BMW 128i vs 328i

[Nicky G]

It's surprising that your folks would be OK with you illegally driving their car -- it's hard not to ask "what's up with that?" But at the end of the day this is a car forum, not a parenting forum/driving responsibility forum...

[DVDA]

Originally Posted by OneThirtyFiveEye

My first car was a 06 Civic 5mt and it was a blast to drive.

My first car was a 1985 Firebird, that thing was a death trap,

[bbadillo]

My first car was a 92 torqouise escort~~~!!!@!
I also think as long as i live in a busy downtown city area like now, i will never by a manual unless i can afford a daily driver, and a sports car . right now my sports coupe is my daily driver, go auto!

[1ntensity]

Originally Posted by OneThirtyFiveEye

First of all I think you should get it with the 6MT. When I got my first car about 4 years ago I was debating between getting a manual or auto and I am very happy I chose to get a manual. I must admit tho that the first week or so I was frustrated by my lack of stability off the line. After a couple of weeks it became much more natural and I'd say that after a month I felt like a pro.

On the other hand, if I was in your shoes I wouldn't get a BMW as a first car. Regardless of what you say you can't be great driver and you will get into accidents or fender benders and it'll cost you and it'll also most probably increase your insurance costs down the line.

My first car was a 06 Civic 5mt and it was a blast to drive. Plenty of power for a beginner and it really teaches you how to drive a car to its true potential. At that age there is much more you could be doing with you or your parents money. Also, to be truly honest your really don't seem like your that responsible to be able to handle the 230HP RWD car that the bmw is. You don't even have your license and your out driving by yourself with your moms approval?

I got a 06 Civic coupe 5MT as frist car too. Perfect for a first car. Great manual transmission...I really love driving since I got it! I'll probably upgrade to a 128i or 135i soon! OneThirtyFiveEye quand est-ce que tu me vends ta 135i?

I'll probably go for a Civic Coupe, Mazda 3 or Golf 2010 as frist car and upgrade after.

[OneThirtyFiveEye]

Lol je ne lai pas encore achetée, ce sera surement ce
printemps! Are u a member of 8thcivic?

[bmw1racer]

Looking to replace my 17-year old E36 318is...

The $5000 price differential between the 128i and the 328i is hard to swallow.

I've gotta think that the 128i is a bit more nimble and quick than the 328i because of its lower weight and shorter wheelbase...

[ken1137]

Originally Posted by BMW328_

Well kind of... I have 10k saved. I already have spot for a job when I get the car. about 250$ on weekends.And I also sell stuff on ebay for friends and get 100$ average per month . My dad doesn't live with me, so my mom talked to him to split it with her. I was hoping to get a used 128i... but I can't find any. Any idea when there will be more available? UNDER 30k

Try searching @ autotrader.com, cars.com, and eBay.com. You should find a few in your $ range and location. BTW...at your age I would choose the 128i over the 328i any day. Its the FUN factor...dont get me wrong the 328i coupe is a tremendous car but it is not a 128i. I used to own a 328 and test drove both the 128i and 135i before choosing the 135i.

[x97Melbourne]

Originally Posted by BMW328_

I'm trying to decide whether to buy the 328i or the 128i . I'm leaning towards the 1. But I can't seem to find any in my area, used. There are a few for 38k+. Aren't they 29k base? I went on BMWusa.com and built one... added auto, and power seats.. came out to 32k. Can I go to a dealership and order for the same price? When will there be more 128i used available? thanks

Yeah....if you're going the automatic route I would not even consider the 328i. I Always get a 328iA as a loaner....and quite honestly.....it's a dog. I hate driving it.
I guess I'd invite you to get a manual 128i because it's a more fun car for a 16 year old....but its your car. But if you're STUCK on the automatic, I'd def go 128i, it's a lighter car.

[BrokenVert]

I love it when people bump year and a half old threads and act like the posts are brand new

[x97Melbourne]

Originally Posted by smpeck

having owned an '07 328i coupe and an '08 135i - i recommend the 328i. wish i still had it.

This must be "opposite day." Or, maybe there is a full moon! lol

[ken1137]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

I love it when people bump year and a half old threads and act like the posts are brand new

That's hilarious! Didnt even pick up on that one...

[Kent_M235]

just get a 330i

[bmrdude3]

First off I wanna say that being in these forum I am slightly biased towards the 1 but I will try my best to be fair. I purchased a pre-owned 128i 6MT with 6k miles on it at a great price so I'm sure you will find one if you choose to go with the 1. Also I only drove stick once or twice before I bought my car and learned how the car really works within a week. I have driven it from philly to miami twice and it has been in the shop for a month. My loaner was a 2011 328i automatic so heres my comparison:

The 128i has amazing turning radius and noticeably tighter then the 328i given the shorter chassis. The feel is much lower to the ground then the 328i and much sportier in my opinion. However the comfort of the car is not compromised and long road trips are still very enjoyable. I made my trips in one shot only stopping for gas from philly to miami. If you love to drive a lot then the 128i may be up your ally. The best way I can describe the car is that it works telepathically, you have complete control over the car and you can make it do whatever you need it to do. All the "joy" adds make sense when you drive it because it really is a fun ride.

