1st Drive BMW 128ti - Better than the M135i? New Hot Hatch

Join me behind the wheel of BMW's brand new 128ti Hot Hatch.
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#BMW #BMW128ti #joeachilles
Huge thanks to Tony Lewis and Berry BMW for throwing me the keys to heir brand new 128ti, a very entertaining little hatch back! Would you spend the extra on a M135i instead?
Thanks for watching as always, see you at at the next video!
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DISCLAIMER:
*Some footage from this video may be edited and or sped up for cinematic affects.
*Some footage was also filmed on private land.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thanks for the continued support in 2021, hope everyone is well ❤️ Please remember to hit the subscribe button above if you haven't already, every subscriber massively helps with the channel! Cheers and see you at the next one 🎥

[@Mzwandile_Makhowane]

You worked for it, sir. Thank you for your deligence.

[@Kelveron]

The support is most deserved. Your channel is shaping up to be one of the best driving channels on the tube. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@johnm6587]

Your a legend mate! We are lucky to have you! 🥰😘

[@GBFeb72]

Top lad 👍🏻

[@TeacherToolkitDemo]

Joe where did you 142k subs come from? 🤣😆. I remember speaking to you about manual or auto M135i back in the day when you had 1000's of subs. I was waiting for ages wondering why you couldn't get above say 70k subs. I checked today and I'm like wow. Like a tipping point got hit. You deserve it. 500k next goal 😃

[@gippo80]

Finally! I was wondering what it was all about compared to the AWD M135i since last November, but no further news were available nowhere on the Web. Thanks for being the first to reveal your impressions with a road test. Waiting for a more exhaustive one shortly!

[@DreamCarGarage1]

Never thought I'd actually say this about a BMW but those red bits just look really tacky!!

[@joshstreet3919]

Good job you can deselect them then 😂

[@johnfranklin6394]

Yeah. I deleted them on my order. The more sleeper the better I think. Matter of personal taste of course.

[@eddiewhittingham5210]

Defo tacky 😂

[@bridgedown1]

they look shit..........

[@jamesjack6769]

265bhp! That's like...nowhere. 😞

[@luappaintball]

Been waiting for this video Joe, thank you.. Had mine for nearly a month now and absolutely love it.....Got mine in black...

[@Kelveron]

Joe, full marks for being so quick on the draw for the 128ti. I've been looking forward to the first impressions of, hopefully, the best driving 1 series.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thanks buddy, very grateful that Tony/Berry got me their demo so quickly!

[@JohnSmith-yg3nm]

Can pretty much guarantee already it’s not going to be the best driving 1 series. Front wheel drive for crying out loud! Pffft

[@johnfranklin6394]

Great quick review Joe. Many thanks. I ordered one this week. Some great lease deals available if you hunt for them. Cheaper than the mk 8 Golf GTI. I went for the Michelin’s, a no brainer. My current Golf GTI PP came with Bridgestones, terrible tyres that I swapped for Michelins pretty quickly. I deleted the side decals on my 128ti. Also a no cost option.

[@joshcarless1318]

I was there the other day, that ac schnitzer 340i was stunning! Great video as always 👍

[@andykensley]

loved the review mate! It's definitely an interesting car, sounds good too :)

[@MaciekSzymanik]

I own BMW 135i for over 1 year now. What a great car it is. It needed only one thing. After about 1k miles I changed the standard Continental EcoContact 6 (yes, it came on those tires from factory!) for a set of Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport. It became a completely different car. All the understeer is gone and a car is perfectly neutral with a little tendency of oversteer. It is a great example of how tires define car handling. It is a must have option for anyone having this car and I cannot understand how can BMW let their cars leave factory with such a bad tire set.

[@rh6777]

Same for those of us who were given Bridgestones! They're awful. Swapping for PS4s when I can

[@douglasblyth265]

Nice review, Joe. I was just thinking I would have a trawl of KZbin this evening to see if I could find a review of the 128 you did a walk around of a while back - you saved me the trouble! Seems like a nice balance between useable performance and cost. When you have the press car, interested to hear how you think it compares to a Golf Gti.

[@des1gno]

Thanks for the review!! Could you review the newly revised BMW 6 series gran Turismo 2021? I think it is one of the most comfortable and practical BMWs and it's sad that not many reviews have been made about the car. I would really appreciate it if you'd cover all sorts of BMWs 🔥

[@RebelRickB1971]

Thought it was a kia ceed gt for a second then

[@dktestdrives8476]

Really nice review Joe, absolutely love the 128TI

[@JoeAchilles1]

Cheers man glad you liked it!

