Blown away by 128i

[ianc]

Hmm, it's a 135 front bumper. Wonder how that happened? ;-)

ianc

[Fume]

Originally Posted by ianc

Hmm, it's a 135 front bumper. Wonder how that happened? ;-)

ianc

If you're referring to the front bumper of the 128i in the picture in the original post, that just looks like an m-sport 128i bumper to me.

[sprp85]

128 m sport front = 135i front

Minus the fogs.

Even those can be purchased separately and get converted to 128i M, using 135i front

[david in germany]

N52 engine in a 1 series is really hard to beat. It is said to be the last BMW that was true to BMW's racing roots. N52 is also BMW's best sounding engine as well with or without the performance exhaust.

[Dylanize]

Originally Posted by david in germany

N52 is also BMW's best sounding engine as well with or without the performance exhaust.

ehh, I don't know about that. I had an N52 with and AA exhaust and it sounded incredible.

But my N55 sounds way more insane, especially with the PPK.

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by Drtsk

I've got a 135i with AT that I have to relinquish in the summertime to my daughter. I've been thinking of purchasing a MT 135i. Unfortunately, I've never driven a 135 manual.
I am also in NOVA. Maybe we can swap cars for a half an hour or so. I will bring out my 991.1 C2S with 7MT. Let me know if you are interested.

For sure! I'll send you a PM

[desertman123]

Originally Posted by Dylanize

ehh, I don't know about that. I had an N52 with and AA exhaust and it sounded incredible.

But my N55 sounds way more insane, especially with the PPK.

Yeah stock exhaust leaves a bit to be desired - as with any car. But I do gotta say, a nice downshift right next to a semi at slow speed sounds AMAZING (with golf tee of course).

Originally Posted by david in germany

N52 engine in a 1 series is really hard to beat. It is said to be the last BMW that was true to BMW's racing roots. N52 is also BMW's best sounding engine as well with or without the performance exhaust.

• NA straight 6
• Hydraulic steering
• Not bloated chassis
• Manual, RWD
• Comfortable yet capable sport suspension (some will disagree - I'm quite pleased with the M-Sport setup, with RSFB)

Sounds pretty good to me. Trust me I'd like a turbo engine (flat, straight FL is more for straight line acceleration than dynamic twisties), but you can't beat the reliability, ease of ownership and ease of DIYs as you do with an NA motor.

To add: my parents' 5er steering is smooth as butter but goodness it is numb.

Plus bolt-ons bring the car from grocery-getter tuned to actually performance capable.
N52: One of the few NA engines you can get like 40whp with basic bolt on breathing mods (+tune).


[Regular car reviews voice] BMW 128i: the official car of "wow this isn't that slow" and "wow this isn't that small on the inside"

[ianc]

128 m sport front = 135i front

Minus the fogs.

Even those can be purchased separately and get converted to 128i M, using 135i front

Did not know that. Thanks for setting me straight,

ianc

[Drtsk]

Originally Posted by Matticus91

For sure! I'll send you a PM

I'm getting a short shifter kit, similar to gt4, done next Friday. After that I'm cool. PM sent with my number. Call me to set something.

[MightyMouseTech]

But there's a bigger point here. The 1-series is the last car that BMW engineered before the Germans, as a car-making culture, fell out of love with driving.

R&T April 2013.

[david in germany]

Originally Posted by Dylanize

ehh, I don't know about that. I had an N52 with and AA exhaust and it sounded incredible.

But my N55 sounds way more insane, especially with the PPK.

Personally I think the N54 and N55 although aggressive and having sweet pop and burble still don't compair with the growl and scream of the N52. Not saying I will part with my N54 any time soon though.

[Dat Aus]

Originally Posted by david in germany

N52 is also BMW's best sounding engine as well with or without the performance exhaust.

Tell that to the S54 and S85.

[griz31]

Was 80% convinced of picking it up in addition to my current lease. I wasnt really planning on it originally, but figured some things out to make it work. Checked back, and it SOLD

Probably better, but it stings a little. Congrats to the lucky new owner! I'll be waiting for the "Just purchased a 128i" thread

[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.