As for the 328i auto, after a month of driving and 1,300 miles later I feel that its a great overall car. It has speed when you need it, mostly in sport mode or tiptronic, but definitely not as peppy or "energetic" as the 128i may seem. The ride is a bit smoother and higher. The first thing I noticed when I left my car and jumped in the 328i was the added space. I'm only 5'10 so I am completely at ease in my 1 but appreciated the added shoulder room. If you're lugging your buddies around like Turtle then the 3 would be better but no one buys a car for someone else's pleasure now do they? The 128i is a little more intimate so to speak in the cabin and the connection to the feel of the road is the same. the one series is like a 20 yr old super model, fun to go fast in and enjoyable every time where as the 3 series is that same model 10 years later, just a little bigger and a little heavier.

If I were you I would search for the best deal because you can't go wrong with either car. Best of luck!

[Greenkirby21]

Originally Posted by bmrdude3

First off I wanna say that being in these forum I am slightly biased towards the 1 but I will try my best to be fair. I purchased a pre-owned 128i 6MT with 6k miles on it at a great price so I'm sure you will find one if you choose to go with the 1. Also I only drove stick once or twice before I bought my car and learned how the car really works within a week. I have driven it from philly to miami twice and it has been in the shop for a month. My loaner was a 2011 328i automatic so heres my comparison:

The 128i has amazing turning radius and noticeably tighter then the 328i given the shorter chassis. The feel is much lower to the ground then the 328i and much sportier in my opinion. However the comfort of the car is not compromised and long road trips are still very enjoyable. I made my trips in one shot only stopping for gas from philly to miami. If you love to drive a lot then the 128i may be up your ally. The best way I can describe the car is that it works telepathically, you have complete control over the car and you can make it do whatever you need it to do. All the "joy" adds make sense when you drive it because it really is a fun ride.

As for the 328i auto, after a month of driving and 1,300 miles later I feel that its a great overall car. It has speed when you need it, mostly in sport mode or tiptronic, but definitely not as peppy or "energetic" as the 128i may seem. The ride is a bit smoother and higher. The first thing I noticed when I left my car and jumped in the 328i was the added space. I'm only 5'10 so I am completely at ease in my 1 but appreciated the added shoulder room. If you're lugging your buddies around like Turtle then the 3 would be better but no one buys a car for someone else's pleasure now do they? The 128i is a little more intimate so to speak in the cabin and the connection to the feel of the road is the same. the one series is like a 20 yr old super model, fun to go fast in and enjoyable every time where as the 3 series is that same model 10 years later, just a little bigger and a little heavier.

If I were you I would search for the best deal because you can't go wrong with either car. Best of luck!

qq this thread was so long ago buddy.

[dcho]

get a 6MT. it will make you a better driver . it will be harder or almost impossible to drive/text/call too. but at the same time it definitely forces you to be more engaged. i drove stick a few times on my friend's saturn but really learned on my 1 and wow, honestly, it was stressful since I had just moved on my own and had to work. I imagine flordia is pretty flat though, with plenty of room, quiet streets, and huge parking lots for you to learn and improve on. also, the reason you were told to break with two feet is probably for emergency purposes - if you had to slam the breaks you wouldn't stall if you came to a complete since you'd already be on the clutch.

good luck!

[F1Flagger]

Originally Posted by BMW328_

Well kind of... I have 10k saved. I already have spot for a job when I get the car. about 250$ on weekends.And I also sell stuff on ebay for friends and get 100$ average per month . My dad doesn't live with me, so my mom talked to him to split it with her. I was hoping to get a used 128i... but I can't find any. Any idea when there will be more available? UNDER 30k

Link below is for the "Cars.com" site.
Quick search on used 128i"s plenty of them near you;

http://www.cars.com/for-sale/searchr...RM&enableSeo=1

[doublevanosrc]

Originally Posted by nordique14

how about saving for college so you do not graduate with a pile of loans to pay back? You really do not want to get into $20k of debt at the age of 16.

$20k is a drop in the bucket compared to the average college loan payback. College tuition these days is outrageous! These institutions aren't running schools they're running businesses. Have some fun and get a car to create some memories to look back upon when you let yourself go. Haha.

[50shadesofhockenheim]

Originally Posted by Spacelyyy

just get a 330i

fuck off, kent

[Ash83]

Originally Posted by Lucky1

Blowing your hard earned money on an expensive car is a dumb idea for anyone period. There I said it.

if your budegt is tight you should do not look at BMWs.. if you feel comfortable with spending $600/mo then enjoy your money otherwise it is dump to pay more than what you can afford..

[x97Melbourne]

Originally Posted by BMW328_

Isn't the automatic faster?

Is this a joke? I think BMW328 is having some fun with some members here. I am actually surprised by the number of quality responses that this thread has received. Come on....BMW328....you got us. But it's enough!

[jermzkill]

so what happened to this kid..it's 2 years from when this thread started. did he waste his money on a car? is he still alive?

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by jermzkill

so what happened to this kid..it's 2 years from when this thread started. did he waste his money on a car? is he still alive?

Looks like he bought a bare bones E90 and is now trying to sell it:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=10385420

Tom