09 128i or 09 g37 coupe

[F1Flagger]

I owned a 2004 G35 Coupe
Drove it 109,000 before selling it last spring.
I now drive a 2011 128i
Big difference in the "feel" of the cars
I loved the G for its looks, and the "grunt".
Long term I was VERY disappointed in the quality of it. I had to decide last year if I wanted to put a lot of money into it (rear suspension was rusted, rear quarter panels showing rust at the lips) This was a car I took care of! Washed every week, waxed 4 time per yr. Even my shop was surprised by the rusted suspension. My 2001 Acura (235,000mi) has NO rust to speak of.
So I got the BMW
MUCH MUCH better feel of quality. Granted the 128 does not have the power. But it is quietly FAST.
I do not regret the purchase.

[NYC6]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

I was going off of this sentence:

An Infiniti G37 Sport can do both, and it's two-tenths faster to 60 mph (5.4 seconds), but costs $36,200. That's already $1,300 above the price of the much more potent 135i.

From this article: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#ixzz1nVQaAxiH

I know the 0-60 metric isn't everything, and your numbers are more representative of broader performance, but I admittedly didn't dig very much.

Quite frankly, though, neither the 128i or G37 is intended as an all-out performance car (by today's standards), and I think one needs to look at the entire package. Really, I think a test drive of both cars should nudge you towards one or the other. For my money, I just can't get that excited about Japanese cars. They seem sort of cold and soulless to me (and yes, I've owned a few).

But to each his own, of course.

[andrey_gta]

I haven not driven a G37, but my friend has one.
I found the interior in a beige/grey to be disappointing. The leather looked really poor. Also, the rear seats have little headroom compared to my 128i.
To me 128i has the same rear room that a MK4(2000-2006) golf does, especially with seats folded. I am not sure if seats fold in Infinity and how flat they fold.

Have you considered gas mileage? Count how much it will cost you per tank and how far you will drive. At the end of the day this may be a deciding factor above speed or HP or even looks. Insurance quote too.

Does the 128i have HID w/ angel eyes? This is my only regret as body kit can be changed but HID lights are expensive to retrofit. Make sure ou get sport package( suspension parts)

As far as power, for me 128i is enough and as much as I envy the 135i power I happy to be turbo less( bad experience previously). I personally think that the driving feel of the 128i with sport package may be superior to the G37. G37 is larger heavier and is after a different segment, more comfortable, but looks less like a sports car more like a GT. I prefer the smaller size.

[jsmonet]

the G's leather is actually nicer than the 1's. I just made the swap from 08 g sedan to '12 135.

the G coupe has very little storage room, but let's be perfectly honest here: you don't buy a coupe for the storage room.

only way to go about this is to simply drive them back to back

[fwmcb]

Originally Posted by NYC6

Did you see the C&D link in this thread? G37 is 1/2 second quicker tp 60, 2.5 seconds quicker to 100, 5 seconds faster to 120mph and is 6/10ths quicker in the 1/4 mile and 6mph faster. Those #s are very considerable.

Yes but in every day driving the G37 doesn't feel any faster, I tested it just don't like it honestly and the roofline is really low... Just wasn't a car that I liked... But I will admit that I am a bit biased.

[crbalch]

I would go with the G37 in this instance. If you were comparing a 135 to the G37 I would obviously give the go ahead to the 135 since I went through some of the same comparisons before deciding on my 135.

I personally (not to offend anyone) think that the 128 is nothing special. Albeit a BMW, it lacks the styling and performance for me to ever consider it. I have always been a fan of the G37 in terms of styling, and it has a good motor to boot.

I would clearly want you to get a BMW because after all, the build quality and the drive-ability is second to none. That being said, I would either look to upgrade to the 135 or go with the G37.

[Bimmer-Bob]

The 128i "lacks styling?" It's nearly identical to the 135i...

[NYC6]

Originally Posted by fwmcb

Yes but in every day driving the G37 doesn't feel any faster, I tested it just don't like it honestly and the roofline is really low... Just wasn't a car that I liked... But I will admit that I am a bit biased.

Understood. I was just looking at the performance numbers. For every day to day use the quality of the interior and smoothness power delivery of of the N/A BMW engine is a big factor. I havent had any seat time in the G so I really cant make an informed decision.

