2009 E90 M3 -> 2009 128i Thoughts

knifegun · 04-27-2009, 02:16 PM

I took my car into today to the dealer to have the 1200 mile service. Even though I have not had a chance to wind the M3s (MT) engine, I had a previous 2008 model I was able to take up to 8400. Today I received a 128i with about 900 miles on it. I have to say I am very impressed with the small 3 series brother. The engine was very peppy even with an automatic. It downright felt fast and handling was great. Kudos to BMW for making a small car that maintains the typical BMW characteristics (sporty, fun to drive and exceptional handling). The 128i even seems to have some sort of 4 season tires (i.e. not very performance oriented). You all have an awesome car.

Heinzftw · 04-27-2009, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knifegun

I took my car into today to the dealer to have the 1200 mile service. Even though I have not had a chance to wind the M3s (MT) engine, I have a previous 2008 model. Today I received a 128i with about 900 miles on it. I have to say I am very impressed with the small 3 series brother. The engine was very peppy even with an automatic. It downright felt fast and handling was great. Kudos to BMW for making a small car that maintains the typical BMW characteristics (sporty, fun to drive and exceptional handling). The 128i even seems to have some sort of 4 season tires (i.e. not very performance oriented). You all have an awesome car.

How kind of you. The N52 is definitely a great engine. Very smooth and great torque band. I still love the N54 alittle bit more though.

ptack · 04-27-2009, 02:22 PM

Good thing they didn't give you a 135i or you might not give it back. Thanks for the thumbs up.

knifegun · 04-27-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heinzftw

How kind of you. The N52 is definitely a great engine. Very smooth and great torque band. I still love the N54 alittle bit more though.

Well, BMW made a great car.

BTW, nothing wrong with having a Honda! I sold my 2002 S2000 for my M3. I love that car and wish I had it in my stable. Luckily, my neighbor who lives about 1 mile away bought it so I can visit

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptack

Good thing they didn't give you a 135i or you might not give it back. Thanks for the thumbs up.

Very true

I drove a 335i and was impressed with the power delivery. I can only imagine the same HP on a 1 series.

Robert · 04-27-2009, 02:39 PM

thanks for the compliment.

BForbes · 04-27-2009, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knifegun

Well, BMW made a great car.

BTW, nothing wrong with having a Honda! I sold my 2002 S2000 for my M3. I love that car and wish I had it in my stable. Luckily, my neighbor who lives about 1 mile away bought it so I can visit

Very true

I drove a 335i and was impressed with the power delivery. I can only imagine the same HP on a 1 series.

Thanks for the input. There are so many Honda sports car guys that make the move to BMW. I was the undisputed BMW representative/fanboy on S2KI. I'm putting my s2000 up for sale pretty soon.

crumb · 04-27-2009, 04:49 PM

Knifegun, the question is, would you trade your m3 for a 1xx + cash? And why or why not?

radiantm3 · 04-27-2009, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crumb

Knifegun, the question is, would you trade your m3 for a 1xx + cash? And why or why not?

He was being nice, not insane.

subscience · 04-27-2009, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radiantm3

He was being nice, not insane.

lib · 04-27-2009, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crumb

Knifegun, the question is, would you trade your m3 for a 1xx + cash? And why or why not?

No, that really isn't the question.

These two cars target different niches. They are not interchangeable like that.

knifegun · 04-27-2009, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crumb

Knifegun, the question is, would you trade your m3 for a 1xx + cash? And why or why not?

That is a great question. To make a long story short, I would not trade the M3 for a 1xx assuming my either one made sense. But that is due to the fact that I have a family now and I don't have time to iterate through different modifications on the 1 series. I love the solid feel of the M3, the smoothness of a V8, the larger size and all the electronic gadgets on the M3.

However, if I did have the time to modify the car, I would probably go the 1 series route just because I believe you can do a lot more for less money and have a ton of fun doing it. On top of that, I don't think you can ever downplay the fun factor of a low weight car with a great engine. The S2000 was no drag racer and had very little torque. However, the light weight,high revving engine and its go car feel made it a blast to drive. I would say the S2000 or the 1 series would be an excellent car to have in addition to the M3 because the 1 series has that go cart feel that you just can't get in a heavier car like the M3.

So in summary, I would not trade right now but that is more situational vs. one car is better than the other. I think they are really different categories. If I did not have a family, I may consider the 1 series instead of the M3. However, since I have wanted an M3 for over a decade, I think I would have had to get the M3 out of my system first.

Robert · 04-27-2009, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BForbes

Thanks for the input. There are so many Honda sports car guys that make the move to BMW. I was the undisputed BMW representative/fanboy on S2KI. I'm putting my s2000 up for sale pretty soon.

I love that BMW poster you have in the signature. E46M3 is absolutely my favorite M3 of all times. I should have bought that instead but I was afraid of out of warranty cost at the time.

crumb · 04-27-2009, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lib

No, that really isn't the question.

These two cars target different niches. They are not interchangeable like that.

Lib - Thanks for the gratuitous input. I think the question was valid, as this was Knifegun's first 1er experience.

Knifegun - appreciate your response.

knifegun · 04-28-2009, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crumb

Knifegun - appreciate your response.

