Why is it so hard to find a 128i instead of 135i?

[bender rodriguez]

There are some very nice 135i's on the forums but I have really been looking for a 128i. It is more in my price range or so I thought. The only ones have found have been more than a 135i. I would assume I should be able to find a 128i cheaper. Hoping around 15-16k as a 135i on the forums under 50k miles is only 17k.

Whenever I check autotrader the dealers want 20k for their 128is too. Been looking between 2009-2011 around 40k miles. Oh and what year did the body style change 2012?

[dorkdog]

The 135's have some issues reliability-wise. Many buy them to mod, and there are inherent issues with turbos etc. that can make the 135 an expensive car to maintain out of warranty. Last year the 2008s were available; this year people started selling off their 2009s.

The 128 offers a more modest acceleration and maintenance cost. Plus, there aren't many mods for 128 owners, so they remain unmolested for the most part. Also, more 128 owners are not BMW enthusiasts and it is just their daily driver. I fall somewhere in the middle.

I may be wrong (but I'm sure I'll be corrected) in saying that it's possible that a consumer-modded 135 may command less than a pristine 128 of the same year, all other things equal.

I, for one, would be nervous about buying any consumer modded vehicle secondhand, out of warranty to boot. And I think that is a lot of what is out there for sale.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by dorkdog

The 135's have some issues reliability-wise. Many buy them to mod, and there are inherent issues with turbos etc. that can make the 135 an expensive car to maintain out of warranty. Last year the 2008s were available; this year people started selling off their 2009s.

The 128 offers a more modest acceleration and maintenance cost. Plus, there aren't many mods for 128 owners, so they remain unmolested for the most part. Also, more 128 owners are not BMW enthusiasts and it is just their daily driver. I fall somewhere in the middle.

I may be wrong (but I'm sure I'll be corrected) in saying that it's possible that a consumer-modded 135 may command less than a pristine 128 of the same year, all other things equal.

I, for one, would be nervous about buying any consumer modded vehicle secondhand, out of warranty to boot. And I think that is a lot of what is out there for sale.

Summed it up 100%

A lot of 128 cars are Daily Driven, with nothing done to them and in flawless condition and outstanding service record. 135 cannot say the same

[IEDEI]

i found tons of 128s when i was shopping 1s a few months back..unfortunately they are badly spec'd and and the majority come with the horrible Steptronic autoslushbox....

as much as i love the 128....the 135 was the 'performance' 1er, so it is much easier to find manual gearbox 135s with some basic good stuff like sport seats and xenons. The 128s often come with the non-sport seats (blech) and halogen bulbs...and even less options if you want a manual.

i started off looking for a 128....and ended up with a 135is. but honestly ANY 1-series is a total blast to drive...so keep your mind open! the 135 is a total riot.

[bender rodriguez]

Originally Posted by dorkdog

The 135's have some issues reliability-wise. Many buy them to mod, and there are inherent issues with turbos etc. that can make the 135 an expensive car to maintain out of warranty. Last year the 2008s were available; this year people started selling off their 2009s.

The 128 offers a more modest acceleration and maintenance cost. Plus, there aren't many mods for 128 owners, so they remain unmolested for the most part. Also, more 128 owners are not BMW enthusiasts and it is just their daily driver. I fall somewhere in the middle.

I may be wrong (but I'm sure I'll be corrected) in saying that it's possible that a consumer-modded 135 may command less than a pristine 128 of the same year, all other things equal.

I, for one, would be nervous about buying any consumer modded vehicle secondhand, out of warranty to boot. And I think that is a lot of what is out there for sale.

100% this and it is why I am not buying a 135i. But from a strictly blue book value. Wouldn't a 128i command a lower price on a dealer lot or something?

[m4xm1l10n]

I just went threw this as I was skeptical about buying someone else's issues.
Took time (2 months total ) to find a perfect 135.
Happy as hell and won't look back .

[bender rodriguez]

Originally Posted by m4xm1l10n

I just went threw this as I was skeptical about buying someone else's issues.
Took time (2 months total ) to find a perfect 135.
Happy as hell and won't look back .

Until your turbos explode..

