Why I am picking the 128.

[ulrichd]

I have thought long and hard about the 128 vs 135, but in the end the 135 is simply too much for what I need. I have my own business, working out of my house, drive between 6-8K a year. My track and autocross days are over but I still enjoy a good spirited drive on the weekends. I simply don't need six piston Brembos and 307 hp. My mind was made up after borrowing my sister's 125i sedan (base model with a manual). Nice smooth six with decent torque, effortless in traffic. Just need better tires.

I have owned a 200 M-Coupe which was similar in performance to the 135i, and to be honest you get used to the performance, briefly accelerating for 2-3 seconds before hauling it back down. I do the same in my Cooper S but nobody gives you any dirty looks - it's just a Mini

The only way a 128 makes sense if you don't option it up to within a hair of the 135i. In that respect I am getting the sport package and USB, period. Sticker is $31,500, about 6K less than an equally optioned 135.

Enjoy the 135. It's a superb car I just think the 128 is a better fit for me. Don't forget to wave at your smaller brothers.

Ulrich

[Glassjaw]

do what you gotta do man, best of luck...

[randomquickness]

congrats on your decision. it's not like the 128 is a slouch either...especially when you still have the 6MT

[jb2178]

Originally Posted by ulrichd

... sport package and USB, period ...

Is that with metallic paint? I'm looking at exactly the same spec as you except I'm torn by a Titanium Silver/Graphite/Blue Water vs Arctic White and the $475 it's going to cost. Depending on the dealer stock I may pay for xenons and/or comfort access if it means I don't have to order and wait 3 months.

Our big brothers might be faster but we can laugh when gas is $5 a gallon.

If you start leaning back to the 135 just watch the motortrend test drive video (just ignore the mis-information) http://www.motortrend.com/av/roadtes...8i_coupe_video

The section where he peels out is what reminds me 300 hp is kind of crazy and I'm positive the 128 will be a fun autocrosser...

[ulrichd]

JB,
That's without metallic. I may go for Montego blue once I see it in person.

[ulrichd]

Meant to post this in the Ordering, Pricing, etc. board.

[vanbmw]

I drove a 128 last weekend and it is a nice car. It has good power and sounds sweet.

[crzy4135i]

Originally Posted by ulrichd

I have thought long and hard about the 128 vs 135, but in the end the 135 is simply too much for what I need. I have my own business, working out of my house, drive between 6-8K a year. My track and autocross days are over but I still enjoy a good spirited drive on the weekends. I simply don't need six piston Brembos and 307 hp. My mind was made up after borrowing my sister's 125i sedan (base model with a manual). Nice smooth six with decent torque, effortless in traffic. Just need better tires.

I have owned a 200 M-Coupe which was similar in performance to the 135i, and to be honest you get used to the performance, briefly accelerating for 2-3 seconds before hauling it back down. I do the same in my Cooper S but nobody gives you any dirty looks - it's just a Mini

The only way a 128 makes sense if you don't option it up to within a hair of the 135i. In that respect I am getting the sport package and USB, period. Sticker is $31,500, about 6K less than an equally optioned 135.

Enjoy the 135. It's a superb car I just think the 128 is a better fit for me. Don't forget to wave at your smaller brothers.

Ulrich

Congrats! There is no shame in buying a 128i. It really wasn't that long ago when "fast" bmw's had hp levels similar to the 128i. I think we've been spoiled with the big jumps in hp over the past several years.

[Perfect128]

Good analysis and decision. Its a surreal situation when we feel like we need to justify our reasons for deciding "down" to a 128i. The 128 is a fantastic car, and will be a standout for long term driver satisfaction. The 135 is just such a screamer that gets the spotlight as it hits the stage, especially among us enthusiasts. Enjoy!

[04__STi]

Are you trying to justify the 128 purchase? IMO anything less than 135i don't cut it.

[pinksnyper]

Same for me, brother.

