128i Sport Package Did I make a mistake?

[BMWfan69]

I will be taking delivery of a 2011 128i Coupe later this month. I ordered it with minimal options because I like the idea of the pure BMW driving experience unfettered by tons of options like I have on my 528Xi. I only ordered leather, which was free with 2011 "value package" and Harmon Kardon Stereo upgrade. Anyway, the more I read, and think about it, I am really disappointed that I didn't get the sport package. Primarily for the suspension upgrade. I don't care about the seats and other cosmetic stuff. However, I am worried that the base suspension is going to be disappointing. I test drove the base 128i suspension and the 135i, but never the 128i with the sport package as my dealer didn't have one on the lot.

Does anyone have any comments on the base 128i suspension? Is it lame in comparison to the sport package after extended driving? I read a lot of reviews that say the sport package is a "must." Is that true? Also all the professional reviews out there review the 128i with the sport suspension. It's as if BMW didn't want the media to drive the base suspension.

This is really bugging me now. Since I am taking delivery in a few week(my car is waiting awaiting shipment at the port), what options do I have? Can I have the dealer/port add the sport suspension, or BMW performance suspension? Would it save me money to do this now verses doing the BMW performance upgrade after taking delivery of the car?

Is it worth it at this point, or am I worried needlessly? I don't do a lot of track driving, but I like to open up and have fun pushing my cars to the edge from time to time. I am also getting the one to be sportier and more fun than my 5 series.

[Evice]

If you are going to upgrade the suspension I think you made the right choice. However, in sports pkg the most important item is the seats in my opinion. That makes it a "must" for me. Suspension, rims cosmetics can greatly be replaced for decent cost. Not the seats.

[Bimmer-Bob]

If you're fine with the non-sport seats and the only part of the sport package you really regret not getting is the suspension, don't worry too much about it - many people on these boards have the sport suspension and still end up upgrading.

If I were you, I would take that $1300 you saved and apply it to a BMW Performance suspension. You should talk to your dealer and see if they can install it in port (the receiving port) before you take delivery - it seems like I heard it was cheaper to do it this way rather than doing it through a dealer later, but I don't know for sure.

[ianc]

Some words of wisdom here. It really depends on what kind of driver you are (ie. how you plan to use the car) and what your expectations are. For me, as for most other people, even the sport suspension is lame, so by not buying it, you've saved some cash for the inevitable upgrade which will probably follow. As mentioned though, the sports seats are pretty awesome...

You can go dealer or aftermarket for your upgrades. The BMW perf susp is, by all accounts, pretty good, but rather pricey. Aftermarket will get you more bang for the buck, but the parts will not be covered under warranty.

Do some research here and see what you come up with!

ianc

[jkp1187]

I did not particularly like the 128i without sports suspension -- but with it, it was a great car. Like the guys above said, it's really a question of how you drive.... Before I bought the 135i, I was seriously considering getting a 128i without sport package and then upgrading to the BMW Performance Suspension or something along those lines.

I have the non-sport seats in my car, and they're fine - the only thing I'm missing is the adjustable lumbar, kind of wish I'd sprung for the premium package (didn't realize how much I needed it until I hurt my back last year. But a $50 support cushion later, Freude am Fahren was restored. YMMV.

[GaryS]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

If you're fine with the non-sport seats and the only part of the sport package you really regret not getting is the suspension, don't worry too much about it - many people on these boards have the sport suspension and still end up upgrading.

If I were you, I would take that $1300 you saved and apply it to a BMW Performance suspension. You should talk to your dealer and see if they can install it in port (the receiving port) before you take delivery - it seems like I heard it was cheaper to do it this way rather than doing it through a dealer later, but I don't know for sure.

The sport suspension kind of sucks. The performance suspension is great.

[JimD]

I like my sports suspension and especially the seats. Because of the rather high bolsters they hold you well but for the same reason, you need to not be real wide or you won't fit. I know a guy who did not fit. For most of us they are fine (the bolsters electrically adjust in and out even with the other adjustments being manual).

No easy way to change the seats but if you would ever have a front seat passenger who is somewhat wide, it may be for the best. The suspension you can change easily - first step is probably a bigger front roll bar.

Jim

[Evice]

That is really a good point to consider about the seats. Side bolsters with full open position is still restrictive. I am not that thick and I can fit easy. I pump it up on track days almost like they are going to push my kidneys outta my nose.

[GaryS]

I agree that the Sport package seats are great. And since OP lives in NY, I'll mention that the heated seats are fantastic - amazing how fast they heat up. But if you need adjustable lumbar support, then you have to get the Premium package instead.

[tgxmike]

I got the base model 128i and then upgraded to the performance suspension. The base suspension is fine for the road and casual fun driving. If you really plan to push the car to it's limits then just do a full suspension upgrade. I did to the BMW performance suspension.

See my mini review here.... http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=383090

[miro2296]

I didn't get the Sports Package and my only regret was the seats.

[ulrichd]

The car sits a bit lower with the sport suspension which looks better to me, but yes, the seats are worth the price alone (almost).

[BMWfan69]

Thanks for all the input. I never realized that the seats were so cool. If I had known, I would have opted for the sport package. Oh, well too late for that now. I'm going to get the BMW performance suspension. I am going to see if they will install at the port so I can save $$.

[gadget12345]

The perf suspension really makes a huge difference - I'm not sure if your 1 is a manual or auto but as a small tease the short shift kit also tightens things up nicely and makes economic sense to install at the same time.

