BMW 128i Review - The Perfect Track Toy
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2024
- Is Miata always the answer? Or is the BMW 128i the perfect dual duty car? Andrew's 128i is a year round daily driver, but it is a quick wheel and tire switch away from driving right out onto the track. Compared to other cars we've reviewed, Stefan had the opportunity to drive this both on the track and on the street for a true comparison. Ironically enough, the 128i was supposed to be the economical option from BMW, compared to the 135i and 1M, but it ended up being the higher performer in terms of cost of aftermarket and long term reliability.
#BMW128i #BMWtrackday
Andrew's Instagram: @iv_rings
Mods:
BMW High Output N52 Three Stage Intake Manifold
Active Autowerks Catless Header
Euro Airbox
BPC Tune
Revshift Engine Mounts
Revshift Transmission Mounts
BMW Water to Oil Intercooler
Whiteline Differential Bushings
Wavetrac LSD
E90 330i Front Brakes
Stoptech Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Ferodo DS2500 Brake Pads
Motul RBF 600 Brake Fluid
1M/M3 Control Arms Front & Rear
Eibach Lowering Springs
Eibach Sway Bars Front & Rear
Koni Sport Adjustable Dampers
Dinan Camber Plates
Whiteline Rear Subframe Bushings
Powerflex Rear Control Arm Bushings
Revshift Aluminum Trailing Arms
Apex ARC-8 17x8.5 ET 40 Wrapped in Bridgestone RE71Rs (Track)
TR Motorsport C2s 17x8.5 ET 40 Wrapped in Cooper RS-3 S (Street)
Napp Motorsports Social Media:
Instagram: / nappmotorsports
Facebook: / nappmotorsports
Contact us via email at: nappmotorsports@gmail.com
nice quality bro keep it up
Thanks!
It is so cool that people are finally "finding" the 128i. It is such a great car, and if the USA market hadn't gotten the 135i, it would have been much more popular when new. I currently have a '08 128i 6MT Sport and it is similarly set up to Andrew's (torsen LSD, springs/camber plates, rear adjustable control arms, 17x9 TRM wheels on 245 semi slicks, E90 330i front brakes, etc.). I also owned a E36 M3 sedan at the same time as my current 128i, and the 128i is really just a newer, more refined version of the E36 M3! You can really tell that people are starting to want the 128i as there are more "WTB 128i 6MT" posts on the forums than 135i posts now. Glad I bought mine 3 years ago when no one wanted one, because if you want one now.....you will be paying for it.
We were both surprised by this platform. Great car!
Does the car come stock with an LSD? Also, how’s the reliability been? Thinking of getting one for a weekend track toy mainly but may need to daily it here and there. I know BMW has the oil leak issues but how major is it on these?
@@jazzyjay4595 OEM differential is open, but the BCM has E-LSD software to simulate a limited slip differential by using the ABS system to brake the spinning drive wheel. The system is OK for getting moving in snow or slippery surfaces, but it terrible for any performance driving. I coded the E-LSD system off after installing my mechanical LSD.
@@CraneMoto ah okay, thanks for the heads up
Well said! I have three 128i. The n52 engine is a joy to maintain. Luckily I bought them before the car/chip shortage. Now they are getting rare and prices have gone up! Especially the manual. I have one manual with m sport package.
I’m 17 and just got this for my first car let’s goooo
Congrats! They’re awesome cars!
Napp Motorsports yea bro it’s dope I actually bought it today believe it or not but it sucks cause with bank finance thing I gotta wait to get it next week to get it
wow!!! enjoy !!!!
Have you done any preemptive repairs? How many miles does yours have? Curious cause I’m 16 looking to buy one, I’m trying to see if it’ll be more of a nuisance than fun.
@@liltrip5459 btw how much did you pay?
I like that you took it to the track also. I know its not always feasible due to scheduling, but I think it adds a lot to the review.
Yeah that was fun, but definitely a rare opportunity.
Yeee someone remembers you don't need 500hp to have fun. I was always amazed at how different in character a 328/330 was to a 335
I haven’t driven a 335 yet, but I’d love to get a side by side comparison.