Anytime

It is funny because I have read in magazines that the 1 series is overpriced based on the competition. But based on my experience so far, I don't think there is a comparison. I believe the 1 series has a similar connected feel as my previous 2000 E46 328Ci. I don't think any of the 1 series "competition" can touch that. I think the 1 series is out of the "competitions" league and really is more of an awesome niche car rather than being a lower cost offering by BMW.

warmtoes · 04-28-2009, 09:30 AM

knifegun,

Thanks for the great feedback. I got the 1 vert at this time because the kids are small enough now to handle it but when my lease is over in 2 years I'll be looking at a M3 sedan just like you as I'm going to need more space. Love the M3.

BForbes · 04-28-2009, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert

I love that BMW poster you have in the signature. E46M3 is absolutely my favorite M3 of all times. I should have bought that instead but I was afraid of out of warranty cost at the time.

Thanks Robert! I snagged it from the corp site when the E46 was still up there.

That is always a valid fear. BMW's CPO and new extended maintenance program is bringing models into my eyesight that weren't normally there.

knifegun · 04-28-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warmtoes

knifegun,

Thanks for the great feedback. I got the 1 vert at this time because the kids are small enough now to handle it but when my lease is over in 2 years I'll be looking at a M3 sedan just like you as I'm going to need more space. Love the M3.

I would love to have the 1 series convertible. I really miss the S2000 and I think the 1 series convertible would be a great replacement! When you get the M3 sedan, don't get ride of the 1 series! If the economy gets better, I would not mind getting a 1 series convertible to round out my BMW stable. And BTW, if you like a sportier interior, the Fox Novillo interior is awesome (not too bright but very nice...extended Fox may be a bit too miuch).

BTW, my baby already has his own BMW. Here is a photo. It is a 320i E90

Tom K. · 04-28-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knifegun

I believe the 1 series has a similar connected feel as my previous 2000 E46 328Ci.

Agreed - which is why I've kept my '99 328i sedan as a DD to complement the 128i convertible (family is grown but the trunk space is needed).
Thanks for your thoughtful comments - enjoy your M3!

Tom

x97Melbourne · 04-28-2009, 06:13 PM

Glad you liked our little "mini" car. The 1 is a great car.

Interestly, that is the FIRST compliment to the 128i automatic I've seen on this site.

knifegun · 04-28-2009, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by x97Melbourne

Interestly, that is the FIRST compliment to the 128i automatic I've seen on this site.

Ha. That is probably because I don't know any better. I am sure if I drove a MT I would like it a lot better. But the automatic is definitely not bad at all.

merlot2k1 · 05-01-2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by x97Melbourne

Glad you liked our little "mini" car. The 1 is a great car.

Interestly, that is the FIRST compliment to the 128i automatic I've seen on this site.

I praised the 128i auto last year. Then the site changed ownership and my screen name (merlot) was gone along w/ my posts.

Robert · 05-01-2009, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merlot2k1

I praised the 128i auto last year. Then the site changed ownership and my screen name (merlot) was gone along w/ my posts.

Send a PM to admin. It was an hassle for me as well.

04-27-2009, 02:16 PM	#1
knifegun Major 83 Rep 1,108 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: May 2008 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	2009 E90 M3 -> 2009 128i Thoughts I took my car into today to the dealer to have the 1200 mile service. Even though I have not had a chance to wind the M3s (MT) engine, I had a previous 2008 model I was able to take up to 8400. Today I received a 128i with about 900 miles on it. I have to say I am very impressed with the small 3 series brother. The engine was very peppy even with an automatic. It downright felt fast and handling was great. Kudos to BMW for making a small car that maintains the typical BMW characteristics (sporty, fun to drive and exceptional handling). The 128i even seems to have some sort of 4 season tires (i.e. not very performance oriented). You all have an awesome car.
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04-27-2009, 02:22 PM	#3
ptack Brigadier General 266 Rep 4,469 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [6.50]	Good thing they didn't give you a 135i or you might not give it back. Thanks for the thumbs up. __________________ 135i, SGM, Coral, Sport Package, Auto, Premium Hifi, USB/ipod, Apex EC-7s, PPK Stage II
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04-27-2009, 02:39 PM	#5
Robert Major General 414 Rep 6,968 Posts Drives: 135i -> is350 -> Tesla M3 perf Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Socal iTrader: (1)	thanks for the compliment.
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04-27-2009, 04:49 PM	#7
crumb Private 3 Rep 94 Posts Drives: honda Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: TX iTrader: (0)	would you trade? Knifegun, the question is, would you trade your m3 for a 1xx + cash? And why or why not?
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04-28-2009, 09:30 AM	#15
warmtoes Lieutenant Colonel 31 Rep 1,917 Posts Drives: EBII 435i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1)	knifegun, Thanks for the great feedback. I got the 1 vert at this time because the kids are small enough now to handle it but when my lease is over in 2 years I'll be looking at a M3 sedan just like you as I'm going to need more space. Love the M3. __________________ *2014 EBII 435i xDrive M-sport* Gone: 2011 TiAg F25 X3 xDrive35i M-sport Gone: 2008 TiAg w/Coral Red E88 135i Cab M-sport
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04-28-2009, 06:13 PM	#19
x97Melbourne Molar World 47 Rep 916 Posts Drives: 2016 435i Coupe Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Glad you liked our little "mini" car. The 1 is a great car. Interestly, that is the FIRST compliment to the 128i automatic I've seen on this site. __________________ Current: 2016 435i Coupe Previous: 2014 335i Sedan; 2013 328i Cv, 2011 335i Sedan Gone But Not Forgotten: 2008 135i Convertible (my favorite)
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