[@jackhurn6858]

I’ve been really looking forward to hearing your views on the 128ti Joe, so thanks for sharing them with this video! Mine is due to arrive in 2 weeks time, and watching this has made the anticipation grow massively! Great to hear more positive feedback on the car 🙌🏼 keep up the great content!

[@441stainesphil5]

Be great if you could get a 135 to refresh your memory and test them back to back

[@307skylake7]

Personally, my favorite 1 series. I think it’ll be a great value too. I actually quite like the look of the new 1 series. If it was painted fully black, then it’s a true stunner. Thanks for in depth consecutive BMW content!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yeah almost definitely the most exciting new one series to date, cheers for watching!

[@mishalchotai4721]

Brilliant... Nice to see Croydon massive 🙃 I live next IKEA lol... roads looked familiar 🤔

[@DeltaDubai03]

It seems to be to the sweet spot when it comes to the 1 series. The start-up sounded pretty good at the very end of the video 😁

[@JoeAchilles1]

Haha yeah I had fitted the Remus "Joe Achilles" edition exhaust at the end 🤪

[@DeltaDubai03]

@@JoeAchilles1 Do you know a good place where we can have it installed on our favorite BMW? 😁

[@sfletcher83]

Coming from a 440i GC which liked to snap out on me, I quite like the 'safety' of my M135i, but can completely see how the 128ti would appeal. Missing the B58 though, so my 1 will only be with me until after the summer, then it's M340i time.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yeah nothing compares to the mighty B58, M340i is the way to go 👌

[@sfletcher83]

@@JoeAchilles1 my old 440i GC had the MPPSK too, so a lovely (at least) 360bhp / 500NM and that beautiful valved exhaust.

[@Ronburgundy75]

I came from an X3 M40i to the M135i, and really miss that engine. The new M3 touring will probably replace it.

[@adp007able]

Totally agree regarding the B58, I have an M140i which I bought thanks to Joe and the way he kept extolling it’s virtues! Every time I get in my car, it puts a smile on my face, I just love that engine!

[@_B.M_]

BMW bringing back the ti after over 15 years. Last were the E46 3 series compacts which were all branded ti.

[@mattpashley5493]

Joe i loved this its epic. Great advise about the tyre choice. I will take up your advice with either the ps 4 or the goodyear f1 tyres on my m235i 2016. Cheers buddy 👍 matt

[@sotonjoe]

I’m surprised there hasn’t been that much talk about these yet. I think bmw have done a good job of spotting a gap in the 1 Series line-up where there is opportunity to take on the golf gti and similar cars. For me, and aside from the decals which really aren’t my cup of tea, I think one of these would be preferred to the Golf.

[@richardshaw5053]

Get mine on Tuesday! Can't wait and even more happy now I've seen your review Joe. Spot on vid as always!

[@TasimanaOG]

you shouldve ordered a mk 8 golf r... 0-100 in 4.3 seconds, drift mode, 0-200 in the same time as a jag fpace svr and cheaper than bmw :P

[@richardshaw5053]

@@TasimanaOG it's not cheaper than 128ti though is it? 😂 And the build quality isn't as good.

[@TasimanaOG]

@@richardshaw5053 build quality is just as good and if you ignore the brands the golf is an amazing car all round. that said congrats on your new car :) i just got a new audi a7 55tfsi

[@richardshaw5053]

@@TasimanaOG fair play. Not been in a new vw for a while. Always found more cheaper feeling plastics dotted about, hopefully that's changed! Thanks mate, looking forward to getting it tomorrow. Love the A7 for a large coupe. What's the 55stand for? All confuses me 😂

[@TasimanaOG]

@@richardshaw5053 my cars got a 3.0L 6 with 340hp and the naming system is really dumb from audi ahha. also saw one of those bmw 128ti 's in the showroom today and i must admit it looks much better than the m135i, congrats mate hope you enjoy your new pocket rocket :)

[@craigrobertson7938]

Good video. As someone 6 5 I’m always interested in front an d rear legroom. Recommendations for new balance supplier ??

[@jamest6468]

Top content as usual! 👍

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thanks James!

[@hammymcmillan7669]

Got this car when it was released in November, ordered it when I first heard of it as was looking at BMWs and even the 135i... I am not disappointed one bit!

