Comments appreciated--128 vs. GTI
- Thread starter Hey Moe!
- Start date
VroooomCrash
New member
The 135 is a really sweet engine...see where you can negotiate the price to...
Vroooom--I hear you about the engine. That kind of power can be intoxicating. It seems like the early fuel-pump issues have been resolved.
We will see. The nice thing is, there is not a bad choice, is there? We're not talking about awful cars.
Keep the comments coming. If you're headed across I-80 in PA, let me know. I do a mean pulled pork and smoked BBQ beef brisket.
We will see. The nice thing is, there is not a bad choice, is there? We're not talking about awful cars.
Keep the comments coming. If you're headed across I-80 in PA, let me know. I do a mean pulled pork and smoked BBQ beef brisket.
VroooomCrash
New member
Mouth watering....I think there might also be a different steering rack on the 135i? That was my biggest complaint with the 128i I drove...
Accumulator
Well-known member
Hey, Moe- IIRC you've been thinking about this for a long time, and this car's likely to be a real keeper, right?
I'd give some thought to that both when deciding what to buy (the BMW is kinda what you've always planned on, right?) and how to option it.
I for one would *NOT* buy a color that'd be a PIA on a regular basis. Some people really enjoy this detailing stuff, and I guess most Autopians enjoy it a lot more than I do, but I'd want something that's easy to appreciate without constant hassles. Black? Hey...I drive a metallic black DenaliXL for my year-round dog-hauler and I'm always saying that it's no biggie (oops...that's some kind of Freudian slip huh? That vehicle is *huge*). When it comes down to it, "clearcoat is clearcoat and marring is marring", and it's just not much different from my silver vehicles. But that's *ME* and consider how I wash every time. Honestly, I bet you'd have a happier next-few-decades if you buy an attractive low-maintenance color. I'm sure glad my Jag and the Audis are silver, even if it *doesn't* really make much of a diff in my case.
Oh, and I'd avoid pearls as it's just about impossible to color-match any repair work. Yeah, I know...but I never thought I'd deer my irreplaceable S8 either
I'd give some thought to that both when deciding what to buy (the BMW is kinda what you've always planned on, right?) and how to option it.
I for one would *NOT* buy a color that'd be a PIA on a regular basis. Some people really enjoy this detailing stuff, and I guess most Autopians enjoy it a lot more than I do, but I'd want something that's easy to appreciate without constant hassles. Black? Hey...I drive a metallic black DenaliXL for my year-round dog-hauler and I'm always saying that it's no biggie (oops...that's some kind of Freudian slip huh? That vehicle is *huge*). When it comes down to it, "clearcoat is clearcoat and marring is marring", and it's just not much different from my silver vehicles. But that's *ME* and consider how I wash every time. Honestly, I bet you'd have a happier next-few-decades if you buy an attractive low-maintenance color. I'm sure glad my Jag and the Audis are silver, even if it *doesn't* really make much of a diff in my case.
Oh, and I'd avoid pearls as it's just about impossible to color-match any repair work. Yeah, I know...but I never thought I'd deer my irreplaceable S8 either
I would get the GTI, a hatchback is very practical, like mentioned earlier, you can get a decent sized TV or furniture in a hatch but not in a coupe or sedan.. That is one reason hatchbacks are so popular here in Europe, practical and fun to drive 
But I can suggest a Volvo V50 T5 also, I have one and it's fun to drive, practical and has not given me any problems yet..
But I can suggest a Volvo V50 T5 also, I have one and it's fun to drive, practical and has not given me any problems yet..connorb850
New member
Hey said:
From what I've read in Roundel (BMW Car Club America magazine), things like fluid changes have suddenly been extended or eliminated from service when BMW introduced the 4 year/50k mile maintenance plan. So yes...almost everything is covered, but less is actually done in terms of maintenance. If you plan to keep the car for a long time, it might be wise to step-up the maintenance.
That said, I would probably chose the 128 over the GTI.
I understand that, for instance, the oil-change interval is rather long. I have heard of many owners getting "extra" oil changes done on their own dime (rather, about 100 bucks).
I can understand that, if you are going to keep it a while, or just want to do what's right by the car.
Accumulator--you're pushing me away from black, are you? I understand your concern. I had an '02 Focus (divorce mode) which I ordered black. I was OK with it, though it did not seem to be a hard paint.
I would never, ever get a larger vehicle in black. I did my brother's gray Tahoe, and then told him to find a detailer.
