So, Enthusiast Auto has a 128i in their Inventory

[128GP]

Specifically, a 2013 6sp M-Sport with Premium and a Sunroof. No Xenons. It has 15k miles and they are asking........$30K.

I dont want to get into a pissing match with N54/N55 owners about which car is better, but seeing as their must be a MILLION 135i's with 6 speeds available for them to retail, and Enthusiast Auto is known for picking Enthusiast oriented vehicles, you have to believe they have made a statement about which car they think will be preferable in the future no? What do you guys think??

[3002 tii]

A 128i in 6mt is indeed a great car but 30k seems too high despite low mileage

[Kgolf31]

I got my '12 128i, Optioned M Sport Package, Halogens, Manual Seats, No Sunroof, 6spd (and I think it is truly the lightest optioned 128 available) with 4,200 miles on it for WAYYYYY less than $30k

[128GP]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

A 128i in 6mt is indeed a great car but 30k seems too high despite low mileage

EAG cars typically command a premium becuase of their rediculous refurbishing/reconditioning process. That being said, this is a 3 year old car at worst, still under factory warranty, they shouldnt be allowed to command their premium and i do think its overpriced. However, that wasnt really the point of my post, it was how they chose a 128 MSport as opposed to the abundance of 135's available.

[Solo_M_Tech]

Their selection of model, doesn't dictate which car (128i vs 135i) is better. I've owned both and each car has its pros and cons. I will say I feel the 135i is a better performance car than the 128i, but that's relative, and my opinion.

[631twentyeighteye]

That's not even an ideal optioned 128. You want as bare bones as you can get for weight. IE no sunroof, manual seats.

and having halogens, no thanks I'll take the factory xenons.

Also the 128i is the last NA BMW coupe to be made for the rest of time. I think it will be remembered although not necessarily very sought after short of enthusiasts and collectors.

And yeah that's price is ridiculous. I payed a little more than half that for my 2010 with 25k miles in 2012. Has heated/elec seats(non sport), sunroof and USB/aux jack.

[mrvco]

I'm confused, if they're selling a used 128 does that mean they will never sell a used 135 if they have the chance to acquire one that meets their standards?

And based on my recent search for a comparable 128, that price is $5-6k high depending upon your location and patience.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by mrvco

I'm confused, if they're selling a used 128 does that mean they will never sell a used 135 if they have the chance to acquire one that meets their standards?

And based on my recent search for a comparable 128, that price is $5-6k high depending upon your location and patience.

Not sure where you got the impression it had to be one or other other. OP was simply stating (whether you believe him or not) is that if it's good enough for this company to acquire and sell, one could assume the 128i in 6MT is a collectors car since this company is known for selling what they perceive as modern classics.

[128GP]

Originally Posted by mrvco

I'm confused, if they're selling a used 128 does that mean they will never sell a used 135 if they have the chance to acquire one that meets their standards?

And based on my recent search for a comparable 128, that price is $5-6k high depending upon your location and patience.

Thats what I am essentially asking. To my knowledge, EAG has never had a 135i in inventory. Being that there are wayyyyy more 135's with a 6sp vs 128's with a manual, if EAG was trying to retail 135's i ASSUME they would have already. Thats the jist of my thread, that they chose a 128 with M/Sport trim.

Now, maybe this car was a steal that they bought low and is a no brainer for them, but maybe not. EAG knows what sells and what doesnt, there is a reason they stock up on the models they do. Perhaps they feel the 128 is the car that enthusiasts will want moving forward.

[128GP]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

Not sure where you got the impression it had to be one or other other. OP was simply stating (whether you believe him or not) is that if it's good enough for this company to acquire and sell, one could assume the 128i in 6MT is a collectors car since this company is known for selling what they perceive as modern classics.

bingo.

I'm not saying the 128 is a 1M type collector car. But more in the spirit that why can't the 128 can be what the non M e30's are today?

[128GP]

Originally Posted by HooningB2G

Their selection of model, doesn't dictate which car (128i vs 135i) is better. I've owned both and each car has its pros and cons. I will say I feel the 135i is a better performance car than the 128i, but that's relative, and my opinion.

Better is subjective right? I like vanilla, you like chocolate. I am not talking performance based, yes i know the 135 is a better performer is almost every statistic. BUT, a company, who makes their living buying and selling cars they perceive to be modern classics IS retailing a 128 vs a 135? What does that mean for the "desirability" of the 128? My thinking is that if EAG is on-board, than that says a lot about future "desirability".