Another killer would be the walnut blasting that people say they need done every 50k. Spark plugs every 50k.. The 135i just costs more to take care of and I can't afford that. Or shall I say my friend he is the one looking. I have a 328i sport and the only thing I have replaced on that car are 2 brake pads and a battery. Did myself.. Spark plugs at 100k and one of these days maybe a water pump. Not exactly a pricey car.

[dorkdog]

There's nothing wrong with the 135 as a 128 driver; it's just not worth the trade. If I owned a second car that was my toy, then I'd likely have a 135. I drive my 128 daily (50K miles as of today in fact!) and I (with my family) rely on it.

My guitars and my music are my passions and that's where my discretionary income goes. Not to my car. But who says I can't be an enthusiast at that level, right? That's why I chose the 128i.

I feel as though I have pushed this thread where I was afraid it would lead - into a 128 vs 135 pee contest. That was certainly not my intent. The 135 is a magnificent machine, I've driven it and loved it but from where I sit it is too much car for my needs as a DD commuter who takes the back roads.

Instead of twin turbos, I have Les Pauls and Martins. My students diss me for not having a 135...

[bender rodriguez]

Originally Posted by dorkdog

There's nothing wrong with the 135 as a 128 driver; it's just not worth the trade. If I owned a second car that was my toy, then I'd likely have a 135. I drive my 128 daily (50K miles as of today in fact!) and I (with my family) rely on it.

My guitars and my music are my passions and that's where my discretionary income goes. Not to my car. But who says I can't be an enthusiast at that level, right? That's why I chose the 128i.

I feel as though I have pushed this thread where I was afraid it would lead - into a 128 vs 135 pee contest. That was certainly not my intent. The 135 is a magnificent machine, I've driven it and loved it but from where I sit it is too much car for my needs as a DD commuter who takes the back roads.

Instead of twin turbos, I have Les Pauls and Martins. My students diss me for not having a 135...

Really no reason for there to be a 128i vs 135i argument when the person looking for a car says they are looking the cheaper car to buy and take care of. The sparks plugs and walnut blasting already make the 135i cost more than a 128i. And on paper the 128i SHOULD cost less to buy. If I can find one less than a 135i that is a different story.

But yeah if I had money to burn and a pricey repair or maintenance wouldn't make me cry I much rather have a 135i. But I am not a rich bmw owner. I bought mine used and when things break I replace them with junk yard pulls or aftermarket. So I am not your avrg BMW owner doctor/lawyer

[m4xm1l10n]

Originally Posted by Mr.Ritz

Until your turbos explode..

Another killer would be the walnut blasting that people say they need done every 50k. Spark plugs every 50k.. The 135i just costs more to take care of and I can't afford that. Or shall I say my friend he is the one looking. I have a 328i sport and the only thing I have replaced on that car are 2 brake pads and a battery. Did myself.. Spark plugs at 100k and one of these days maybe a water pump. Not exactly a pricey car.

Not worried, warranty ends June 14 and has free maintenance program I was not going to buy one out of warranty
Till then I have many warranty options and I really bought it to go fast and I'm very well aware that going fast comes with its price (Time to mod)

Here's my DD

[Billup]

I was in the same position as you. I was originally going to get a 135, but wasn't sure if I was going to stick to my current career and didn't want to go overboard. I did some shopping and got an awesome deal on my 128. Single owner, all maintenance records, and bought as a CPO. However, I wasn't able to find one with all the options I wanted, so unfortunately I had to "settle". In my case, I didn't mind, because like a lot of people have said, this is my DD and had full intentions of it being so until I knew what I wanted to do.

I went through a dealership, so I did pay more than what I could have gotten a used 135 with similar miles and maybe more options, but I feel very secure with the decision because it was an unmolested car and had all the records to back it up (and sometimes that extra security is worth the extra $).

[P1]

My wife has a 135i for her daily. It's a 2011 and it had 6K miles on it when purchased. Now it has 13K. No issues so far. It will not be modded whatsoever, no point. It's plenty fast as it is! I have been looking at what they are going for these days and it seems I should not lose any (or much) when we sell it in a year or so...

