128 or 135?

Pondering this choice and looking for opinions-
128 with Metallic, Premium, Heated Seats, Convenience, M Sport, Nav, PDC, HKSurround
or
135 with Metallic, Heated Seats, PDC, Premium
128 prices and leases for less.
Note: Already have a 335i Cabrio with M Sports so will have the twin turbo to use.

What would you do?

Easy choice. The 128. It has plenty of power for every day driving and you can get more goodies. Plus you'll have a NA engine to enjoy instead of a turbo.

I've driven the 135i but I really like my 128i vert. I agree the power is more than adequate and is even enough for an autocross - light track use. You have to keep the rpm up to keep it moving quickly but that is how I think cars should be. The 135i has lots of torque at much lower rpm so being in the right gear is not nearly so critical to fast movement. Nice but could make you sloppy. The difference in power does not seem like it's of practical use on the street.

Jim

The 2012 128i is probably the last you will see of the na 6 cyl engine. It won't necessarily become a collector item, but I should think it will become more desirable. The NA engine is understressed, so should give long trouble free service. I find my 128i to be very quick and have more than enough power to keep the CHP interested.

I like my 128 coupe with sport package. I thought of getting the 135, but worried that it would make me lazy... I also like how the NA sounds up in the rev band. And it is more than enough power on an everyday basis.

I also worried about the reliability, but that seems to be less of an issue these days (?)

On the same note, why not the 328? Because I still think that the 328 has a better steering...

I would drop some of the goodies for a sweeter steering.

Look at the picture on my post

Yes - I see that. It is a 3 series convertible. And you have noted that in your first post. But you can always get another one. Like a 328 coupe.

On the other hand, if you have test driven the 1 series enough, and like its value proposition (I liked the value proposition much better than a 3 coupe), then no questions. Get the 128...

But if you like the 3 better, then you may be making that comparison everyday.

Originally Posted by jatbeni

I like my 128 coupe with sport package. I thought of getting the 135, but worried that it would make me lazy... I also like how the NA sounds up in the rev band. And it is more than enough power on an everyday basis.

I also worried about the reliability, but that seems to be less of an issue these days (?)

Absolutely.

Originally Posted by kullenberg

The 2012 128i is probably the last you will see of the na 6 cyl engine. It won't necessarily become a collector item, but I should think it will become more desirable. The NA engine is understressed, so should give long trouble free service. I find my 128i to be very quick and have more than enough power to keep the CHP interested.

If you could get the last .28 inline six, I would do it. It has nice power, and some cachet going for it. It does require a 6MT though, otherwise, forget it.

The 135i is a pure rocket sled...truth!

Originally Posted by Leslierc

The 135i is a pure rocket sled...truth!

It is! There is no denying about that...

Problem is, you cannot use that power much. And it CAN (not necessary that it will, but it can) make you lazy...

So, at the end of the day, the two just reflect different motoring philosophies...

Originally Posted by Kamdog

If you could get the last .28 inline six, I would do it. It has nice power, and some cachet going for it. It does require a 6MT though, otherwise, forget it.

Sorry Kam, but that statement is just your opinion and complete bull****. IMO, of course.

Originally Posted by Leslierc

The 135i is a pure rocket sled...truth!

I'm sure it is.

I had a 335 coupe and that was plenty fast. Combined with my lead foot, I racked up 3 speeding tickets in 18 months! My insurance is finally getting back to where it used to be before that damn 335!

Originally Posted by Bruce128iC

Sorry Kam, but that statement is just your opinion and complete bull****. IMO, of course.

Of course it is my opinion. And, would you have me say incomplete bull****?

Originally Posted by tsoc88

What would you do?

At the time when I was a prospective buyer, no question I would have bought the 135i had I gone with a 1er. Today, I'm not quite as certain, and I would want to test drive both of them again. Have you driven them? It's true about the 135i being a rocket sled. My test drive, my heart was pounding, not a joke. (I only test drove MT's, but did drive an AT 135i once as a loaner.) Anyway, I remember the fuel tank being close to empty, and the dealer being of a smaller stature, so maybe the relatively light weight really pronounced the high levels of adrenaline.

However, I have a feeling that the 128i will likely be plenty for you. I see at the BMW site, after a quick calc with the first numbers given for unladen weight, that it would be 771 lbs less than your current ride.

Originally Posted by Kamdog

If you could get the last .28 inline six, I would do it. It has nice power, and some cachet going for it. It does require a 6MT with the CDV delete modification though, otherwise, forget it.

Fixt. JMO.

Thanks to all for your replies. Drove the 135 and 128 on Saturday. No doubt there are differences and reasons for each one. But, considering I have the 335, the 128 was my choice.

Originally Posted by tsoc88

Thanks to all for your replies. Drove the 135 and 128 on Saturday. No doubt there are differences and reasons for each one. But, considering I have the 335, the 128 was my choice.

Congratulations...but remember the rule here is that it didn't happen without pictures!

Pictures forthcoming - but a 6-8 week wait since it had to be ordered the way it was tricked out.

Originally Posted by bruce128ic

sorry kam, but that statement is just your opinion and complete bull****. Imo, of course.

++++++++1

Originally Posted by tsoc88

the 128 was my choice.

Congrats!

From what I've read, the turbo engine has been problematical: high pressure fuel pump and carbon buildup on the intake valves attributed to the direct injection...