I believe that your cost for the suspension may be higher if you don't start out with the sport suspension - More bits are needed to be installed.

[BMWfan69]

I ordered the 6MT, wouldn't even consider the auto. IMO auto would take all the fun out of the car. I am considering the SSK as well as the perf brakes, but I'm trying to keep the initial price down. So, I won't do all at once. Plus this way I'll have something to look forward to.

Yeah, BMW Perf Sus is a bit more with out having the sport package first, but I have no choice at this point since my car is bulit and awaiting shipment.

[M2]

I have read on some of the bimmerpost forums that the 2011 sport suspension has been revised and improved. Not sure if it is "amazingly" better but I did read that the handling has improved. just a thought,

also, the seats alone are worth getting the sport pkg.

[theanhdy]

I'm selling stock 135i Sport Suspension Package taken off the car at 3K miles. Perfect for 128i upgrade if you're interested. $200 + shipping

[Fireflyer239]

Hmm, have you spoken to the dealer about ordering (or having them locate) another car, one with the sport package? Perhaps the one you've already ordered (having skins and tunes) would be something they wouldn't mind having on their lot as stock inventory. As an incentive to them, you may be able to take delivery sooner (like, in a few days if they can locate a car you like within a reasonable distance). You are the customer...and things like this are negotiated every day, everywhere. Don't feel you're inconveniencing them!

I am an aggressive driver and would not have considered my 128 6MT without sport package, which is one of only several options I specified (along with ipod jack, audio, heated seats, TiAg metallic paint). The manual seats are driver's nirvana - very highly recommended. I have added Hotchkis front sway, Breyton GTS-R light weight wheels and Pilot Sports, Burger P-Box, and soon going to Bilstein HD dampers, Perf exhaust, SSK and Aero front bumper. I have (what I consider to be) the sweetest driving, purest example of what a BMW should be. True Love!

If the dealer truly values your business, they will work with you. Get the exact car you want before it's too late and you're permanently upset over the compromise!!! Best Luck!

[Evice]

@Fireflyer239: Your car looks great. I am getting my 2nd mod in following weeks with TC Kline Double Adjustable. I am pretty excited.

Sport Seats == Definitely a nirvana, and I totally agree with you on "purest example of what a BMW should be"

[Greenkirby21]

I have a 128i with sport package, I believe it uses the same components as stock 135i. I have heard and read from others that handling is much better. I am not 100% sure about this, but I think the tires on the 128i without sport suspension are all the same size, while the 128i w/ sport has a staggered set up that allows better handling. While I haven't driven one without sport suspension, I have read that sport suspension does make a difference. I would check out the For Sale section, I am sure u could find some stock 135i suspension for pretty low price

[Fireflyer239]

Thanks Evice, and great luck with your mods! I wish I had the Xenons, but not a biggie. In any case, I feel the 128 represents a sort of irony...it's exactly what everyone is crying about what BMW's used to be...but with all the attention and performance marketing focused on the N54 (and now N55) products, the 128 is overlooked for its performance attributes. I think the M-Sport package is finally available here in the States, but should have been from the beginning and that version of the car should be marketed more aggressively.

It's like with boxing - the heavyweight bouts get the attention - but the best action is really in the lighter weight divisions. I love that my normal driving has me spending lots of time in the 4 to 5k rpm range. I tend to be a fast driver and have driven both 135 and 128, and can afford either. My bottom line opinion is that the 135 is more fun in certain full throttle situations (like when a Mustang GT is on your ass), but the 128 (with sport pkg) is more fun in most driving situations. Need that perf exhaust now!

@ Greenkirby21 - yes the 128 sport package is the same suspension as the 135 but not the same brakes. So, same suspension but 150 or so pounds less weight (mostly over the front end - big plus) and the smaller brakes mean less unsprung weight (another big plus), and they are still very powerful and totally adequate for the street.

[BMWfan69]

Originally Posted by Fireflyer239

Hmm, have you spoken to the dealer about ordering (or having them locate) another car, one with the sport package? Perhaps the one you've already ordered (having skins and tunes) would be something they wouldn't mind having on their lot as stock inventory. As an incentive to them, you may be able to take delivery sooner (like, in a few days if they can locate a car you like within a reasonable distance). You are the customer...and things like this are negotiated every day, everywhere. Don't feel you're inconveniencing them!

I am an aggressive driver and would not have considered my 128 6MT without sport package, which is one of only several options I specified (along with ipod jack, audio, heated seats, TiAg metallic paint). The manual seats are driver's nirvana - very highly recommended. I have added Hotchkis front sway, Breyton GTS-R light weight wheels and Pilot Sports, Burger P-Box, and soon going to Bilstein HD dampers, Perf exhaust, SSK and Aero front bumper. I have (what I consider to be) the sweetest driving, purest example of what a BMW should be. True Love!

If the dealer truly values your business, they will work with you. Get the exact car you want before it's too late and you're permanently upset over the compromise!!! Best Luck!

Thanks for the input. I was indeed feeling bad about making a change at this point, which is stupid. Since I ordered two cars a 328 and a 128 the dealer should have nothing to complain about if I make a change. Only concern is that it's tough to find the exact config I'm looking for since I ordered a priority one option(terra-cotta seats) but I guess the performance is more important to me in the long run. Thanks again!