[LuisBoston]

This thread makes me slightly happy

[Solo_M_Tech]

Originally Posted by 128GP

Better is subjective right? I like vanilla, you like chocolate. I am not talking performance based, yes i know the 135 is a better performer is almost every statistic. BUT, a company, who makes their living buying and selling cars they perceive to be modern classics IS retailing a 128 vs a 135? What does that mean for the "desirability" of the 128? My thinking is that if EAG is on-board, than that says a lot about future "desirability".

I don't think it will be as collectable as an E30 3 series. However, it was the last n/a 6 cylinder bmw ever, and in its own right, makes it cool. However they made WAY to many for it to be collectable, and it's not special enough to make it a future classic. I'm not convinced there selection of a 128i vs 135i as definitive proof of the 128i's future status. Could just be coincidence.

[IEDEI]

the 128i is a fantastic car....it's the first 1er I ever drove and it turned me on to the E82. Will they ever get $30k for a 128i? probably not but I'd be happy if the 1er gets the attention it deserves....in 128 or 135 form.

[Mach1er]

I've got 15k on my 128i 6MT and I'd have to say, despite all logic, that it's still worth 30k because it's a unique package.

[mrvco]

Originally Posted by 128GP

Thats what I am essentially asking. To my knowledge, EAG has never had a 135i in inventory. Being that there are wayyyyy more 135's with a 6sp vs 128's with a manual, if EAG was trying to retail 135's i ASSUME they would have already. Thats the jist of my thread, that they chose a 128 with M/Sport trim.

Now, maybe this car was a steal that they bought low and is a no brainer for them, but maybe not. EAG knows what sells and what doesnt, there is a reason they stock up on the models they do. Perhaps they feel the 128 is the car that enthusiasts will want moving forward.

Got it. Just the number of used 135's out there is probably a big disincentive for them right now as well as the fact that there is a more or less direct functional successor to the 135 in the 235.

Considering that the 328 and 528 nameplates live on in their now emasculated 4cyl form (turbo notwithstanding), the 128i will be remembered unequivocally as the final model of the NA I6 era.

[631twentyeighteye]

Originally Posted by HooningB2G

I don't think it will be as collectable as an E30 3 series. However, it was the last n/a 6 cylinder bmw ever, and in its own right, makes it cool. However they made WAY to many for it to be collectable, and it's not special enough to make it a future classic. I'm not convinced there selection of a 128i vs 135i as definitive proof of the 128i's future status. Could just be coincidence.

They made WAY too many autos. That's why the manuals are rare, sought after and collectible(eventually?).

Otherwise I agree with you. I think it will be a cult classic. No less, no more. And I'm okay with that since I love my car every time I drive it. It helps me from feeling bad about piling on miles and thrashing it.

No hate to the 135i crowd what so ever, I entirely understand why so many choose it.

[Overpar56]

http://enthusiastauto.com/qsearch/?i...1#.VKdRc4E8KK0

This one? I live 6 or 7 miles from them.

Price seems high.

[6MT_Addict]

I think any E82 M sport 6MT fits the enthusiast bill. I came from an N52 E90 so I know what a great engine it is, and I love my N54, but the power is just the cherry on top for me. I love how connected you feel with this chassis and transmission.

As for 'a million 135i 6MTs' there are not sadly, at least not in Canada, and many not worth buying. I spent a year looking before I purchased. But these cars are just awesome regardless of power plant.

[blinded]

Originally Posted by 128GP

...you have to believe they have made a statement about which car they think will be preferable in the future no? What do you guys think??

I don't think the listing means anything other than that they think they can make money on that 128i.

[blinded]

Originally Posted by 128GP

To my knowledge, EAG has never had a 135i in inventory.

They have a 135i buyer in their testimonial area.

[128GP]

Originally Posted by blinded

I don't think the listing means anything other than that they think they can make money on that 128i.

You would think so, that being said, I visit Bringatrailer.com daily. They recently instituted auctions, and EAG has been very transparant and bids on cars with the EAG name and they join the comments regularly. A very nice E34 M was up a few weeks ago and a few commenters wondered if EAG would join the bidding, they responded that they wouldnt, as they find their buyer base doesnt have a demand for the E34 like other models.

I just thought this inventory addition was interesting and worth posting about to promote some discussion.