I have a manual 135i with most m3 suspension mods and love the damn thing. The only thing that drives me nuts is the tire/wheel fitment.
It can be tough to get right, but it's so worth it.
When you came around that corner and chuckled with joy. I felt that. Love my 128.
Thanks for watching!
I have an 09 128 convertible. The N52 engine is simply superb. Handles great. I got some mods on it This needs the credit it deserves!
This car completely blew my mind. Definitely not what I expected out of a modern car.
I have a 2011 128i coupe in line 6. Just an amazing car. Handles incredibly through rain and even better normslly
I have a 2011 128i that I bought in 2014. It’s not the fastest car but the NA N52 3.0 is more reliable than the turbo and the car is sufficiently powered with the N52. It’s my work car so I only put 2,800miles on it in 2020 since I was working from home. I go back to the office next month and am looking forward to it as my commute is 30miles and mostly highway so definitely a good drive for this fun little car. 😎🏎
Nice! Great car to be in, whatever you are doing.
Been looking for a great sports car for around my $10k budget when the 128i showed up in my search results. Never owned a luxury car, but I always wanted one but never wanted to break the bank. It’ll probably be a year before I pull the trigger, but I for sure know what I’m saving towards now. Great video. Thank you for making up my mind.
Nice! Enjoy it
Great review guys. I bought a 08 blk/blk 6-speed 128i m sport. Got it off a guy in his 50s that bought it from the original owner when it was almost new. It was driven but not molested. I just got that oil leak to tend to but i'm very happy with the car. Even at lower speeds its still a blast to drive. I already live out in the country ( sometimes don't see another car for 30-40 mins pass the other way ) so the roads are all mine.
Thats awesome! Thanks for watching.
Owned a 128 as now a 135, love these little cars
I haven’t driven a 135, but I’d love to do a back to back.
This video is really making me consider getting one. At first I was just looking for cars that are fast with low 5s 0-60 times that will give me that surprising sinking into the seat feeling of a fast car like a Dodge Challenger Hellcat( I know it's faster than 5s but that's the fastest car I've driven to compare to) but now I feel that after I've driven a few share BMWs I feel like I'm more in love with the way they handle including the firmness of the suspension vs any kind of other car I've driven. This should be fast enough for a daily driver anyways and that's what I wanna use this for. So I hope if I get this it won't be a lemon that spoils the experience.
It's not all about straight line speed! A car that handles well is better than a car that can go super fast from stop light to stop light.
@@NappMotorsportsYea I agree now. And it still has a fun factor to it it's just not something you feel when going in a straight line. Great video btw!
Just bought the same white car in Canada, in mint condition, but a 2012. So excited.
Nice!
Love my 128i base going to be the last BMW I buy!
I love my 135is though I went a bit too crazy with the suspension. Aluminum rear differential and subframe mounts with the M3 arms and monoball joints. The saving grace is the TC Kline Racing coilovers so the ride is surprisingly not not that harsh. If anyone has an e82, you should get your coilovers from TC, a person who's driven an estimated 6,000 laps at Laguna Seca.
👍🏽
what is the effect of the thrust arm mono ball setup post install thxs!
Thanks for the really well done video, man! Found it really helpful as I’m searching for a 128i
Good luck on your search!
I have 128 for sale
@@gts2racer977 shoot me a private message. I’d love to hear about it
A suggestion, people would rather see the track ahead of the car instead of the person driving, maybe you can add a second camera and have it show the driver in the corner of the screen
Good idea
One thing to mention is the low insurance cost I pay $164 a month in rural Wisconsin at 19 with 3 accidents and 2 speeding tickets and a failure to yield ticket
You gotta slow down man 😂
I love my 2011 128i
Nice!
This is the exact car I'm driving now! Came here to learn more thank u😘
Awesome!
Yep, add me to the list of e82-128i owners that love their car. Bought mine 16 months ago before I even knew they were becoming popular. I wanted a modern BMW, decent power, manual and didn't have a butt load of electronics. I've only added a turner silicone intake hose, but may have to look into that intake swap he mentioned. Can anyone shine some more light on that for me? Does it throw codes?