[@kammy205]

Get some videos up! I've just ordered one

[@acenonda4021]

Joe, as a serial BMW owner, I'm surprised that you don't inform many viewers that the steering wheel gets thinner with time. Many youtubers often complain about the thickness but after about six months or so, it moulds into the size of your hands

[@stujones2966]

I’ve got an M135i and you’ve really got to concentrate on your speed as it’s over the speed limit in a flash so maybe look at the 128 ti next . Got to disagree with you over the steering, I think it’s excellent 👍

[@jamesowen4360]

Nice car. Top review. Currently got the mk7.5 golf GTi performance. Looking for my next car... This maybe to similar... Time to look at the 3 series 👍👌

[@Snowy-666]

Nice review Joe, but I will stick with my F20 I think - for me the new 1 series is a miss, but hey will keep my residuals nice and high so not all bad news

[@FootToPedal]

Great video Joe! In a world where it seems every new car is all wheel drive, I like the idea of the 128Ti using a 2WD platform. I can definitely imagine it being more fun on some good b-roads!

[@bmwman1981]

Shame it’s not rwd like all good bmws and the grill is way too big

[@FootToPedal]

@@bmwman1981 Agreed on both fronts, the grille is stupidly big imo

[@yosserhughes271]

Are you able to compare it to any other similar vehicles as opposed to going on about the 135i? Also do any of your videos involve city/town driving? I want to know how these vehicles perform over the potholes of your average township? Thanks

[@civengapplid4331]

Hey Joe, thanks for your video, but was wondering if BMW is planning to make a new M140i, x-drive, to competes with AMG-45s??

[@prits5976]

For a 4 pot it's a pretty good engine and sounds decent. Not a fan of the styling but I feel it's a better package than the new Golf GTI. Great vid as usual lad

[@JoeAchilles1]

Cheers man

[@Benj1980]

Ooo been waiting for this 😁🙏

[@JoeAchilles1]

Cheers Ben, hope you liked it buddy!

[@Benj1980]

Great review as always Joe, thanks for that. I'm sold! Pretty sure one of these will replace my M140i in July

[@thet0ve]

I’ve had a GTI mk7 and absolutely loved the car. Picked up this 128ti last night, wow!!! It’s way more on its toes than a GTI and for me both looks and interior are better than the VW

[@owenmcdonald5922]

I look forward to your fuller report in due course. How does it compare to it's 135 sibling.? There's not a huge price difference. I'm sure monthly payments would be very close.

[@keithw4920]

The brakes look even bigger (at least the calipers) than the ones on the 140i. What size are they?

[@SamAustin]

You are still keeping me going in lockdown Joe with your videos! I have been following you since about 2013 (petrolhead tours are great to pass the time and offer a reminder of how things can be again!) Great content as always from an actual petrol head 👍💪

[@Billywoo12]

This vs. a Golf R Joe? Can’t wait for you to try the latter... Great review and congrats to TL on his new premises.

[@joshstreet3919]

This is more of a GTI rival. It’d be the M135i that compares to the R

[@mkviis]

CS vs 128ti M135i vs R

[@markrhoden68]

It's a nice car I guess but is it just me but isn't this a question off 'i got this but I really wanted the m135i'? I understand you drove the Z4 m40i a while ago, did you do a more extensive road test later on? If so could you post the link for me....many thanks 😊

[@Bonnie_Shot]

Amazing car, my only qualm is that it doesn’t come with the full digital cockpit as standard 😢

[@thomasmuller3186]

Thank you! Been waiting for this too! What about the cockpit? Can you live with the standard one or would recommend the live cockpit professional? I'm just trying to spec only the important options! for sure no panorama roof ;-) you would recommend the sport seats? the look nicer but they have a lot of blue which doesn't fit the red stichtings... however, could live with this as I wouldn't buy the car because of the design.

[@joshstreet3919]

Definitely go for the live cockpit professional! It’s well worth the £1k price. I’ve got it in my 3 Series

[@step0601]

Looks good, sounds good too. Shame BMW can't offer a twin clutch 'box. I have the M135i and I miss the snappy gear change of my Golf R. I like the aggressiveness in sport mode but I don’t think a slush box is fitting for a hot hatch. Manual or twin clutch if it's gotta be an auto.

[@christianwold]

This aisin, not zf right?

[@thoughtfuldog5424]

I’m in the market this year for a hot hatch and this now on my list against the Golf GTI, N30, ST and Cupra. Looking forward to a full review Joe maybe a ‘warm hatch’ comparison series? 👍🏼

[@peterbaines1763]

Civic type r- if you can get over the looks its a great drive

[@StevenSmith-ur6nq]

I do wish that BMW had kept on making a 2 door option of the 1 series, it would of looked fantastic, still a good looking car though.

[@peterbennpan7288]

Is it a propper diff or is it similar to the e diff in the Cupra.....can you turn it off and on?

