Buying input

[slim_e90]

I'm coming from an e90 328i non sport that I was overall happy with but I wanted to get a vert and am going to get a 1 series.

I'm wondering what other enthusiasts that have lived with these cars prefer...

I will be getting auto most likely since once in a while the wife drives my car... (let's not digress)

So question is - go for a relatively base non sport, no premium pkg 135 with cw pkg
Or
Loaded sport premium cw pkg 128

Both cars would be cpo with <30k miles

Thanks for your input.

[1speedbike]

A giant point that EVERYONE i know really wants drilled into everyone's head that considers this car... GET THE SPORT PACKAGE. OR ELSE

if you're coming from a non-sport 328i, a sport 128i will honestly be a giant difference. The same suspension as the 135i, plus the same amount of horses in a smaller, more agile, lighter car will mean that a loaded 128i with sport package will be a great deal more fun to drive than your current car. A 135i would be even better, but if these are the absolute only options and you cannot possibly get a 135i with a sport package (for the seats! everyone who has regular seats regrets it. everyone) then go 128i with sport pack and get the nice suspension and the comfy seats instead of the mush suspension and the seats that turn into slip-n-slides in every corner.

Anyway, let us know what you choose! Good luck

[KingOfJericho]

Shop around a little more and find a 135 with sport pkg.

[slim_e90]

Thanks for the input. And so the search continues...

[amancuso]

Loaded 128i will never fail to put a smile on your face.

[JimD]

I think my 128i vert is quick enough. I have driven the 135i and I understand it is faster but they do not feel dramatically different to me. If I punch my 128i getting on the highway, I have to pay attention or I am going way too fast in not much time at all. 135i would get there quicker but not by a huge amount. It's rated to do a 15 second quarter mile which is quick. My other car is a small SUV I use to pull my boat. It has about 50 less hp and about 15 less ft. lbs. I could not see when I bought my 128i how it would be underpowered and I am firmly convinced after driving it that it is not. You need to be in the right gear if you want to move quickly but if you do your part, the car does its.

The 128i auto is not as good as the manual at acceleration, however. The 135i is rated to be as quick as the automatic. 128i auto is a GM unit also used in the Cadalac CTS. I think the 135i is still a ZF. I test drove 128i autos and they drove like a GM auto. I did not drive a 135i with DTC but I drove a M3 with it and it is a MUCH nicer automatic.

I agree about sport seats. Unless your bottom is too wide, you will really like them.

Jim