It’s an OEM intake, so I believe it bolts right up with no codes. You can slide into his DM’s on IG @iv_rings
When you said “280 , 290 “ I had to look at the title again , I didn’t think anything over 250 was possible on the 128
I was pretty surprised/impressed as well
280 is expected crank horsepower with those mods
Can these really get 50 hp at crank with those mods? If so, that’s pretty healthy for this car
i took my completely stock 128i to streets of willow at willow springs and the 128i hauled ass. great car, but in my opinion to many wires and sensors to be a race car but i do own this car and beat it to shit around the malibu canyons, oh ya its automatic lol
I was going to put ohlins coilovers on mine, but after 6 years im going to get a real M, im going to get rid of it for a z4 m roadster. I enjoy you actually pushing this car and taking it to the track, its great to see other people not think of them as little kid cars and actually pursue
As a big fan of simpler older cars, I can appreciate the wires and sensors comment. The Z4 M's are awesome!
Awesome video! Deserves huge views.
Thanks man!
Have my 128i for 5yrs now and really afraid to sell it as cars with 50/50 weight ratio are rare. Only 240hp but when I wind it up to 7k rpm on tiptronic why I tell myself I would want anything else. And I can fit 2 people in the back np. Cheers😎🤘🏼
Don’t sell it!
Mine is a 2013 125 m sport, it's totally stock and I love it. I think 128 and 125 is the same car.
I believe they’re very similar
I’m gonna buy one of these soon and I’ve been looking, my gf said she doesn’t like the look of these cars and she’s been trying to get me to lean towards a Lexus buuuuut that’s not happening I’m getting one of these😂
Do it! You wont be disappointed.
Lexus’ are nice like the is250, but I’m definitely getting either this, an e93 328i, or a 528i
Did end up getting this , had it for almost a year now and I love it
@@landorslam does the space in the car ever become an issue? I’m looking at a convertible one
I’m 5’8 and the space isn’t an issue at all for me at least but if you’re taller like 6’ I think it might feel a bit tight
I got my 2010 msport 128i 6speed lemans blue slick top love the car
Nice!
Great review of MY CAR! I also own a Mint 97' Miata, which I guess makes me a car enthusiast!
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Watched this video 27 times past day. Love it! About to buy a 2008 125i convertible with 160.000 kms in pristine condition (interior and exterior) but still not sure if technically everything is ok. The test-ride was smooth and sounded great :p Any advice on buying a 2008 125i ?
You can always have a 3rd party mechanic look it over before you buy it if you’re unsure.
Just bought one of these 128i. I always loved the look and I am a fan of two door cars.
The Germans are great engineering people.
I wanted to say thanks for posting this. Been doing my homework on it and this helped me shift from the 228i to this the 128i.
I Noticed the plates.
Your from CT. Me as well brother.
Be easy and once again thanks for the information. Sweet Car 🚗
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Thankx, nice vid!
Thanks!
Excellent video! I have a 2006 330i 6mt with a lot of the same mods (AA headers, tune, coilovers, short shifter, M3 front control arms, etc..) and it's an amazing car.
I have been recently experiencing a rough idle though . It usually starts happening about 2-3 minutes after starting the car, and isn't affected by hot or cold weather. I've changed the plugs and coils, and cleaned the MAF sensor with no success.
Just wanted to reach out to see if anybody would be able to give me suggestions. thanks!
I have a completely different car(2007 Scion tC) had the same issues, took out the water pump to find that it was completely shot, same with the serpentine belt, & did a coolant replacement. replaced them along with my spark plugs and she purrs now haha. Just recently bricked my Cadillac SRX so i gotta fix that then trade it in for a 128i.
Clean throttle body
Shoutout to these dudes ^
is this the speed limit in this town? 150 mph?
Hahaha. When shooting rollers we are actually doing really slow, helps keep them shots smoother. :)
How did you get that lose at the top of the hill?! When I had the Boxster there it was absolutely understeer city!
Haha every car I’ve driven there I can slide coming up the hill. Not sure why or how but this time was too much when I came back around the corner.