[bender rodriguez]

Originally Posted by Billup

I was in the same position as you. I was originally going to get a 135, but wasn't sure if I was going to stick to my current career and didn't want to go overboard. I did some shopping and got an awesome deal on my 128. Single owner, all maintenance records, and bought as a CPO. However, I wasn't able to find one with all the options I wanted, so unfortunately I had to "settle". In my case, I didn't mind, because like a lot of people have said, this is my DD and had full intentions of it being so until I knew what I wanted to do.

I went through a dealership, so I did pay more than what I could have gotten a used 135 with similar miles and maybe more options, but I feel very secure with the decision because it was an unmolested car and had all the records to back it up (and sometimes that extra security is worth the extra $).

That is what drives me insane.. I feel bad paying more for a car that is slower lol. But it is the more reliable car. Besides my friend really need a reliable car so a 135i is out of the question.

To really bring this car into his price range I need to find them cheaper than a used 135i. All the dealerships want 19k for their 128i

[adobeee]

My 2008 128i (Jet Black and Coral Red Leather with Premium Package) is for sale. PM me if interested

I am based in Los Angeles.

[ilikebmxbikes]

I have noticed there are a ton more 135i's for sale than 128i's on craigslist and ebay. a solid early year 128i is around 20k and a good 135i can be had around 25k. Can the same be said for 328i and 335i's?

The 135i does cost more to maintain, no one should debate that. But I do feel like people exaggerate their issues. I have been lucky with my n54 and have had no issues really with anything. Just warm her up before you play, change your oil, and do intake valve cleaning every 40k miles ( costs $400-600)

[Zombie1]

Originally Posted by ilikebmxbikes

I have noticed there are a ton more 135i's for sale than 128i's on craigslist and ebay. a solid early year 128i is around 20k and a good 135i can be had around 25k. Can the same be said for 328i and 335i's?

The 135i does cost more to maintain, no one should debate that. But I do feel like people exaggerate their issues. I have been lucky with my n54 and have had no issues really with anything. Just warm her up before you play, change your oil, and do intake valve cleaning every 40k miles ( costs $400-600)

A lot of people on these forums exaggerate there situations. Like bikes said if you take car of the car shell take care of you. That being said 128is prices are up there, maybe because there a lot less of them in the states? I'm just speculating. I've only seen like 7 135i and like maybe 3 128is in person.

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by Zombie1

A lot of people on these forums exaggerate there situations. Like bikes said if you take car of the car shell take care of you. That being said 128is prices are up there, maybe because there a lot less of them in the states? I'm just speculating. I've only seen like 7 135i and like maybe 3 128is in person.

wait are you saying that we shouldn't believe everything we see online?

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by Zombie1

A lot of people on these forums exaggerate there situations. Like bikes said if you take car of the car shell take care of you. That being said 128is prices are up there, maybe because there a lot less of them in the states? I'm just speculating. I've only seen like 7 135i and like maybe 3 128is in person.

Ughhh....128is?

Explain to me what a 128is is....

It is a Friday and morning, if I'm looking past the sarcasm then please forgive me

[bmw1racer]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

Ughhh....128is?

Explain to me what a 128is is....

It is a Friday and morning, if I'm looking past the sarcasm then please forgive me

I think he means 128i's... Plural.

[lastMleft]

Originally Posted by ilikebmxbikes

I have noticed there are a ton more 135i's for sale than 128i's on craigslist and ebay. a solid early year 128i is around 20k and a good 135i can be had around 25k. Can the same be said for 328i and 335i's?

The 135i does cost more to maintain, no one should debate that. But I do feel like people exaggerate their issues. I have been lucky with my n54 and have had no issues really with anything. Just warm her up before you play, change your oil, and do intake valve cleaning every 40k miles ( costs $400-600)

I agree with this ^ no issue with my 2010 135i, ecept for my key fob, but found out I did to myself, I had it in my pocket and broke the very tip

[Zombie1]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

Ughhh....128is?

Explain to me what a 128is is....

It is a Friday and morning, if I'm looking past the sarcasm then please forgive me

128i's

[Stupenal]

.