BMW 128ti Vs M135i
Discussion
BricktopST205 said:
What about the hot mini version. Are they basically not the same as a 1 series these days?
Underneath very similar but Mini's do lack a little bit of quality in the interior materials in my view (wife has one) but I prefer the styling of the Mini to the 1 series in the main nowHaving leased a 128ti for 3 years, I would take the 135i with adaptive suspension in a heart beat.
The car was excellent in every single respect, except the ride quality which was just permanently unsettled, the constant jiggling around on roads that appeared flat to the eye was just tiring.
Although it handled pot holes etc. very well.
However you've done an extensive test drive, so I'm sure you are fine with, as I'm sure many other 128ti owners are.
I found the build quality very good, but I've found that on most BMWs.
The car was excellent in every single respect, except the ride quality which was just permanently unsettled, the constant jiggling around on roads that appeared flat to the eye was just tiring.
Although it handled pot holes etc. very well.
However you've done an extensive test drive, so I'm sure you are fine with, as I'm sure many other 128ti owners are.
I found the build quality very good, but I've found that on most BMWs.
blue_haddock said:
Julian Scott said:
blue_haddock said:
Long term the M135 will probably be more in demand so more likely to keep a higher residual so if cost of ownership is similar i'd always go with the M135
My initial thoughts.....and we are cash buying....but, the 128ti is being discontinued, whereas the M135i is being replaced.... Limpet said:
A good friend of mine bought a new 128Ti a couple of months ago. I've driven it, and it was a pleasant surprise. Plenty of performance, nice direct, accurate steering and had a generally very pleasant taut, responsive feel to it. And the interior is lovely for the class of car. Very well put together, good quality materials, and it hasn't gone "all touchscreen", and is so much better for it. I think it would be an easy car to live with, and provide a bit of entertainment when you wanted it, but having had a couple of years in an i30N, I just found it a little lacking in character. Very smooth, very capable, pretty quick, but the Hyundai had an infectious sense of slightly childish "up for it" enthusiasm about it which I loved, and found to be missing in the BMW. Looks good in black though, with the red detailing. He's also added a set of eyebrows to the tops of the lights in body colour which appear to slightly extend the corners of the bonnet and grille. Combined with the black grille, it really does make the front end look a lot less gawky.
A colleague has had an M135i for a year and it's been interesting to see how he raved about it for a couple of weeks, and now seems a bit "meh" about it. He loves the performance and the grip, but you get the sense from the generally faint praise when you talk to him about it that he's a bit bored with the rest of it. He keeps half-heartedly talking about changing it for something else, but it's not like you're spoiled for choice these days with hot hatches. More of the turbocharged German AWD same with another brand, or slim (and rapidly slimming) pickings in the FWD arena.
I can believe all of that, but ironically the 'up for it' nature would be a turn off for the FPO.A colleague has had an M135i for a year and it's been interesting to see how he raved about it for a couple of weeks, and now seems a bit "meh" about it. He loves the performance and the grip, but you get the sense from the generally faint praise when you talk to him about it that he's a bit bored with the rest of it. He keeps half-heartedly talking about changing it for something else, but it's not like you're spoiled for choice these days with hot hatches. More of the turbocharged German AWD same with another brand, or slim (and rapidly slimming) pickings in the FWD arena.
And I agree with your comments, we've driven most of these 'marzipan' models and the BMW stood out for us/her.
BricktopST205 said:
What about the hot mini version. Are they basically not the same as a 1 series these days?
I dragged her to the MINI garage to look at the brand new MINI. I liked it, fun, and a great go-kart drive. The FPO didn't like it though. She's had a couple of minis, wants something more grown up and bigger.CSK423 said:
The M135i is renowned for not being a particularly engaging drive. We've had both the 2020 model and now the run out 2024 model. The 2024 drives a lot different due to suspension adjustments etc. the 128ti is meant to be better again but not as capable.
Noting that it's more about the day to day drive and living within 50% of capabilities I would purchase the M135i for residuals, the xdrive (although predominantly FWD anyway) and options either available or as standard.
It's a quicker car which adds to the event when you do take it out and test it. The PCP difference is minimal.
...yes and that AWD for the odd day of inclement road conditions.Noting that it's more about the day to day drive and living within 50% of capabilities I would purchase the M135i for residuals, the xdrive (although predominantly FWD anyway) and options either available or as standard.
It's a quicker car which adds to the event when you do take it out and test it. The PCP difference is minimal.
Not really looking at finance, although best 3.9% deals are pretty good when coupled with hefty dealer contributions....and as we've already 'budgeted' the £35k, I could do something else with that ;-)
venster70 said:
Having leased a 128ti for 3 years, I would take the 135i with adaptive suspension in a heart beat.
The car was excellent in every single respect, except the ride quality which was just permanently unsettled, the constant jiggling around on roads that appeared flat to the eye was just tiring.
Although it handled pot holes etc. very well.
However you've done an extensive test drive, so I'm sure you are fine with, as I'm sure many other 128ti owners are.
I found the build quality very good, but I've found that on most BMWs.
Is adaptive suspension an option or standard? Even if we go for brand new, it would need to be one already built & 'in the system'.The car was excellent in every single respect, except the ride quality which was just permanently unsettled, the constant jiggling around on roads that appeared flat to the eye was just tiring.
Although it handled pot holes etc. very well.
However you've done an extensive test drive, so I'm sure you are fine with, as I'm sure many other 128ti owners are.
I found the build quality very good, but I've found that on most BMWs.