[@CarObsession]

Croydon isn't too far from my old stomping ground, not that's anything to boast about LOL. Whereabouts did you film the driving segment? Certain parts look familiar, but I can't put my finger on it...

[@STEVEBHPDEVON]

Good vid need to take it to car carwow with it competitors on the drag strip, golf gti ,new i30N etc👍 cheers steve 👍 😀

[@jonny5777]

How long does it take you to set up for a shoot? I notice you have cameras on the road and all over the car it’s all very professional.

[@AnonymousAndy2]

Manual would be nice option. Think I would get the red bits wrapped in a more subtle colour though. Like how your shoes match the car 😂

[@laurencecorbett4290]

I always enjoy your videos. Keep up the excellent work.

[@FR-ek8lj]

My 220d Gran Tourer Sport had those seats...

[@roykenyon886]

Nice car but they still don't know how to fit tyres! The white dot is meant to align with the valve for improved balance needing fewer weights on the wheel.

[@thefiestaguy8831]

2:58, Croydon road B2024. Not far from my house and a beautiful road to drive on in spirited fashion, good fun..

[@ianhoughton3349]

You are missing the link the car you need to lookst is f54 john Cooper works clubman get it in thre mix

[@CM.243]

FWIW, and talking about the tyres (sorry!) but in these cold days, I find the CrossClimate+ to be better than the Pilot Sport. I change them back when it's warmer.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Absolutely, cross climates are always going to our perform summer tyres when it gets below 5-6 degrees

[@iMiik]

another excellent video, keep up the good work mate! 🤙🏼

[@andrewnicholls5082]

Been waiting for this, look forward to you getting the press car 👍

[@michaelcbull93]

Good review as always Joe, keep up the good work 👍

[@frazerking9849]

Great reviews Joe! Keep up the good work 💯

[@radcork26]

This car with a few modest extras is 50k in Ireland, that said so is the new Golf GTI and I'd take the BMW any day

[@pjmoody]

Another awesome review Joe. Thanks for sharing.

[@timebandit125]

That's a good price, you can boost the power and torque with a remap and still be under the price of the M135i

[@kevinconnolly759]

Looks an interesting car with just the right amount of power, but more importantly not sanitised like so many hot hatches seem to be nowadays.

[@Scott-sd1zj]

Been looking forward to this! Can’t wait till March to receive mine.

[@TheBjossi80]

I see a lot of criticism about BMW going for front wheel drive on their smaller cars and I have a good opinion about this argument based on years of BMW ownership. I was in X2 rental car in Spain last summer and this car was front wheel drive. I didn't even know then X models were produced without x-Drive. What a shame I thought until I took this funny little X2 to the limit in a roundabout and I gave it full throttle to see if it would put its front wheels into smoke and drive straight out but, it didn't ! This was the first time in my life where I experienced smart front wheel drive system which gave the outside wheel most of the power and over steered through out the roundabout ! I have now f11 x-Drive in Iceland and I really have to throw it around to make my f11 x-Drive over steer as easily like the front wheel drive X2 I still prefer rwd old schools BMW's thought ✌

[@daviddenley3512]

Thank you for doing this Video for us....this looks promising. Keep well and don't let the Bug Bite ok!

[@-TJ-]

1:09 I thought that was the M3 touring for a moment.

[@antwonefernandez7554]

Good review as always. The red accents and logo are truly horrific, almost looks like a cheesy dealer special edition to shift some stock. Glad you mentioned deselect option. 👍🏼

[@MotechPerformance]

Can’t wait to get our hands on one 👍

[@mjpdrums]

I've been waiting for this!!!! Goal car for a few years time

[@JoeAchilles1]

Cheers man, hope you enjoy the video and meet your goals over the next few years...

[@dagnut]

go get the original 130i with a Manual box and the 3 litre straight 6. same power as this but you'll get the real bmw experience..you'll get a nice one for 7k and sell it two years later for 7k...

[@mjpdrums]

@@dagnut yea great car man. Totally different driving experience to chase

[@dagnut]

@@mjpdrums the clock is ticking ..by 2025 everyone will be going crazy for n/a manuals..enjoy it while you can dont waste your time and money on these generic white goods with gadgets..I bet if they all were all blanked out you wouldn't be able to tell this from a golf..trust when I tell you the best driving experiences are gone..cars are definitely better now all round but they are too safe....this 1 series is a lovely place to be but you'll loose 10k on in it 2 years because no one will want them used...they are boring and ev cars do that better

[@mjpdrums]

@@dagnut happy days. You do you. Take care

[@Eieieieinszweidrei]

1:08 whait what car is this?? A 3 series touring with quad exhausts?? edit: nvm I found it, for anyone who wants to know too, look up the AC Schnitzer acs3 g20/21

