BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

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      08-21-2012, 02:34 PM   #1
elbles
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Coming from a GTI...

Hi all,

The lease on my 2010 GTI is up in a few months, and while it's been a great car (with none of the VW gremlins, knock on wood), I really, really miss RWD after an AWD car followed by the FWD GTI. At the same time, the GTI has really spoiled me with its refinement and fantastic interior (which is really important with my current commute, at 80 mies a day).

I had high hopes for the FR-S/BRZ twins, and a test drive revealed the BRZ to be an absolute blast, but the interior is utter garbage. I had an Impreza 2.5i before the GTI, and if I had been coming from that, it'd have been OK, but not so much coming from a GTI.

I had seriously considered a Oner before the GTI, but couldn't stomach the extra cost at the time. Now, I'm thinking it'll be worth it, especially considering it'll be my last chance to get a normally aspirated inline 6 (I'm considering the 128i, mostly).

Any one else here come out of a GTI lately? I've found a few threads from the past, but nothing terribly recent. Most folks also seemed to gravitate toward the 135 (shocking), but the GTI has gotten me into enough trouble... I can't see a car with an extra 100 HP doing me any favors there. Plus, I plan on buying this time around, instead of leasing, and I just don't feel like dealing with the potential HPFP/turbo/wastegate/valve buildup issues in the long-term.

For what it's worth, I'm thinking specifically of a 128i/6 speed manual/M sports package (along with leather/HK/heated seats/HIDs, including the damn premium package for 2013 ).

Thoughts welcome.
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      08-21-2012, 02:43 PM   #2
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Ha, interesting problem. You suspect a 135i will get you more trouble, but you get trouble because you appreciate performance. A 128i will definitely meet your needs, but only if you do not test drive a 135i. If you do that you're doomed for trouble, lots of trouble.
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      08-21-2012, 03:09 PM   #3
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2011 BMW 135i  [7.06]
Yes, do not test drive a 135i in your case. You will never go back.
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      08-21-2012, 03:37 PM   #4
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Yeah, agree with the others. If you don't want to be seduced by the 135i, stay out of it. Your 128i choice with options sounds nice. The M-Sport package and Harmon Kardon are especially critical, and the 6MT will help you get max driving pleasure out of 200 horses. There's something appealing about the simplicity of a normally aspirated in line six.
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      08-21-2012, 03:47 PM   #5
elbles
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ptack View Post
Ha, interesting problem. You suspect a 135i will get you more trouble, but you get trouble because you appreciate performance. A 128i will definitely meet your needs, but only if you do not test drive a 135i. If you do that you're doomed for trouble, lots of trouble.
Haha, well, when you put it that way...

To be more accurate, I love a good-handling car. With it usually comes a fair amount of power, and it's the power that tends to get me in trouble. I have no problem with how much power the GTI has (it's completely stock)--it's all in the handling, and even at that, it's really just the balance of the car (it's good--for FWD, which isn't even close to a 50/50 RWD car like the Oner).

As for the 135, I've driven a few, as I have the 128. Yeah, there's no question, the 135 is stupid fast. Way faster than the 128. I haven't driven them back to back, but I didn't get out of the 128 wanting more for power. And I didn't get out of the 135 dying to have it (it's deceptive really, because as quick as it is, I didn't personally notice just how quick until I looked at the speedometer).

I'd almost definitely buy the 128. The 135, I'd have a hard time buying mostly out of fear of what might come up 4+ years down the road (and even dealing with the hassle of getting the car to my closest dealer, 45 minutes away, if something happens in warranty).

Thanks to all for the comments. Keep 'em coming.
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      08-21-2012, 03:56 PM   #6
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I came from GTI to a 128i (with a slight detour to a 328xi) and can easily say, in term of pure driving joy and fun, 128i is the GTI's rear wheel drive brother. You will not miss your GTI and will have even more added fun with RWD.

I had a Mk5 GTI which didn't have the greatest interior, but I find the 1's interior to be the same if not slighly better. In your case you have a killer interior in the Mk6, so the 1 may be a step down for you.

I was in the exact same situation as you, looking to buy and not wanting to deal with long term issues with the 135. I test drove both and although the 135 is a beast, it definitely wasn't as fun to drive as a 128. Even taking away the reliability issue, I'm still pretty sure I would have gone for a 128. Sports and 6MT are an absolute must. Good luck!
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      08-21-2012, 03:57 PM   #7
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if you get a 128, get manual + any sport package.

both are definately worth it and will make driving so much better. With sport package you get better suspension, seats, and bigger tires, and higher speed limiter. Manual on 128i is a blast. The auto on a 128i is nothing like the DSG on the GTI.

also, in terms of driving, the gti and 128i are similar but the 128i is RWD so you get a lil better grip and easier to slide
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      08-21-2012, 05:13 PM   #8
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I had a 2007 Mkv gti and a 05 sti before my 135i. My path was GTi to Subaru STi to 135i. My jump from the sti was mainly because i missed the refinement of the GTI but i needed a car as fast as the sti and the 135i was the perfect car.
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      08-21-2012, 05:56 PM   #9
elbles
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Kafer: It's funny, I've thought the same thing about the MK6's interior vs. the 1's interior, but I didn't want to come on a BMW forum and say a VW had a better interior. It's little things (the real aluminum trim around the vents and the steering wheel, etc.), but it's noticeable. Of course, going between the 1 and the BRZ was like night and day.

