128i instead of a 135i?

gnat · 08-17-2010, 08:40 AM

I've been looking at the '11 135i and even got to test an '09 for a week as a loaner and decided that is the car I really want.

I had been holding off until Sept to put my order both to coordinate a January ED trip and to give the N55 time to see if it was going to continue to have the HPFP issues.

Now that there is at least one confirmed case (yes I recognize that it could as easily be an aberration as it could be the tip of the iceberg), I don't want to touch a 135i since I intend to try to keep this car for the long term and don't want to deal with a known issue that may or may not occur weighing in the back of my mind (we already have that problem with her 996 and it's RMS).

I've been saying all along that if I didn't go with the 135i, I'd still be happy with the 128i (it is still a decent little performer after all). But now I'm starting to question if I really would be or if I would just keep feeling disappointed that I couldn't trust BMW enough to get the car I really wanted. I don't think it would be as much of an issue if I hadn't had the 135i for a week to really get to soak in how the N54 behaves.

So I know this is mainly a personal thing and we will all vary, but is there anyone else that had their heart set on the 135i but ended up with a 128i (regardless of the reason)? Have you ended up being happy with it? Any regrets?

Thanks,
-dave

Taymaishu · 08-17-2010, 08:49 AM

I had my heart absolutely set on the 135i. When i first saw the 125 (128), i thought it'd never come close to even seeing daylight with the 135i.

Funnily enough, the price difference made me go with the 125. Add in to that the insurance (as I was only just 23 when I purchased), it made a sound decision.

Little to be said, i was absolutely pleasantly shocked by the 125's performance. We did a run through a national park a while ago, me being the only 125 on that night. One of the boys on the forums here lost my tail-lights (exhaust + JB3 mods) after only a few minutes, and had absolutely no issues keeping up on a drive day (again being the only 125).

I am absolutely pleased with my decision. I made the right one, ended up with a reliable car that i know will start every time. Plus, the sound of that NA straight six singing at 6,000 RPM is really something you can appreciate in your loins.

You will never be disappointed with a 125 (128).

Cheers,

Alex

PS: This is the National Park we ran that night - just by myself in this vid. You can see how the car corners by watching my keys swing (1:25 onwards) and the performance by the rev jumps and TC kicking in

fwmcb · 08-17-2010, 09:00 AM

I went from 335 that my employer has and which I drive regularly for work. While the N54 has massive amounts of power and torque, and is just a blast to drive. The N52 powered 128i is no slouch either, it is quick to get up to speed passes well and it real hoot as you get closer to red line. I enjoy it, albeit it is no 135i, but it is faster than most. It still handles and performs like a champ. Try one out, you will be surprised, I was. I even have a buddy going from a WRX 265hp to a 128i.

gnat · 08-17-2010, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fwmcb

Try one out, you will be surprised, I was.

We did test drive one already, but how much do you really get out of a few miles? It was enough, however, to get the impression that the only real difference between the two was the power the engine puts out.

In addition to her 996, my wife has a e90 328xi which I took through an Auto-X class so we know how the N52 performs in a bigger car. She has had the fastest car in the family for almost 10 years now and I really wanted to change that (for less than half the price too!)

Thanks for both of your input. It is much appreciated. I'll give it a few weeks of driving my Escape again and then go back and test drive the 128i some more and see if I can get over the emotional aspect of it all.

Thanks,
-dave

wolfe · 08-17-2010, 09:29 AM

I was kind of in the same position. I wanted a 135i and wanted to keep it for the long haul, well past the warranty. Cost was a factor, but it wasn't the decision maker. Other things that were in the 128i's favor for me were no sunroof, and that it has front fog lights.

I ended up going for a 128i, as it just felt like the better choice for long term durability and reliability. It certainly lacks the brute force acceleration of the 135i, but it's both surprised and impressed me how willing the n52 feels. It revs very freely, and just feels 'light'.

