128 vs 135 body differences

[ru with me drhoo]

OK, so on the 'build your own' feature on bmwusa, I see there is a difference in the front fascia/air dam area. I have not yet seen a 128 on the road or at my dealer, so I can't say I see a huge difference. Anyone have any pics that show the difference well? The bmw site states that the 135 has the M body kit; can anyone describe how the 128 w/sport suspension looks compared with the 135?

Currently leasing an '06 330i, but lease will end in April and am considering a 1. Given that the power of the 330 is adequate for my needs (with a manual tranny), I figure it's the same engine in the 128, correct? My speed racer days are over, and as others have put it, I'm happy near-redlining a 128 occasionally, as opposed to using the 135 engine at 2/5 most of the time. 'Course, I could maybe be persuaded if I took that 135 for a test drive...:biggrin:

By the way, EVERY 135 at my dealer is an automatic transmission. You would think that the 1 and maybe the 3 would attract a greater-than average demand for MT, but I guess not. I had to order my 330...wanted no leather, no premium pkg, wanted sport pkg, and no automatic. I must represent less than 1% of the US market...

[ulrichd]

I have a 128 on the way as well, for pretty much the same reason you stated, with sport suspension and xenons. I did buy some used 135 wheels off this board. Coming off a 03 Cooper S with sport package and auto a/c as the only options. Keep 'em lean I say.

Take a look at the photos/video forum for the differences. The 135 has a rear diffuser in the bumper, more aggressive front fascia and slightly different rocker panels.

[G5Ti]

135i has different side skirts, front air dam and rear diffuser. It also has chromed vertical slats in the front grilles. Most regular folks would have a difficult time spotting the difference between the two if you had the same wheels on both the 128 and 135. Of course, 1addicts faithfuls will scoff that the two cars look anything alike.

[PA135i]

<< Scoffing

The cars look very different side by side. The average Joe or Jane would not notice a difference. But performance minded people would. And there are more out there then you think. Many where I work notice the aggresive front fasia of my 135i.

My car was odered as a 6 speed and Terracotta leather. I did not mind the wait. My only test drive was in a 128i vert. wsport package. It did look good and handled well. Even the power was fine for most anyones needs.

Sounds like you dont want the 135i anyway so my advice would be to get a 128i wsport package. Many pictures on this site of 128's. You came to the right place. Good Luck.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by ru with me drhoo

Currently leasing an '06 330i, but lease will end in April and am considering a 1. Given that the power of the 330 is adequate for my needs (with a manual tranny), I figure it's the same engine in the 128, correct? My speed racer days are over, and as others have put it, I'm happy near-redlining a 128 occasionally, as opposed to using the 135 engine at 2/5 most of the time. 'Course, I could maybe be persuaded if I took that 135 for a test drive...:biggrin:

Actually the 128i is closer to the 3 liter 325, having 230 hp and 200 ft lbs of torque vs. the 330's 255 hp/220 ft. lbs. Having said that, if you aren't playing racer anymore, the 128i should suit you just fine - you'll really enjoy wringing maximum performance out the the SP equipped stickshift version.
Tom

[TagMan]

It's well-understood that the 128i's body lines are a little more passive than it's sibling... the 135i's body lines are indeed carved to be a little more aggressive. But they are certainly close and how much significance to apply to those differences is somewhat subjective.

The REAL astonishing objective difference between the cars is much more about what's lurking under the hood.

The power difference between the 128i and the 135i is beyond a casual glance. It is absolutely enormous.

Objectively contrasting the two, consider that the 135i's horsepower alone is a full 30% more than the 128i's! And, the 135i's torque is an astonishing 50% more than the 128i's!

On the surface, the 128i and 135i may resemble each other, but dig in to the deeper reality, and they are as different as night and day.

[WhiteOne]

The reason your dealer has so many auto's is because they didn't think 6MT's would sell. They were wrong and I believe they know it now. JMHO

[ulrichd]

Originally Posted by TagMan

It's well-understood that the 128i's body lines are a little more passive than it's sibling... the 135i's body lines are indeed carved to be a little more aggressive. But they are certainly close and how much significance to apply to those differences is somewhat subjective.

The REAL astonishing objective difference between the cars is much more about what's lurking under the hood.

The power difference between the 128i and the 135i is beyond a casual glance. It is absolutely enormous.

Objectively contrasting the two, consider that the 135i's horsepower alone is a full 30% more than the 128i's! And, the 135i's torque is an astonishing 50% more than the 128i's!

On the surface, the 128i and 135i may resemble each other, but dig in to the deeper reality, and they are as different as night and day.

No body would question that the 135 is the better performance car by far. I went from a 00 M-Coupe to a 03 Cooper S and around town, where I do most of my driving, I can play with the Mini without worrying about going to jail. For my needs the 128 fits the bill and it's 5-6K less. The key is to keep it lightly optioned.

[1Ronnie]

This is a very subjective issue, for me I chose the 1er for it's looks, luxury and fun, performance was never my top requiremnet. And for me I wanted options, Coral Leather, Premium Package, Premium Audio, I never considered Sport package and have not regretted it. I turn up the stereo, open the Windows and Sunroof, and start smiling.

I can only say, look at them both and make your own mind!!