[mike the snake]

I was dead set on getting a G37S. After test driving one, I was not as blown away as I thought I would be, so I went looking at other cars. I especially didn't like the interior.

Requirements were manual, rear wheel drive, power, under 30K (both miles and price).

I drove the 135 and was sold. I love my 135, it's a beast, and with mods it's a real hotrod. The 128 I expect is similar, save for the power difference, the suspension is just as modifiable.

Having driven both the G37 and the BMW, if the choice were mine, it would be the BMW hands down.

[J0E]

I know you said you didn't want advice on a different car but what about a 2008 135i with a few more miles? I'm not sure if you are getting either car from a dealer or CPO but the 2008 1-series right now have a 0.9% interest rate to 4 years. If you take a $28k 135i coupe and compare it to a $25k G37 you get similar numbers in the long run:

135i: $28k @ 0.9% (48mo) = $594/mo with a total interest of $518 over the life of the loan. (total cost of vehicle = $28,518)
G37: $25k @ 3.5% (going rate at a credit union) = $559/mo with total interest of $1827.
(total cost of vehicle = $26,827)

Makes that $3k more car only $1691 more in the end. Of course all of this applies to the 128i as well making it quite a bit cheaper than the G37.

Of course this is making a lot of assumptions like you can (or want to) afford $600/mo payments over 48 mo and that you would be looking at a CPO BMW vs. a non-CPO Infiniti (CPO Infiniti is going for 2.9%). Just some numbers to keep in mind.

For 330 HP, I am a little disappointed in the Infiniti's performance to 60. Why is a car with 100 more hp only .4 seconds faster to 60 and .5 second slower than the 135 with 30 less hp?

[imstupidsorry101]

hmm so i kinda just let everyone pile in their advice and went through what most of you said and basically I'm a little more towards the 128i its going to be my first coupe and hnstly I'm not really gonna race it like ever haha (i drive a 07 chevy tahoe now btw) but yeah i just city drive and want something fast*, classy and a nice thing to showoff to friends and in my driveway (esp when i go to gurdwara lol=x) i figured ill look a little more for a 135i but really 26 was the most i can afford right now esp since dealers around here (boston) never haggle on foreign cars .

the body kit on the 135i looks so sexy esp with those wheels and calipers
the 128i looks nice classy simple kinda a good starter coupe i think still prefer the 135i obvio haha
as for the g37 its wicked nice i enjoyed it i just don't feel bad ass in an infiniti like i felt kinda like its cool like when i drive my tahoe (its loaded and has clean cut rims) i want something that will make me feel even happier driving i.e. the BMW seems like the choice.

[dorkdog]

I did not look at the other vehicle you're considering, but I recently purchased a 2009 128i in Montego Blue with the (FABULOUS) 6MT. I have the sport package heated seats and a few extras; I'm 53 and while 'angel eyes' are not my first priority, the power and handling are. I traded a Z3 for it and while the Z3 has its merits, it does not seem as tightly put together as this car (Z3 had 40K, 128 has 17K) and does not 'feel' as quick and nimble. I can only imagine how this thing will handle once I dump the RFT and do the clutch restrictor mod.

I paid around $24K for mine; traded in the Z3 AND a Clubman on it and watched the finance guy at the dealership try and find a bank that would allow a $100 car payment. It took awhile.

Whatever decision, hope you end up happy with it. The BMW just fits me.

[ba83]

Even though they are in the same price range , I would not compare the two

As a DD , I would go with 128i

[Lucky1]

Haven't driven the G37 but spent my share of time with an '06 and '08 G35. My only thoughts are they are more powerful for sure (0-60 only tells you half the story, mash the gas pedal while the car is in motion and you'll get more thrust and torque out of that engine than the 128i) but at the cost of a noisier, thrashier engine.

If you want a roomier car to carry more than two people frequently definitely the Infiniti. Getting medium to large sized adults into the rear seat of a 1 series is painful and embarassing.