I'd heard a lot of people say it's more fun to drive a slower car fast than a fast car slow. I was really skeptical about that one but after having the 128i a couple of months, I 'get it' and completely agree.

All things considered I'd make the same decision again.

michifan · 08-17-2010, 09:34 AM

Cost notwithstanding, the 135i is so much more fun than the 128. 100,000 miles is a long way off, and other than the HPFP, the N54 hasn't had problems so far.

fwmcb · 08-17-2010, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnat

We did test drive one already, but how much do you really get out of a few miles? It was enough, however, to get the impression that the only real difference between the two was the power the engine puts out.

In addition to her 996, my wife has a e90 328xi which I took through an Auto-X class so we know how the N52 performs in a bigger car. She has had the fastest car in the family for almost 10 years now and I really wanted to change that (for less than half the price too!)

Thanks for both of your input. It is much appreciated. I'll give it a few weeks of driving my Escape again and then go back and test drive the 128i some more and see if I can get over the emotional aspect of it all.

Thanks,
-dave

I drove a 328i xdrive for a week while my 128i was "injured" let me tell you that the 128i is no comparison, and it is a true champ in the winter time. Much quicker than the 328, but not exactly a 996... btw the N54 has 40,000KM and no major issues to date knock on wood.

JimD · 08-17-2010, 09:42 AM

I did not test drive a 135i before buying my 128i vert but I drove one at the Performance Center where I took delivery of my 128i. The 135i was automatic (all the PCD has these days I think) and my 128i is manual. My very subjective impression is that the key difference is below 3,000 rpm. Above about that point, the 128i pulls strongly. I have to shift quickly between gears. At very low rpm, I typically shift around town at less than 2,000 rpm, my 128i is not what I would call sluggish but it doesn't really feel like a performance car either. More mundane or typical. More relaxing, too.

The 135i, on the other hand, has lots of torque even at very low rpm. So it will pull strongly regardless. If you drive a manual, it would be less important to be in the right gear with the 135i. You will be able to accelerate quickly even if you should probably be in a lower gear.

The 128i demands a little more of the driver if you want to move quickly. You need to be in the right gear to have quick acceleration.

I've driven my 128i vert on the Performance Center track for an autocross so I have some more direct comparison. I am sure the 135i was faster but I didn't notice much difference. I kept the rpm up on the 128i and the main limitation on my times was me. My 128i could have been much quicker if I was a better driver.

I did not think I needed the extra acceleration capability of the 135i when I bought my 128i and I am still of that opinion. The 128i is slower but it is still a pretty quick car. It is rated to do a 1/4 mile in about 15 seconds. That is as fast as a lot of older "muscle cars" with V8s. It is not slow.

Jim

Red Bread · 08-17-2010, 09:55 AM

Absolutely. The 128i is a great car, and the 135i doesn't have any special pixie dust that gets left off of the smaller motors. There are many times when I drive the 135i that I wish for a lack of lag and a greater willingness to actually rev towards redline with some sort of reward.

bradleyland · 08-17-2010, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimD

I did not test drive a 135i before buying my 128i vert but I drove one at the Performance Center where I took delivery of my 128i. The 135i was automatic (all the PCD has these days I think) and my 128i is manual. My very subjective impression is that the key difference is below 3,000 rpm. Above about that point, the 128i pulls strongly. I have to shift quickly between gears. At very low rpm, I typically shift around town at less than 2,000 rpm, my 128i is not what I would call sluggish but it doesn't really feel like a performance car either. More mundane or typical. More relaxing, too.

The 135i, on the other hand, has lots of torque even at very low rpm. So it will pull strongly regardless. If you drive a manual, it would be less important to be in the right gear with the 135i. You will be able to accelerate quickly even if you should probably be in a lower gear.

The 128i demands a little more of the driver if you want to move quickly. You need to be in the right gear to have quick acceleration.

I've driven my 128i vert on the Performance Center track for an autocross so I have some more direct comparison. I am sure the 135i was faster but I didn't notice much difference. I kept the rpm up on the 128i and the main limitation on my times was me. My 128i could have been much quicker if I was a better driver.

