Advice on a 128/135 purchase

[gangrun]

Hi guys. New to the forum. Had my eye on a 128/135 w/a manual for a while now. These things check all of the boxes: lightish, rwd, 6-spd manual, inline 6. I've had my gti for over 12 years and 192,000 miles and I think now is the time to finally retire her. I've had my eye on a few higher mileage 135's that have recently had their turbos replaced. They're right around the 100,000 mark, which gives me great pause, but the replaced turbos are putting my mind slightly at ease. Also, I've been doing my due diligence and am aware of the other common issues with these cars such as the gaskets and water pump. I need this thing to be semi-reliable since I'm starting med school in the Fall. What do you guys think? Any advice? Maybe stick with a 128 for reliability sake? Thanks!

[Esteban]

If it's within your budget, I'd try to find a newer car with less miles on it.

[markslc1]

Originally Posted by gangrun

Hi guys. New to the forum. Had my eye on a 128/135 w/a manual for a while now. These things check all of the boxes: lightish, rwd, 6-spd manual, inline 6. I've had my gti for over 12 years and 192,000 miles and I think now is the time to finally retire her. I've had my eye on a few higher mileage 135's that have recently had their turbos replaced. They're right around the 100,000 mark, which gives me great pause, but the replaced turbos are putting my mind slightly at ease. Also, I've been doing my due diligence and am aware of the other common issues with these cars such as the gaskets and water pump. I need this thing to be semi-reliable since I'm starting med school in the Fall. What do you guys think? Any advice? Maybe stick with a 128 for reliability sake? Thanks!

I went with the 128i for the same reliability reasons (no turbos to fail), and because I wanted less stress on the car from doing occasional track work. Lots of debate over the 128/135 dilemma. The 128 will still need the water pump replaced as well as other gaskets between 50-100k, just like the 135.

135's are much easier to find. And the 128i with a 6speed and the (required) sport package is a bit of a unicorn. Took me 4 months to find one and have it shipped to me cross country. But worth it. Add a stage 3 manifold+tune, and you got a real fun machine with some serious torque. good luck...

[gangrun]

Thanks, guys. Fewer miles is definitely preferable. There are definitely more 135s out there, but every time I'm checking one out, I have those turbos blowing or a wastegate rattle in the back of my head.

Just happened upon an 09' black on black 128 manual with the sport package with 89,000 miles. Little high on the mileage, but at 11 grand I can spend a little money getting it in shape and how I want it. Waiting on the guy for actual pictures. We'll see...

[champignon]

Originally Posted by gangrun

I need this thing to be semi-reliable since I'm starting med school in the Fall.

Doctor, heal thyself!

[gangrun]

Originally Posted by champignon

Doctor, heal thyself!

Haha. Don't get me wrong, I love wrenching on my car. I'd just prefer to do it on my terms, not on the side of the road 10 mins before class.

[Mr Gasser]

Find out if the HPFP was every replaced.

[jwinstonc]

I've been looking for a 128 with 6MT and sport/M sport for a month or so. Mainly going 128 because of the NA inline 6 and hopefully reliability. There are not many out there. Found one with lower miles a few states away and it sold within a couple of days. The airbag stop sale from BMW isn't making things any easier. The 135 will definitely be easier to find. Good luck!

[gangrun]

Thanks for the responses, guys. I think I'm going to stick to searching for the perfect 128. Going to take my time and see what pops up.

[135ifanatik]

Hey there,

I was in the same dilemma as you 128 or 135. After test driving both, honestly, pick the 135i 100% of the time.

The difference is night and day. You won't regret it.

(Current owner 2012 BMW 135i)

[Gangplank]

Owe them through the same debate when I was looking. I narrowed it down to a 128 or 135 w/ the n55 which is more reliable than the n54.

I was looking for a 128 MT, but the Wife wanted to be able to drive it also. I test drive a 2011 135i w/ the DCT... Bought it. Fantastic car.

If you can find the MT and want to do the manifold upgrade it'll be a great drivers car. If you want a reliable & fun daily driver that is really fast & fun the '11+ w/ DCT is hard to beat.

[VRG_135]

Originally Posted by 135ifanatik

Hey there,

I was in the same dilemma as you 128 or 135. After test driving both, honestly, pick the 135i 100% of the time.

The difference is night and day. You won't regret it.

(Current owner 2012 BMW 135i)

I think the best people own a 2012 135........

[gangrun]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Owe them through the same debate when I was looking. I narrowed it down to a 128 or 135 w/ the n55 which is more reliable than the n54.

I was looking for a 128 MT, but the Wife wanted to be able to drive it also. I test drive a 2011 135i w/ the DCT... Bought it. Fantastic car.

If you can find the MT and want to do the manifold upgrade it'll be a great drivers car. If you want a reliable & fun daily driver that is really fast & fun the '11+ w/ DCT is hard to beat.

Oh, I'd love the extra oomph of the 135, but the 2011's and up are out of my price range and even those are pretty much out of their warranties. I don't think I'd want to own a DCT without the warranty. Talk about a check my butt couldn't cash.

[snub-nose 28]

128 MT are out there, had mine 3 wks. Could'nt be happier, no worries about T's, HPFP, 18" tire replacements, cooked gaskets (they last longer on a Land Rover!), and walnut blasting for the DI. 128i, Cheap and Cheerful.

I forecast you on your commute can't hold the pedal to the floor any more milliseconds than my NA 6 can deliver on-the-street-real-world-performance.

Track it? clearly 135i, You'll need a sponsor, maybe the med school will underwrite it...there you go, 135i

[gangrun]

Originally Posted by snub-nose 28

128 MT are out there, had mine 3 wks. Could'nt be happier, no worries about T's, HPFP, 18" tire replacements, cooked gaskets (they last longer on a Land Rover!), and walnut blasting for the DI. 128i, Cheap and Cheerful.

I forecast you on your commute can't hold the pedal to the floor any more milliseconds than my NA 6 can deliver on-the-street-real-world-performance.

Track it? clearly 135i, You'll need a sponsor, maybe the med school will underwrite it...there you go, 135i

This is exactly what I want to hear and am hoping for. Fun and yet not a killer on the wallet (besides the expected maintenance).

Haha. I'll spin it as research. "The effect of g-forces on homeostasis as pertaining to perspiration", or something to the effect...

[Esteban]

Both great cars.

[KNS]

A year ago I found a CPO 128i manual coupe. Sports seats but no sport package, just base trim. That was okay by me because I ended up swapping in the BMW Performance Suspension - very nice.

I wanted the 128 over the 135 for long term reliability and an uncluttered engine bay (I do all my own maintenance). I have to say I just did a coolant drain and refill for the first time on this car and it was piece of cake! Much quicker and cleaner than other cars and older BMWs.

[squidge]

A lot of the same reason I went with a 128. Given your life stage, and excluding other options, a 128 clearly makes more sense than a 135. Don't let the 135 lovers send you down that path. They're great cars too but inherently more complex and expensive. Not to mention the 128 is the end of a hydraulically steered, normally aspirated era.

[Gangplank]

Honestly, if I didn't have to "share" the car once in a while w/ the wife who doesn't drive MT I would have got the 128 MT & done the manifold swap & ecu flash.

[Seaice]

The mature (55 year old) side of me will tell you to go with the 128, but once you drive a 135, I don't know how you can do anything but choose the 135. Contrary to Sub-Nose 28's assertion: "I forecast you on your commute can't hold the pedal to the floor any more milliseconds than my NA 6 can deliver on-the-street-real-world-performance.", I find occasion (probably too) many times a day to "hit the boost" responsibly, in short bursts. That's the thing about the 135... so much torque so down low. I've had faster cars, but perhaps none so fun and so controllable.

[Hops128i]

Interestingly, from what i've gathered, the 128i is the more trackable one, see this post http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showp...0&postcount=32

From a DIY perspective, the 128i is easier too (less stuff to remove to get to things, fewer tools), and there's just less to do. Simple examples: plugs on a N55/N54 require more frequent changes, and a special spark plug socket.. the OFHG requires intake removal, there's an extra step to get to the coolant drain... etc... etc

[snub-nose 28]

Peace of mind, priceless. Just as my F150 allows me to sleep, my 128i allows great sleep. No worry, enroute or anytime. (Still at 48k so it sadly is a garage queen) Lifetime keeper, regardless of the spec, 135 or other.

135: Is the chassis over-extended when boost is fully angered and upon real-world roads?

Scanning the build posts, seems it needs lotsa mods apparently to be planted.

The 128i - remains cheap and cheerful. Steering mods I never hear about. Tactile feel
nearly better than my old Speedster, it's that good.

Why are track guys building then thrashin' 128's? Seriously, few campaigning a 135i ...just sayin...

There's more-than-enough and there's too much. Personal choice. Which statement and to whom do you make?

I'm a driver, therefore I am. Minimalism rules: NA, Hyd stg, no nav, mt, arm-rest cubby sooooo gone! (dream about SR delete); back seat? Not.