[Mani59]

Here is the new 128ti. Nice to see the Turismo Internazionale badge again!

The new BMW 128ti (fuel consumption combined: 6.4 – 6.1 l/100 km [44.1 – 46.3 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 148 – 139 g/km*) is an unfiltered driving machine with a distinctive character. It is positioned between the BMW 120i (fuel consumption combined: 5.8 – 5.5 l/100 km [48.7 – 51.4 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 134 – 126 g/km*) and the range-topping BMW M135i xDrive (fuel consumption combined: 6.7 – 6.3 l/100 km [42.2 – 44.8 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 155 – 145 g/km*).


Market launch will take place in November 2020, with prices in Germany starting at €41,574.79 (incl. 16% VAT).


With its specially tuned M Sport suspension (lowered by 10 millimetres), a Torsen limited-slip differential and a bespoke steering application, the exclusively front-wheel-drive compact sports model is focused squarely on highly engaging driving pleasure.


The BMW 128ti carries over the firmer anti-roll bars and anti-roll bar mounts with high preload from the BMW M135i xDrive. Stiffer springs and shock absorbers adapted accordingly provide excellent driving dynamics. In addition, the front-wheel-drive 128ti is around 80 kilograms lighter than the flagship model.


The 2.0-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology is a direct offshoot of the variant in the BMW M135i xDrive – the BMW Group’s most powerful four-cylinder unit – and develops 195 kW (265 hp). The eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is fitted as standard.


As in the BMW M135i xDrive, the standard-fitted M Sport braking system with red-painted brake callipers (a first for a BMW 1 Series model) provides good braking performance. The 18-inch Y‑spoke 553 M bi-colour light-alloy wheels are reserved exclusively for the BMW 128ti, while sport tyres (Michelin Pilot Sport 4) can be specified as a no-cost option.


Exclusive distinguishing features on the inside and outside of the BMW 128ti give the car a distinctive appearance. Taking the M Sport model as a basis, it adds specific covers and trim mouldings, side skirt trim and a “ti” badge ahead of the rear wheels in a sporting red colour. If the BMW 128ti is ordered with the Melbourne Red or Misano Blue metallic paint finishes, the accents and “ti” badge (which can be deleted, if desired) come in black.


Standard specification in Germany includes extended Shadowline trim with black BMW kidney grille and black mirror caps, while the optional BMW Individual lights Shadowline for the headlights creates a darker appearance, helped by the absence of various chrome trim elements.


The interior also contains a host of red accents, including a large Race Red surface in the backrests of the standard sport seats, the embroidered “ti” badge in the central armrest and contrast stitching in the other armrests, door panels and instrument panels. The steering wheel rim and airbag cover in the M Sport steering wheel feature red stitching.


The BMW 128ti breathes new life into a long tradition at BMW. Since the 1960s the “TI” (later “ti”) badge has stood for “Turismo Internazionale” and marks out particularly sporty models – from the iconic BMW 1800 TI and BMW 2002 TI to the BMW 323ti Compact and BMW 325ti Compact of the late 1990s.

Source: https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/globa...-new-bmw-128ti

[Mani59]

The video from BMW

[swagon]

Let's not forget the 1 Series tii Concept, based on the 135i Coupe and previewing BMW Performance parts.

E82 128i would've been the perfect BMW model to wear a ti or tii moniker.

[velvet_F82]

Would it kill them to offer a manual?

[ttimbo]

Originally Posted by velvet_F82

Would it kill them to offer a manual?

This aside, I like it — although BMW will need to offer competitive pricing in all markets to compete against the Golf 8 GTI.

[JustChris]

Not bad at all but I could never go with those seats

[Sootchucker]

Originally Posted by ttimbo

This aside, I like it — although BMW will need to offer competitive pricing in all markets to compete against the Golf 8 GTI.

Price wise in the UK the vanilla BMW 128ti will start at £33,320.00

A DSG equipped MK8 GTI starts at £34,960.00

Obviously equipment levels differ between the 2 cars.

[ttimbo]

It will be interesting to see like-for-like spec pricing. But here in Australia, I've just read we'll only get 180kW, not 195 This often happens with VAG cars, allegedly due to "hot climate" / "fuel quality" issues. First time I've seen BMW offer a detuned car, and odd given the same motor is offered with full fat output in the M135i, X2 M35i as well as various MINI JCW variants

[DaveA]

Originally Posted by Sootchucker

Price wise in the UK the vanilla BMW 128ti will start at £33,320.00

A DSG equipped MK8 GTI starts at £34,960.00

Obviously equipment levels differ between the 2 cars.