I did not think I needed the extra acceleration capability of the 135i when I bought my 128i and I am still of that opinion. The 128i is slower but it is still a pretty quick car. It is rated to do a 1/4 mile in about 15 seconds. That is as fast as a lot of older "muscle cars" with V8s. It is not slow.

Jim

This has to be one of the most honest and well reasoned posts I've ever seen on this site. Very well put!

ErvGotti · 08-17-2010, 10:08 AM

I test drove both and a 335i before settling on my 135i. So far I've been lucky (knock on wood) and have had no problems, so it's a game of chance. I'm dissapointed in BMW that problems on the N55 have been showing up, but it's seems to be software problems.

It all depends on what your looking for, I think if your gonna regret not having the extra power then get the 135i, and although there really isn't much out on tuning for the N55 you know that the same companies that tuned the N54 are working it.

When I take my car in for service and get a 128i loaner or 328i loaner I cant wait to get my car back. So it's a matter of choice as I love having all that extra passing power.

ulrichd · 08-17-2010, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michifan

Cost notwithstanding, the 135i is so much more fun than the 128. 100,000 miles is a long way off, and other than the HPFP, the N54 hasn't had problems so far.

Depends on your definition of fun. Before my 128, I went from a 00 M-Coupe to an 03 Cooper S. Sure the M-Coupe had it all over the Mini in performance numbers but it was the Mini that made me go "weeeeeeee" every time I took a corner. You can floor the M for just a few seconds before you are in go straight to jail territory.

Get a 128/6-speed with the M-body kit as the standard 128 front and rear bumpers look a little drab.

Boxtyp3 · 08-17-2010, 10:14 AM

At the end of the day, it's your personal choice if you will get the no.1 car or the no.2. For me, I got the 135 no matter what. HPFP is a given issue in N54. But mine don't have it so far. I got 5500+ miles on the clock and still going strong. I know that I don't need that extra power that my135 gives me coz I don't track the car, but at least when I sleep at night I can rest assured that I went to my first choice instead of second. Just my $0.01.

bradleyland · 08-17-2010, 10:14 AM

I ended up going with a 135i, but I test drove a 128i or two. My previous two cars were VW GTIs. One was a 2.8l 24v VR6 and a 2.0T. The 2.0T put up very similar numbers to the 128i, and I lived with it happily for about 4 years. It was a very enjoyable car, but then again it was turbocharged, which gives it punch down low that makes all the difference around town.

I still remember my VR6 GTI well. Even though it was also rated at 200 HP, it had a very different character. The two cars felt very much like the comparison between a non-sport 128i and a 135i (comes with the sport suspension). When I went from the VR6 to the 2.0T, my eyes were wide with excitement. The acceleration of a turbocharged car swells quickly, but lets you down up high. For around town, you "feel" the grunt of a turbocharged car more. Granted, you bear the cost burden in tires. The fantastic wail of the VR6 was sorely missed though.

The primary reason I went with the 135i was because I didn't want to move laterally in terms of performance. My MkV GTI was a very rewarding car to drive. Moving to RWD would have given me even more, but the acceleration fun-factor just wasn't there when coming from a turbocharged car of similar performance spec. The brute force acceleration of the 135i was a must have.

The take-away here is that you have to evaluate what's most important. If you're not looking for a big performance upgrade, then a 128i is still a fantastic car. I don't recall ever driving my MkV GTI and feeling like it was lacking. I enjoyed every day with it, and I'm sure you'd feel the same about a 128i.

roo97ss · 08-17-2010, 10:15 AM

Coming from my DD 330ci zhp, the naturally aspirated motor is very rewarding to drive, especially when pushed hard.

The handling was much crisper with the zhp car (non run flats of course) than my 135i, but the ride was also much worse. The 1 is a better balance for everyday driving, but FAR from a track car in stock form...whereas the zhp could do it. I think my zhp car stock for stock was as good as my e46 m3 was in the handling department.

