Analysis of 135i vs. 128i Front & More

[gocal73]

My wife and I got to see a great selection of 1 series cars at Sonnen BMW in San Rafael on Sunday. We spent about 90 minutes with our internet SA. Luck would have it that they had a Titanium Silver 135i and 128i. After driving both, the SA parked them side-by-side to illustrate the styling differences. When viewing the front of the cars, he asked my wife and how they looked. Not missing a beat, my wife told him, "the 135 has that look when someone sees you coming up on them from behind, it says, move over or I'll bite you in the ass! The 128 looks more like Soccer Mom's car.'" We cracked up because with that big mouth on the 135, that's exactly what it looks like. All it needs are some teeth. BTW, I did call her on that Soccer Mom comment. Pointing to the X5 next to the 128, I said that's the Soccer Mom car. She and the SA readily agreed.

BTW, got to see the 135i coupe in silver/black, crimson red/black, metallic black/black. Got to see the 128i coupe in silver/black and black/black. Got to see the 128i convertible in black/lemon, cahmere/terra, cashmere/black, white/taupe. The Crimson Red is amazing, although I love the Ti Silver. The Lemon interior is wonderful, but it looks like a chore to maintain. The Terra was nice.

Unfortunately, all the 128's were Steps. Good news is the 135's were 6MT's. We drove the silver 135 and it was everything everyone has said it would be. Amazing car! I drove the silver 128i w/ Step. Tried sport mode, paddles, whatever! It's just boring to drive this car with an automatic. The car is meant to be a sports car (that backseat is an afterthought). It needs the manual to bring out it's true character. The wife refused to drive the Step. She told the SA politely but firmly, "I don't drive automatics." Much to my surprise the SA responded, "I don't blame you." The wife simply loved the 135i. Knew she would. The girl is a Driver! So, my focus is now on the 135i, although she said I could get the 128i if I want to. Of course, she added that I'll kick myself if I pass on the 135i. Wonder what the insurance will look like? I better do some research.:roundel:

[mtla4]

To be honest well here in Canada the stock 135i looks really good with the 261 wheels. The 128i is a tad plain. There is more difference between the 135 and 128 than 335 vs 328. Bumper wheels,brakes etc

[Bizall]

Cool story/wife. Good luck with your purchase.

[spudw]

Can your wife hang out with mine for a while?

For me the wheels make the biggest difference for the overall look. The Canadian 128i sport pack has 18" wheels and they make the 128i look almost on par with the 135i for sporty looks. I really like the rear diffuser on the 135i and I'd miss that a bit on a 128i.

Don't share the opinion on the front bumper. While there is a difference, I don't find it to be visually striking.

Thanks for the write up...