Newbie. Need advice 128i MT Convertible

[jrbimmer]

Hello all. Brand new to the forums. I've combed through a good amount of the threads here and have gotten some useful information, so thank you!

I'm in the market for a 128i Convertible MT. I'm coming from a 07 Hyundai Elantra that I've driven into the ground. It needs a new clutch and I need a big boy car. I'd prefer not to put any money into it, but if I can't find the right car in the next month, I think I might be forced to.

Regardless, I've narrowed down my search to the 128i specifically 2012/13. I test drove a 12' the other day but just didn't seem right as it had minor issues and had 4 owners. I've realized that these cars are very hard to come by in a convertible MT, let alone one with under 60k miles. I'm not 100% opposed to a 135 but reliability/maintenance is a concern, since I've just come from a car that basically just needed regular oil changes. I'm not going in blind however, knowing that BMW's are much more expensive to maintain. I have done research and it seems the 135's cost a bit more to fix, and also more out the door. The 128i is plenty fast for me having come from my elantra.

I live in Central FL and I'm not a mechanic, so any maintenance would have to be done at a dealership or if anyone knows of a good mechanic here, that'd be great. I've gone through the threads regarding maintenance and 1's with higher mileage. I'm just wondering if anyone has any advice they can give me as I embark on this journey. Thanks!

[Thunderguts]

I think the 128 is a great idea if you do your own maintenance, but even it would eventually lead to exorbitant repair bills if you're paying a shop to work on it. Don't even think about the 135 unless you are prepared to spend a lot of money.

Knock on wood, I've owned my 2009 128 for a year now and haven't needed to make a single repair. I've put about 10k on it and I bought it with 68k on the odometer. The thing is, it's a love affair with this car. Most of the people on the forum will probably agree. We don't care how much it costs to maintain these cars because nothing else made today drives like them. Don't buy a 1 series unless you are prepared to make that sacrifice.

If you are just looking for a zippy convertible, there are much more sensible options. If you simply must have a 1 series because nothing else will do, then repair bills don't matter.

[jrbimmer]

Thanks for the reply. While I have given many other convertibles a look, the 1 series fits my needs. It's small but not TOO small, and I need the space for my gear. (I'm a musician) I went as far as bringing my stuff with me when I test drove the 2012 128i and it fit my needs. I'm not a mustang or camaro guy, so that doesn't leave a whole lot left in MT that isn't tiny.

If you know of any other options that aren't older than 2012, (better rate financing) I'm all ears. There's practically nothing out there when it comes to a manual convertible.

[Thunderguts]

The Mustang is a sensible choice, but it definitely feels cumbersome compared to a nimble 1 series. They are reliable and cheap to maintain for the most part and the V6 is a sweet engine. Still, if a Mustang isn't your thing...

A 370Z roadster might work, but I don't know if it can carry your instruments. They are pretty cramped and dated.

Miata and a tiny trailer?

I guess there really isn't much that will meet your criteria. Find a 128 with a well-documented history and definitely not one with 4 owners. Mine had one owner and it was serviced and sold by the same dealer where he purchased it new.

[..Rush..]

I also came from Hyundai. Get the 128i convertible. You won't regret it!

[Gangplank]

Welcome to 1addicts. Finding a MT is the challenge. It might take some effort but if you search you'll be able to find one eventually.

Where in central FL?

[coda72]

Well, my 2012 128 vert isn’t officially on the market, but I guess I could be persuaded to sell it. It only has around 34k miles on it, and it’s been pretty flawless throughout my ownership with it other than what I feel is excessive battery replacement. However, I do not drive it at all in the winter, and my battery tender failed to work a couple of times, so I guess that could be the cause. The only problem is that I’m located in Pennsylvania, pretty far from you.

[JimVonBaden]

Originally Posted by Thunderguts

I think the 128 is a great idea if you do your own maintenance, but even it would eventually lead to exorbitant repair bills if you're paying a shop to work on it. Don't even think about the 135 unless you are prepared to spend a lot of money.

Knock on wood, I've owned my 2009 128 for a year now and haven't needed to make a single repair. I've put about 10k on it and I bought it with 68k on the odometer. The thing is, it's a love affair with this car. Most of the people on the forum will probably agree. We don't care how much it costs to maintain these cars because nothing else made today drives like them. Don't buy a 1 series unless you are prepared to make that sacrifice.

If you are just looking for a zippy convertible, there are much more sensible options. If you simply must have a 1 series because nothing else will do, then repair bills don't matter.

Same. My 2011 128I vert is over 90K miles now, and I have owned it since 81K, and a years and a half. Nothing but tires so far. Runs great.

[Lucky1]

Originally Posted by JimVonBaden

Same. My 2011 128I vert is over 90K miles now, and I have owned it since 81K, and a years and a half. Nothing but tires so far. Runs great.

[IMG]https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...923/Nr6fin.jpg[/IMG]

Its all about how fast you can be debt free when picking up one of these cars. First maintenance isn't the nightmare people paint it to be and second its still a lot cheaper to maintain vs buying, financing or leasing a new convertible. Especially if you don't drive them much. Source: I own two BMWs (including a vert) and another German brand. I sleep at night.