What was lacking for me was the power of the zhp car. Having only driven a 128i on a test drive i'm going to say the zhp was more powerful...and in the end the reason i ended up selling it.

I'm a hp junkie at heart and with a jb3 the 135 fulfills that.

I know i'm not keeping this thing forever; so that helped with my choice. I won't own one of these turbos beyond warranty...but I not for one second would trade the power of the 135 for the zhp...

joe

emtrey · 08-17-2010, 10:16 AM

If you are talkng a 6MT 128, I think you will truly enjoy the car. If I did not have to have a car w/o 3 peddles that my wife could drive, I would have seriously considered a 128.

I found the 128 a bit lacking w/ the steptronic. Fine from a dead stop but not great in the mid range or coming out of corners. Needs revs to make its power. The steptronic box used in the 135 is also better in the 128. Have not tried a DCT yet but that should be a step beyond w/ the turbo engine. The 135 is a great little car that always brings smiles to this driver's face. I love it.

Make sure to get sports seats if you go 128...big difference.

gnat · 08-17-2010, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErvGotti

I'm dissapointed in BMW that problems on the N55 have been showing up, but it's seems to be software problems.

There is a thread in the e90 forums about a 335 N55 owner that just got a new HPFP due to the same symptoms from the N54, so it's moved out of software issues which is why I'm no longer interested in the 135i.

I too am very disappointed in BMW on this.

-dave

ptack · 08-17-2010, 10:47 AM

Sounds like it's too late for you my friend. Once bitten you won't shake the 135i bug. Sure, there are lot's of good, rational reasons why you should be perfectly happy with a 128i, but if the 135i made you grin uncontrollably, then you will always regret not getting it.

I'm going on 33k with Baby with no engine issues what so ever. If they eventually happen it won't cost me money until years from now if I pass 100k and by then I'll either have moved on or the HPFP problem will have been completely sorted out. It's not enough of a factor to make me chose between the 2 cars.

SchlauCow · 08-17-2010, 11:38 AM

Hi Dave,
What kind of driver are you; what's your personality? Perhaps my experience will help:

I love my 128i w/M-sport (amongst other tons of upgrades). I tend to drive cautiously, but every now and then I like to punch it. I don't like to waste gas in most conditions. The acceleration is just so smooth for me and I like that. I'm not looking to secretly "race" other cars on the road, nor show off, etc. I'm not really concerned with racing or that type of thing, so the 135i just didn't appeal to me as much either. The cost, the performance differences, and my personality were huge factors in me getting the 128. Either way, you won't be disappointed buying a BMW -- the performance in both cars will let you know that you did the right thing.

I will say, however, get xenons!! That's my biggest regret with the 128i.

Hope this helps.

m_thompson · 08-17-2010, 11:51 AM

I went through the same questioning and decided that I really didn't need the extra power of the 135i for my commute. I usually keep cars for a long time and I was also concerned about the cost of out of warranty repairs for the 135i. My 128i has the same top speed as the 135i, it just takes a little longer to get there.

SchlauCow, the Xenons are really great!

Raine · 08-17-2010, 11:51 AM

Depends where you live man.

Here in Canada, the 128i has Xenon standard and the 135i doesn't have a sunroof as standard. However, the 128i in Canada doesn't have access to the MSPORT package, only a regular sport option which sucks, but at least we do get those sexy 263 OEM 18 inch wheels.

If I lived in the US, I'd totally get the 135i, the price difference between those two is marginal whereas in Canada the price difference between the 128i and the 135i is 8,000 CAD (or ~7.2k or so USD), which was ultimately the deal breaker.

You also have to factor in the cost of insurance (insurance is expensive in Ontario!) and the cost of maintaining a turbo after warranty ends. Finally the 328i is BMW's most reliable car currently, I only hope the 128i follows suit.

