Does ANYONE actually get the 128?

[lib]

Originally Posted by ptack

I would wager that more "old" men buy 135is than 128is for one simple reason - they can because they have a LOT more disposable income and credit than 20-something males.

You're assuming that everyone is rational and lives within their means - you should know better.

[MOCKBA]

Insurance companies think the same, 135 premium is less for older people because they can't push all power out. So Toronto’s drivers look like wise people and do not buy a car with more power than they can actually use.

[Notion-Za]

Appsolutely loving my 125! (a bit detuned from the 128) As I am still in school and havent been driving for long it would have been dumb to get a 135i for myself! I dont think I would be alive right now!! Even though the price is a bit higher, I had the choice between a 125 coupe and a gofl V GTI. No offence to the GTI but is there even a comparison? no. RWD vs FWD. Interior. Engine soundtrack. Only thing in the golfs favour is price and maybe the DSG gearbox?

125/8 is a great car for younger generations that have always wanted something else other than a "hot hatch."

In the past 2 years in my school 2 pupils have bought a 125 and one guy just bought a 135i. Good luck to him! It is slowly becoming a very popular with students.

[HighQ]

Originally Posted by ptack

The main difference is that if you're in a 128i, you'll only get to see the rear of a 135i.

Originally Posted by Mad Dragon

...on the back of a tow truck. :biggrin:

Check on a E90 Forum and you will find there is some thruth to what the silly grin smiley says. The x28i has proven to be more reliable then the x35i. If this is in any way related to the people who drive them (and tune them) I don't know.

[MOCKBA]

Less powerful engine, less wear, no surprise

[BimmerLearner]

Originally Posted by MOCKBA

Less powerful engine, less wear, no surprise

Im still torn, loaded 128, stripped 135 - only 40 bucks difference on insurance increase.

[lib]

Originally Posted by BimmerLearner

Im still torn, loaded 128, stripped 135 - only 40 bucks difference on insurance increase.

I'm a big advocate of making sure you get exactly what you want in a car so you don't regret it later... Because of that I have to ask:

If you want them on a 128 why not put them on a 135?
Or, alternatively, If you don't need those options on a 135 why put them on a 128?

[Brandon26pdx]

Originally Posted by Jblack4083

Well, the E46 seems so... big. I feel like it's cumbersome, maybe I have to drive it again. I think I'm just going to get it anyway though :biggrin:. That 128 is calling though.

In addition, I've been driving for two years and just happen to be fortunate enough to have a plan to get my own brand new car (a BMW at that) at such a young age. My insurance is going to be ridiculous. The 128 seems like a good option but I was just wondering why people make it out to be so inferior to the 135. From your posts it seems that it's not that bad and I can get extra options.

Do yourself a favor and go drive a tight, low mile E46 M3 with a 6 speed manual if you never have. That's a bad machine right there.:headbang:

[Leilani]

Originally Posted by lib

I'm a big advocate of making sure you get exactly what you want in a car so you don't regret it later... Because of that I have to ask:

If you want them on a 128 why not put them on a 135?
Or, alternatively, If you don't need those options on a 135 why put them on a 128?

+1

[gyrfalcon]

My big thing is that while I love my 135i unless you drive agressively, or take it to AutoX's or the track regularly you won't get more than 50% out of the capability of this rocket. You hit extralegal speeds in the blink of an eye and full throttle in 1 or 2 usually ends with a lot less rubber on the rears. For most people I think a 128i is just a smarter buy becuase they honestly won't use the performance of a 135i for the price premium they pay. The 128i is no slouch in performance itself and that money could either be saved for aftermarket or maybe a few choice options they would have otherwise skipped.

[G5Ti]

I'll contend again that the 128i makes a great daily driver. I agree with gyrfalcon that the 135 is best if you have the opportunity for frequent track use.

You have to remember that it's marketing that tells us the 128i slow, not the motor. I still say drive both. I did, and I still went for the 128i. It's been the most fantastic car I've owned.

[RWD4Life]

Originally Posted by ulrichd

It just needs the 18" wheels which you can pick up used for around $750.

Where did you pick the 18" wheels?

[gyrfalcon]

Originally Posted by axoo07

Where did you pick the 18" wheels?

Been a bunch selling here. http://www.1addicts.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=70

[Add1ct]

I was going to get an optioned 128i vs a bone stock 135i but a dealer here had the bone stock 135i and I needed a car so I went for the power and am so happy I did. As far as power goes, it is an incredible car to drive. That said, my brother has a 128i with some options, leather, zsp, xenons, assist and ipod, and inside it is definitely nice, the boston leather is very, very soft. As for the car- nothing I have ever driven is as silky and smooth as a BMW naturally aspirated inline six, just nothing. Compared to the 128i, the 135i is rough and grumbly and torquey, not that it is a bad thing, it just doesn't feel as finessed as the 128i. Now the 135i is not at all rough or tough to drive compared to some cars, but compared to the 128i, it is definitely rougher. Overall, you won't look back if you get a 135i but you certainly will not regret a 128i at all.

