Reasons why the 128i will be VERY successful

[BForbes]

It seems as if the 135i has gotten a good 75% of the attention of those on this site. If you look back into time, it was the base models of the 3series that put BMW on the map. It is my theory that the 128i will be responsible for the sucess or the demise of the 1 series in the U.S. I have a lot of faith in the car for many reasons.

1.) It is suppose to start at less than 30k

2.) It is going to have 230hp, 200lb of torque.(A 2005 325i had 192hp)

3.) The weight will be around 31XX

4.) It will have the typical bmw attributes; DSC, 50/50 weight, etc.

Any thoughts or additions to the list?

[joelk]

i do agree with those that think the 128 will significantly outsell the 135. what is the disparity between the 335 and 328? it might be a little more than that. boils down to price and the 128 engine being quite good enough for well ... nearly everyone.

i'll be getting the 135i just because i want the thrill of the faster engine...but i suspect i'll be in the minority say 1/3 to 2/3rds.

[inTgr8r]

If they do the car right.... I completely agree.
& I'll be 1st in line.

In addition to the bare base model, which will sell tons to 1st timers
As a current owner I also need to be able to spec it as a true 128si.

Give me the ability to spec the sport features (including brakes) w/o all the power options.
I want a minimum weight, tossable & entertaining daily driver.

[BForbes]

Whats even more interesting is looking in the pricing thread. Everyone has said if its price at 37k I'm getting something else.(cooper, gti, g37, etc) I have yet to see someone else say I'll just get the 128i.

Personally for me, the 128i isnt an option because I am a thrill-junkie but I guess that can apply to most of the people on here.

[SCA]

Originally Posted by joelk

what is the disparity between the 335 and 328?

Last I heard, 5:1 (328 vs. 335).

Originally Posted by onehots2k

Personally for me, the 128i isnt an option because I am a thrill-junkie but I guess that can apply to most of the people on here.

+1

It would be pointless to give up a 330i for a 128i.

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by onehots2k

Whats even more interesting is looking in the pricing thread. Everyone has said if its price at 37k I'm getting something else.(cooper, gti, g37, etc) I have yet to see someone else say I'll just get the 128i.

Personally for me, the 128i isnt an option because I am a thrill-junkie but I guess that can apply to most of the people on here.

Me too, but I have the M Roady for that.

[hector]

[quote=joelk;10321]what is the disparity between the 335 and 328? quote]as i recall coupe models tend to sell about 1:1 as opposed to the sedans which sell predominantly with the weaker engines so for the 1er, being that it's only a coupe in the u.s., the analysis is a bit different.

[brfbmw128i]

The 128i will be a VERY successful because.....

1. I will buy it; establishing it as the coolest car every and everyone will want one

2. And i heard from my friend's cousin's sister's friend, who happens to work for BMW; that everyone who purchases a 128i gets a free pack of bratwurst......Mmmm...Mmmm...can't wait:biggrin:

http://nohatnocattle.com/jibbajabba/bratwurst-2.jpg

[atr_hugo]

ROTFLMAO - I needed that!! [best Homer Simpson voice] mmmmmmm, bratwurst [/best Homer Simpson voice]

[BForbes]

Originally Posted by brfbmw128i

The 128i will be a VERY successful because.....

1. I will buy it; establishing it as the coolest car every and everyone will want one

2. And i heard from my friend's cousin's sister's friend, who happens to work for BMW; that everyone who purchases a 128i gets a free pack of bratwurst......Mmmm...Mmmm...can't wait:biggrin:

haha, I needed that.

[woj]

It also is worth considering what has not made 1 series a top seller in the EU. Unrefined ride (subopitmal suspension design in the rear), cheap plastics on the inside and the general perception that it is a "chick" car.

In talking with the my friends across the Atlantic, that was the common thread. Since it is being built alongside the 1 series hatchbacks, it would be logical to assume that it will share it's suspension issues.
Since the 128i appears to be a NA model (correct me if you know otherwise), it won't even have the pulling power of the 130i M sport that has been reviewed in the UK car rags.

I would be concerned that the 128i will be for non-drivers of either sex that just want to have a "cute" BMW. With no M diff, no power, and that 1 series rear suspension, it will not be any threat to any of the 3 series models.

Just my take on the situation......

[brfbmw128i]

Originally Posted by woj

I would be concerned that the 128i will be for non-drivers of either sex that just want to have a "cute" BMW. With no M diff, no power, and that 1 series rear suspension, it will not be any threat to any of the 3 series models.

Just my take on the situation......

