Thinking about going from a 335i Coupe to a 135i/128i -- need input

[NYC6]

Certainly sounds like the 128 is for you.

[3liter1]

You have gotten a lot of good advice so far. I personally switched from the Audi S4 to a 128i for the same reason you are considering. Could not push the S4 w/o going too fast. Now, with my lease soon to be over, I face a similar decision.
- Keep my car
- Go for the 135i
- See what the 128 with the turbo 4 is like

Thoughts:

• 128 is great, but needs to be "kept on a boil"... >3k rpm to be snappy. Hopefully new stock sport suspension is better than mine, as I had to go to coilovers. Best track car of the lot for most people. Runs all day, you learn a lot; easy on the brakes due to relatively low power.
• 135i. I am seriously considering this now, being lured back to the Dark Side of more power, and doing much less track days. Having more power on tap in 6th gear is also alluring.
• 2103 128 - (Available in the fall) 4 banger is interesting on paper, and I drove a friends new 328 to check out the engine. Plenty of power, but the engine note is just disappointing. Maybe in the 1 series it will be more appropriate. BMW needs a few years more working on that engine IMO.

Sorry I could not add more. Most has been pretty well said by others. It's all about trade-offs and you personal preferences.

[FOUR FLUSHER]

Originally Posted by AudiS4

You have gotten a lot of good advice so far. I personally switched from the Audi S4 to a 128i for the same reason you are considering. Could not push the S4 w/o going too fast. Now, with my lease soon to be over, I face a similar decision.
- Keep my car
- Go for the 135i
- See what the 128 with the turbo 4 is like

Thoughts:

• 128 is great, but needs to be "kept on a boil"... >3k rpm to be snappy. Hopefully new stock sport suspension is better than mine, as I had to go to coilovers. Best track car of the lot for most people. Runs all day, you learn a lot; easy on the brakes due to relatively low power.
• 135i. I am seriously considering this now, being lured back to the Dark Side of more power, and doing much less track days. Having more power on tap in 6th gear is also alluring.
• 2103 128 - (Available in the fall) 4 banger is interesting on paper, and I drove a friends new 328 to check out the engine. Plenty of power, but the engine note is just disappointing. Maybe in the 1 series it will be more appropriate. BMW needs a few years more working on that engine IMO.

Sorry I could not add more. Most has been pretty well said by others. It's all about trade-offs and you personal preferences.

Everything I've read about the '13 128 says no 4 banger until a new 128 coupe happens, then it may be a bigger car ala 3 series ie 2 series

[3liter1]

Originally Posted by FOUR FLUSHER

Everything I've read about the '13 128 says no 4 banger until a new 128 coupe happens, then it may be a bigger car ala 3 series ie 2 series

Hmmmm. BMW salesperson I spoke to said new production run in August will have N20 engine. They've been known to be wrong.

[FOUR FLUSHER]

Originally Posted by AudiS4

Hmmmm. BMW salesperson I spoke to said new production run in August will have N20 engine. They've been known to be wrong.

Two things; why would they go to the trouble to switch motors on a soon to be discontinues model and the N20 might make the 135 a hard sell, that what's happening to the 3 series

[simianspeedster]

So I'm configuring some 1s on the BMW website and it says the HK Premium Stereo option also requires BMW Assist w/Bluetooth. Is that correct or is the online configurator just wonky? If it is true, why? Grrr...

[KingOfJericho]

I consider the bluetooth a must-have option (should be standard, IMHO).

[ejm3]

Originally Posted by simianspeedster

So I'm configuring some 1s on the BMW website and it says the HK Premium Stereo option also requires BMW Assist w/Bluetooth. Is that correct or is the online configurator just wonky? If it is true, why? Grrr...

This is true and the reason I didn't get the HK. Didn't think it was worth $1,600.
My '12 135 has Bluetooth without CA so that's not a problem.
Stock stereo is mediocre though, especically in a convertible.

[simianspeedster]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

I consider the bluetooth a must-have option (should be standard, IMHO).

I totally forgot that basic BT isn't included on the E82 or E9x models -- on the F30s, basic BT is standard and "advanced" bluetooth (audio streaming and application support) is optional. Thanks for the reminder.

[fwmcb]

Hey man, I've gone from the 335i which imho is a great car to a 128i. Each car has it's positive and negative attributes. I like how planted and flat the 335i feels when cornering. But dislike how big it feels. But the 128i doesn't feel quite as planted. To be perfectly honest if I were to purchase again I would have gone with the Z4 it was a nice tight low to the ground car... but my more sensible half pointed out that I live in the snow belt. In terms of the drop in power, I find that the NA I6 is plenty powerful in most situations, and very rarely do I miss the extra power from the tt6. The fuel economy in the 128 now that it's broken in is nothing short of impressive.

Although I must confess that I have tried the new turbo 4 in the 328 and the z4 and have been quite impressed by it, sure it doesn't sound like a 6 but it sure is a fun light engine. Definitely something that interests me.

