128i instead of a 135i?

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by roo97ss

glad you liked the non sport seats however most would say the sport seats are the best thing about a bmw. I would never purposefully skip them.

Have owned 5 BMWs - 3 with sport seats & 2 without. Both are equally comfortable for commuting and long distance touring, and the sport seats give more support for spirited cornering.

Tom

[cvandenhaute]

it depends what people want in their cars but in my case, in order to have the exact same equipment in a 135i vs my 128i with sport package (shadowline was a must have with white), premium, cold weather and HK, the difference was still far above 6K. OK I haven't Xenons (but I actually do not care about them even if I find them cool).

6K was something making a real difference for me.

The thing I like about the 128i is that it has its own character, of course the 135i is a better car all around (and that torque!!!!!) but for the price difference the 128i does not feel like a 135i that has been detuned and under-engined. It is a different car with its own personality, slower for sure, but certainly not boring.

[roo97ss]

I can't believe how much we talk price on here and how many guys are hell bent on a new car, and end up in 128 with cost as major, but perhaps not deciding factor.

I got my car, a year old under 7k everything I would want except log 7 (sport, cold, leather, step, ipod, bluetooth, premium) for well under 30k from a dealer. I think at 38-43 the 135 is over priced. But for all of you guys making the sensible decision to buy a 128...why not be truly sensible and buy one nearly new for 25k or whatever. That's a much better argument.

Now I know when they first came out this wasn't an option for many of you guys but it is now, and how I look at it. Sure I still could have gotten a used 128 cheaper, but after that first big hit the depreciation is so much better and pricing probably much closer

[MOCKBA]

Didn't drive 128. However I had 328 loaner and was impressed with power. I am pretty sure that for everyday driving on crowd roads, 128 will be a perfect car. I just noticed that in heavy traffic any Civic can move much faster than BMW if a right driver is in a car. So if you are a smart driver, you will be faster any other car in draffic sitting in 128. But do not drag race, you may lose.

[Hops128i]

Originally Posted by cvandenhaute

it depends what people want in their cars but in my case, in order to have the exact same equipment in a 135i vs my 128i with sport package (shadowline was a must have with white), premium, cold weather and HK, the difference was still far above 6K. OK I haven't Xenons (but I actually do not care about them even if I find them cool).

6K was something making a real difference for me.
.

Totally agree. When I was buying a car, it was a 6-7k difference. And that really did make a big difference to me (over 20%). I'm so glad BMW has a car like this in this price range. For someone who was about to settle for a GTI, but wanted more, and wanted to keep the price close to the wife's car, the 128i was prefect for me.

[The1]

Originally Posted by roo97ss

I can't believe how much we talk price on here and how many guys are hell bent on a new car, and end up in 128 with cost as major, but perhaps not deciding factor.

I got my car, a year old under 7k everything I would want except log 7 (sport, cold, leather, step, ipod, bluetooth, premium) for well under 30k from a dealer. I think at 38-43 the 135 is over priced. But for all of you guys making the sensible decision to buy a 128...why not be truly sensible and buy one nearly new for 25k or whatever. That's a much better argument.

Now I know when they first came out this wasn't an option for many of you guys but it is now, and how I look at it. Sure I still could have gotten a used 128 cheaper, but after that first big hit the depreciation is so much better and pricing probably much closer

this is what i did, I was looking to do a brand new 135 specked out the way i wanted, but last minute i chickened out and just ended up going for a used one. It cost me about 15,000 less canadian dollars to get a used one with 5,000 miles one it. Only option i really lost out on was the iDrive (which from what i hear is a pretty out of date system) and a 100$ GPS unit from Best Buy took care of no problem. Because i saved the money, i have more to spent to improve my car too. i installed a JB3 and DCI intake the second day i had the car.

Anyhow, pretty off topic. Back to the HPFP issue :-P

Get what you want. Be happy, both very good cars. I'd buy another 1 series tomorrow if i had to.

[bozola]

Originally Posted by cvandenhaute

The thing I like about the 128i is that it has its own character, of course the 135i is a better car all around (and that torque!!!!!)

I thought the 128 and the 135 were very similar cars all around....

[Ox]

Originally Posted by gnat

I've been looking at the '11 135i and even got to test an '09 for a week as a loaner and decided that is the car I really want.