I liked the Black Sapphire Metallic because I wanted to special order a Terra interior (a Priority One option), which is the color of a football (think Saddle Brown). I'm not sure which other colors it would look good with.
That said, I am leaning toward the 128. I still welcome comments.
I can understand that, if you are going to keep it a while, or just want to do what's right by the car.
Accumulator--you're pushing me away from black, are you? I understand your concern. I had an '02 Focus (divorce mode) which I ordered black. I was OK with it, though it did not seem to be a hard paint.
I would never, ever get a larger vehicle in black. I did my brother's gray Tahoe, and then told him to find a detailer.
I liked the Black Sapphire Metallic because I wanted to special order a Terra interior (a Priority One option), which is the color of a football (think Saddle Brown). I'm not sure which other colors it would look good with.
That said, I am leaning toward the 128. I still welcome comments.
imported_themightytimmah
New member
I've got a GLI now and I absolutely love it, but in your case I would probably go for the BMW. The VW's are fun, but traction can be a problem and I find myself wishing that I had RWD on a fairly regular basis. Also, if you're planning on keeping it for a long time, the BMW will probably be more reliable (although both brands can be very expensive to keep on the road).
I wanted to post this issue here because I felt it would not be brand-biased, unlike messing with BMW and VW forums.
The anticipation of getting a new car should be a fun thing. I know when I ordered my Trans Am a very long time ago, the anticipation should have made my hair fall out (it was longer then).
This new car is a landmark for me, because I know that I will, for the first time since that Trans Am, have the time to really enjoy driving it.
Since I am going to keep my Focus ST (a great car for a fun daily driver, why did Ford USA stop building them?), the new ride will be doted over, and will not be allowed out of the garage during winter weather.
Yes, Accumulator--I have thought about this for quite a while, maybe since my high-school drivers-ed teacher bought an E21 Bimmer (that's a long time ago). BMW doesn't have any pearl paint options for the 1-series. I'm still torn over Black Sapphire Metallic, because it would match the black/terra interior.
Going the VW route is inviting, since it will be less expensive. Having owned three VWs I enjoyed (Scirocco, GTI, and Jetta), I gravitated back there for a comparison.
To those who were worried about practicality, it is a non-issue. This is hunting and fishing country, and I have plenty of neighbors with pick-ups.
In either case, finding a dealer to work with is key. It won't be like my local Ford dealer, where I walk in, the owner looks at me, and says, "I know. You want to drive the new Shelby we got in yesterday. Here's the keys." It will take a little push for me to leave that atmosphere.
So, come May 29, I have some test-driving to do, and a decision to make. When I do the deal, I promise to learn to post a few pics, along with the Focus, since it doesn't look anything like a vehicle with 70K miles.
I do thank everyone for all their good advice. I do subscribe to a few other online forums, according to my interests, and this fourm is, by far, the one with the best manners (remember, I'm a teacher).
Thanks, everyone!!!
The anticipation of getting a new car should be a fun thing. I know when I ordered my Trans Am a very long time ago, the anticipation should have made my hair fall out (it was longer then).
This new car is a landmark for me, because I know that I will, for the first time since that Trans Am, have the time to really enjoy driving it.
Since I am going to keep my Focus ST (a great car for a fun daily driver, why did Ford USA stop building them?), the new ride will be doted over, and will not be allowed out of the garage during winter weather.
Yes, Accumulator--I have thought about this for quite a while, maybe since my high-school drivers-ed teacher bought an E21 Bimmer (that's a long time ago). BMW doesn't have any pearl paint options for the 1-series. I'm still torn over Black Sapphire Metallic, because it would match the black/terra interior.
Going the VW route is inviting, since it will be less expensive. Having owned three VWs I enjoyed (Scirocco, GTI, and Jetta), I gravitated back there for a comparison.
To those who were worried about practicality, it is a non-issue. This is hunting and fishing country, and I have plenty of neighbors with pick-ups.
In either case, finding a dealer to work with is key. It won't be like my local Ford dealer, where I walk in, the owner looks at me, and says, "I know. You want to drive the new Shelby we got in yesterday. Here's the keys." It will take a little push for me to leave that atmosphere.
So, come May 29, I have some test-driving to do, and a decision to make. When I do the deal, I promise to learn to post a few pics, along with the Focus, since it doesn't look anything like a vehicle with 70K miles.
I do thank everyone for all their good advice. I do subscribe to a few other online forums, according to my interests, and this fourm is, by far, the one with the best manners (remember, I'm a teacher).
Thanks, everyone!!!
