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Thoughts on the 128 vs the 135...

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#21 ·
We got an M-Sport 128i. It has the same top speed as the 135i, but it takes a little longer to get there. It is quick enough to get me into trouble. It has some nice M parts, and other than the fog lights, it looks like a 135i. With M-sport you get better tires than either the normal 128i or with the Sport package. We did ED and it was fantastic. We also have not had any problems with the HPFP, waste gates, turbos, etc. ;-)
 
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#22 ·
mgthompson said:
We got an M-Sport 128i. It has the same top speed as the 135i, but it takes a little longer to get there. It is quick enough to get me into trouble. It has some nice M parts, and other than the fog lights, it looks like a 135i. With M-sport you get better tires than either the normal 128i or with the Sport package. We did ED and it was fantastic. We also have not had any problems with the HPFP, waste gates, turbos, etc. ;-)
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I 'm curious about the better tires on the M-sport vs. Sport 128 since Tire Rack lists the same 3 tires as OEM for both - Pirelli PZero, Pirelli eufori and (after a brief absence), Goodyear NCT5 - all on the staggered 17" wheels.

At any rate, enjoy your new 128i.

Tom
 
#23 ·
Dotbear said:
Well I know that only I can make this decision for myself but I wanted to get some feedback from others. I am in the market for a new car. I am seriously considering either a 128 or a 135 but just can't make up my mind on which engine I want. My practical side says go with the 128 because it has more than enough zip for my needs. Then there is my "lets go fast" side that says..zoom zoom.
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Zoom indeed.

Check a 135 with JuiceBox3 power - you won't be sorry! Everything's better.

Not as expensive as BMW's solution(s) by a wide margin, JB3's better.

Little's offered to enhance a 128i - can't get much more power than factory config.

Stock N54 seems a bit under the weather after driving a JB3. Hey....
 
#24 ·
I have only owned one BMW, a 2002, which I bought in 1970. I have fond memories of that car, but it was also a huge PITA due to 2nd gear syncho problems plus you could watch it rust!

I want to buy a super great car again, but I'm torn between a MB 350 SLK and a 135i BMW coupe. So far, the BMW is looking better and better each day.

Now I don't need the power and my '06 MX-5 is sufficiently fast, but I still want it all! Why not? We can't live forever plus some nasty looking lowlife in a Mustang might try to kick sand in my face, metaphorically speaking, and I want to be prepared!

Also the BMW is a bargain. For $40K, I can get the 135i coupe, DCT, M-Sport Pkg, and free leather. That doesn't include tax or a metallic color, but I might be able to twist the dealer's arm more later in the year.

I have taken a 135 for a ride, and the power was very impressive. However, what impressed me most was the comfortable compliant ride something that is of paramount importance after riding around in this MX-5 with a hay wagon ride!

So get the 135. It'll will be more fun than the 128, and the price difference is negligible. BTW, if you buy the 128, you'll regret not buying the 135!
 
Discussion starter · #25 ·
I am LOVING my 135i....I made the right decision!
 
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#27 ·
I just picked up my 2008 E88 in March and love it. I have a 2012 E92 that only gets out on the weekend so I needed something for a daily driver. I drove and looked at both the 128 and 135, my thoughts were about the same as most of you. After a few test drives I just felt like a 128 was settling for a car. I do not want to bash the 128 at all! To me the feeling of driving them was not even close (just my opinion). I look back and have some regrets, but not about getting a 135. My regrets are not getting a 6MT. The 135 is a great car for my daily and I couldn't be happier with it.
 
#31 · (Edited)
JimD1 said:
I got a 128i vert because there are a lot more chances to put the top down than there are chances to use the extra acceleration of the 135i. I do not regret the choice at all. The NA engine does not have a HPFP so it does not have that issue. I do not even use the full potential acceleration of the 128i most of the time. It is fun to know there is quite a bit in reserve if I need it.

I kept my 2006 SUV which has a V6 rated 185hp and 185ft lbs. I knew that my SUV would move itself and my boat, a little under 2000 lbs OK. So I did not see how 230hp in significantly less weight would be inadequate (for me). And it is fully adequate IMHO.

Jim
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I got my 2013 128i coupe (instead of a 135i or anything else) mainly because there is less to go wrong (BMWs are, in MHO, getting too complex, and are already too expensive to maintain), and I am perfectly satisfied with the power, in fact, the hardest thing to get used to is driving it slowly enough! I am used to being able to practically floor my 4Runner much of the time... and I can't do that with the Bimmer! Even without the handling package, in normal driving it's the best handling car I have ever driven (and I owned a Miata for a decade).

I can't imagine ever needing more...
 
#32 · (Edited)
128i snobbery

I LIKE having the smallest, simplest, cheapest BMW in quite a long time (which I consider to be among the prettiest), which also happens to be quite quick... My particular version, a stripper except for 18" wheels (Continental tires), metalic blue paint and Boston Oyster leather seats, is to me the 2002 I always wanted when I was a young man, but even better.
 
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