128i versus 328i- considering both

[KathyFG]

Hey- I was looking at the 328i and then started thinking maybe I would also consider the 128i. I do not really need the extra room of the 3, and the 1 series would prob save me some bucks. Not a prime consideration, but I can't scoff at a $5000 difference either. Looking to get the 6-speed MT and sport package in either the 328i or 128i. Any comments or comparisons--one over the other--would be appreciated. Especially regarding the perfomance aspects. Thanks a bunch. Will prob also be looking to order and then take PCD. All of you 1-er folks, all comments are appreciated- thanks guys.

[3-Series]

I take it that you're comparing the 128 to the '08 328. Funny, I actually considered the same thing when I was about to buy my bimmer. Question though, are you considering the 328 coupe or the sedan? If sedan and with the options that you listed, I'll probably go for a black 128 with the red leather. But before deciding go test drive both cars with sports package. You might not be able to find a MT on the lot but hey at least you'll get a feel of how it handles.

[munich5]

Hey- I was looking at the 328i and then started thinking maybe I would also consider the 128i. I do not really need the extra room of the 3, and the 1 series would prob save me some bucks. Not a prime consideration, but I can't scoff at a $5000 difference either. Looking to get the 6-speed MT and sport package in either the 328i or 128i. Any comments or comparisons--one over the other--would be appreciated. Especially regarding the perfomance aspects. Thanks a bunch. Will prob also be looking to order and then take PCD. All of you 1-er folks, all comments are appreciated- thanks guys.

I think the 1er is an excellent car, however you may find that dealers are less willing to discount the 1 than they are the 3. In that case, the price gap shrinks.

The 1 appeals to a very specific buyer, and I think that price is only a small consideration. BMW intended for it to be their "entry level" car, but with the pricepoint being so similar to the 3, it's really a matter of how the car drives in comparison etc. If you don't need the extra room, I think the 1 will make an excellent choice, and one that you won't see on the road as much as the 3!

[Ardynas]

We test drove an 08 128 convertible steptronic and it seemed ok. With the leatherette, I remember telling my wife that it looked kind of cheap. Maybe it was the options or lack of. Then went and test drove a 328i Coupe steptronic. That definitely worked for us. The extra room for two people was perfect. We could actually do some traveling if we wanted to. Decided to drive a 335i to see the power difference. Ended up purchasing a 328i Coupe, Montego blue with Saddle leather, Premium, Sports, USB/IPod, Logic 7 with 6MT. I now wish I would have gotten the 335i with the extra power. Funny how power is addictive. The 328i Coupe is a damn nice car though and the 6MT is definitely the right tranny. We'll see how I feel next year.

Funny thing happened today. My wife started talking about trading our SUV in on a 128 Coupe. We'll probably give the '135' another chance...

[ptack]

Could you have gotten the 135i for the same price as the 328 coupe? If you thought the 335i was fun, the 1 is better.