Love this video. Subscribed and hit LIKE. TH-cam should add a “love”, not just like😄. I have almost the exact model: black, 6MT, M Sport. I just started my track build. Can you provide more details on your Wavetrac LSD and the vendor source. Thanks!
I would try reaching out to Andrew on Instagram. His tag is @iv_rings
I really love the wheel/tire combo. What are the specs there?
All the car specs are in the description.
@@NappMotorsports - Cool, thanks! Sorry I missed that!
I just picked up a 08 128 i manual for $4,900 it was listed at $5,995 it has a KBB value of $8,800 with 97,000 miles it needs new struts big deal lol and has service engine soon light on reading codes P0172 bank 1 system too rich, P00BC Mass or volume airflow too low, P0442 Evaporative systems leak detected small leak and P0175 bank 2 system too rich and they said it has in oil leak but has shown no signs of it
Sounds like a great deal if you put some elbow grease in!
this is a car for my gf. I prefer the 330 Bmw, a rocket!!!
For factory power, absolutely, but for reliability and a track toy that you can count on, the 128 hands down.
@@NappMotorsports Agreed
Isn’t a 330 the same power train, just in a bit heavier and bigger car?
My buddies has 230hp like mine at the same RPM, same with torque, yet my 128 is a little lighter than 330..and thus one would assume faster? We haven’t raced because we don’t play around on the streets like that. Our local track, “flat rock”, hasn’t opened yet. So we can just go off of numbers
I drive my 128i on track too and they are very capable cars. Sure, it won’t catch up to M3s but it holds its place well behind. Mine only has a coilover suspension, uprated control arms and light wheels and tires. I have a quickfit pro harness which I’ll start using this coming track season in hopes of making me a better driver and not always bracing using my arms and legs.
Any specs for the track tires on the video?
I’m hoping they’re 245/40/17. I’m running on 225/45/17s at the moment and hopefully will be able to afford 245s to get a new baseline on track this year.
I’d reach out to Andrew on Instagram. His tag is @iv_rings. He should be able to get you tire specs!
Currently running 245/40-17 on a 17x8.5 et40 square. This is about the limit for a square set up without spacers. You can run a 255 on a 17x9 et45 but it requires a 10-12mm front spacer.
Put my deposit down on one yesterday with sport package auto with paddle shifters
Nice! Hope you enjoy it!
Lmao
what goes wrong with these I really like the way they look
Not sure
Can you send me the link on the yellow fog lights?
I believe they’re just lamin-x covers.
American standards: 3.0 inline 6, 250 wheel horsepower ''not a rocketship but enough to get it to move''
Gotta pump those number up kid, those are rookie numbers in the US.
@@NappMotorsports I myself, i drive at least, 3 liters a day :)
Once on the morning and once, after lunch.
How does it compare to a miata? I mean handling wise, does it feel like it lacks something or is the weight pulling it down?
While it’s heavier, with the extra power you don’t really realize it. It did suffer from a tiny bit of understeer, but I think that’s mostly just that the tires were nearing end of life. It most definitely did not feel like a ~3100# car, I was very much surprised on track.
@@NappMotorsports thanks for the reply! Keep up the great content
around technical track, my buddy's stock Miata's kills this thing, if we have a wide open track we kill miatas, but we are also way faster lol, so its not really a race.
@@NappMotorsports HMMM i had 615 falken azinas and it was great for those tires but i did feel a good amount of understeer, But they get pricy for dailying it. So I actually put some 300 tw tires up front and 500 tw in the rear and omg it handles better than when it was on r compounds. It really accommodates the body roll over the r compunds. probably cause my car is not super stiff and the r compounds have more grip than the car can push.
Miata will handle better and probably be more fun to drive
I thought all sports had black headliners?
🤷🏼♂️
@andrewjohnson1522 at ha! And here I thought I was the official fanboi 🤣. Thanks!
So glad i didnt buy a 3-series
🙏🏼
Was literally impossible to find a manual one in ontario, got myself a mint one but its automatic. Anyone know much about the costs in maunal swapping the car? I plan on keeping this baby for a looooong time.
