I just bought one after selling my 1977 Fiat 124 spider

[William Turner]

Congrats. I bought a very similar car (128i vert same color). It had about 94,000 miles on it. If you have not, I would check for any open recalls. Mine had 4 open which the local BMW performed at no charge. One was replacing the steering wheel air bag and another was the for the Vanos bolt issue which is potentially a big deal.- they found both loose and broken bolts which resulted in them replacing both Vanos units and a long list of other work. Enjoy the carl

[NorthernDancer]

I have to say the really good ones with a manual are out there. Very recently a friend just sold his 2011, blue with all the correct mods [brakes, wheels, 3SIM,LSD, suspension, never winter driven] for the equivalent of USD 12,900.
For parts, I've always liked autohaus az.
I've had my 128 coupe w/sport pkg for 15 years now and it's still the best looking car around. Battery lasted 15 yrs [on Deltran maintainer all winter], 2x valve cover gaskets, 1x oil pan gasket, OFHG original and still OK. So, very little cost for all 15 yrs. Do my own oil changes, brakes, filters, etc. I do "lapping" once or twice a year. I hit 109 mph on the back straight.
Since you have a very good bit of automotive experience, I'm sure you'll really enjoy this car.

[SteveNeill]

Yesterday I got to drive it down highway 1 on the twisting and winding roads and it was a dream to drive, such a great performer. Can't wait for more.

[krhodes1]

Welcome!

I sold an '18 Fiat 124 Spider when I got my '11 128i convertible - same color as yours, but a stick, with 46K on it when I bought it in 2020. Delightful, and while I LOVED the FIATA, I just didn't fit in it comfortably. The BMW is a better compromise.

20190224_160519 by kevinr1916, on Flickr

I still have the Triumph Spitfire I have owned for 30 years, so my classic car need is covered. I DO fit in the Spitfire - it's amazing how much room is left in the car when you take all the safety out of it.

Convertibles by kevinr1916, on Flickr

[kashikoi]

We're doing Fiats and pups now? Hell yea!

My boy Waffle in my wife's '12 Fiat 500c Lounge. Love this car. It's like 2,300lbs, so toss-able and fun. Unfortunately it just had so many problems we traded up to a '23 Mini 4dr British Racing Green. Really impressed with the Mini and the non-S 1.5L 3cyl turbo (B38?); really nice quickly available low-end torque for a tiny engine turbo, perfect for around town driving. Feels oddly quicker than my pretty much maxed out modded 128i 🤯 (I'm guessing since it has a DSG, which actually I was impressed this car had; although that could mean more parts more problems, hopefully not, fingers crossed).

Anyway, welcome Steve! Nice ride and cute pup!