I agree with you, its just anotherway for BMW to take control of an overlooked niche in the automobile market:roundel:...hell.....im on the bandwagon:roundel:

http://nohatnocattle.com/jibbajabba/bratwurst-2.jpg

[SCA]

Originally Posted by woj

It also is worth considering what has not made 1 series a top seller in the EU. Unrefined ride (subopitmal suspension design in the rear), cheap plastics on the inside and the general perception that it is a "chick" car.

In talking with the my friends across the Atlantic, that was the common thread. Since it is being built alongside the 1 series hatchbacks, it would be logical to assume that it will share it's suspension issues.
Since the 128i appears to be a NA model (correct me if you know otherwise), it won't even have the pulling power of the 130i M sport that has been reviewed in the UK car rags.

I would be concerned that the 128i will be for non-drivers of either sex that just want to have a "cute" BMW. With no M diff, no power, and that 1 series rear suspension, it will not be any threat to any of the 3 series models.

Just my take on the situation......

Yup, the Euro car rags have not been kind to the 1-Series hatches. Hopefully BMW AG has addressed the various issues with the coupe.

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by woj

..................
I would be concerned that the 128i will be for non-drivers of either sex that just want to have a "cute" BMW. With no M diff, no power, and that 1 series rear suspension, it will not be any threat to any of the 3 series models.

Just my take on the situation......

You may well be right;
But if that's where they're headed, they'll be missing the boat.

& that won't help sell the 135i as a performance sport sedan.
It will get dragged down by inference.

[Deutsch]

Originally Posted by TheUltimateDriver

Last I heard, 5:1 (328 vs. 335).

And the 335(coupe or sedan) is not a reasonably priced car, the N52 engined models are. Likewise will be the case for the 1er coupes, both are the enthusiast choice, "how deep is the enthusiasts pocket?" book is the next question. And I love how everyone is dumbing down the 128's performance potential next to the 135i(which will no doubt have the upper hasnd), the 128 will still be plenty capable with the N52 motor and traditional BMW engineering. I for one will gladly take a 128 over a 135.:headbang:

[Lips]

Originally Posted by onehots2k

It seems as if the 135i has gotten a good 75% of the attention of those on this site. If you look back into time, it was the base models of the 3series that put BMW on the map. It is my theory that the 128i will be responsible for the sucess or the demise of the 1 series in the U.S. I have a lot of faith in the car for many reasons.

1.) It is suppose to start at less than 30k

2.) It is going to have 230hp, 200lb of torque.(A 2005 325i had 192hp)

3.) The weight will be around 31XX

4.) It will have the typical bmw attributes; DSC, 50/50 weight, etc.

Any thoughts or additions to the list?

I think you are correct. The reason 75% of the responses are in favor of the 135 has to do with the nature of people who post on car forums. Most are enthusiasts and love high performance cars. I think many of the 128 coupe buyers will not be on this or any other car forum because they view cars in a more sane manner and don't need to discuss them daily like all of us on this forum are doing. So the more I think about it the more I think the 128 is going to sell really well, maybe even better then the 135...only time will tell.

Lips

[Genericuser1]

If the 128i handles like a lighter version of the 3 series it will sell very well. I have a car now that only has 232hp and is 3,000lbs and seems pretty quick so...

The 135 is really only going to appeal to enthusiats I think like many here. Honestly we are on the internet talking about cars, how many Camry owners do that?

[Lips]

Exactly my point Design1st.

[mikeo]

The 128i will have a lot going for it and will be a good performing car (think of a stock E36 M3 for a reasonabe comparison). It may also be favorably classed in SCCA Solo compared to the 135i and probably a little better handling due to its lighter weight. However, for me living at 7000 ft. altitude I have learned that forced induction is the way to go.

[2fast]

It will replace the 328i as the most popular bimmer on the freeways here in SoCal. But not for any of the performance attributes, rather as a cheaper posuer mobile...i.e. auto- tranny, no sports, but with premium options...

[mikeo]

Originally Posted by Eventually

It will replace the 328i as the most popular bimmer on the freeways here in SoCal. But not for any of the performance attributes, rather as a cheaper posuer mobile...i.e. auto- tranny, no sports, but with premium options...

The "you are what you drive" crowd, eh?

[ibeam81]

Originally Posted by Eventually

It will replace the 328i as the most popular bimmer on the freeways here in SoCal. But not for any of the performance attributes, rather as a cheaper posuer mobile...i.e. auto- tranny, no sports, but with premium options...

Oh so very true, even if it's a hard pill for some of the enthusiasts to swallow. :frown:

Maybe the M Sport package will be available for the 128i, but I have my doubts. I guess that's why there's a 135i.