I had been holding off until Sept to put my order both to coordinate a January ED trip and to give the N55 time to see if it was going to continue to have the HPFP issues.

Now that there is at least one confirmed case (yes I recognize that it could as easily be an aberration as it could be the tip of the iceberg), I don't want to touch a 135i since I intend to try to keep this car for the long term and don't want to deal with a known issue that may or may not occur weighing in the back of my mind (we already have that problem with her 996 and it's RMS).

I've been saying all along that if I didn't go with the 135i, I'd still be happy with the 128i (it is still a decent little performer after all). But now I'm starting to question if I really would be or if I would just keep feeling disappointed that I couldn't trust BMW enough to get the car I really wanted. I don't think it would be as much of an issue if I hadn't had the 135i for a week to really get to soak in how the N54 behaves.

So I know this is mainly a personal thing and we will all vary, but is there anyone else that had their heart set on the 135i but ended up with a 128i (regardless of the reason)? Have you ended up being happy with it? Any regrets?

Thanks,
-dave

I thought about the 135i but I opted for the 128i for the gas mileage. I drive 300 miles a week and the 230 hp with the 6 speed manual is plenty of power and will get me through the week on one tank of gas.

The 135i with the turbos is no doubt powerful but my preference would have been a supercharger instead of turbos. Turbos will get you the power but long term they are problematic and have a short life span.

Ox

[boostm3]

Originally Posted by Ox

I thought about the 135i but I opted for the 128i for the gas mileage. Turbos will get you the power but long term they are problematic and have a short life span.

Ox

Did you check the epa estimates on these two models? The 135i with direct injection is an extremely efficient engine, delivering overall a 23 mpg rating, whereas the 128 delivers a 22 overall mpg rating.

As for the turbos, while there have been a few waste gate issues, they're not necessarily any more problematic than your double vanos, or ac compressor!

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by roo97ss

I can't believe how much we talk price on here and how many guys are hell bent on a new car, and end up in 128 with cost as major, but perhaps not deciding factor.

I got my car, a year old under 7k everything I would want except log 7 (sport, cold, leather, step, ipod, bluetooth, premium) for well under 30k from a dealer. I think at 38-43 the 135 is over priced. But for all of you guys making the sensible decision to buy a 128...why not be truly sensible and buy one nearly new for 25k or whatever. That's a much better argument.

Now I know when they first came out this wasn't an option for many of you guys but it is now, and how I look at it. Sure I still could have gotten a used 128 cheaper, but after that first big hit the depreciation is so much better and pricing probably much closer

The problem is, by your logic you should have purchased a used 128i, yet you're driving a used 135i.

To my mind, the decision to be used vs. new is a completely separate matter than which trim level to purchase. Sure, it makes more fiscal sense to buy a lightly used car, but once you've decided to buy new, that doesn't mean that you have to get the most expensive model and tick off all the option boxes. In other words, you can decide to take the hit involved in being a car's first owner, and still approach the transaction as a value-minded consumer.

For me, I like the intangible benefits of buying new. I like that I was able to spec out my car, and that BMW built it to order.

Also, your suggestion that you are saving all this extra money for retirement by buying used is kind of bogus - according to your sig, you've got two Bimmers and a pick-up to haul snowmobiles, quads, and a boat. I may have bought a new car, but I certainly didn't buy all of that stuff, which costs way more than the difference between between a new and slightly used 128i. Life is about priorities, right?

[onlyar18]

When i test drove the 128i, I really liked it. Had enough power to satisfy most people. I just wanted something more so I opted for the 135i.

[Sit]

Get the car you want. The car you will look at in your driveway or garage and be happy with. The car you will feel good about buying, not regreting later down the road once a month. The car that will make you happy, not others.

When we got our 128, it was a used 2010, was a service loaner with less than 3K miles on it. We looked at an 08 135 also. The 135 was more money, did not look as good to us, color, and we just liked the looks of the 128 more, again color. Did we get as many bells and whistles as others, did we get the ability to get up to legal speed a second quicker, did we get some other coolness based on others opinions? No. What we got was the car we wanted, the car that makes us happy, the car that once a month we don't mind paying the bill for. We love our 128!!