[The Wind Breezes]

Let's not lose our heads here. This car is being made out to be something it's decidedly not. For example, an E46 M3, which is barely one generation behind a 128i, will kick the crap out of a 128i in every category mentioned here, from NA engine to the "pedigree" to driving pleasure to handling to pleasing engine noise. I just don't see it. If you want a N/A car that treats a driver right get a used Porsche and don't look back.

[LuisBoston]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

R&T April 2013.

And don't forget this one:

http://jalopnik.com/why-the-bmw-1-se...ssic-508797316

"Here's what I'm thinking: some 10, 15, or 20 years from now, the 1-Series may be what the E30 is to buyers today. It will be for people who want a small, purebred sports coupe with impressive performance for not a lot of money. If you find one that hasn't had the crap kicked out of it, it will make for a fantastic enthusiast bargain."

[griz31]

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.

If you've never driven a BMW with hydraulic steering, it really isn't that bad. Once the memory fades you get used to it, but comparing back to back it leaves a lot to be desired.

Originally Posted by The Wind Breezes

Let's not lose our heads here. This car is being made out to be something it's decidedly not. For example, an E46 M3, which is barely one generation behind a 128i, will kick the crap out of a 128i in every category mentioned here, from NA engine to the "pedigree" to driving pleasure to handling to pleasing engine noise. I just don't see it. If you want a N/A car that treats a driver right get a used Porsche and don't look back.

I completely agree. As this would have been a second commuter based car, the. Newer more reliable vehicle at the price point was a huge appeal. And then you start getting into the new vs used debate. Anyways, my point was simply I was really impressed with what the 128i offered.

[Hops128i]

Originally Posted by The Wind Breezes

Let's not lose our heads here. This car is being made out to be something it's decidedly not. For example, an E46 M3, which is barely one generation behind a 128i, will kick the crap out of a 128i in every category mentioned here, from NA engine to the "pedigree" to driving pleasure to handling to pleasing engine noise. I just don't see it. If you want a N/A car that treats a driver right get a used Porsche and don't look back.

don't get it, what are people making it out to be that is isn't? Overlooking the maintenance of a 12+ year old car with a rare engine, I don't think many 128i owners would NOT find a E46 M3 a better car.

[E91WAG3N]

Originally Posted by The Wind Breezes

Let's not lose our heads here. This car is being made out to be something it's decidedly not. For example, an E46 M3, which is barely one generation behind a 128i, will kick the crap out of a 128i in every category mentioned here, from NA engine to the "pedigree" to driving pleasure to handling to pleasing engine noise. I just don't see it. If you want a N/A car that treats a driver right get a used Porsche and don't look back.

I don't think anyone was making that type of comparison. An e46 M3 was on my short list to replace my e92 n55 335i that I decided to move on from. However, in looking for a fun and reliable daily, a 6MT 128i fit the bill perfectly. It's comfortable, relatively light (<3100lbs), nimble, reliable, and has enough power to have fun on a freeway onramp. Maintenance is low and parts are comparatively cheap. If you can find a well optioned example in the mid-teens, it's a great value for money.

I love the e46 M3 and have put thousands upon thousands of miles on them during my time working at a BMW dealership. And you're right, an e46 will absolutely kick the crap out of a 128i not only in terms of performance but your wallet as well. I'll save the s54 for my track build

[The Wind Breezes]

Originally Posted by ubersteuer

(<3100lbs)

Not unless you've taken some stuff out but close enough. I'll agree with the rest.

[zapatista]

Originally Posted by nachob

235i is lame-ish. Yes, Car and Driver loved the lighter 128i. I love them too. NA motor, m sport with 6mt, no nav, no sunroof would be amazing. Hope you get one. NA motors are going away.

Nah, Car and Driver liked the 128i and LOVED the m235i. 10 best...

[FrostyDC4]

Originally Posted by The Wind Breezes

Let's not lose our heads here. This car is being made out to be something it's decidedly not. For example, an E46 M3, which is barely one generation behind a 128i, will kick the crap out of a 128i in every category mentioned here, from NA engine to the "pedigree" to driving pleasure to handling to pleasing engine noise. I just don't see it. If you want a N/A car that treats a driver right get a used Porsche and don't look back.

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