Blown away by 128i

[FrostyDC4]

Originally Posted by Hops128i

That sucks, but there are others out there. Too bad the m235i lacks the feel (as do many other cars these days), I've been eyeing them but haven't taken test drive.

They offer the same steering feel (none) as a new X1/X3/F30/5 Series etc. That was the main thing that turned me off during my testdrive. It will work for you if you want to drive a lazy-boy couch to work. The E82 feels more raw by comparison.

[WDE82]

Originally Posted by FrostyDC4

I'm not too familiar with the E46 chassis but is it better than the E82?

In some ways yes but in many others no. I don't think 135s and 128s have problems with tearing their subframes out or going through FCABs every 40K miles and RTABs every 80K (if even that). The E82 is safer and more modern.

That said, the E46 is very solid when done up right and in good shape (poly FCABs + RTABs, decent shocks, no subframe tear, new control arms). I like the steering on my E46 more (when it's in good shape) for sure. I think a lot of that is fixable with the 1M/M3 front arms. The rear subframe bushings are also a serious weak point. No idea what BMW was thinking with the softness of those things. There's no benefit to it.

[ianc]

No idea what BMW was thinking with the softness of those things

They were thinking "let's make these bushings really soft so folks don't complain about the heinous ride with our runflat tires, which are saving us some money by not having to supply a spare or jack".

ianc

[WDE82]

Originally Posted by ianc

They were thinking "let's make these bushings really soft so folks don't complain about the heinous ride with our runflat tires, which are saving us some money by not having to supply a spare or jack".

ianc

I don't think the RFTs save them money. RFTs are very expensive. 4x RFT are definitely more expensive than 5x regular. It's about fuel economy. An easy way to improve fuel economy is to cut weight. Automakers are all trimming weight everywhere because they need to stay to their weight budget for their vehicle.

But yeah the softness could be attributed to something like that.

[ianc]

I don't think the RFTs save them money. RFTs are very expensive

Hmmm... I'm not convinced RFT's are significantly more expensive than a non RFT high quality performance tire (especially in the volume that BMW deals in), but I know one thing, and that is that RFT's are significantly heavier, so that would kind of shoot the weight theory...

ianc

[Dat Aus]

Originally Posted by WDE82

I don't think the RFTs save them money. RFTs are very expensive. 4x RFT are definitely more expensive than 5x regular. It's about fuel economy. An easy way to improve fuel economy is to cut weight. Automakers are all trimming weight everywhere because they need to stay to their weight budget for their vehicle.

But yeah the softness could be attributed to something like that.

I doubt it has much to do with weight. BMW don't exactly focus on making their cars light. The E82 weighs just under 1500kg, which is a LOT for a car this size.

My guess is that it's a space thing. Particularly on cars as small as the 1 series. Having RFTs means they don't have to create space under the boot for a spare tyre and jack. Having a well for a spare wheel means designing the rear suspension, fuel tank, subframe, diff etc around it. There's a lot more space for those things without the wheel well in the way.

[c1pher]

Does it also have to do with weight distribution?

[WDE82]

Originally Posted by Dat Aus

I doubt it has much to do with weight. BMW don't exactly focus on making their cars light. The E82 weighs just under 1500kg, which is a LOT for a car this size.

My guess is that it's a space thing. Particularly on cars as small as the 1 series. Having RFTs means they don't have to create space under the boot for a spare tyre and jack. Having a well for a spare wheel means designing the rear suspension, fuel tank, subframe, diff etc around it. There's a lot more space for those things without the wheel well in the way.

Except the battery is in a perfectly wheel shaped hole in the trunk so obviously that's not the reason.

The total weight of the car is also not evidence that they're not prioritizing weight. They make it as light as possible while still meeting monetary budget targets. Weight is a huge concern for all of the automakers right now. Trimming weight is the easiest way to increase fuel economy and they're trimming it from where ever they can.

They also have more stringent safety requirements that end up adding weight. For example, maybe spare wheel has to get removed because the front needs extra material and structure due to small overlap testing. Removing the spare essentially allows them to put that weight elsewhere in the vehicle where it's needed. That's why I referred to it as a weight budget.

[WDE82]

Originally Posted by ianc

Hmmm... I'm not convinced RFT's are significantly more expensive than a non RFT high quality performance tire (especially in the volume that BMW deals in), but I know one thing, and that is that RFT's are significantly heavier, so that would kind of shoot the weight theory...

ianc

They're about 4-5 lbs heavier per tire. A full size spare is well over 50 lbs. If you go look on Tire Rack you'll see that RFT vs non RFT are 50% more expensive in the same tire class. I know that's not the prices BMW pays (obviously), but the fact remains that RFT are much more expensive. I'd be willing to bet RFT have lower rolling resistance as well. So that adds a bit to their MPG numbers.

Fuel efficiency and weight are the reasons behind most of the new developments and trends in the industry. Electric power steering? Gains 1-2 mpg without a hydraulic pump. Electric water pump? Another 1 mpg...

[griz31]

Well, as much as I loved the 128i, I decided to go with the Turbos. But I went all the way..



My intro thread:
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...3#post21400463

[E91WAG3N]

Originally Posted by griz31

Well, as much as I loved the 128i, I decided to go with the Turbos. But I went all the way..



My intro thread:
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...3#post21400463

Tough to argue with that choice! Enjoy!

[griz31]

Originally Posted by ubersteuer

Tough to argue with that choice! Enjoy!

Thanks! Really love it so far

[Gray_Panther]

Great choice! Enjoy it and have lots of fun!

[Tenspeed]

That should be an exhilarating ride! Enjoy!

[Esteban]

Quite a change from the 128i, but one for the better imo. Congrats on a truly wonderful car. You should enjoy it for many years. There's really nothing like the 1M. The only 1er I think is better is ilikebmxbikes' ultimate 135i/1M/M3 frankenstein monster.