Agree of the ride, but she's had a 1-series M-Sport for the last 5 years and is used to it. Build quality is definitely a level up from her current one....which is still pretty good.
cerb4.5lee said:
I haven't driven either. However I have only ever heard/read good things about the 128ti though. One of my eldest daughters friends mum has one, so I'll have to see if I can get a drive of it I reckon. 
It is good and a fun drive. With the keys to both and an hour of b-roads to digest, I'd take the 128 over the 135.All really comes down to if she wants FWD or 4WD. 128ti has less power but the lack of extra weight from the 4WD system will make up for it, other than in wet conditions. Not much in it aesthetically; exterior or interior wise.
If it had to be a 4WD hatch, would be the Golf R for me. If FWD (and presumably auto), could always look at a Cupra Leon 300. I had a previous shape 290 DSG and absolutely loved it. However, I believe the 128 does come with a proper mechanical LSD, as apposed to electronic, which is actually a pretty nice edition for this day and age.
If it had to be a 4WD hatch, would be the Golf R for me. If FWD (and presumably auto), could always look at a Cupra Leon 300. I had a previous shape 290 DSG and absolutely loved it. However, I believe the 128 does come with a proper mechanical LSD, as apposed to electronic, which is actually a pretty nice edition for this day and age.
The wife has a 128ti
I find the ride hard , but good revvy engine
We tested the 135 , was faster but bit bland
We have the 19 inch wheels so that might be the source of the hard crashy ride
The Bridgestones it came with were terrible , I swapped these for all seasons as it was not good in the winter last year ( ne Scotland had few days of deep snow )
I find the ride hard , but good revvy engine
We tested the 135 , was faster but bit bland
We have the 19 inch wheels so that might be the source of the hard crashy ride
The Bridgestones it came with were terrible , I swapped these for all seasons as it was not good in the winter last year ( ne Scotland had few days of deep snow )
I have had my 128 for a couple of weeks. I got a stock car from tony at trl Berry Croydon .
Spookily the car they had in stock was the exact spec I was looking for . 18s . heated wheel. Privacy . Hk sound and metallic. Just under the 40k point.
Got a v good discount I would say.
I'm super impressed so far.
I've had alot of hot hatches over the years . Many rs clios. Many fast golfs.
the 128 drives really really well.
On 18s and p zeros the ride is a bit tense but fine. Everything stacks up. It's fast. Handles really well. Gearbox is good. Interior lovely. Exterior is smart. Really good quality.high 30s mpg so far.
I stepped out of owning (for 8 years) a 981 spyder as I needed a more day to day car for the next 3 years so my reference is high I would say.
I'm super happy with my new car. not missing the porsche.
Recommend.
Spookily the car they had in stock was the exact spec I was looking for . 18s . heated wheel. Privacy . Hk sound and metallic. Just under the 40k point.
Got a v good discount I would say.
I'm super impressed so far.
I've had alot of hot hatches over the years . Many rs clios. Many fast golfs.
the 128 drives really really well.
On 18s and p zeros the ride is a bit tense but fine. Everything stacks up. It's fast. Handles really well. Gearbox is good. Interior lovely. Exterior is smart. Really good quality.high 30s mpg so far.
I stepped out of owning (for 8 years) a 981 spyder as I needed a more day to day car for the next 3 years so my reference is high I would say.
I'm super happy with my new car. not missing the porsche.
Recommend.
Interested on peoples thoughts on these two cars myself. For those who own or have driven them, any comments on the Aisin 8 speed auto box? I've seen mixed reviews of it online. Does the M135i feel that much quicker with the extra grunt (332lbft) or is it offset by the higher kerbweight? I saw that in 2022 they revised the suspension to make the M135i more responsive in the corners, is the difference noticeable? Thanks!
culpz said:
All really comes down to if she wants FWD or 4WD. 128ti has less power but the lack of extra weight from the 4WD system will make up for it, other than in wet conditions. Not much in it aesthetically; exterior or interior wise.
If it had to be a 4WD hatch, would be the Golf R for me. If FWD (and presumably auto), could always look at a Cupra Leon 300. I had a previous shape 290 DSG and absolutely loved it. However, I believe the 128 does come with a proper mechanical LSD, as apposed to electronic, which is actually a pretty nice edition for this day and age.
We sat in a Golf and l looked at the outside of a Leon. Both were dismissed immediately by SWMBO.If it had to be a 4WD hatch, would be the Golf R for me. If FWD (and presumably auto), could always look at a Cupra Leon 300. I had a previous shape 290 DSG and absolutely loved it. However, I believe the 128 does come with a proper mechanical LSD, as apposed to electronic, which is actually a pretty nice edition for this day and age.
She actually doesn't give a s
t which or how many wheels are driven.Good opinions on the two cars.... Echoed my own (biasing toward the 128ti)
However, the FPO has decreed that it is to be the 135 - she wants the gold mirror/accents and she doesn't like the red seats in the 128ti.
As with most things in life, the lady gets what she wants*
(*and we get a moderately quieter life. For a few days)
However, the FPO has decreed that it is to be the 135 - she wants the gold mirror/accents and she doesn't like the red seats in the 128ti.
As with most things in life, the lady gets what she wants*
(*and we get a moderately quieter life. For a few days)
DT1975 said:
Is the M135i subject to luxury tax ? I did a test drive a few weeks ago in a 128ti and 235i...much preferred the 235i but it was subject to nearly £600 a year luxury tax.
Having done that for 5 years on the 340i I gave it a big swerve. The 128ti didn't do enough to take a punt on it.
Yes, an extra £400/yr over the 128ti.Having done that for 5 years on the 340i I gave it a big swerve. The 128ti didn't do enough to take a punt on it.
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