If you do the work yourself a manual swap will only be maybe $1500-$2000 depending on the mileage of the donor parts. This car shares most of its driveline with the E9x 325/28/30. Just need a transmission, clutch, driveshaft, diff and some coding. The driveshaft is the only thing that is 1er specific
This man knows ^^
Duration: 12:28. Niiice :)
Nice
Price on this car will soon be on the rise in the years to come
They’re already hard to find in this trim.
Looks like you were wrong lol
What do those things weigh? Looks light.
Surprisingly roughly 3,300 Pounds.
Just under 3100 1/4 tank without me in it.
The google lied to me! Thanks lol
@@NappMotorsports Huh? There's no way this small car weighs the same as my 4 cylinder turbo Camaro? Looks like it weighs about the same as a BRZ.
Are these things still fun in an automatic? Very hard to find a manual currently. And I’d be willing to get an auto if the driving experience is still fun (I’m aware the manual is better)
It’s probably still fun to drive, but I would wait for a manual.
@@NappMotorsports why is the manual version better?
@@andrewnunnes preference usually but I agree and I have an automatic.
What about camshaft upgrades?
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Hey I just bought a i128 and it need fixing were are y’all located
Congrats on the purchase, but we’re not a mechanics shop. We just work on our own. If you’re located in/near Rochester NY, there’s plenty of good German focused shops around here like Redi Importa, The Little Speed Shop, Mandy Motorwerks, etc.
Thoughts on this vs a turbo NC as a track/daily?
The NC is a great track/daily (assuming you don't need to move anything large), but once you throw a turbo into the mix, I would start to question the reliability. A 128i with some bolt ons would likely be more reliable as a dual duty car.
@@NappMotorsports my only concerns with the 128i are the understeer people talk about and not being satisfied with the 260ish whp one can reasonably expect out of full bolt ons and a tune. I already have an NB that i could track, but it won't be as fast as an NC or 128 or as good of a daily.
@@NappMotorsports I'm ultimately tied between an NC3 Club with an EFR turbo, a 128i with bolt ons, or a 135i with maintenance. I think the 135i is the least reliable option despite being stock lol
Definitely turbo NC before 135 haha
@@Shakshuka69 If you are located anywhere near or in between CT or western NY we can meet up and give it a drive.
Hi, can i have more informations how to install the intake manifold from N52 ? Thanks
It’s not our car, so I don’t have that info.
I have a question for you 1ers, I have a weird ticking/metal popping noise whenever I am driving. It sounds off consistently when I am braking/during the slowdown and sometimes when I shift up. Anybody have suggestions what the problem may be?
Hopefully someone here can help you out.
Was the car sitting for a bit? Could be N52 lifter tick. Usually this is amplified when the car sits for a bit or it's cold outside. These engines like to rev and a good old italian tune up cleared up my 128i from ticking.
www.ultimatebimmerservice.com/n52-lifter-tick-causes-and-solutions/
@@thathalfginger the noise comes from braking and when I accelerate and shift up, which is peculiar. I was thinking brakes but now I am thinking transmission
@@thathalfginger also I firmly believe in the Italian tune up but the noise is not from the engine
@Andrew Johnson 67,000 ish I do not I was trying to get one, but the phone will not pick it up
Miata content only or unsub!
Why you gotta do me like that! Hahaha there’s plenty of Miata content coming your way, but we also like to highlight some cool cars in the area and elsewhere. We’re going to kick back over to “build season” in a few months, and then it’ll only be Miata content!
@@NappMotorsports I'm so happy that you provide a miata channel. Usualy people start with miatas on youtube, getting viewers and rich and start buying expensive cars and I'm sitting here looking sad *cant afford rx7 gtr silvia whatever jdm dreamcar* I came for the miatas, I'll stay for them. And I'm sure, others feel the same.
I promise you that I will always own a Miata, and the main focus of this channel is going to stay Miata’s, we just figured we’d change it up a bit during the summer months with some reviews. Wednesday’s will be miata stuff as usual, and after this season ends, we’re back to winter builds on both of our cars. We’re also planning on starting a track Miata build on a 3rd chassis in the future (hopefully winter 2021-2022), but some other things need to fall in line for that first.