SupremePower3335 · 08-17-2010, 12:50 PM

I went through the same delimma. Folks are right though, once you drive a 135 there is no going back. Plus for all the upgrades I wanted to do (Msport body kit, 6 piston brembo brakes, Xenons etc) to make it look like a 135 the total price came out pretty equal so I took the plunge and got what I wanted....If I am really picky I really wish we 135 had foglights like ulrichd

but the other options outway that. I came from a E39 540 with gobbs of torque and the 135 really satisfies me.

Could I be satisfied with a 128? Sure BUT I would always wonder..having owned though I think it's almost TOO much power, I know it's a ticket waiting to happen!

GL with your decision

08-17-2010, 08:40 AM	#1
gnat Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 246 Posts Drives: Wishing for an e30iX Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NoVA iTrader: (0)	128i instead of a 135i? I've been looking at the '11 135i and even got to test an '09 for a week as a loaner and decided that is the car I really want. I had been holding off until Sept to put my order both to coordinate a January ED trip and to give the N55 time to see if it was going to continue to have the HPFP issues. Now that there is at least one confirmed case (yes I recognize that it could as easily be an aberration as it could be the tip of the iceberg), I don't want to touch a 135i since I intend to try to keep this car for the long term and don't want to deal with a known issue that may or may not occur weighing in the back of my mind (we already have that problem with her 996 and it's RMS). I've been saying all along that if I didn't go with the 135i, I'd still be happy with the 128i (it is still a decent little performer after all). But now I'm starting to question if I really would be or if I would just keep feeling disappointed that I couldn't trust BMW enough to get the car I really wanted. I don't think it would be as much of an issue if I hadn't had the 135i for a week to really get to soak in how the N54 behaves. So I know this is mainly a personal thing and we will all vary, but is there anyone else that had their heart set on the 135i but ended up with a 128i (regardless of the reason)? Have you ended up being happy with it? Any regrets? Thanks, -dave
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08-17-2010, 08:49 AM	#2
Taymaishu Banned 145 Rep 3,016 Posts Drives: I love massive black cocks Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: in my ass and around my mouth iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 125i [5.50]	I had my heart absolutely set on the 135i. When i first saw the 125 (128), i thought it'd never come close to even seeing daylight with the 135i. Funnily enough, the price difference made me go with the 125. Add in to that the insurance (as I was only just 23 when I purchased), it made a sound decision. Little to be said, i was absolutely pleasantly shocked by the 125's performance. We did a run through a national park a while ago, me being the only 125 on that night. One of the boys on the forums here lost my tail-lights (exhaust + JB3 mods) after only a few minutes, and had absolutely no issues keeping up on a drive day (again being the only 125). I am absolutely pleased with my decision. I made the right one, ended up with a reliable car that i know will start every time. Plus, the sound of that NA straight six singing at 6,000 RPM is really something you can appreciate in your loins. You will never be disappointed with a 125 (128). Cheers, Alex PS: This is the National Park we ran that night - just by myself in this vid. You can see how the car corners by watching my keys swing (1:25 onwards) and the performance by the rev jumps and TC kicking in
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08-17-2010, 09:00 AM	#3
fwmcb Major 31 Rep 1,107 Posts Drives: 2015 F30 328i X-drive Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NB iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 128i [0.00]	I went from 335 that my employer has and which I drive regularly for work. While the N54 has massive amounts of power and torque, and is just a blast to drive. The N52 powered 128i is no slouch either, it is quick to get up to speed passes well and it real hoot as you get closer to red line. I enjoy it, albeit it is no 135i, but it is faster than most. It still handles and performs like a champ. Try one out, you will be surprised, I was. I even have a buddy going from a WRX 265hp to a 128i.
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08-17-2010, 09:29 AM	#5
