What are the autos like?

[HavokGC8]

Hello,

Thinking about taking the plunge and buy a 128i and opt for the automatic transmission. For those that have one how do you like them? What is the driver's sensory perception to pedal feel? Is the power instant or is there considerable lag? Thanks for the input.

-Abe

[backtoreality15]

It's not bad for an automatic. Pretty impressive actually. If you are in sport/DS mode, there is minimal lag as it tries to stay in optimal gear. Of course you can use the paddle-shifters/Steptronic to select your own gears too.

[HavokGC8]

Originally Posted by backtoreality15

It's not bad for an automatic. Pretty impressive actually. If you are in sport/DS mode, there is minimal lag as it tries to stay in optimal gear. Of course you can use the paddle-shifters/Steptronic to select your own gears too.

Thanks for the feedback. Are paddle shifters standard? Also what is gas mileage like between the different modes?

[backtoreality15]

1. Paddle shifters are "standard" for $100 (if that makes any sense haha) if you purchase the Sport Package and STEPtronic transmission in conjunction. It gets automatically (no pun intended) included.

2. There is no noticeable difference from what I've read here. But if you'd like to know the numbers:
128i Manual: 18/28
128i Automatic: 19/28

No problem! If you need any more help, that's what we are here for. :biggrin:

[yourfriend]

the automatic transmission in the 1 series is incredible. it shifts incredibly fast and is very smooth.

it's not as involved as a manual, obviously, but i find myself using the paddles quite often and having the convenience of the automatic at hand (i live in Los Angeles, it's horrible traffic here) has been wonderful.

i highly recommend it if you're interested in automatic transmissions. this is one of the best out there.

[jkp1187]

Any word on true 0-60 and 1/4 mile time for the 128i steptronic? It seems that BMW's official numbers for everything else have been ultra-conservative....

Oh, and does it not come with the oil temperature gauge? I test-drove one, and I could've sworn there was one there...but other sources indicate that the gauge isn't standard in the 128i.

[backtoreality15]

Originally Posted by jkp1187

Any word on true 0-60 and 1/4 mile time for the 128i steptronic? It seems that BMW's official numbers for everything else have been ultra-conservative....

Oh, and does it not come with the oil temperature gauge? I test-drove one, and I could've sworn there was one there...but other sources indicate that the gauge isn't standard in the 128i.

No oil temp gauge for 128i. The 0-60 times for manual is 5.7s by MotorTrend. No word on Step.

[yourfriend]

Originally Posted by backtoreality15

No oil temp gauge for 128i. The 0-60 times for manual is 5.7s by MotorTrend. No word on Step.

which makes me think it would be in the range of 5.9-6.1 for the steptronic probbbbably

[raolc]

I would usually never consider any type of automatic for a sports car unless its a top end sports car like a GT-R or one of those new double clutches or anything. But in general I'd always go for the stickshift. But in this case, I'm really happy with the BMW automatic, I think its far better than any other automatic that I've ever driven. I considered buying an automatic over a stick plenty of times.

One thing I really like about it, it auto rev matches on a downshift, something that I don't see too often on an automatic. Also its better than most other automatics at staying in the gear you'd want it to be in.

Hope that helps you.

[HavokGC8]

Originally Posted by Phiberglass

Yea, definitely not as fast as a DCT transmission or the IS-F, M3, etc, close to the 135, or a 430, but it's a decent transmission.

backtoreality15 thanks for the replies. Also Phiberglass I just have to say that's a damn gorgeous car you got there in your sig, BBS LMs I'm assuming? What brake kit is that?

[Mehta916]

in regard to 1 seires how does the trans perform compared to vw/audi's dsg transmition? I'm sure its not the 8 milisecond shift differance between gears but over all how does the gearbox feel. does that make sence?

[backtoreality15]

It feels pretty quick, not much lag. But I'm sure it's nowhere close to a VW DSG shift. Remember, it's still an automatic at heart.

[bozola]

I have driven Manuals for 30 years. I don't regret getting an auto tranny on my 1. The paddles are a blast. And I can relax in Traffic.

Awesome!
:roundel::roundel:

[Cooldaddygroove]

Love it. One of the best shiftable autos I have driven. Porsche's Tiptronic is garbage by comparison as is Infiniti's G37s. It's nice to have three modes (1) full auto when traffic is slow (2) sport mode when traffic opens up and yu want some get up and go and quicker shifts, and (3) sport mode using the paddle shifts when you wanna wring the car out.

[Breville]

I've always have manuals, but have driven my wifes old car with auto trannie for the last 12 mths so I tried both (as well as the DSG on the Golf, which I think is fantastic). I am now really pleased I bought the manual as I like the control, however you won't be disappointed with the auto as it has enough power.

[qstix]

I currently drive an E46 325i Sport Coupe with Step Auto.. I hate it, absolutley hate the Auto in her, but, it saves itself when sitting in traffic..

I have always driven manual (stick), so my first day to day living with autos hasn't been too good..

I think its all about the tourqe converter, put your foot down, wait, wait a little more, then the car decides to get going, hate that too..

Test drove a 135i Sport Auto today, and will say, this car my keep me in an auto..

Was very impressed with the pick up, and speed of changes, don't think I would want to test the manual, as I do enjoy the lazy side of autos, and the sport mode using the paddles, allowed me some involvement..

Just wish BMW would stick a SMG box in the 1, now that would be one cool car..