The 5 best, cheapest, reliable HP BMW's - FCP Euro

[NorthernDancer]

FCP Euro just published this article. I think most of us would expect our 128's to be on the list and they truly are. And, as we all know, manual tranny sport package cars are the one to get. So many 128s are convertibles and/or autos. And, again, sp pkg/6MT cars should command a premium. The "sweet spot" is US$9000 (assume 08s, 09s, 10s). Many of us think ours are more than that b/c of our mods, newer (11, 12, 13), low mileage, never seen winter snow/salt.

The other cars on the list are:
E9x esp. N55's
E36 M3
E46 330 ZHP
E83 X3 3.0Si

Never selling mine unless I import a E87 5 door 130 from Germany.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Posting the full article below for posterity:

BMW E82 128i
Model Years: 2008-2013
Current Prices:$6,000-$12,000

If you like the idea of the E36 M3 but are looking for something a decade-plus newer, the 128i is one worth looking at. Often touted as one of BMW's last "driver's cars," the 128i is quickly becoming a future classic.

When it released in 2008, the 128i was shadowed by the more powerful and much more expensive, 135i. Because of this, the 128i was looked at simply as BMW's base model and was optioned as cheaply and mundanely as possible. Most models on the used market are either convertibles or are equipped with an automatic transmission—neither of which is where the 128i shines. It's best had as a coupe with BMW's 6-speed GETRAG transmission.

Under the hood, you'll find BMW's N52 inline-six engine producing 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with its lightweight and short wheelbase, this made for the perfect balance that you could wind out enthusiastically on back roads. There are a few modifications that you can make that will increase the power and torque output, but gains are limited and come at a cost. If you're looking purely for power, the 135i might be a better choice for you. The downside to that is more weight over the nose, upsetting the overall balance of the E8X chassis.

One of the biggest pitfalls some might find of the 128i is the interior. Often criticized as basic, and that of a much cheaper car, the interior is spartan in all of the right ways. The cockpit is driver-focused without any distractions, especially when optioned without the Navigation Package. Beyond that, you could option the Sport and M-Sport package that gave you manual seats with adjustable bolstering. And, while although a small car by today's standards, the front of the 128i offers enough space for a six-foot adult to spend their time comfortably.

Where engine modifications don't yield much in terms of a performance boost, upgrading the suspension is where your money is best spent. Being BMW's cheapest model at the time meant sacrifices were made. The 128i rode on the cheapest damper that BMW had to offer at the time. Aftermarket dampers or a good set of coilovers coupled with aftermarket sway bars are all it takes to transform the handling of the 128i and are highly recommended.

It's becoming more and more difficult to find the 128i on the used market. Mentioned earlier, models with a manual transmission are rare, and even more rare are ones equipped with the Sport package. When browsing Facebook Marketplace, you can find models that need a lot of work as low as $4,500; it seems the sweet spot is around the $9,000 range, however. These are reliable cars that don't require many major services. Like most BMWs, though, they benefit from regular suspension maintenance to retain their superior handling characteristics, so I would recommend budgeting a small suspension overhaul if it hasn't been done in the recent past.

[lovethe1]

Nice piece!

I've had mine for over 5 years now, it's been awesome so far!

[E91WAG3N]

N54 at the top of their list as RELIABLE!?!

Agreed with their other choices, I've spent extensive time driving everything on the list.

Thanks for sharing!

[Olgeezer1]

The secret's out.

[125I E87 COUPE]

I have had My 125i Msport for just over 3 Years and Love it,
Great handling Little Car
Have the Auto, manual Seats & No navigation

[Thunderguts]

Originally Posted by Olgeezer1

The secret's out.

I'd say it's been out for a while. The Roundel article probably changed a few minds about the 128i. When I first started looking in 2015-2016, they were everywhere. CarMax had about 5 manual E82s at any given time. They were all low-mileage and just off lease. When I was ready to buy in 2017, they dried up. There wasn't a single one in my state, but fortunately I found the perfect car in the next state over.

It's funny but I thought I had made a mistake the first day that I drove it. That ridiculous CDV was a big part of the disappointment. A few simple mods fixed the most annoying aspects of the car. Many mods later and I've really awoken the car and made it a true joy to drive.

[TboneS54]

The 128 6spd is a getrag? thought it was ZF. Didn't know getrag could make a smooth gearbox lol

[Thunderguts]

Originally Posted by TboneS54

The 128 6spd is a getrag?

Sure 'nuff. It's a GS6-17BG. I always heard that you could not get parts for it, but this site seems to indicate otherwise:

https://webshop.ganzeboom.net/gs6-17

[Gambeez]

I love mine. When I was younger and first saw them I was always drawn to the shape of the car.

Fast forward and I now own one. 2013 128i with the M package but auto trans. I pretty much use the "manual" mode all the time and I love it. Full manual would have been better, but as been said they're hard to come by. This one was low mileage and fairly priced so I grabbed it. Unfortunately, I was less lucky with mine in a year of owning it. I replaced the brakes and rotors, radiator, valve cover, spark plugs, and coils. It's been rough but the more I've had to work on her the more I appreciate the simplicity of it, albeit many poorly placed/hard to reach bolts.

I've done a few modifications to it since, mostly exterior and more recently 3 stage + tune and it's become a blast to drive. It's the perfect amount of speed without being obnoxious. I'd love a 700 HP car, but I can only afford a daily right now so this is perfect. I don't need that kind of power unless it's the weekend and even then I live in a highly policed area so it's not even worth it. Especially with the cost that comes at maintaining that HP.

My girlfriend just picked up a 228i and it's a cool car and surprisingly fast stock, I'd say it's comparable to my 128i with the 3 stage and tune. But it doesn't feel BMW to me. My first one was a 06 328i and I loved how after all the years I felt at home in my 128i.

I appreciate BMW taking a modern turn, times change, but newer models make me feel like I'm in a KIA on Hyundai. It's not the same.

That said, I'll drive her until she gives and either look into doing some restoration and an engine swap or going the M2 route.

Originally Posted by 125I E87 COUPE

I have had My 125i Msport for just over 3 Years and Love it,
Great handling Little Car
Have the Auto, manual Seats & No navigation

Also, love your build. Very similar to mine.

What quad exhaust are you running or is it custom? I'm having a hard time finding a shop to fab one up. And I understand the Remus/Eisenmann don't fit the 1M replica rear diffuser without cutting it.