wolfe Captain 134 Rep 613 Posts Drives: e82 / e70 / r56 / r60 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	I was kind of in the same position. I wanted a 135i and wanted to keep it for the long haul, well past the warranty. Cost was a factor, but it wasn't the decision maker. Other things that were in the 128i's favor for me were no sunroof, and that it has front fog lights. I ended up going for a 128i, as it just felt like the better choice for long term durability and reliability. It certainly lacks the brute force acceleration of the 135i, but it's both surprised and impressed me how willing the n52 feels. It revs very freely, and just feels 'light'. I'd heard a lot of people say it's more fun to drive a slower car fast than a fast car slow. I was really skeptical about that one but after having the 128i a couple of months, I 'get it' and completely agree. All things considered I'd make the same decision again.
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08-17-2010, 09:34 AM	#6
michifan Old Soul 15 Rep 274 Posts Drives: 2008 SGM BWM 135iC Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Orlando, Florida iTrader: (0)	Cost notwithstanding, the 135i is so much more fun than the 128. 100,000 miles is a long way off, and other than the HPFP, the N54 hasn't had problems so far.
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08-17-2010, 09:42 AM	#8
JimD Brigadier General 368 Rep 3,547 Posts Drives: 128i convertible Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lexington, SC iTrader: (0)	I did not test drive a 135i before buying my 128i vert but I drove one at the Performance Center where I took delivery of my 128i. The 135i was automatic (all the PCD has these days I think) and my 128i is manual. My very subjective impression is that the key difference is below 3,000 rpm. Above about that point, the 128i pulls strongly. I have to shift quickly between gears. At very low rpm, I typically shift around town at less than 2,000 rpm, my 128i is not what I would call sluggish but it doesn't really feel like a performance car either. More mundane or typical. More relaxing, too. The 135i, on the other hand, has lots of torque even at very low rpm. So it will pull strongly regardless. If you drive a manual, it would be less important to be in the right gear with the 135i. You will be able to accelerate quickly even if you should probably be in a lower gear. The 128i demands a little more of the driver if you want to move quickly. You need to be in the right gear to have quick acceleration. I've driven my 128i vert on the Performance Center track for an autocross so I have some more direct comparison. I am sure the 135i was faster but I didn't notice much difference. I kept the rpm up on the 128i and the main limitation on my times was me. My 128i could have been much quicker if I was a better driver. I did not think I needed the extra acceleration capability of the 135i when I bought my 128i and I am still of that opinion. The 128i is slower but it is still a pretty quick car. It is rated to do a 1/4 mile in about 15 seconds. That is as fast as a lot of older "muscle cars" with V8s. It is not slow. Jim __________________ 128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09
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08-17-2010, 09:55 AM	#9
Red Bread Major General 4463 Rep 9,160 Posts Drives: Smog machines Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Absolutely. The 128i is a great car, and the 135i doesn't have any special pixie dust that gets left off of the smaller motors. There are many times when I drive the 135i that I wish for a lack of lag and a greater willingness to actually rev towards redline with some sort of reward.
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08-17-2010, 10:08 AM	#11
ErvGotti Major 124 Rep 1,362 Posts Drives: 2008 135i 6MT Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Aviano iTrader: (5) Garage List 2008 135i [6.00]	I test drove both and a 335i before settling on my 135i. So far I've been lucky (knock on wood) and have had no problems, so it's a game of chance. I'm dissapointed in BMW that problems on the N55 have been showing up, but it's seems to be software problems. It all depends on what your looking for, I think if your gonna regret not having the extra power then get the 135i, and although there really isn't much out on tuning for the N55 you know that the same companies that tuned the N54 are working it. When I take my car in for service and get a 128i loaner or 328i loaner I cant wait to get my car back. So it's a matter of choice as I love having all that extra passing power.
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08-17-2010, 10:14 AM	#13