[@michaeldeley3937]

In Belgium the m135i comes with those sport seats standard, i other my m135i withe the better m seats 3 weeks to go

[@cephasmakuzva]

There was such a gap in the market between a 118i M Sport then all the way to the full M 135i. This bridges a gap in the market. A car thats less than money but feels just about every bit as fast in real world day to day driving and has an interior thats not too dissimilar to its bigger brother the M135 i. Well-done BMW

[@JoeAchilles1]

Totally agree Peter, filled a gap in the market and a genuine GTi rival from BMW 👍

[@_n-Dee_]

nowadays the bmw kidney grills gets more and more bizarre. no matter how good the tec would be, but the design scares me so I and many others switch to other cars manufacturers

[@stephenlane9168]

Nice video Joe 👌

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thanks buddy!

[@stephenlane9168]

@@JoeAchilles1 I’ve ditched the AMG Merc E Class and looking at getting an economical tourer around the U.K. whilst I’m still here before going back to NZ so getting a BMW 5 Series diesel (B57 ideally). Great seeing you focusing in your KZbin video career. Loving the content. Great engaging presenting too

[@BarneyRubble]

Joe I know you love a full pan roof on your cars but does it not add a lot of weight on the roof which then moves the centre of gravity up. Surely this must compromise the handling as well as the extra effort needed to go forward & to slow down.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yeah very fair point, Iv'e always said a pan roof makes sense on estates or SUV's, I would never have one on a M car, but a hatch is 50/50 for me, both of my M135's and M140 had a sunroof... Always a small compromise I guess.

[@donnapritchard4132]

I bought mine today. Take delivery next week..

[@darrencottrell5541]

Awesome review buddy. Top quality as always. This certainly looks like it has a great place in the market and will sell well.

[@troop73oo]

I've really tried to like the new 1 series mainly because my wife has one, but I still hate them. Love the old 1 series.

[@shakesnbake]

Can't see on the the configurator where you can deselect the red accents. Otherwise, both the 128 and ti nomenclature is so nostalgic for those of a certain age :)

[@MapMonster25]

They deactivate when you deselect the Shadow Line Kidneys. Basic Shadow Line should do

[@johnhunter6290]

Stunning car

[@johnathanmoyer2375]

I wish the US would get the 1 Series. I would have seriously considered this over my Veloster N.

[@carlsimon666]

The backbox on them stands out a mile. Make sure you highlight it.

[@paulocabral7465]

Carry on Joe.. Great content, deserves a lot more subscribers...

[@sheraziqbal9556]

Looks like a great car and great value. I would prefer this over its big brother

[@GTI_CHHA]

The Michelin PS4-S is not available in this 225/40/18 size, that's the reason why they mount the 'standard' PS4. Still a very good tyre though.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yeah it's a brilliant everyday tyre, the PS4S will be available in 18's later this year 👌

[@northoltuk96]

@@JoeAchilles1 the PS4S will be available in 19' too?

[@drivingthought5983]

Finally a new car that’s not all about figures on paper!! There needs to be more cars made this way instead of this obsession for 0-60, 1/4 mile.. bla bla bla. Good work Joe 👍🏼

[@jimgemmell2831]

Excellent vid and review as per usual and then right at the end....out comes the kid in Joe. 🤣🤣👍👍👍

[@anwarulhaque2597]

Joe bring back the long drives, can you do a long drive with the 5 series

[@thomasfero8612]

Can it make some pop and bangs?

[@simonhobbs9097]

Great video, but far too much livery on the car, looks like its been to Halfords...

[@spadgm]

Great vid mate, nice little car!

[@CJSVlogs]

Great to hear positivity from you on this model Mr BMW! Keen to see what it does against the GTI in South Africa, who absolutely love VW.

[@craigblakesley4397]

Great review Joe 👍

[@lewisratford2908]

I ran a Mk7.5 GTI and loved it, but I would take this over a Mk8. The interior is just so much nicer and special + the wheel is much more upmarket. The rims simply knock VW’s awful options out of the park. I bet on a roll it’s well matched to the M135i, just like my old GTI was to my S3. I would have a dark colour and get rid of the tacky red exterior trim.

[@edwardstewart298]

Really like the look of this model of 1 series and appreciated the honest balanced review

[@mattpashley5493]

Also Joe what do you think would win in a 0-200kph from a standing start on a dry day out of a 335d f30 or a m235i (326bhp 6cyl) cheers mate 👍 matt

[@nikolal.4502]

235

[@SM_TheTraveller]

Top vid

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thank you!