So, how many of you are getting the 128i?

[herro]

With all the buzz surrounding the 135i, myself, as a prospective 128i owner (unless BMW decides to make a charitable contribution to society by pricing the 135i under $30k), and I'm sure others like myself are feeling a little left out...

... so, just out of curiosity, how many of you are opting for the fast-but-not-quite-balls-to-the-wall version of the 1'er?

Food for Thought: Vast majority of135i buyers are repeat BMW customers / second BMW car, whereas the bulk of 128i buyers are new to BMW?

[Drillslinger]

I've got my sights set on the 135 naturally, but if the price is too... "BMW" I might have to look at the 128

[Tijuana]

Originally Posted by Drillslinger

I've got my sights set on the 135 naturally, but if the price is too... "BMW" I might have to look at the 128

+1

[larryn]

I'm looking at the 135i as well. Those pictures of the Efficient Dynamics non M Sport body kit don't look that appealling to me:

[SCA]

Originally Posted by larryn

I'm looking at the 135i as well. Those pictures of the Efficient Dynamics non M Sport body kit don't look that appealling to me.

+1


I will stick with my 330 if BMW has the 135i over-priced.

[Big Red One]

128i for me. Probably. If the 135i ends up within spittin' distance of $30,000 I might have my mind changed for me.

And no, it's not about price for me. I personally have concerns about the long-term reliability of the N54 engine. Plus, I'm a "simple and effective" kind of guy. I don't care much about top speed or 0-60 times. I just want the BMW handling and all the intangibles of a BMW-built car. I can get that just fine in the 128i.

But, like I said, if the 135i is very close to $30,000, that might be a value I can't pass up.

[larryn]

Originally Posted by jrsites

But, like I said, if the 135i is very close to $30,000, that might be a value I can't pass up.

I hope it is, but I think more closer to 34-36k.

[Maximus Decimus]

Originally Posted by larryn

I hope it is, but I think more closer to 34-36k.

+1

[Maximus Decimus]

Originally Posted by larryn

I'm looking at the 135i as well. Those pictures of the Efficient Dynamics non M Sport body kit don't look that appealling to me:

M body kit will be available as an option. I would think somewhere in the 2-3k range.

[Big Red One]

Originally Posted by Maximus Decimus

M body kit will be available as an option. I would think somewhere in the 2-3k range.

Do we know that for sure? I've been assuming that the offerings would mirror what's available on the 3er. In other words, I'd be able to get a "Sport Package" on the 128i, but it would just be the different suspension, performance tires, the sport steering wheel and the sport seats. I'd LOVE it if the aero stuff were also included on the 128i Sport Package, but I just had never seen anything to indicate that would be the case.

[alex2364]

I'm more interested in the 128i than the 135i as well. I just hope BMW NA offers all of the M parts on the 128i especially the suspension or else I might be more interested in the 135i.

[Maximus Decimus]

Originally Posted by jrsites

Do we know that for sure? I've been assuming that the offerings would mirror what's available on the 3er. In other words, I'd be able to get a "Sport Package" on the 128i, but it would just be the different suspension, performance tires, the sport steering wheel and the sport seats. I'd LOVE it if the aero stuff were also included on the 128i Sport Package, but I just had never seen anything to indicate that would be the case.

Can't say with a 100% certainty for the US market (I'm assuming you're in the US market) but I have the German ordering guide. In Germany the 128i will not be offered, not initially anyway. Instead the 120d and 123d. On the d's, the M Pack is offered as an option, and are something like 3,100 and 2,200 respectively. Will double check when I get home.

[WolfsburgerMitFries]

Although I'd be more interested in the 128i, it just depends on how the options are packaged. When I build a 328i and 335i the way I want, the price difference is only $3000 because so many standard things in the 335i are optional on the 328i so in the end, it makes no sense to get the 328i because they are so similar in cost.

Also, the brake situation is another factor. The 128i M-sport absolutely must come with the 6 piston front and 2 piston rear calipers. Or else its a no-deal, top notch brakes are a must have.

[imported_NoelSmart]

Do you have any idea what the word 'turbo' does to the insurance premium of a 23 year old....? I will probably get a 128i M package. Better brakes, better wheels/tires, better long term reliability with the naturally aspirated engine.

[BForbes]

I'm a 22yr old driving a two seater sports car. My insurance cannot get anyworse with a 4 passenger turbo. I wish I could warm up to the idea of a 128i but I cant. There is no doubt in my mind the car would be fantastic but its still a downgrade for me. Its going to be 300lbs heavier than my current car and only have 10 less hp. Its just not happening. The ladder wont be easy on my wallet.

[hector]

Originally Posted by NoelSmart

Do you have any idea what the word 'turbo' does to the insurance premium of a 23 year old....? I will probably get a 128i M package. Better brakes, better wheels/tires, better long term reliability with the naturally aspirated engine.

i don't think that turbos per se affect premiums, it's the category of car; my e92 335 is 25% less to insure than my cobalt ss with 162hp(it's not even the supercharged ss).

[larryn]

Originally Posted by Maximus Decimus

M body kit will be available as an option. I would think somewhere in the 2-3k range.

The most recent equivalent is the M Tech body kit on the ZHP, not available as a factory option for any model other than the 330i, 330Ci, 330Cic ZHP models. It was never available to the 325 models from the factory.

Of course you could get it installed as a dealer installed add on or aftermarket, but you're prob looking at $3k-4k painted and installed, which likely puts you in the 135i range.

[ibeam81]

Originally Posted by hector

i don't think that turbos per se affect premiums, it's the category of car; my e92 335 is 25% less to insure than my cobalt ss with 162hp(it's not even the supercharged ss).

Bingo... Insurance rates are based on numerous factors. The driver's age, driver's gender, marriage status, car category, car cost, engine size, accident rate, and repair costs are some of the items that insurers account for when determining rates.

The turbos by themselves don't necessarily increase the insurance rate, but it's probably safe to assume that the 135i will cost more to insure than a 128i.

[FrencgBoy]

I would be moving from an '01 325Ci Sport so the 135i is the only one I am really considering. I am actually very seriously thinking about it.

I think the 135i will be ~$33k, and about $38k nicely optioned.

Hey, larryn, good to see on this board!

[xl5]

Given the 128 is almost identical in size to the e46 sedan and has approximately the same horsepower, I find the 128 a tough sell against a late model e46 330i with 4 doors.

The 135, on the other hand, has a unique niche as a BMW hooligan.

[Lips]

128 will be nice, but the power in the 135 makes the 128 an unlikely choice for me...

[larryn]

Originally Posted by FrenchBoy

I would be moving from an '01 325Ci Sport so the 135i is the only one I am really considering. I am actually very seriously thinking about it.

I think the 135i will be ~$33k, and about $38k nicely optioned.

Hey, larryn, good to see on this board!

Howdy FrenchBoy! More laps at F1 next time! That place rocks. I am definitely signing up for a club sponsored enduro.