Another test drive

[JHZR2]

Went to another dealer tonight, and they had an MT 135i... perfect. Drove it around, and really got on it after a little while - my test drive at this dealer was much more real... Got to feel the negatives of the suspension/tires on bad roads, etc.

Hit it hard in second gear, on the highway and WOW! Didnt even go WOT or over 5000 RPM, and it was enough. I took it out of gear and just coasted back to normal speed.

The MT was great, as good if not better than that in my E30, shorter throws of course... Brakes were great when put to the test. THis one only had the sport package, not the m sport package, and I know that I want the M sport... However, at the same time, I have to wonder if I really would prefer a 128i...

The AT 128i vert we tested last time felt sluggish... but as an MT, I wonder if it would be just right. THe 135 can obviously be nduced to be way too fast, but is great as a cruiser too... but I dont know how often Ill use the turbos. Couple with that HPFP issues, and I see risk, vs. a non-issue on a 128i.

Problem is, a 128, even with a sport package and whatnot just isnt the same as a 135i with M-sport... and especially if I put in xenons and whatnot on a 128, the cost will be more or less the same.

Cant wait for the meet this weekend... hopefully somebody will have a 128i MT that they might let me just test drive for a short distance

Super-tough to make these decisions... after driving this 135i coupe, we are even weighing that part again... ugh. All we know is that every time we drive the car, we know we want one more!

[bones]

Get the 135. Sounds like you'll always be wondering "what if?".

[1013mm]

135

[lib]

Lots of peer pressure around here.....

[x97Melbourne]

test drive the 128i M/T before you make any decision. don't let the test drive in the automatic influence you....i drove that also at test drive time too and it truely sucks.

the M/T in the 128i is still a very fun car to drive....not as fast of course as the 135i, but its plenty of power for everyday use.

[1013mm]

Originally Posted by x97Melbourne

test drive the 128i M/T before you make any decision. don't let the test drive in the automatic influence you....i drove that also at test drive time too and it truely sucks.

the M/T in the 128i is still a very fun car to drive....not as fast of course as the 135i, but its plenty of power for everyday use.

but you ended up with a 135!!

[turner23]

I got the 128i 6MT; pretty basic...Premium HiFi, Xenons, Ipod, Cold Weather, but NO to the premium, sport, M packages, etc.

Before you buy, test drive the 128i Manual. My car picks up and moves! I have more than enough power to pass anything on the highway in 6th, and if you know how to drive a stick the 128i is quick off the line too.

Of course, it's not 300hp

but I have no regrets not getting the 135i.

Every morning when I start that I6 I can't help but smile!
Plus, from what I've read here, the 128i seems to have far fewer problems than its bigger brother.

Drive them both, on the same day. You'll get a good feel for what you want and need in the car...Like I said, I love my 128i and have no regrets!

Cheers!

[Garduna]

like waht ppl said, try a MT 128i and then make ur final decision. don't let peer pressure get to ya lol!

[Dave]

after meeting you and discussing your situation with my wife.... we decided you should order a stripped 135 with only sport

you will love it


now do it now! and ask ach30 aka frank about ED price neg

[axoid]

Originally Posted by turner23

I got the 128i 6MT; pretty basic...Premium HiFi, Xenons, Ipod, Cold Weather, but NO to the premium, sport, M packages, etc.

Before you buy, test drive the 128i Manual. My car picks up and moves! I have more than enough power to pass anything on the highway in 6th, and if you know how to drive a stick the 128i is quick off the line too.

Of course, it's not 300hp

but I have no regrets not getting the 135i.

Every morning when I start that I6 I can't help but smile!
Plus, from what I've read here, the 128i seems to have far fewer problems than its bigger brother.

Drive them both, on the same day. You'll get a good feel for what you want and need in the car...Like I said, I love my 128i and have no regrets!

Cheers!

I fully concur.

[tbird]

I agree with Izzodesh.

Even the stripped 135 comes with 18" wheels and Xenon headlights standard, let alone that BMW gives all the usual bevy of standards. You can mod it with suspension later unless you get SP.

I am certainly not bashing the 128i, it is a great car. But if you have ANY question in your mind on which one to get, then the decision is definitely the 135.

Granted, watch your budget of course. Heck, for what I pay to own, I could have leased the M3 coupe, but that would have been a bit reckless. Let alone I love the size of the 1 over the size of the M3.

But if you can squeak the 135, do it. Your right foot will thank you later.

[MrRoboto]

you wont regret getting the 135 but you may regret the 128.

[Double Nick]

When I bought my new 1965 Chevelle Malibu (back when it was a REAL car) I didn't get the 396 SS,when I bought my '98 Z28 Camarro I didn't go for the SS. When I bought my 2001 Vette I didn't go for the Z06. When I bought my '05 MCS I didn't go for the John Cooper Works. I probably spent more on mods than if I had bought what I really wanted each of those times. I could list others--but it is too painful. This time I struggled with 128/man vs 135 manual. I went for the 135 manual and I am hoping at age 65 I will be happy with a base car and no mods. Though I do like the sound of the Performance exhaust. Good luck with your choice. My wife has a '09 128 auto and I really like it. I have yet to drive a 135 manual--though I did drive a 335 manual. I will get to drive my 135 manual in about 2 weeks!!

[ptack]

Stop kidding yourself and wasting time.
You're addicted to the 135i and that's that.
Resistance is useless.

[tbird]

and futile

Generally, if you are not ridiculously swimming in money, like some of the people here who buy the 135 fully loaded at $55K and then slap on $15K worth of mods (yes, I am jealous of some of the mods, but still 100% happy with what I have), then like most people will decide between HP and options.

It's generally either the 128 with lots of options, or the 135 with less options. But the nice bit on the 135 is that it comes with 18" wheels and Xenons standard, so that helps.

135MT, sounds good, you will have fun!

[JHZR2]

I personally dont like options - more expense upfront and more to go wrong 200k miles down the road. Hifi stereo and ipod in would be about it... on a 135i.

Still the question is, vert or coupe?

[AchtungF80]

Oh man...that 'wanting' feel, I remember it so well, wait till you get to order one and the anticipation of it all!

[MOCKBA]

You can't track vert, so take coupe.

[LemansE82]

Which dealer did u go for the test drive?

[Robert]

What's the difference between Sports package and M-sports package. There was no such package when I ordered my 135i

[tbird]

SP for 2009 now offers a second add-on. First add-on (for 2008) was the M Wheel with flappy paddles. Second is the M-Add-On with different rims and the speed limiter is raised from 155 to 170mph.

So far, the general bit I have seen in these threads is that the M wheels are not so hot looking, and I agree.

[JasonCSU]

Originally Posted by Robert

What's the difference between Sports package and M-sports package. There was no such package when I ordered my 135i

The M sport pack wasn't available on 2008 models. I believe the additional items are:

Anthracite headliner
261M wheels
M doorsills
M pedals