BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

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      07-16-2019, 08:01 PM   #1
Jay86
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Deciding Between a 135i and 128i - Both Seem High

I'm trying to decide between these two 1's, but I think both are a bit overpriced.

135i with m sport package that I test drove earlier today:

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=245487568

Hard to tell with the low quality pictures, but the car is extremely clean inside and out. Not a blemish anywhere. Only thing that bothers me a bit is the fact that it's had 4 owners and no current emissions inspection, it was exempt due to mileage.

The 128i I'm eyeing is 4 hours away from me, so if I make the trip out there it'll pretty much have to be a done deal.

https://www.derrowshirkeyfordmontpel...vdp-recentCars

Both are way above KBB values and they weren't willing to budge on the 135i. I haven't talked numbers on the 128 yet. What do you guys think about these deals?

Also, is it still worth getting a PPI on the 135 even with it being sold at a BMW dealer? Are services like https://www.yourmechanic.com/service...car-inspection any good?

My priority, getting a good deal and picking the car that's going to be more fun.
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      07-16-2019, 08:06 PM   #2
Jay86
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Here are some pics of the 128
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      07-17-2019, 08:02 AM   #3
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They're both at dealerships, so they're probably a little high, but everything's negotiable.

As far as more fun, I think it comes down to how much you liked the power of the 135i. If straight line speed isn't that exciting to you, save some money and buy the 128i.

I'd call ahead about a PPI and ask if they can either provide you with one, or allow you to take the car to get one.

EDIT: Side note. I love those Fiesta STs man. You keeping it as well?
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      07-17-2019, 11:15 AM   #4
Jay86
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No, my Fiesta ST has been in the shop for almost 2 months now over an electrical issue. It's a fun car, maybe even more fun than the 135, but I'm ready for something nicer that's built a lot better.
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      07-17-2019, 11:36 AM   #5
Ric in RVA
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I'd wait for a sport or M sport 128i before I bought a 135i again....

I did just that recently.

Enjoy the 128i far more but do sometimes miss the "Jump to Hyper Space " effect!!! (but that goes away thinking about turbos and Direct fuel injection and HPFP....and reckless driving tickets!).
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      07-17-2019, 05:19 PM   #6
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The 128 is a 6 MT. The 135 a DCT. Pretty different in that regard. Is there a reason you are considering one vs the other?

And yes with either one of you are serious about buying it I'd get a PPI from an independent BMW shop. It's great to either avoid buying a mess or know you're buying a good car.
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      07-17-2019, 05:24 PM   #7
The Wind Breezes
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ric in RVA View Post
but that goes away thinking about turbos and Direct fuel injection and HPFP).
OK, but this is N55 and he most likely doesn't have any of those things to worry about.
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      07-17-2019, 05:58 PM   #8
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Those are both overpriced, and normally I would choose a 6MT over DCT, but the 135i has the sport seats and the 128i does not. I have never owned a BMW without sport seats, but I have driven some loaners and I would never buy one. Changes the whole feel of driving the car IMHO.

If the factory warranty has expired (which it has), I would get a PPI.

But it's not just these cars, I just did an analysis of 135i 6MTs last week and there were only 25 in the whole country (per AutoTrader) and the average (and median) price was $17K.
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      07-17-2019, 06:06 PM   #9
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I'd get a car with sport seats. Of course I'd say go with a 135i... the power is addicting.

Try using Autotempest.com to search across all platforms and listings.

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      07-17-2019, 06:51 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gangplank View Post
The 128 is a 6 MT. The 135 a DCT. Pretty different in that regard. Is there a reason you are considering one vs the other?

And yes with either one of you are serious about buying it I'd get a PPI from an independent BMW shop. It's great to either avoid buying a mess or know you're buying a good car.
Just the two best options of what I have available locally. I can't say that I really have a preference one way or the other, I like both DCT and manual for different reasons.
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      07-17-2019, 09:43 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay86 View Post
Just the two best options of what I have available locally. I can't say that I really have a preference one way or the other, I like both DCT and manual for different reasons.
Ignore the idea of local. A few hundred dollar plane trip and a bit of gas is worth getting the 'right' car.

If you expand your search further you'll have much better luck.
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      07-25-2019, 10:55 PM   #12
Jay86
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I found out that the 135i has lowering springs, intake, bmw performance exhaust and a jb4 tune. Are jb4 tunes fairly conservative and hold up reliably?

I haven't been able to find anything else, even after expanding my search nationally.
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      07-26-2019, 12:02 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay86 View Post
jb4
No, JB4 fucking sucks because it adds extra points of failure, intercepts a couple sensors and spams the canbus. Marginally acceptable if you can't access the ECU, but redundant and undesirable when you can reprogram the full authority engine computer and change the >100 maps necessary to make a GOOD tune.

Over 100 modified maps vs a couple hijacked sensors....yeah.

MHD is the flash tune of choice. Very reliable, customizable, and drives like a more powerful factory car. Ditch the JB4.

There are a FEW special case situations where you WOULD want to run a JB4, but only in conjunction with a flash tune. And those situation would be auxiliary fueling, water meth, nitrous, and weird stuff.
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      07-27-2019, 12:22 PM   #14
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I would not buy a used modded 135i with a tune if part of the reason you are switching is to have a car that's not in the shop for 2 months at a time.

That being said, I don't think I'd buy a non m-sport 128i either. That's probably not all that... inspiring of a drive.
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      07-27-2019, 04:21 PM   #15
Ric in RVA
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I'd avoid a non m sport or sport 128i.

As well as the auto 128i.
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      07-29-2019, 12:51 PM   #16
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Me too; I would avoid a non-sport and auto 128. This coming from someone who loves his 128 with sport and 6 speed manual.
I've had great luck buying privately. I have enough knowledge to know a good car just by talking with the owner. Maintenance receipts [ESPECIALLY WITH A 135] are very important.
I also recommend joining BMWCCA and talking with them about car purchase.
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      08-05-2019, 04:16 PM   #17
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That 135i price seems to be pretty on the money for the miles based on what I've seen recently, but as stated, I wouldn't want a JB4 car.
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      10-19-2019, 04:22 PM   #18
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So, I'm still in the market. All this time, I've not been able to find a 135 or 128 m sport in good condition.

Finally found one worth going for today, until I saw the carfax.
https://www.carvana.com/vehicle/1316832

First listing reports it was sold at an auction as manufacturer vehicle with 5k miles.
I'm guessing this means it was a former press car? So, probably not worth it?
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      10-19-2019, 08:22 PM   #19
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What are u you you shopping for? A daily driver or show room car? I paid about that much for my 2011 w/ 39k miles back 2+ years ago.
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      10-19-2019, 08:46 PM   #20
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there is good power in the 128ic with a 6MT.
I like this quote. /I'd wait for a sport or M sport 128i before I bought a 135i again..../
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      10-20-2019, 10:41 AM   #21
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The sweet spot is the 128i with headers and 3stage intake with 6mt.
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      10-20-2019, 06:43 PM   #22
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i was originally going to buy a 128i in 2013.

went to go drive a 128i.

LOVED IT

then i drove a 135i------and then decided to order the special edition 135is instead.

LOVED IT

then i realised all i ever wanted in life was a 1M-----so i traded the 135is in for the 1M.

LOVE IT.

the point of my post is----all of them are just fantastic cars. If you're the kind of person who can truly appreciate simplicity and understated performance the 128i is for you. If you want a kick in your pants with the handling of the 128 then by all means the 135i is for you. If you want to spend way too much money and get something very special and can afford it go 1M.

You can't go wrong with any of them. Drive both and see what you like.
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