Boxtyp3 Major 78 Rep 1,353 Posts Drives: 2015 F32 MG Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 F32 435 [0.00] 2002 E46 cp [0.00] 2010 E82 135i [0.00] 2013 E92 335i [0.00]	At the end of the day, it's your personal choice if you will get the no.1 car or the no.2. For me, I got the 135 no matter what. HPFP is a given issue in N54. But mine don't have it so far. I got 5500+ miles on the clock and still going strong. I know that I don't need that extra power that my135 gives me coz I don't track the car, but at least when I sleep at night I can rest assured that I went to my first choice instead of second. Just my $0.01.
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08-17-2010, 10:14 AM	#14
bradleyland TIM YOYO 1504 Rep 3,283 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Vero Beach, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW R1250GS [0.00] 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i [0.00]	I ended up going with a 135i, but I test drove a 128i or two. My previous two cars were VW GTIs. One was a 2.8l 24v VR6 and a 2.0T. The 2.0T put up very similar numbers to the 128i, and I lived with it happily for about 4 years. It was a very enjoyable car, but then again it was turbocharged, which gives it punch down low that makes all the difference around town. I still remember my VR6 GTI well. Even though it was also rated at 200 HP, it had a very different character. The two cars felt very much like the comparison between a non-sport 128i and a 135i (comes with the sport suspension). When I went from the VR6 to the 2.0T, my eyes were wide with excitement. The acceleration of a turbocharged car swells quickly, but lets you down up high. For around town, you "feel" the grunt of a turbocharged car more. Granted, you bear the cost burden in tires. The fantastic wail of the VR6 was sorely missed though. The primary reason I went with the 135i was because I didn't want to move laterally in terms of performance. My MkV GTI was a very rewarding car to drive. Moving to RWD would have given me even more, but the acceleration fun-factor just wasn't there when coming from a turbocharged car of similar performance spec. The brute force acceleration of the 135i was a must have. The take-away here is that you have to evaluate what's most important. If you're not looking for a big performance upgrade, then a 128i is still a fantastic car. I don't recall ever driving my MkV GTI and feeling like it was lacking. I enjoyed every day with it, and I'm sure you'd feel the same about a 128i. __________________ His: *2019 R1250GS* - Black Hers: 2013 X3 28i - N20 Mineral Silver / Sand Beige / Premium, Tech Past: 2013 ///M3 - Interlagos Blue Black M-DCT Past: 2010 135i - TiAg Coral Red 6MT ///M-Sport**
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08-17-2010, 10:15 AM	#15
roo97ss Captain 67 Rep 920 Posts Drives: M4, X6M, Tesla Plaid, MYP, Ram Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Delaware iTrader: (7)	Coming from my DD 330ci zhp, the naturally aspirated motor is very rewarding to drive, especially when pushed hard. The handling was much crisper with the zhp car (non run flats of course) than my 135i, but the ride was also much worse. The 1 is a better balance for everyday driving, but FAR from a track car in stock form...whereas the zhp could do it. I think my zhp car stock for stock was as good as my e46 m3 was in the handling department. What was lacking for me was the power of the zhp car. Having only driven a 128i on a test drive i'm going to say the zhp was more powerful...and in the end the reason i ended up selling it. I'm a hp junkie at heart and with a jb3 the 135 fulfills that. I know i'm not keeping this thing forever; so that helped with my choice. I won't own one of these turbos beyond warranty...but I not for one second would trade the power of the 135 for the zhp... joe
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08-17-2010, 10:16 AM	#16
emtrey Captain 92 Rep 857 Posts Drives: 16 M235IX, 06 Carrera S, 335i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Midwest iTrader: (0)	If you are talkng a 6MT 128, I think you will truly enjoy the car. If I did not have to have a car w/o 3 peddles that my wife could drive, I would have seriously considered a 128. I found the 128 a bit lacking w/ the steptronic. Fine from a dead stop but not great in the mid range or coming out of corners. Needs revs to make its power. The steptronic box used in the 135 is also better in the 128. Have not tried a DCT yet but that should be a step beyond w/ the turbo engine. The 135 is a great little car that always brings smiles to this driver's face. I love it. Make sure to get sports seats if you go 128...big difference. Last edited by emtrey; 08-17-2010 at 10:21 AM..