And FYI : I loved my friend's 330xi from 2001 and it was a BEAST, yet only about 220hp - so a smaller more powerful 128i is a welcomed addition by me.

[1050Wien]

I felt the same way back when I went through the process of deciding. I am convinced that the engine will be sufficient; the only difference is that I went with a good amount of options because I wanted to make sure that I don't get bored with the car (I like technology and I plan on keeping it for a number of years).

[ulrichd]

Originally Posted by 04__STi

Are you trying to justify the 128 purchase? IMO anything less than 135i don't cut it.

Not at all. It's the right decision and car for me. Just sharing my thoughts. I thought that's what message boards are for. Also might help someone else's decision process.

[lib]

That's exactly how I feel.

The 135i is a great car but I'm not going to pay nearly $6k for a pair of turbos and slightly bigger breaks. With the options I chose that's really all you get and I just don't need them.

I'm not going to put the car on a track and I'm not trying to win some ego contest. The 128 is just as quick as the old 330 and as of a few years ago the 330 was a 'fast car'

I'd rather save the $6k and put it towards something even better. Maybe that beach house I've always wanted.

[imported_Maurice]

I think anyone who has any of the 1 series models (or any BMW) should consider themselves lucky. We live in a time and place where we have access to unprecedented levels of consumer goods. 128 or 135 doesn't really matter. We should just be thankful. Period.

[bimmerfile]

ulrichd;


You are wise beyond your years, grasshopper..

[60Driver]

Originally Posted by jb2178

Our big brothers might be faster but we can laugh when gas is $5 a gallon.

Why would you laugh? The spec's I've read only show a 1 MPG difference in fuel economy. Notwithstanding a heavy right foot of course.

There's nothing wrong with the 128i if that's what you want. Nothing wrong with the 135i if that's what you want.

To quote another, "Can't we all just get along?"

[Jackdaws]

Hey, I love my 128i coupe. I didn't want to spend an extra $6000 just for turbos and a meaner front bumper, especially since gas prices will continue to rise at least until we get a new President next year. Certainly the 135i is great, but I did get the sports package--same wheels, tires, suspension. It's also quick and fun. I had a Mini Cooper S, so I've had fun with a supercharger. Both 128i and 135i are great cars that will appeal to slightly different drivers--but we can all still love the 1 series.

[lib]

Originally Posted by 60Driver

To quote another, "Can't we all just get along?"

On the internet? No, probably not.

[Robert]

128i is no slouch, since when is a 220 hp car slow? To clarify, your sister has a 325i not a 125i, right?

You better post a picture soon, because this is the photo section =)

[DCC]

Originally Posted by ulrichd

I have thought long and hard about the 128 vs 135, but in the end the 135 is simply too much for what I need. I have my own business, working out of my house, drive between 6-8K a year. My track and autocross days are over but I still enjoy a good spirited drive on the weekends. I simply don't need six piston Brembos and 307 hp. My mind was made up after borrowing my sister's 125i sedan (base model with a manual). Nice smooth six with decent torque, effortless in traffic. Just need better tires.

I have owned a 200 M-Coupe which was similar in performance to the 135i, and to be honest you get used to the performance, briefly accelerating for 2-3 seconds before hauling it back down. I do the same in my Cooper S but nobody gives you any dirty looks - it's just a Mini

The only way a 128 makes sense if you don't option it up to within a hair of the 135i. In that respect I am getting the sport package and USB, period. Sticker is $31,500, about 6K less than an equally optioned 135.

Enjoy the 135. It's a superb car I just think the 128 is a better fit for me. Don't forget to wave at your smaller brothers.

Ulrich

I would encourage you to also look at the VW R32

[backtoreality15]

ulrichd, I'm going the exact same route.

Originally Posted by 04__STi

Are you trying to justify the 128 purchase? IMO anything less than 135i don't cut it.

Wow, are you kidding me? The man is just trying to let others know why the 128 is still a good option when you don't need the extra power and such.