroof.

[JT1711]

Tom, both are equipped with automatic transmission with paddles.. When trying the manual vs automatic, I saw very little difference (the steptronic really isn't all that bad) and although I originally wanted a manual, I think the auto is best suited for my daily commute (highway traffic).

MrRoboto, I agree 56k is alot, ill definitely have to see if the dealer can find me another one.

Ideally speaking I would be happy walking away with a sport, premium 128i. But the pricing (monthly payments/residual) is very good for the 128 in question, so if fitting in xenons later isn't an issue, it would make my decision alot easier.

[mtla4]

Youre talking with taxes ....because even a fully loaded 135 doesnt go for that much W/O taxes. No offense but you have the budget for a 128 so take it, its a nice upgrade from the jetta.

[jps]

If xenons are a must, get them on the car from the get-go. I have a Canadian 128i MT coupe (loving it) and the only way we can get xenons is through the $3,000 premium package - no $800 single option here like you lucky Americans! Totally not worth it if you don't even care about the other things within the premium package. I got sport (obviously) and comfort (because I gotta share with the wife and the memory seats are worth it)

I tried reading up on whether I could just swap the lights out later and I concluded it is a very difficult and costly switch and many (if not all?) had poor outcomes. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

Goodluck. With regards to xenons, even though it doesn't look quite as sexy from the front end when you're standing outside of the car, it is JUST AS MUCH FUN TO DRIVE! What's more important?

[JT1711]

All prices include taxes.. yes its definitely a huge upgrade from the jetta, but at this point im already dropping some serious cash on the car, so im thinking maybe it might be worth it to go that extra little bit to get something I know i'll never regret.

[JT1711]

Originally Posted by jps

If xenons are a must, get them on the car from the get-go. I have a Canadian 128i MT coupe (loving it) and the only way we can get xenons is through the $3,000 premium package - no $800 single option here like you lucky Americans! Totally not worth it if you don't even care about the other things within the premium package. I got sport (obviously) and comfort (because I gotta share with the wife and the memory seats are worth it)

I tried reading up on whether I could just swap the lights out later and I concluded it is a very difficult and costly switch and many (if not all?) had poor outcomes. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

Goodluck. With regards to xenons, even though it doesn't look quite as sexy from the front end when you're standing outside of the car, it is JUST AS MUCH FUN TO DRIVE! What's more important?

Very good point, thanks for the info :smile: