Any 128i buyers regret not getting a 135i?

[jatbeni]

I bought a 128i - back in Aug. via European Delivery. I quite love it, but then again, I never test drove a 135 (matter of fact, the 128 purchase was without a test drive too).

Factors that swung it for me - I live in the City of Chicago so no real opportunity to speed. I wanted to experience ED - so it had to be new (my previous cars have been bought slightly used). I associate BMW with NA engines - and the time when BMW used to be the loudest in decrying the use of turbo to generate more power (times change, and how!!?). And I don't really track the car, so the power is plenty (though the torque is lacking - could really use the 528 power-plant).

But - minus ED, I would cross shop an used 135 with DCT - that way, it would be easier to drive for my better half. She is not comfortable with the manual on the 128, and the slush box was not an option for me...

[Southjersey128]

Drove in a 135i last night that had all the fun mods, exhaust, down pipes, JB3. The thing is a rocket, I love it. Got back in my 128i with drop in k&n, afe scoops and Power Box and still loved it. Going to love it more with the 18" M sport wheels I picked up.

[firebolt105]

honestly

i LOVE my 128i

but then when i see a 135i and what can be done with it i would definitely trade my 128i for a 135i hands down

so in a way yes i do regret it

[808@702]

I think that my 128 is in many ways superior to the 135. I drove my buds 135 and yes it is fast but you can not push it for long periods of time, heats up. My 128 is NA and will go go go forever. I have BMW performance mods so I would tell anyone that a bone stock 128 needs some improvements intake exhaust etc. Do not ever do non BMW mods unless you own the thing outright as any knowlegeable mechanic will know immediately. Look this is what its all about, how fast do you really want to go. i would recommend a sensible approach, 1 series are not M cars and having said this I have still done 1.x in mine. That is code for fast. Really fast.

[RoundelM3]

We love our 128i M-Sport with 6MT. One twin-turbo rocket in the family is plenty.

[mangledlftthumb]

I bought a 128i. It's great. Has everything I need except m-sport (just sport - m-sport wasn't an option up here in Canada).
However, every time I see a 135i, I wonder.
When I wonder, I run thru why I chose the 128i.
In the end, I come to the same conclusion - that I did the sensible thing.
But, I still can't help but wonder ....
Maybe I should've been less sensible.

0) I can afford both
1) In Canada, for the same options, the 135i is $7K more not incl taxes
2) I only plan to use it as a DD - no autox, tracking. So, I don't think I need the extra power
3) I've got two teenagers, 1 year and 2 years away from "daddy, can I borrow your car". I remember what I was like back then. I don't think they need to be driving a rocket.
4) Expectation that the total cost of ownership (e.g $insurance$, gas ...) will be more
5) Came off an 2001 Audi A4 2.0T. It only had 170hp. The 128i's got 35% more hp & the A4 was plenty fun. Did have that annoying turbo lag but, never any issues w/ the turbo (but, there were other problems )
6) 0-60 is ~6sec. Back in the day, had a '84 225hp Mustang GT w/ 0-60 in 6.5sec. I thought that car was fast. Lost my license to too many speeding tickets - oops. Point is, this car is plenty fast. I wish it had more torque `cause you don't really feel how quick it is. The 130i engine would've been perfect!!!
7) Worried about the HPFP, injectors, carbon buildup ... issues I've read about. Personally, know of friends w/ 335i's that've had problems.
8) Plan to keep the car for a long time

Again, I decided to go for the 128i. I'm really starting to enjoy it now (after the break-in period & winter on snows) & the desire to get a 135i has dropped off significantly. In fact, I went and test drove a used '09 recently - I left thinking that I've got all the performance I need - just wish I had those m-aero bumpers. So, if you're like me, get the 128i w/ 6MT, m-sport, and spend/save the rest. We went on a cruise of the Caribbean instead.

Hope that helps.

[Momomkz]

No regret, the 128i has enough power for a daily driver driving within the city.
Thumbs up for the 128i

[Dave]

a lil secret we are all VERY jealous of your mileage 8 (

i drove a 128 a couple of times and still was a blast! esp in MT

[jkp1187]

Originally Posted by comeback1

a lil secret we are all VERY jealous of your mileage 8 (

i drove a 128 a couple of times and still was a blast! esp in MT

No, it's really not a significant difference. We should all be jealous of the 123d's mileage. (Thanks, EPA!)

[ndawg]

I've had my 128i for more than a year. No regrets at all. There is nothing out there that is comparable for the price. The 135i has too many issues with the HPFP and the insurance would be higher. I would buy the 128i again.

[jmc777]

No regrets. Love my 128.

[atiened1]

Loving my 128i with manual, and its already fast enough for my DD

[misk]

Who can't help look at a 135 and wonder right? But the bottom line is price above all things. To the untrained eye, the 128i is still a very sexy car. Just slap some 19's on it and you are all set!

[amancuso]

Originally Posted by jmc777

No regrets. Love my 128.

Hi there fellow Sport Package 128i owner! We should make a 128i meet sometime.

[1Bimmer54]

I would choose 135I all the way.

[Murdered_One]

I purchased a 2008 128i last year, and ended up getting rid of it 9 months later due to my burning desire to own a 135i after driving my buddies several times. I had negative equity when I sold it, but got a really good deal on my 2011 135i. I will never look back, and have loved everyday that I have owned my 135i..

[CentralPA E82]

Makes a good point, if you are torn and can swing the 135 go for it. There will always be a faster car. Going to keep the 128 until a Porsche is in reach.

[tgxmike]

When fuel is $2.50/gal I want a 135i
When fuel is $4.00/gal I don't want a 135i

My 128i has been awesome and bullet proof (no HPFP failures....)

[bmwsam]

I have an '09 128i M-Sport 6MT and my dad has a '12 135i M-Sport 6MT on order that is supposed to arrive next week. We generally enjoy switching cars for a few weeks every couple of months. I'll have the best of both worlds

[BrokenVert]

I get 30-35 MPG outta my 135 vert between NYC and Syracuse

[Evice]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

I get 30-35 MPG outta my 135 vert between NYC and Syracuse

Can I say you are flat out lying?

[texasmojo]

I just wish i had the m-sport package. Love that bumper and halos.