Haha, like numbers tell the whole story - I fit a 50" projection (note: not LCD or plasma) into the back of my old MKIV Golf. I've also had the following in the back: a fridge, 8 wheels with tires, 7 interior house doors, an 8' Christmas tree, etc . . . obviously none of that stuff would fit into a 1 series.slicknickis3 said:
Hey, Moe!, everyone can post their subjective opinions - including myself - but you didn't specify any of your desires. Are you adversed to simple modifications? For 1/2 the price difference between the GTI and 128, the GTI could have a ton more (reliable) power and far superior handling. FWD has its limitations, but properly setup, most people would never get close to them.
imported_Ivan Rajic
New member
cheeba said:
I really don't want to sound like some BMW elitist but where are you getting the "ton more reliable power and far superior handling" from? Yes you can chip it but what's with the superior handling haha...
GTIs chipped tend to have at least 250whp. The 128 would probably put down around 200 whp. Handling is a moot point, they're both good handling cars, but with the 128 you have RWD and so you can drift it through a corner. With the GTI you can just drive it like a madman and never worry about losing control because it's FWD.
Accumulator
Well-known member
Hey, Moe- Having given this some more thought and giving consideration to my experiences over this last winter with the Denali, maybe you'd do OK with the sapphire black after all.
Heh heh, I get the feeling that a some people are kinda missing the overall point here; you're after a kind of heirloom/keeper rather than something you're gonna be thrashing at 9/10ths, right? I compare your situation to how I feel about my S8 and the Jag...not exactly the hottest tickets in town but cars I simply *love having* year after year.
Handling/performance/etc.-wise, my Jag is simply a *mess* compared to a lot of the "better" cars that I've had, but those have come and gone while the JXS continues to brighten my life. A similar, perhaps *better* example might be my wife's A8, which she simply wouldn't trade for a new [anything].
Oh, BTW, I thought of you the other day on the 30-somethingth anniversary of my first Trans-Am. I sure do remember the anticipation of getting that thing!
Heh heh, I get the feeling that a some people are kinda missing the overall point here; you're after a kind of heirloom/keeper rather than something you're gonna be thrashing at 9/10ths, right? I compare your situation to how I feel about my S8 and the Jag...not exactly the hottest tickets in town but cars I simply *love having* year after year.
Handling/performance/etc.-wise, my Jag is simply a *mess* compared to a lot of the "better" cars that I've had, but those have come and gone while the JXS continues to brighten my life. A similar, perhaps *better* example might be my wife's A8, which she simply wouldn't trade for a new [anything].
Oh, BTW, I thought of you the other day on the 30-somethingth anniversary of my first Trans-Am. I sure do remember the anticipation of getting that thing!
I didn't state a ton more reliable, I stated a ton more (reliable) power; which, means a ton more power, that is still reliable. Meaning it is a mild upgrade that will not make the engine any less reliable.lecchilo said:
Every BMW I've driven - other than an E46 M3 - handled like crap stock. This isn't to say that it handle like crap compared to other vehicles, but compared to how it could possibly handle. Even RWD Bimmers are set up to handle for the majority of society - they have mushy damping, bad turn in, and far from neutral handling.
The point was that a set of coilovers, rear anti-sway, and some bushing/bearings would make the GTI have far superior damping and neutral handling. Of course, you can set it up to have oversteer/understeer if you want it to. A little bit of on-demand, controllable oversteer is nice :up
Yup, Accumulator, that's why I asked him what he wants, which Hey, Moe! has never really stated. I also don't think people that aren't out driving 9/10ths need to be afraid of mild modifications. I think anyone technically inclined and fairly discriminating (read: someone who is into detailing!) would be an ideal candidate for some simple bolt-ons.
Futhermore, in regards to warranty, many dealers are okay with mild mod's as long as the owners are responsible about it.
Accumulator
Well-known member
cheeba- Eh...I might be out to lunch here, or just putting too much weight on my own experiences and what I *think* I've inferred about Hey, Moe! based on his posts here. I could be *way* off-base :nixweiss
On the stock/not...I have a fair amount of serious experience in both, and IMO most good cars already handle a lot better than most drivers can readily exploit without intense and on-going training, especially on the street. At Tony Scotti's Vehicle Dynamics Institute most well-trained people work *very* hard to use at least 80% (min. threshold for certification).
Don't get me wrong, a lot (most?) of my vehicles have been modified, with suspensions/brakes usually happening first; like you, I prefer *very* neutral handling that wouldn't be right for most folks (my first M3 went off to Ray Korman as soon as I got it). Heh heh, I actually think that you and I might be of *VERY* similar opinion on this stuff. I'm just being kinda a wet blanket here in an attempt to keep this on-track for Hey, Moe!.
