WTB: Slicktop 128i 6-Speed

[BTD]

Hi All,

I'm in the market for a non-sunroof 128i. My only requirements are that it have the Sport/M-Sport package, 6-speed manual, and no sunroof. Everything else is flexible. I strongly prefer manual seats and any color other than black, but even those I will flex on.

Hoping to pay $10-14k, depending on mileage, options, and condition. I'm located in CO, but happy to travel/ship for the right car.

[b1aze]

I hate to burst your bubble, but there are SO many people looking for exactly what you are. You are going to be hard pressed to spend less than 12k on one that checks all your boxes.

My best advice is to set up notifications on all the major car sites and be ready to pull the trigger immediately. Waiting even an hour can mean the difference between snagging one and missing it. Check the sites daily. There have been half a dozen stories of people jumping on one and hearing that the same car got 3-4 calls later that day.

I wish you luck in your search but at this point in the market, you’re going to need to find the car, it will not simply land on your plate via a forum post.

[BikeNHV]

To add to the above, you can help your chances of success if you are open to considering non-Sport/M-Sport cars.

The suspension can be swapped/upgraded to be as good or better than M Sport. And at this point, a lot of those cars will need a refresh anyway.
Seats are a solvable problem as well.

[jcrane82]

Originally Posted by BikeNHV

To add to the above, you can help your chances of success if you are open to considering non-Sport/M-Sport cars.

The suspension can be swapped/upgraded to be as good or better than M Sport. And at this point, a lot of those cars will need a refresh anyway.
Seats are a solvable problem as well.

I agree that suspension and seats can be swapped, but something that everyone forgets is the shadowline trim on the sport and M-sport cars. Chrome doesn't belong on a sporty car in my opinion, and I wouldn't want a non-sport personally for that reason. So OP, take BikeNHV's opinion and look for a non-sport if you don't care about the chrome windowline trim.

[TboneS54]

The chrome looks good on my TIAG 'cause it blends in well and matches the grills/wheels/tips/badges.

You could also remove the trim and have it painted for pretty cheap if that was a huge deal.

There aren't many 128i sport slicktops...

[lakefront]

Why is everyone looking for a slicktop? If you are making a track car, you don't want the additional weight up high but other wise why wouldn't you want a sunroof?

[TboneS54]

One less thing to break, more headroom, cleaner look, less weight and, as you said, lower COG.

[b1aze]

Originally Posted by lakefront

Why is everyone looking for a slicktop? If you are making a track car, you don't want the additional weight up high but other wise why wouldn't you want a sunroof?

Helmet clearance. The sunroof headliner is like 1.5” lower than slick top

[Thunderguts]

Originally Posted by lakefront

Why is everyone looking for a slicktop? If you are making a track car, you don't want the additional weight up high but other wise why wouldn't you want a sunroof?

Weight is still weight, track car or not. I don't want one. It's just more weight/complexity that I don't want on a car. It's also easier to clean and polish without one and there is no chance of a leak down the road.

Oh, and Shadowline trim looks great right after a car wash. After that it's a PITA to keep clean. It collects water spots like crazy. I wonder if you could just wrap over the chrome trim.

[lakefront]

Guess I would be surprised if the weight is noticeable on the street. I LOVED the sunroof on my 135. On days it was too cold to have the windows down I still had the sunroof open.
Definitely agree that vinyl wrapping the chrome trim is the way to go if you don't get Shadowline.

[BikeNHV]

Agreed with all that's been said. I think the takeaway for the OP is a matter of priorities.

Would you rather:
a) Wait potentially a very long time, and possibly go over budget for the ideal spec car? Or find one within budget and spec, but less-than-ideal mileage or condition?
b) Settle for a sport/M-sport car within budget that has a sunroof?
c) Settle for a slicktop non-sport that's otherwise perfect, and spend a few grand converting it (requires some time and effort, may never have the resale value of one that came that way from the factory).

Any of the above is a reasonable choice, just depends on your priorities.
But what do I know, I have a base w/ sunroof I do really enjoy having the sunroof on a daily driver in this climate.

[NorthernDancer]

I'm 6'1" and just barely fit with a helmut on in my sun roof car. See post 194 I think of Sedona colored cars.

[BTD]

Well this thread really took off...

A few things:
1) I know this is an in demand options package. That's why I'm making this post. If you think I don't already have alerts set up nationwide, you're mistaken. This is just another way to get the request out.

2) I don't mind waiting for the right car with the right options.

3) I'm 6'5" - it being a slicktop isn't negotiable. It's not for weight, it's so I can actually fit in the thing.

[tankertoad]

2010 128i - Manual, Slicktop, Sportline https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1793389

[BTD]

Originally Posted by tankertoad

2010 128i - Manual, Slicktop, Sportline https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1793389

Thanks! I actually saw this car in person (it's not a sport package) and the damage on the side was a bit too much for me.

This thread did provide me with a lead via PM for a vehicle that fits what I'm looking for though - hopefully I'll be joining the 1-ownership club soon!

[BTD]

Bumping this thread. The lead that I originally found through this thread appears to have fallen through, so I'm still in the market!

[BMWCCA1]

This has made me very curious.
One of my co-workers is 6'-8" and I think I'll have him sit in my S/R E82 next week to see just how bad it is. I'm 6'-1" and seem to have tons of room above my head with my sunroof. I think I'll put my helmet on and give it a try today.

I don't often drive with the sunroof open but I do use the vent position on any summer's day when it's parked in the sun. Along with a blind for the windshield, it's the best way to keep the interior temperature down and keep the dash from bubbling. Yeah, I could crack the windows, too.

[NorthernDancer]

2008 128 with power sport seats; I'm 6'1" and with helmut on, it's just barely acceptable.

[minirips2]

Slicktops are hard to find. I lucked out. In my opinion, it's worth holding out for a sunroof delete car. Mine was not equipped with sport package. I bought seats from jcrane, who posted earlier. The driver's seat needed a new bottom cushion, so I bagged one on ebay. The power M Sport seat swap is a breeze if you have power seats. Mine didn't. It was doable, but required some wiring knowledge. I installed M-spec rear subframe bushings, and while the subframe was down, I installed a rear sway bar, which non-M cars don't have. The fake chrome trim was faded on my car, so I wrapped it with 3M Dinoc vinyl faux carbonfiber.
I think the only real difference between mine and an M Sport is suspension, and I'd rather have a bit more ground clearance, since I daily this car in Northern Illinois year round. I was looking for an M Sport, too, but I don't regret not holding out for one. The upgrading has been fun. Good luck in your search. 128i's are such great cars, it's a wonder they didn't sell a ton of them. Not fancy enough for badge snobs, I guess!

[97Msedan]

Make me an offer:
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1825644

[sponegg]

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1890677

I've just posted mine for sale on this forum, if anyone out there is looking for one.

[Mattmilwaukee128i]

Selling my slicktop to make room for a 340 wagon. 83K miles all stock in Wisconsin.