But if you're looking for a small, fun daily driver and not a big family car I'd take the 128i hands down. Infiniti has come a long way but they're still behind BMW in steering feel, suspension feel, comfortable seats (man I hate the Infiniti seats) and shifter + clutch feel on the manual. I like Infiniti's but I enjoy my 128i more even if I wish it had the G's power. The 128i is just a more engaging car to drive overall. Don't forget too that the 128i is going to be much better in gas; G's have a well deserved reputation for being pigs at the pumps (again don't believe the EPA numbers here, the thing is a hog).

Again based on two G35's. Maybe the G37 narrows the gap a bit I don't know, the magazines seem to think so (at least Car and Driver does).


If you want the G's power and are not too concerned about reliability and potentially more expensive maintenance I'd get a 135i like some have suggested and call it a night.

[imstupidsorry101]

Originally Posted by Lucky1

Haven't driven the G37 but spent my share of time with an '06 and '08 G35. My only thoughts are they are more powerful for sure (0-60 only tells you half the story, mash the gas pedal while the car is in motion and you'll get more thrust and torque out of that engine than the 128i) but at the cost of a noisier, thrashier engine.

If you want a roomier car to carry more than two people frequently definitely the Infiniti. Getting medium to large sized adults into the rear seat of a 1 series is painful and embarassing.

But if you're looking for a small, fun daily driver and not a big family car I'd take the 128i hands down. Infiniti has come a long way but they're still behind BMW in steering feel, suspension feel, comfortable seats (man I hate the Infiniti seats) and shifter + clutch feel on the manual. I like Infiniti's but I enjoy my 128i more even if I wish it had the G's power. The 128i is just a more engaging car to drive overall. Don't forget too that the 128i is going to be much better in gas; G's have a well deserved reputation for being pigs at the pumps (again don't believe the EPA numbers here, the thing is a hog).

Again based on two G35's. Maybe the G37 narrows the gap a bit I don't know, the magazines seem to think so (at least Car and Driver does).


If you want the G's power and are not too concerned about reliability and potentially more expensive maintenance I'd get a 135i like some have suggested and call it a night.

I'm basically shooting for a 135i with luck ill get it but my fall back is a 128i i want to enter the relm of beamers already and just don't want a infiniti plus (this applies for the 135i) where the f are the fog lights smh they put them on the 128i not the 135i? that pisses me off lol i love fogs on my car , guess its just not needed as its a performance based car smh

[NYC6]

135's have functioning brake cooling ducting in those spots.

[imstupidsorry101]

Originally Posted by NYC6

135's have functioning brake cooling ducting in those spots.

perfect example of why i joined this forum haha i just thought that they were being lazy and not putting them on it

[Lucky1]

Originally Posted by imstupidsorry101

perfect example of why i joined this forum haha i just thought that they were being lazy and not putting them on it

Honestly I find that the fog lights don't add a lot of value (the xenons I have are just fine). I wouldn't consider having them as an advantage over the 135i, more like a consolation prize for being down 70 HP and 100 lbs/ft torque. Not nearly as beneficial as having a reliable fuel pump if we're comparing.

[newnmpr0ved]

personally, i have driven a 2010 or so G37 sedan 7AT and i must say that it's got some punch under the hood. The only complaint i have about the 7 speed automatic is the shift points. It doesn't go in gear as smooth as a 6AT does. I experienced alot of "jerking" when the car seems to have trouble figuring out which gear it want's to slip into (although i know this has to due with the way or amount of pressure you put on the throttle)

[imstupidsorry101]

Originally Posted by Lucky1

Honestly I find that the fog lights don't add a lot of value (the xenons I have are just fine). I wouldn't consider having them as an advantage over the 135i, more like a consolation prize for being down 70 HP and 100 lbs/ft torque. Not nearly as beneficial as having a reliable fuel pump if we're comparing.

yeah i mean fogs don't make the car but just always a nice add-on if there tasteful , but i follow u.


and eh sedans -_- I'm not going back to 4 doors for sometime after my next coupe....:thumsup :

[BimmerEnthusiast99]

128 all day over the G37, It is a great driver. I have the best of both worlds, with an N54 in one car and an N52 in another; but in no way is the 128 a little sad sack, underpowered imp as some would have you believe. So much better of an experience than a G37...good lord...the daily driver characteristics of each of those two are not even comparable.