BMW 128ti Vs M135i
Discussion
Mrs S is about to change her car, she's narrowed it down to the 128ti or the M135i
Either brand new or a very lightly used '24. Difference is £2-3k on price at the moment (and deals to be had with the new model incoming), so cost insignificant. Insurance is within £50/yr of each other so again insignificant.
Has anyone had extended experience of either/both?
We've had 2hr test drives in them both, I marginally preferred the 128ti, a more fluid drive - but the M135 is a spunky hot hatch. Mrs S prefers the M135 because she likes the gold metallic grill surround(!). The M135 has the benefit of xDrive.
Neither car is going to get used to within 50% of its potential when she is driving.
Either brand new or a very lightly used '24. Difference is £2-3k on price at the moment (and deals to be had with the new model incoming), so cost insignificant. Insurance is within £50/yr of each other so again insignificant.
Has anyone had extended experience of either/both?
We've had 2hr test drives in them both, I marginally preferred the 128ti, a more fluid drive - but the M135 is a spunky hot hatch. Mrs S prefers the M135 because she likes the gold metallic grill surround(!). The M135 has the benefit of xDrive.
Neither car is going to get used to within 50% of its potential when she is driving.
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.... zsiddyy said:
I used to work for BMW in sales, so I've had quite a bit of experience with both models.
I'd have the 128ti over the M135i 100%. I always thought it was much more fun to drive, had the feel of a proper hatch (although I wish they did it in a manual).
The M135i was great but I just felt the xDrive took away from how fun it could've been to drive. Also, the competition in it's class like the S3 were just more fun to drive, and also felt a lot quicker (imo)
Thanks, was kind of my summation about the drive of the 128.I'd have the 128ti over the M135i 100%. I always thought it was much more fun to drive, had the feel of a proper hatch (although I wish they did it in a manual).
The M135i was great but I just felt the xDrive took away from how fun it could've been to drive. Also, the competition in it's class like the S3 were just more fun to drive, and also felt a lot quicker (imo)
But we drove the S3 (and A35) and ironically found them dull in comparison to the 135, and even more so to the 128.
V 02 said:
BigBootyR said:
M135i Vines BMW North Oxford
BMW M135i, £399 Per Month £399 down 3.9% - BMW M135i xDrive Finance Offer
text
Quoted a poster from another thread^BMW M135i, £399 Per Month £399 down 3.9% - BMW M135i xDrive Finance Offer
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Worth considering over cash. Another poster just got this even cheaper than the listed price on that offer on a well optioned car and a bigger contribution from BMW
zsiddyy said:
Julian Scott said:
zsiddyy said:
I used to work for BMW in sales, so I've had quite a bit of experience with both models.
I'd have the 128ti over the M135i 100%. I always thought it was much more fun to drive, had the feel of a proper hatch (although I wish they did it in a manual).
The M135i was great but I just felt the xDrive took away from how fun it could've been to drive. Also, the competition in it's class like the S3 were just more fun to drive, and also felt a lot quicker (imo)
Thanks, was kind of my summation about the drive of the 128.I'd have the 128ti over the M135i 100%. I always thought it was much more fun to drive, had the feel of a proper hatch (although I wish they did it in a manual).
The M135i was great but I just felt the xDrive took away from how fun it could've been to drive. Also, the competition in it's class like the S3 were just more fun to drive, and also felt a lot quicker (imo)
But we drove the S3 (and A35) and ironically found them dull in comparison to the 135, and even more so to the 128.
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.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.
va1o said:
I’ve just ordered an M135i, stepping down from an 840i to save on crazy running costs. The 1 represents amazing value for money with the current deals and the post-2022 cars have a fair number of improvements from the launch model. I considered a 128ti but you save very little whilst missing out on xdrive and the nicer seats. I’ve had a few hot hatches back in the day including a Mk5 Golf GTI and F21 M135i so looking forward to been back in the fold 
Out of interest, what deal did you get on the M135i? Cash or finance?va1o said:
Julian Scott said:
va1o said:
I’ve just ordered an M135i, stepping down from an 840i to save on crazy running costs. The 1 represents amazing value for money with the current deals and the post-2022 cars have a fair number of improvements from the launch model. I considered a 128ti but you save very little whilst missing out on xdrive and the nicer seats. I’ve had a few hot hatches back in the day including a Mk5 Golf GTI and F21 M135i so looking forward to been back in the fold
Out of interest, what deal did you get on the M135i? Cash or finance?I was set on a cash purchase, but with the low APR and dealer contributions, a PCP might just be a smart move.
What monthlies? I've had a few offers under £400/mth for a std M135i with Pro Pack with minimal deposit.
va1o said:
Julian Scott said:
va1o said:
Julian Scott said:
va1o said:
I’ve just ordered an M135i, stepping down from an 840i to save on crazy running costs. The 1 represents amazing value for money with the current deals and the post-2022 cars have a fair number of improvements from the launch model. I considered a 128ti but you save very little whilst missing out on xdrive and the nicer seats. I’ve had a few hot hatches back in the day including a Mk5 Golf GTI and F21 M135i so looking forward to been back in the fold
Out of interest, what deal did you get on the M135i? Cash or finance?I was set on a cash purchase, but with the low APR and dealer contributions, a PCP might just be a smart move.
What monthlies? I've had a few offers under £400/mth for a std M135i with Pro Pack with minimal deposit.
M135i with Metallic, Pro Pack, Sun Protection glass, Panoramic roof, powered boot & reversing camera plus service pack. OTR RRP just under £47,000 plus £1,000 for the service pack.
£13,178 deposit, £149/mth, £20,436 GFV, 48mth deal. Even if we kept it on finance, total payable would only be just under £41,000, as it is, by settling after a month we'll save the c£3k interest.
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