On the stock/not...I have a fair amount of serious experience in both, and IMO most good cars already handle a lot better than most drivers can readily exploit without intense and on-going training, especially on the street. At Tony Scotti's Vehicle Dynamics Institute most well-trained people work *very* hard to use at least 80% (min. threshold for certification).
Don't get me wrong, a lot (most?) of my vehicles have been modified, with suspensions/brakes usually happening first; like you, I prefer *very* neutral handling that wouldn't be right for most folks (my first M3 went off to Ray Korman as soon as I got it). Heh heh, I actually think that you and I might be of *VERY* similar opinion on this stuff. I'm just being kinda a wet blanket here in an attempt to keep this on-track for Hey, Moe!.
Hi, everyone! Yes, I am still up!
Again, thanks to everyone who chimed in on this. All comments were read, digested appropriately, and thought about, since it is my nature to think a lot about major purchases.
I would love to just be able to get up on a nice fall day later this year, and go to my garage, and jump in a nice, clean, fun vehicle, and blast through the leaves here in the back roads.
Or, to say, "road trip," meaning that my sister and I will head for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, and get a behind the scenes tour, since she "knows people."
These scenarios are why you buy a car, aren't they?
I don't look to modify this vehicle unless it doesn't suit my needs. If I purchase wisely, there might not be a need for that.
My girlfriend/landlord (yes, I pay rent), sweetheart that she is, keeps saying, "You were talking about this car back when you just got divorced, and struggled. Things are different now. Do what you want. Get the BMW."
I am a big believer in cars for lifestyles. I guess it is my time to step up to the plate.
I will let everyone know about the result.
Again, thanks to everyone who chimed in on this. All comments were read, digested appropriately, and thought about, since it is my nature to think a lot about major purchases.
I would love to just be able to get up on a nice fall day later this year, and go to my garage, and jump in a nice, clean, fun vehicle, and blast through the leaves here in the back roads.
Or, to say, "road trip," meaning that my sister and I will head for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, and get a behind the scenes tour, since she "knows people."
These scenarios are why you buy a car, aren't they?
I don't look to modify this vehicle unless it doesn't suit my needs. If I purchase wisely, there might not be a need for that.
My girlfriend/landlord (yes, I pay rent), sweetheart that she is, keeps saying, "You were talking about this car back when you just got divorced, and struggled. Things are different now. Do what you want. Get the BMW."
I am a big believer in cars for lifestyles. I guess it is my time to step up to the plate.
I will let everyone know about the result.
imported_Picus
New member
lecchilo said:
The superior handling is him assuming you're going to do coilovers and sways. Do the same thing to the 128i and it'll handle just as well, or better, than a GTI.
Have you thought about a 328i coupe instead of the 128i? I think the 3 series coupe looks a lot better than the 1. I would personally pick up a CPO 335 coupe for the same price with a 6yr/100k mile warranty. I've driven all engine variations of the E9x 3 series (own an E46 330) and the twin turbo six is in a completely different league.
I haven't driven the current GTI but it is supposed to be a great car but I'd be sure to buy it new. VW/Audi have amongst the worst reliability record of all German brands. Granted, no German brand can compete with Japanese reliability, BMW included.
I haven't driven the current GTI but it is supposed to be a great car but I'd be sure to buy it new. VW/Audi have amongst the worst reliability record of all German brands. Granted, no German brand can compete with Japanese reliability, BMW included.
I've seen a few 328 coupes here in the boonies, and they look nice. One belongs to a local state trooper (it's Alpine White), and it is very nice.
I'm OK with the styling of the 1-series. No problem there.
I just haven't time lately to work on this issue. I'm in coaching mode with a good team, and I am trying to close out my last year in teaching.
After May 29, all bets are off.
Who knows? There may be a 3-series on a lot somewhere that might be a better deal than ordering a 1er.
GTI's are not completely off the list. I had too much fun in my VWs back in the '80s to not think about them.
I will post updates.
I'm OK with the styling of the 1-series. No problem there.
I just haven't time lately to work on this issue. I'm in coaching mode with a good team, and I am trying to close out my last year in teaching.
After May 29, all bets are off.
Who knows? There may be a 3-series on a lot somewhere that might be a better deal than ordering a 1er.
GTI's are not completely off the list. I had too much fun in my VWs back in the '80s to not think about them.
I will post updates.