[BimmerLearner]

Originally Posted by lib

I'm a big advocate of making sure you get exactly what you want in a car so you don't regret it later... Because of that I have to ask:

If you want them on a 128 why not put them on a 135?
Or, alternatively, If you don't need those options on a 135 why put them on a 128?

Well true, but im looking at 2008 dealer stock so options are limited; the 128 is silver/red leather, nav, sports, cold, premium, premium sound etc. The 135 is aw/beige leather, cold, premium... just not sure what to do... i guess there is no wrong way to go given posts on this thread

[jkp1187]

Originally Posted by STUNT-MAN-HANS

LIKE I SAID BOTH ARE GREAT DRIVES ON JUST LOOKS FASTER AND ACTUALLY IS FASTER. BUT THE 128 IS NO SLOUCH EITHER IF YOU GO FOR THE 128 STICK WITH THE MANUAL IT WILL BE A BETTER DRIVE. THOSE ARE MY TWO CENTS.

I agree with you, but please turn CAPS LOCK off when you post.

[spudw]

This is the age-old subject on this forum: 128i or 135i

You really have to think clearly about:
1) what you will REALLY use the car for
2) are you preoccupied with projecting a certain image (ie. perforamce vs. slightly more practical)
3) cost savings vs. the value of more power

135i's power is of limited use on a daily basis, but is useful if you travel on a lot of open two-lane roads, in the mountains on if you take it to the track. 128i will give you more than you need if your driving is generally urban, suburban or on major interstates. Aside from power/performance, the actual benefits of a 135i over a 128i are fairly limited.

If you don't need the power, but WANT it, that's where point #2 comes in. But you'd be dealing with same issue if you were looking at buying a 5.0 Mustang, a 58" plasma TV or an Armani suit: do I want to project the image of having the best of what's available, only for the sake of projecting that image? Buying more than you need is usually about impressing others, or bolstering self-esteem. Don't get me wrong, 135i is probably a legitimate 'need' for some (with respect to how they will use the car - see above), but the reality is, for most the 128i is actually more car than they would ever need (performance-wise) on a daily basis.

On point #3, 128i will save you $$ over 135i. That may mean more options, or it may mean a less expensive bottom line. And that really comes down, again, to wants and needs. I'll likely be a 128i driver, and to me the important options are sport package, USB and sunroof (an option in Canada). But a stripped 128i is a fantastic car too, and it will be substantially less, for still a very good compact BMW.

Hope this is good food for thought.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by spudw

135i's power is of limited use on a daily basis, but is useful if you travel on a lot of open two-lane roads, in the mountains on if you take it to the track. 128i will give you more than you need if your driving is generally urban, suburban or on major interstates. Aside from power/performance, the actual benefits of a 135i over a 128i are fairly limited.

Agreed. However on a mostly backroad/mountains trip from MD to the west coast last summer, I was quite surprised (and pleased) at the passing power available in 3rd gear from 50 to 90 mph. Even at higher elevations, power was never less than "more than enough" to safely get by the motorhomes and other sightseers.
Add to that the 25% savings in insurance over my previous Z4, the comfort and reliabilty, overall 27.5 mpg fuel economy, and I have no desire to even test drive a 135i.
Tom

[Notion-Za]

I think people often only compare the 125/8 to the 135i!! In a general comparison between the 128 and the average car on the road, the 128 is still a powerful car that will have more than enough grunt to overtake/ cruise at higher speeds than the average car. Remember this is a forum that is made up of users that are lucky enough to afford a vehicle that is above the norm.

[amybang]

While they're still in the factory and on the boat, a lot of people only VIRTUALLY have theirs.

amy!

[j128i]

BMW 1 series was introduced into NA at right time for me when I was activly looking for a new one to replace my daily commute car - 1996 Infiniti G20 which I'd driven for last 12 years.

I went to 128i Coupe and did ED. I'm very happy about the car now. The only option I added is auto. My commute is maily highway on which you can drive at 80-85 mph and usually cop has no intention to stop you hence disrupt the commute traffic. With a press on the gas padel, it will be in 90s easily (especially when I change lane). So, I cant imigine what will happen driving a 135i (I did not try a test drive!) I only got one speed ticket in my entire driving history - and it because I just wonder what it likes when being stopped by a cop. :thumbup:

[Add1ct]

Originally Posted by j128i

BMW 1 series was introduced into NA at right time for me when I was activly looking for a new one to replace my daily commute car - 1996 Infiniti G20 which I'd driven for last 12 years.

I went to 128i Coupe and did ED. I'm very happy about the car now. The only option I added is auto. My commute is maily highway on which you can drive at 80-85 mph and usually cop has no intention to stop you hence disrupt the commute traffic. With a press on the gas padel, it will be in 90s easily (especially when I change lane). So, I cant imigine what will happen driving a 135i (I did not try a test drive!) I only got one speed ticket in my entire driving history - and it because I just wonder what it likes when being stopped by a cop. :thumbup:

wait wait wait, you drove fast by a cop just to find out what getting a ticket was like?!?!!??!? are you insane?