[Raine]

Originally Posted by JB135MDCT

128ers have awoken. 2 days and how many responses?

Sure, the 135 goto jail speeds come up fast, but then you can brake just as fast.

I love NA I6 and priced the 128 and 135. You end up paying 2500 for the motor, and this is a no brainer. Try pricing a 128 with oem brembo brakes, M sport, leather, ipod, etc, and your eyes will explode. The headache will set in when you realize you made a mistake buying the 128. At least it is an awesome car.

Totally jealous about the sunroof as an option, one reason I might upgrade to an M1.

Your evidence is true in the USA but not in Canada. In Canada, the price difference between a 128i and a 135i is $7000 CAD x 1.13 (tax), that is roughly 7,200 USD. Also, Xenons come standard for the 128i and the 135i does not have a standard sunroof. Leather is also not standard, however iPod and Bluetooth is standard for both cars.

Now you can say "Why not add 7,200 USD and get a 135i". Well imo, why not add 7,200 to a 135i and get a S4 or a 335i. Maybe a 128i is already enough and not worth the price difference to some people. This is purely speaking from a Canadian stand point.

However if I lived in the US, I would totally get the 135i over the 128i. Simple math really, the 135i is just better value in the US. Xenon, Sunroof and Bremo brakes cover the gap, not to mention the sweet N55 engine. Cars are so cheap in the US =(

[Frustration]

Originally Posted by roo97ss

I can't believe how much we talk price on here and how many guys are hell bent on a new car, and end up in 128 with cost as major, but perhaps not deciding factor.

....... why not be truly sensible and buy one nearly new for 25k or whatever. That's a much better argument.

Nothing against those that do, but with an exceptional CPO program, there is virtually no chance I would buy a brand new BMW...

I'm on my 6th and CPO has always aloowed me to purchase at least a motor and trim level above what I would have taken new...


The 128 is nice but a very different performing car. I would not consider owning the 128 (not meant at all to offend). The CPO program meant that I paid less than new 128 and with a massive warranty in place...

[JB135MDCT]

Originally Posted by Raine

Your evidence is true in the USA but not in Canada. In Canada, the price difference between a 128i and a 135i is $7000 CAD x 1.13 (tax), that is roughly 7,200 USD. Also, Xenons come standard for the 128i and the 135i does not have a standard sunroof. Leather is also not standard, however iPod and Bluetooth is standard for both cars.

Now you can say "Why not add 7,200 USD and get a 135i". Well imo, why not add 7,200 to a 135i and get a S4 or a 335i. Maybe a 128i is already enough and not worth the price difference to some people. This is purely speaking from a Canadian stand point.

However if I lived in the US, I would totally get the 135i over the 128i. Simple math really, the 135i is just better value in the US. Xenon, Sunroof and Bremo brakes cover the gap, not to mention the sweet N55 engine. Cars are so cheap in the US =(

Oh Canada, thanks for Private Eyes in St. Cath.

Note, You swapped hid and sunroof. If you compare equivalent 335, the difference is 13kUS. One advantage with 128 is you don't have to get all the options and the price difference is a little nicer.

I would also say that a 128 would be the wise choice over a Mini S Cooper, go price compare that one. Maybe that's one reason Mini sales are down and 1 series are up. For a couple k more you get a Bimmer.

It's strange to see 3er out selling 1er. Are people so dumb to pay 13k more for a couple of inches and the car is better than the "entry level" 1er?

[Raine]

Originally Posted by JB135MDCT

Oh Canada, thanks for Private Eyes in St. Cath.

Note, You swapped hid and sunroof. If you compare equivalent 335, the difference is 13kUS. One advantage with 128 is you don't have to get all the options and the price difference is a little nicer.

I would also say that a 128 would be the wise choice over a Mini S Cooper, go price compare that one. Maybe that's one reason Mini sales are down and 1 series are up. For a couple k more you get a Bimmer.

It's strange to see 3er out selling 1er. Are people so dumb to pay 13k more for a couple of inches and the car is better than the "entry level" 1er?