The other comparisons are great too. The GTI is stick, and whatever I get next will be as well (I need 3 pedals, ha). Either of the sports packages are a definite too, and maybe more for the seats than anything else.

I actually don't even want the premium package (I hate sunroofs, and power seats annoy the hell out of me), but for 2013, if I want Xenon headlights, it's a must. I have HIDs on the GTI, and I can't fathom having another DD without them, but it turns a $900 option into a ~$3000 option (discounting leather, since I was going to get that anyway).

It's not a settled debate (I still have plenty of time), but I'm leaning about as heavily toward the 1 as I can right now.
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      08-21-2012, 06:19 PM   #10
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OP - you might want to read this review of the 128i in the October issue of Bimmer Mag...

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=734600
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      08-21-2012, 06:25 PM   #11
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Buy the 128i... The money you save over buying the 135i you can use for modding.
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      08-21-2012, 10:00 PM   #12
elbles
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Thanks for the link Dackelone, definitely a good read. The 128 is kind one of its own, as I don't see any of its direct competitors being RWD. A huge advantage in my book.

As for modding... already looking at wheels for summer tires (the stockers would have snows put on them as soon as necessary). I haven't ever really caught the mod bug before, but I could see a handling mod or two being made, if I do go with the BMW.
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      08-21-2012, 10:56 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2012_135i View Post
Yeah, agree with the others. If you don't want to be seduced by the 135i, stay out of it. Your 128i choice with options sounds nice. The M-Sport package and Harmon Kardon are especially critical, and the 6MT will help you get max driving pleasure out of 200 horses. There's something appealing about the simplicity of a normally aspirated in line six.
The 128 has 230 horses...200 torque
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      08-21-2012, 11:14 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by the1andonly View Post
The 128 has 230 horses...200 torque
back to back... it might as well be 150. there's something about the rush and torque of a turbo motor that makes its NA cousins feel flat by comparison.
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      08-21-2012, 11:41 PM   #15
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back to back... it might as well be 150. there's something about the rush and torque of a turbo motor that makes its NA cousins feel flat by comparison.
Hahaha not quite...The inline NA 6 mated with a manual is simply amazing to drive, so balanced...equally enjoyable as the 135 i test drove. the 128 you get a satisfying kick while reving through the gears, and the other you stomp and go...whatever you prefer
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      08-22-2012, 07:37 AM   #16
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I had a VR6 GTI and a 1.8t Jetta. I now drive a 135i and love it, would never look back. Roasted a MK4 R32 on the weekend, you won't be doing that in a 128i
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      08-22-2012, 10:10 AM   #17
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I had a gti and went to the 135i. I was on the fence as far as the 128 and 135. Frankly, the 135 is just to fast for the way I like to drive. I fall in the camp of it's more fun to drive a slow car fast especially if the car gives you a true sense of speed.
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      08-22-2012, 10:19 AM   #18
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Sounds like the 128 is the car for the OP.
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      08-22-2012, 10:29 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elbles View Post
Kafer: It's funny, I've thought the same thing about the MK6's interior vs. the 1's interior, but I didn't want to come on a BMW forum and say a VW had a better interior. It's little things (the real aluminum trim around the vents and the steering wheel, etc.), but it's noticeable. Of course, going between the 1 and the BRZ was like night and day.

The other comparisons are great too. The GTI is stick, and whatever I get next will be as well (I need 3 pedals, ha). Either of the sports packages are a definite too, and maybe more for the seats than anything else.

I actually don't even want the premium package (I hate sunroofs, and power seats annoy the hell out of me), but for 2013, if I want Xenon headlights, it's a must. I have HIDs on the GTI, and I can't fathom having another DD without them, but it turns a $900 option into a ~$3000 option (discounting leather, since I was going to get that anyway).

It's not a settled debate (I still have plenty of time), but I'm leaning about as heavily toward the 1 as I can right now.
Would buying a CPO'd 1er be an option for you? There are some pretty decent deals out there for lower mileage cars, although you might have to hunt around for them. You would save a few bucks plus, if I understand the 2013 packaging correctly, you could get xenon's without the full premium package. I also prefer not to have power seats... but a sunroof is a must!
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      08-22-2012, 10:45 AM   #20
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The VW GTI MK6 is a gem worthy of an Audi badge, I came from an MK5 GTI. Great car but the weak a/c killed me however I won't lie i missed that mileage 24/34 with the Revo flash(250hp).
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      08-22-2012, 10:55 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elbles View Post

For what it's worth, I'm thinking specifically of a 128i/6 speed manual/M sports package (along with leather/HK/heated seats/HIDs, including the damn premium package for 2013 ).

Thoughts welcome.
Sounds like a winner to me!
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      08-22-2012, 11:07 AM   #22
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I came from a stage 2 MKV GTI myself, as others have mentioned before it seems like the 128i will be a better fit for your needs.

As for speed, the two don't really compare. I feel like the GTI was more jumpy down low but the 135i will just blow its doors off with a steady pull waaay past any speed the my GTI could hit. The only things I miss about the GTI are the seats, I had the Autobahn Package, and the DSG tranny. Hate it or love it but when driving the quickness of the DSG was amazing.
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