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08-17-2010, 10:47 AM	#18
ptack Brigadier General 269 Rep 4,470 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [6.50]	Sounds like it's too late for you my friend. Once bitten you won't shake the 135i bug. Sure, there are lot's of good, rational reasons why you should be perfectly happy with a 128i, but if the 135i made you grin uncontrollably, then you will always regret not getting it. I'm going on 33k with Baby with no engine issues what so ever. If they eventually happen it won't cost me money until years from now if I pass 100k and by then I'll either have moved on or the HPFP problem will have been completely sorted out. It's not enough of a factor to make me chose between the 2 cars. __________________ 135i, SGM, Coral, Sport Package, Auto, Premium Hifi, USB/ipod, Apex EC-7s, PPK Stage II
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08-17-2010, 11:38 AM	#19
SchlauCow ****** 137 Rep 337 Posts Drives: Honda M6 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Radiance iTrader: (4)	Hi Dave, What kind of driver are you; what's your personality? Perhaps my experience will help: I love my 128i w/M-sport (amongst other tons of upgrades). I tend to drive cautiously, but every now and then I like to punch it. I don't like to waste gas in most conditions. The acceleration is just so smooth for me and I like that. I'm not looking to secretly "race" other cars on the road, nor show off, etc. I'm not really concerned with racing or that type of thing, so the 135i just didn't appeal to me as much either. The cost, the performance differences, and my personality were huge factors in me getting the 128. Either way, you won't be disappointed buying a BMW -- the performance in both cars will let you know that you did the right thing. I will say, however, get xenons!! That's my biggest regret with the 128i. Hope this helps.
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08-17-2010, 11:51 AM	#20
m_thompson Major 133 Rep 1,416 Posts Drives: M-Sport 128i, 328xi, 3.0CS Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: New England, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 128i [0.00] 1972 3.0CS [10.00]	I went through the same questioning and decided that I really didn't need the extra power of the 135i for my commute. I usually keep cars for a long time and I was also concerned about the cost of out of warranty repairs for the 135i. My 128i has the same top speed as the 135i, it just takes a little longer to get there. SchlauCow, the Xenons are really great! __________________ '09 128i - Black Sapphire Metallic\Coral Red\Glacier Silver\N51 DISA\6MT\Navigation\Premium\M-Sport\Heated seats\Xenon\Headlights\iPod\Smartphone\Euro Delivery
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08-17-2010, 11:51 AM	#21
Raine Captain 44 Rep 841 Posts Drives: '11 E82, '04 E60 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (3)	Depends where you live man. Here in Canada, the 128i has Xenon standard and the 135i doesn't have a sunroof as standard. However, the 128i in Canada doesn't have access to the MSPORT package, only a regular sport option which sucks, but at least we do get those sexy 263 OEM 18 inch wheels. If I lived in the US, I'd totally get the 135i, the price difference between those two is marginal whereas in Canada the price difference between the 128i and the 135i is 8,000 CAD (or ~7.2k or so USD), which was ultimately the deal breaker. You also have to factor in the cost of insurance (insurance is expensive in Ontario!) and the cost of maintaining a turbo after warranty ends. Finally the 328i is BMW's most reliable car currently, I only hope the 128i follows suit. Last edited by Raine; 08-17-2010 at 11:57 AM..
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08-17-2010, 12:50 PM	#22
SupremePower3335 Lieutenant 56 Rep 436 Posts Drives: 2011 335 MSport & 2018 X3 30i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	I went through the same delimma. Folks are right though, once you drive a 135 there is no going back. Plus for all the upgrades I wanted to do (Msport body kit, 6 piston brembo brakes, Xenons etc) to make it look like a 135 the total price came out pretty equal so I took the plunge and got what I wanted....If I am really picky I really wish we 135 had foglights like ulrichd but the other options outway that. I came from a E39 540 with gobbs of torque and the 135 really satisfies me. Could I be satisfied with a 128? Sure BUT I would always wonder..having owned though I think it's almost TOO much power, I know it's a ticket waiting to happen! GL with your decision
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