[Mintee3]

Hello everyone,

I’m brand new to the BMW world, but really excited to dive into it and explore my first potential car!

I’m currently looking at an F40 128ti, ideally a 2024 model with around 0-10k kms. The challenge here in Australia is that I’m mostly finding older trade-ins, and I’m a bit concerned about the repair and servicing costs that some people have mentioned.

I’m hoping the community can help me with a few questions:

- How are these cars holding up over time? Any major issues? One of the main reasons I’m interested in the 128ti is because of the B48 engine and the torque converter—I'm hoping this will save me from the usual dual-clutch problems.

- I’m a fan of good sound, but it seems like most of the cars I’m looking at don’t have the HK sound system or even the 10-speaker 205w setup, just the basic system. Should I be worried I’m missing out on something important?

- I’ve noticed that the later 128ti models seem to have had some features removed (like the leather horn cover and rear door ambient lights). These seem like minor details to me, but is there anything major I should be concerned about?

- Regarding seats, many of the models here have the basic semi-cloth ones with the red stripe in the middle. I would love the blue/black Alcantara seats, but they’re pretty rare. Two questions here: How are the basic seats in general, and do you think I can live without lumbar support if I can’t find a model with the comfort pack?

- On driving dynamics, reviews seem mixed. I’m coming from a 2022 Focus ST, as well as owning a Cupra Leon and a Golf GTI in the past. I’m hoping the 128ti is on par or in the same league as those—am I making a reasonable assumption? and are the reviews being a tad.... picky?



Finally, let me know if any aussies are planning a trade in and wanting to sell haha



Thanks everyone

[235Paul]

Welcome Mintee3, happy to give you my opinion after owning a number of BMWs.

In Australia the options list is key, I've made the mistake in the past of buying cars that aren't that well optioned and it doesn't take long to start regretting it. For me, HK sound system is a must, it sounds 100% better than the standard system and I wouldn't buy another BMW without it.

Servicing costs are too be expected given it's a Euro, a lot of late model second hand BMW's in Australia have the extended service plan that stays with the car, so definitely worth asking the question because it could give you a couple of years of servicing free of charge.

If you're wanting lots of crackles and pops then the 128ti probably isn't for you, as it's aurally understated.

Regarding seats, I have the M135i and my seats don't have lumbar and they're still pretty comfortable, my issue is that the base doesn't tilt as much as my previous M235i coupe, but I've got used to it.

I think you'll be impressed with the torque of the BMW compared to your previous cars, the B48 is a strong engine but unfortunately it is let down a bit by the gearbox. It's not a patch on the ZF in the F generation 2 series and if I had my time again I would have gone with a slightly older, low km 6 cylinder 240i F series rather than a current model M135i xdrive. Not to say the 1 series is a bad car, it's well put together and plenty quick, just not really the full driving drama that previous/other M-lite cars were.