[128vertinnoho]

I went from a 335 couple to a 128 convertible...with a 2012 GTI for a few months in between. I agree that the engine in the 335 can get you in trouble quickly. I got three speeding tickets in 18 months. The 128 is plenty fast and the NA engine is just plain sweet. And no turbo lag puts the icing on the cake. I've had 5 BMWs and the 128 is tied for my favorite along with my 2003 330 cic.

[sandman98]

i've had my 128 m-sport coupe for 8 days now--probably the most fun i've had in a daily driver since my e46 323i. i would definitely get the 6mt though, as my wife's 128 convertible with the auto trans seems a bit sluggish.

more than enough power in the 128 to get you in trouble with local law enforcement. and bmw's inline 6 sounds awesome as well (might be our last chance to order a car with this offering...)

[TheSt|G]

I actually disagree with a few of the posts in this thread.

I recently had a 2012 E90 328i loaner and the interior felt significantly lower grade than that in my 128i. It felt like it was almost trying too hard to be luxurious(yet on the cheap) while the 128i feels more purpose built without too much pretense of fanciness.

Overall the E90 feels sloppy and heavy. It seems like much more of a E39 successor to me, while the E82 seems to follow more in the lines of the E46. You can definitely feel the weight difference between the two as well, the E82 and especially the 128i(as it is ~230lbs lighter than the 135i) feels much more nimble.

For driving seating position, I have to again give the nod to the E82. I simply could not get into an acceptable proper driving position in the E90 platform(shoulder in the seat back, arm forward should break over the top of the wheel). For the record I am 6'5". Between my manual seats and lack of sunroof in the 128i, I could easily wear a helmet. The car is a cavern of headroom. I can also sit reasonably well behind my driving position.

As for the engine, it's pretty fantastic. I too came from a former heavy torque monster(E39 M5), and I found the revy I6 to be perfect to the car. If you find down the road that the 230hp isn't enough, you can easily swap in the DISA valves from a E90 330i, proper headers, and software to bump it to 300hp. Lose the terrible runflats and stock anvils(wheels) and you should find yourself in the ~3100 lbs region with 300hp NA.

Sounds pretty ideal to me.

Just too bad that it isn't their best styling effort.

[TheSt|G]

Oh and I definitely agree with the post above me, the Auto is a complete dog and RUINS the car.

[simianspeedster]

Originally Posted by fwmcb

Hey man, I've gone from the 335i which imho is a great car to a 128i. Each car has it's positive and negative attributes. I like how planted and flat the 335i feels when cornering. But dislike how big it feels. But the 128i doesn't feel quite as planted. To be perfectly honest if I were to purchase again I would have gone with the Z4 it was a nice tight low to the ground car... but my more sensible half pointed out that I live in the snow belt. In terms of the drop in power, I find that the NA I6 is plenty powerful in most situations, and very rarely do I miss the extra power from the tt6. The fuel economy in the 128 now that it's broken in is nothing short of impressive.

Although I must confess that I have tried the new turbo 4 in the 328 and the z4 and have been quite impressed by it, sure it doesn't sound like a 6 but it sure is a fun light engine. Definitely something that interests me.

Thanks for the post -- very informative. Your description of the difference between the 1 and 3 is right on based on my experience test driving a 135 and 335 back to back when I chose the 335.

The 335 felt more relaxed, more planted, a little more composed overall. The shorter wheelbase, narrower track and greater height of the 1 was noticeable -- my wife said the 1 even felt taller when she rode along.

Because I was coming from a Z4 Coupe and I was looking for a distinct change (especially in terms of ride quality), I opted for the 3 at that time. Now I'm looking to split the difference and shed some weight (errr...me and the car, to be honest).

So now that you have the 128i, do you find that it has advantages over the 335? Is it noticeably lighter on its feet? Quicker turn-in? Engine aside, how would you describe the difference in driving experience from the 128i perspective? Ride quality in comparison? I only drove a 135 before, but I'm more interested in the 128 this time around.

Also, in terms of mileage, I was really surprised to see that the 128i has slightly lower EPA ratings than the 135i -- I can't imagine that pans out in the real world, but who knows.

IMO, the new turbo 4 is a fine engine, but it doesn't feel special or interesting -- it's just an efficient workhorse that doesn't call attention to itself. I have mixed emotions about it. For daily drivers like my wife's new car, it's great, but for a sportier car where you expect to hear and feel more interesting things from your engine, I think it would be disappointing.

[simianspeedster]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Oh and I definitely agree with the post above me, the Auto is a complete dog and RUINS the car.

My wife's last car was a 2009 328i Sports Wagon xDrive Automatic. It was a great car overall, but 200 lb. ft. of torque in that car (which weighed around 3,900 lbs.) matched with an automatic made for a sluggish driver at stoplights and low speed situations. At freeway speeds, it was a lot better because the engine could be kept in the power band. For reference, official 0-60 from BMW was 7.3 seconds.

I think it's fair to assume the same engine in a car that weighs 600+ lbs. less with a manual transmission would address that concern. Official 0-60 from BMW is 6.1 seconds.