[jrbimmer]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Welcome to 1addicts. Finding a MT is the challenge. It might take some effort but if you search you'll be able to find one eventually.

Where in central FL?

I'm in Orlando. I didn't realize how hard it would be after I started looking a few weeks ago. I figure worst case scenario if I have to drop $600 for a new clutch in my car it will buy me some time to find what I'm looking for.

[desertman123]

Hey another person in Orlando!

Just keep looking, it'll be worth it.

[olds350]

Originally Posted by jrbimmer

I'm in Orlando. I didn't realize how hard it would be after I started looking a few weeks ago. I figure worst case scenario if I have to drop $600 for a new clutch in my car it will buy me some time to find what I'm looking for.

It took me 4 months to find the combo of options and color I wanted on my 128 'vert. Problem with the 1 is, they sold roughly the same number of 3 series in a month compared to the same sales numbers that took a year for the 1 series.

That said, it's makes a 1 a bit of a rarity to find. Just keep looking. You can set up alerts in both autotrader and cars.com. When a car comes on the market, you'll receive an alert, so that may help you.

Good luck in the hunt!!

[2WheelDave]

If you're not shy about shipping a Canadian car, there is a nice red on white one available near me. its a 2012, 95,000km, 3 owner car. It does have an accident on it's title, $11,000 in damage in 2013. It drives great, interior is in great condition. We just passed on it because the owner tried to hide the fact that it had a hit on it, I had to buy a Carfax to find out about it. But then the owners are in their 70's they might have just forgot.

[jrbimmer]

Originally Posted by 2WheelDave

If you're not shy about shipping a Canadian car, there is a nice red on white one available near me. its a 2012, 95,000km, 3 owner car. It does have an accident on it's title, $11,000 in damage in 2013. It drives great, interior is in great condition. We just passed on it because the owner tried to hide the fact that it had a hit on it, I had to buy a Carfax to find out about it. But then the owners are in their 70's they might have just forgot.

I appreciate it but it's a bit too far for me to worry about.

[jrbimmer]

Originally Posted by olds350

It took me 4 months to find the combo of options and color I wanted on my 128 'vert. Problem with the 1 is, they sold roughly the same number of 3 series in a month compared to the same sales numbers that took a year for the 1 series.

That said, it's makes a 1 a bit of a rarity to find. Just keep looking. You can set up alerts in both autotrader and cars.com. When a car comes on the market, you'll receive an alert, so that may help you.

Good luck in the hunt!!

Thanks a bunch! Im resigned to the fact that it may take a while but it will be worth the wait.

[2WheelDave]

Originally Posted by jrbimmer

I appreciate it but it's a bit too far for me to worry about.

Do a fly and drive

I bought a motorcycle in Mississippi once, the wife and I flew down and rode it home, awesome vacation!

[Gangplank]

Set up alerts & let the local car max know you are looking. Try a car broker? There must one in Orlando.

[jrbimmer]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Set up alerts & let the local car max know you are looking. Try a car broker? There must one in Orlando.

I have alerts set up a variety of places. Dealers love to advertise manuals when they're actually automatics though. Just had one pop up in Jax area and I ran the VIN# only to find out it's auto.

[chris82]

what about an E46 M3 convertible? can get a decent one for about 15k

[JimD]

I ordered my 2009 e88, n52 and still enjoy driving it. It needed an alternator and quit on me. That was an expensive repair but it's the only one it has required. I change the oil myself, it is pretty easy. If you pay somebody, the 6 quarts of synthetic oil will make it a bit pricey. I've changed the transmission fluid a couple times and the rear end fluid once. I still have the original battery, it is still working fine. I'm approaching 92K miles.

I haven't purchased a used car in years but low mileage would not be as important to me as well maintained and not wrecked. Cars will go a lot of miles these days if they are well maintained. My old rule of thumb was 100K miles but I upped that to 150K on my SUV and it is still providing reliable transportation for my son. He went 250K on his mothers mazda. He had to do a bit of work on it over the years but it was still running pretty well when he sold it.

[vitger]

Originally Posted by 2WheelDave

If you're not shy about shipping a Canadian car, there is a nice red on white one available near me. its a 2012, 95,000km, 3 owner car. It does have an accident on it's title, $11,000 in damage in 2013. It drives great, interior is in great condition. We just passed on it because the owner tried to hide the fact that it had a hit on it, I had to buy a Carfax to find out about it. But then the owners are in their 70's they might have just forgot.

Hey,
I just looked at that car. I heard you gave them a low ball offer that they rejected. Do you mind me asking how much you offered? I offered 13 000 for it, but sounds like they will keep it and take it off the market. The wife is emotionally attached.... It is in really nice shape.

[2WheelDave]

Replied via PM. We didn't low ball them, just told them that after finding out about the damage they didn't disclose, our idea of it's value was far less than what thier's was.