Yes... The thing I noticed, playing on the configurators for both, was that some things that are standard on the GTI are extra on the 128... so the BMW may end up a little more expensive than a similarly specified Golf if you like your extras on top of the base spec...

[DaveA]

Originally Posted by JustChris

Not bad at all but I could never go with those seats

To be fair, they are equally as bad as the blue ones in the 135 (IMHO of course)... 😉

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by DaveA

To be fair, they are equally as bad as the blue ones in the 135 (IMHO of course)... 😉

No chance, the M135i are a sports seat, extra support and integrated headrest. Come in Alcantara or leather.

Those Ti ones do look amazing,.... in the 10 year old F21-22 which to me they look almost identical to but ETTO.

Back then those days for me are when.BMW were leagues behind other marquee interiors.

[DaveA]

Originally Posted by JustChris

No chance, the M135i are a sports seat, extra support and integrated headrest. Come in Alcantara or leather.

Those Ti ones do look amazing,.... in the 10 year old F21-22 which to me they look almost identical to but ETTO.

Back then those days for me are when.BMW were leagues behind other marquee interiors.

I just meant just in terms of look, rather than the ergonomics of the actual seat itself...

Must say that the 128 has kind of disappointed me in a way... the exterior look is a bit tacky alongside my golf 7.5 and the "black only" grille is a bit marmite... also, so many things that you might actually want on the car are extra cost items, and I ended up at £40k on the configurator quite easily...

... and the armrest cover... that's shocking...

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by DaveA

I just meant just in terms of look, rather than the ergonomics of the actual seat itself...

Must say that the 128 has kind of disappointed me in a way... the exterior look is a bit tacky alongside my golf 7.5 and the "black only" grille is a bit marmite... also, so many things that you might actually want on the car are extra cost items, and I ended up at £40k on the configurator quite easily...

... and the armrest cover... that's shocking...

Totally agree on this Dave, I spec'd one to match as close as I could to my M135i. Came out over £40k (probably mine now also would be but wasn't a year ago) thus I'm not sure if the true point with no XDrive, less special seats (contentious but it me, can agree not for everyone) and a fair bit less power and torque.

Propel will say, ah Chris but it's lighter, however U.K. certain in real world driving it would be behind the Mlite.

I think the pricing is about 4K too much but maybe the discounts will adjust yada yada and let's be honest it's good to have options in this segment.

[DaveA]

Originally Posted by JustChris

Totally agree on this Dave, I spec'd one to match as close as I could to my M135i. Came out over £40k (probably mine now also would be but wasn't a year ago) thus I'm not sure if the true point with no XDrive, less special seats (contentious but it me, can agree not for everyone) and a fair bit less power and torque.

Propel will say, ah Chris but it's lighter, however U.K. certain in real world driving it would be behind the Mlite.

I think the pricing is about 4K too much but maybe the discounts will adjust yada yada and let's be honest it's good to have options in this segment.

The base price of the 135 currently includes Driving Assistant and Live Cockpit Pro, which will (combined) add £2k to the 128...

The way I would specify the car, the 128 comes out at close to £40k... An M135 with similar spec, £43.5... (all list prices)

Interestingly... The 128 comes out broadly the same price as a Golf GTI when matched with a half decent set of options on them... (the Golf is significantly cheaper if you don't want leather seats)... and the 135 comes out roughly in S3 territory when spec matched (so quite likely Golf R territory as well)...

So I suspect pricing points are deliberate and many 128's will not have on them the sorts of spec I am putting into the configurator...

The main thing that puts me off the 128 is the black grille...

[ttimbo]

I suspect BMW will never wish to admit, at least in respect of their MRP, that the 128ti should be cross-shopped with the Golf GTI. But, once they're in the dealership, it will be a different matter

[keanu1]

[simons22]

It will be interesting to see like-for-like spec pricing. But here in Australia, I've just read we'll only get 180kW, not 195 This often happens with VAG cars, allegedly due to "hot climate" / "fuel quality" issues and this blog article. First time I've seen BMW offer a detuned car, and odd given the same motor is offered with full fat output in the M135i, X2 M35i as well as various MINI JCW variants

no matter what they do the ti still looks like teenage sneakers

[Soul_Glo]

I'd be interested in evolve vboxing it.