People pay more for the 3 than the 1 because of:

1. They dislike the exterior styling of the 1 and prefer the 3 (a lot of ppl think the 1 series is ugly)

2. The 3 has a great track record (it is the standard for its class)

3. The 3 has more leg space

4. The 1 is perceived as entry level, cheap. Some people think the 1 is a squished up 3 series.

5. Poorer interior quality (?)

Also, I checked the BMW USA website the difference between the 135i MSRP (36,050) and the 335i Coupe MSRP (42,650) is about 6,600 USD so I am not really sure when you got the 13k from lol...the 335i Sedan closes the price range even more. Man, cars are so much less expensive in the US...you can get a 335i US Sedan for the price of a 328i Canadian Sedan oO

[The1]

Most north americans i've come across don't know what a 1 series is, or they don't believe they have come over to north america.... it's kind of sad.

however, that also makes it feel that much more special to me....

[JB135MDCT]

Originally Posted by Raine

People pay more for the 3 than the 1 because of:

1. They dislike the exterior styling of the 1 and prefer the 3 (a lot of ppl think the 1 series is ugly) Everyone I know who has seen, especially driven in loves my car

2. The 3 has a great track record (it is the standard for its class) It's mostly the same car.

3. The 3 has more leg space 1" here and there

4. The 1 is perceived as entry level, cheap. Some people think the 1 is a squished up 3 series. It is

5. Poorer interior quality (?) Ignorance

Also, I checked the BMW USA website the difference between the 135i MSRP (36,050) and the 335i Coupe MSRP (42,650) is about 6,600 USD so I am not really sure when you got the 13k from lol...the 335i Sedan closes the price range even more. Man, cars are so much less expensive in the US...you can get a 335i US Sedan for the price of a 328i Canadian Sedan oO

You haven't compared equivalent options, brakes, 0-60, etc. Try it again, and you will I think Canada is following Europe by taxing the rich mans gass guzller. Eventually Obama and his people will do the same, someone has to pay for socialized medicine. Oh Canada has free health care and the 335ers ARE HELPING TO PAY FOR IT.

[Evice]

I preferred 128i because I can be as quick around the corners!

[bradleyland]

Originally Posted by Evice

I preferred 128i because I can be as quick around the corners!

Dude! Love the dash cam. Nice driving too

[mrcardio]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

People always mention the GTI in comparison to the 128i, which I don't get. The GTI is a slower, FWD hatch. Altogether different.

And did I mention slower?

(Oh, and a GTI aint $22k...)

Negative! the 09+ VW GTI is not slower than a 128i regardless of FWD. All the econoboxes I've mentioned would have no problem matching or beating a 128i in any matter of performance. Being FWD doesn't mean a car can't handle or beat a RWD car. And yes you can get a GTI for around 22k but even if it were 25k w/ options it's still quite sad.

[mrcardio]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

I was going off of Edmunds Inside Line's times, which gives a 0-60 time of 6.9 seconds (they give the 128 5.8 or 5.9, IIRC). I think VW themselves claim about 6.8. Probably not the DSG, but Motor Trend seems to be the only mag able to get less than 6 seconds out of the GTI. Maybe they got a chipped version? Or had very good drivers? Who knows.

Anyway, I actually like the GTI, and my point was not to malign it per se, but it is definitely no BMW. I probably would have cross-shopped the GTI under different circumstances, and maybe even picked one up - I've always been a VW fan and have owned several in the past. However, I also think the GTI has been creeping up in price over the years - optioned out the way I like, it's over $27k, which is more than I could stomach for a FWD hot hatch. Also, I prefer the effortless power delivery of an NA I6 over a boosted four-banger.

I guess the point is that, yes, you can go faster than the 128i for less money, but so what? The BMW is simply going to offer things that (for one example) a Chevy Cobalt SS cannot.

You're using the results from the older GTI not the new 09+ GTI which is a good bit quicker (0-60: 5.8 ¼: 14.5@98 and similar good handling performance) Optioned the way you want it, etc has nothing to do with the fact that these 22-25k fwd / awd econobox's have similar / better performance than a 128i. I know it’s a hard pill to swallow but that’s reality. I’m not saying they’re better cars; that’s a matter of opinion / personal preference.

The point is that it's unacceptable for some of us to not have enough performance to at least outrun a cheap boosted econobox. Rather you’re content with this is obviously up to the individual, personally I wouldn’t be. Me going from an 08' MS3 to a 128i wouldn't really a "performance" upgrade and I'm more about performance so it wouldn't work..