We appreciate the support immensely! Miata is, and always will be the answer.
modern e30
That’s definitely a fair comparison!
Which suspension set up is best for this car for street and spirited driving? The stock set up is too soft ..I was looking at the BC Racing coilover kit ($950) that’s kind of my budget also..thank you in advance for any feedback !
I’d suggest reaching out to Andrew on Instagram. @iv_rings
You will want M3 control arms up front for sure. I also recommend upgrading every bushing in the rear: subframe, diff, control arms, trailing arms. My car is currently on lowering springs and they are too soft for the track. I will be going to BC Racing coilovers for next season.
@@AndrewJohnson-mp3ju why are the M3 control arms needed? If you have coilovers with adjustable top hats, can't you get the desired camber? I am currently running Swift Spec R springs on the stock sport dampers with Dinan camber plates, and am set at -1.3 degrees camber. I plan on going coilovers soon, and assume I can get more than -1.3 with a set of coilovers like BC Racing (without the Dinan camber plates). Thoughts?
@@CraneMoto Hey Jesse, Awesome car set up! The M3 front control arms give you -0.75* of camber and 0.6* of caster. They also have stiffer bushings than the non M arms. I was able to get -3* out of dinan plates, lowering springs, M arms, strut tower notches, and some toe adjustments. I am hoping for -3.5* with coilovers this season. You really can't have too much camber up front if you want decent tire life and consistent lap times with this car. The rear has tons of factory adjustment, I have found just over -2* to be the sweet spot out back.
Andrew Johnson thank you so much Andrew. If you guys do meet ups I would love to join (when the weather gets better) thanx again Cheers
What intake is the best for my '09 128i ?
Andrew is just running the ///M intake I believe.
I am running the Euro 130i intake box with a silicone inlet tube. This is the cleanest OE looking intake for the car. There are a few options from AFE and a few other but IMHO they look kinda cheesey and don't make any more power than the Euro box. I found my box used on FB marketplace, you can also get them on eBay.
Andrew, what you done to suspension? Did you do the typical mods that are well known regarding the suspension, like m3 control arms, sway bar, rear subframe bushings, etc? How would you compare your car in current state to base car?
@@regulardude2011 Hey Evan, if it can be done I have done it. M3 arms front and rear, poly rear lower control arm bushings, revshift aluminum trailing arms, front camber plates, eibach lowering springs, adjustable dampers (Koni), eibach sway bars F&R, subframe bushings, engine mounts, transmission mounts, diff bushings. It feels like a completely different car compared to a stock example. My only regret is the eibach lowering springs. I got them for free from work and they are too soft for the track. The car dives and pitches a bit more than I would like causing slightly unpredictable understeer then oversteer through the corner. Upgrades for next season will be coilovers (most likely BC Racing), Syncro Design work tension struts, and SPL toe arms.
@@AndrewJohnson-mp3ju spl toe arms?
looking at a 2011 , Florida owned , one owner, mint condition ! no accidents with 59000 miles , he's asking $8,900 for it. how do you feel about the price ??
That seems like an awesome price!
Hope u bought it
@@wes2473 smh no! Wishing I did now though
If it was a manual car, that was a steal
What year is this?
I want to say 2008? But I could be wrong.
my issue with this car is it only has 200 trq and its a 3l v6
U can go get a 228i its 240 hp which is the same the the 128i but has 255trq. Its 4 cyc turbo. So better gas and u can tune it. Yea it wont sound as good as the 125i.. But better gas. More power and easier to tune.. Its also newer. So unless u have to have that sweet v6 sound. Id get a 2014 -2018 228i
The N52 is a straight 6 (I6), not a V6.
@Han just do all the charge pipe the intercooler and make sure its a 2015 and up
Complains BMW has gotten too big.
Compares 1 series to M5
Doesn’t mention 230i
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I have 2008 128 w/manual tranny for sale if anyone interested.
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