Thoughts on the current 128?

[robg]

So im getting more and more into the idea of getting one of the last NA/mechanical steering bmws. Currently have a 335 but it feels big and the thrill of the torque has waned. Aleays end up doing 90+ and thats going to land me a ticket one day. Lease payment is low so I could probably transfer it easily if I wanted.

A recent article in bimmer by mike miller kind of reaffirmed my thoughts. I've even warmed up to the looks (don't like in pictures but in person with msport and dark colors it looks good). My "ideal" thing to do would be to create a quasi "128is" with m3 suspension, bbs wheels, exhaust, brake kit and 330 manifold. Of course that's probabky 6k in mods. On top of that I'd want leather, hk, nav and BMW apps. A space gray 135 I saw the other day looked gorgeous to me.


Anyone made this move? Think I'd miss the sleek looks of the e92, roomy interior and the power? My driving consists of probably 60% long road trips.

I kind of like the "underdog" overlooked aspect of this car too. Stupid as it sounds though I'm not completely ok with the girls car/ugly car stigma. Other small issue is that it would have to be manual and currently my wife is anti manual.

[Josh (PA)]

If you're thinking w series, I'm not sure you would do better than Indy Mike's at the price he's asking. It's a turbo, but would take the mods you're considering more readilym

[Bruce330cic]

I love my 2012 128i convertible. It reminds me a lot of my 2003 330cic. Plenty of room inside if you're in the front seat.....not too bad in the back seat either for short trips. Plenty of power. I have no options on mine other than heated seats and BMW apps. If I were to order one, I would add sport, premium and xenons, but as I said, I love it how it is and am completely satisfied with this car. I enjoy driving it every day and the steering feel and weight are awesome. The best of any other BMW I've had including the 2008 335i coupe.

Also, the a/c works much better in the 128 versus the 335 coupe even with the black interior I have in the 128. The base radio is also completely fine, you may want to check it out before you order the upgraded stereo.

Finally, I think the facelift really improved the front end look of the 128. It looks more aggressive with the eyebrows and the air intake slits in the bumper, IMO. I also like the looks of the taillights better, just wish the led bars lit up in cars without xenons. They did before the facelift, but for some reason BMW decided to cheap out on this feature post facelift.

On edit: out here in L.A. I see about a 50/50 split between men and women driving 1 series. I've never thought of it as a girls car. But today while waiting to turn onto the freeway a 2012 135 coupe turned on the freeway in front of me driven by a lady about the age of 60. Made me feel a bit wimpy.

[rumatt]

Somehow I can't see putting all those mods on a 128. If I got a 128 it would be because of the bang for the buck. But that's just me.

[JST]

I was thinking the same thing re: Indy Mike's car. That's the one to get.

[robg]

Understand that the 135 is the typical enthusiast "go to" model and it's the one I would've chosen prior to getting my 335. But a big motivation for making the switch is that I miss the feel of an NA engine.

It's true though that once you start talking exhaust and brakes the 128 becomes harder to justify.

Floated the idea by my wife and she didn't get it. "why would you want a slower car?!" and "I'm not driving a manual". Also thinks the 1 is too small (yet somehow a mini isn't). Ah well...

[SARAFIL]

I have been driving my dad's Z4 for the past few days (07 3.0si) and I don't get the fuss over "the last NA engine".... sure it's a nice motor, but I enjoy the turbo much more. I would never go back to a 128/328 at this point.

[Jeff_DML]

yeah I agree with the others, go 135. You want a NA now but you will probably end up wanting the extra power and torque of the turbo.

[robg]

Yeah maybe so. My wife loves the turbo too and said no way to a 128. She wouldn't mind a DCT M3 though!

Was playing with the 335 today and appreciating what a flexible engine the n55 is. No discernible lag, good responsiveness and a great exhaust note. Probably would be hard to "downgrade" to 230 hp.

Starting my waffling early since next spring is prob the last chance to pickup a non electric steering bmw.

Depending on the lease deals available will probably try and get a 335is, 135 or m3.

Just wish I could get the f30's HUD as an option!

[ZBB]

You need to do what some of us have and move on to Porsche...