[simianspeedster]

Originally Posted by 128vertinnoho

I went from a 335 couple to a 128 convertible...with a 2012 GTI for a few months in between. I agree that the engine in the 335 can get you in trouble quickly. I got three speeding tickets in 18 months. The 128 is plenty fast and the NA engine is just plain sweet. And no turbo lag puts the icing on the cake. I've had 5 BMWs and the 128 is tied for my favorite along with my 2003 330 cic.

Good to hear, thanks. I just wish BMW would offer the 255HP N52 in the 1 or 3 -- it's everything great about the basic N52 plus about 25%!

[simianspeedster]

Originally Posted by sandman98

...and bmw's inline 6 sounds awesome as well (might be our last chance to order a car with this offering...)

yes, very sad. As I mentioned earlier, that would be one of my primary motivations for choosing a 128 over a 135 -- it's hard to imagine the end of the NA inline 6 era is almost upon us, but there's no denying it now. This would be my protest car.

[simianspeedster]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

I actually disagree with a few of the posts in this thread.

I recently had a 2012 E90 328i loaner and the interior felt significantly lower grade than that in my 128i. It felt like it was almost trying too hard to be luxurious(yet on the cheap) while the 128i feels more purpose built without too much pretense of fanciness.

Overall the E90 feels sloppy and heavy. It seems like much more of a E39 successor to me, while the E82 seems to follow more in the lines of the E46. You can definitely feel the weight difference between the two as well, the E82 and especially the 128i(as it is ~230lbs lighter than the 135i) feels much more nimble.

For driving seating position, I have to again give the nod to the E82. I simply could not get into an acceptable proper driving position in the E90 platform(shoulder in the seat back, arm forward should break over the top of the wheel). For the record I am 6'5". Between my manual seats and lack of sunroof in the 128i, I could easily wear a helmet. The car is a cavern of headroom. I can also sit reasonably well behind my driving position.

As for the engine, it's pretty fantastic. I too came from a former heavy torque monster(E39 M5), and I found the revy I6 to be perfect to the car. If you find down the road that the 230hp isn't enough, you can easily swap in the DISA valves from a E90 330i, proper headers, and software to bump it to 300hp. Lose the terrible runflats and stock anvils(wheels) and you should find yourself in the ~3100 lbs region with 300hp NA.

Sounds pretty ideal to me.

Just too bad that it isn't their best styling effort.

Interesting info -- thanks. I generally lease my cars, so mods wouldn't be on the agenda. I think the base N52 would be enough for me, though there would be some adjustment period. I'd have to remember how to downshift for passing again!

I'm no fan of the runflats, but I do appreciate the ability to limp to someplace safer/more convenient if I lose tire pressure (I live in the LA area, after all). I also wouldn't feel great about taking a road trip with no spare and no runflats -- tradeoffs, tradeoffs.

As for the styling, it's not elegant, but it's grown on me. The M-Sport front is nicer than the original IMO, I've always liked the rear -- it's just the tall sides and somewhat pinched roofline that I still notice compared to something like a 3 Coupe (pretty nice looking) or an A5 (which is gorgeous IMO).

[Greenkirby21]

yes please get manual! only regret i have with my car. in fact everyday i drive it in steptronic mode and pretend like I have a manual : <. In D it just reacts sooo slow

[fwmcb]

The 128 I find is very toss-able, with the 18" wheels, the steering is still sufficiently heavy, and I find it has sufficient power. I really enjoyed the 328i that I tried out with the I4, the engine note may not be the sam, but I really enjoy the turbo power-plants. Before BMW, I drove SAABs...

Originally Posted by simianspeedster

Thanks for the post -- very informative. Your description of the difference between the 1 and 3 is right on based on my experience test driving a 135 and 335 back to back when I chose the 335.

The 335 felt more relaxed, more planted, a little more composed overall. The shorter wheelbase, narrower track and greater height of the 1 was noticeable -- my wife said the 1 even felt taller when she rode along.

Because I was coming from a Z4 Coupe and I was looking for a distinct change (especially in terms of ride quality), I opted for the 3 at that time. Now I'm looking to split the difference and shed some weight (errr...me and the car, to be honest).

So now that you have the 128i, do you find that it has advantages over the 335? Is it noticeably lighter on its feet? Quicker turn-in? Engine aside, how would you describe the difference in driving experience from the 128i perspective? Ride quality in comparison? I only drove a 135 before, but I'm more interested in the 128 this time around.

Also, in terms of mileage, I was really surprised to see that the 128i has slightly lower EPA ratings than the 135i -- I can't imagine that pans out in the real world, but who knows.

IMO, the new turbo 4 is a fine engine, but it doesn't feel special or interesting -- it's just an efficient workhorse that doesn't call attention to itself. I have mixed emotions about it. For daily drivers like my wife's new car, it's great, but for a sportier car where you expect to hear and feel more interesting things from your engine, I think it would be disappointing.

[simianspeedster]

Originally Posted by fwmcb

The 128 I find is very toss-able, with the 18" wheels, the steering is still sufficiently heavy, and I find it has sufficient power. I really enjoyed the 328i that I tried out with the I4, the engine note may not be the sam, but I really enjoy the turbo power-plants. Before BMW, I drove SAABs...

Did you add 18s yourself or did the Sport or M-Sport packages come with 18s in previous model years?