BMW 128ti Review: Is BMW's First FWD Hot Hatch Worth Buying? | Carfection 4K

[@duncnz3129]

A Traffic Cop I met said the initials meant : GT = give ticket , GTO = Give ticket often , GTR = give ticket right-now , I'd guess Ti= Ticket instantly

[@boeingdriver29]

Love it.

[@dom_deeroy]

So an i20n = No ticket?

[@noir4436]

I like Henry, he is a superb presenter. Keep up the good work

[@boeingdriver29]

I agree, one of the best.

[@Ginbaubabe]

Wanted to tune out as soon as I heard 8 speed auto only. But kept watching coz it’s another nice video by Henry

[@Alert64]

Yes, new cars become more and more automated and less and less involving until they are totally boring and drive us around while sending tracking information to the government.

[@Bruno-cb5gk]

were you actually considering buying one anyway?

[@AndorRadnai]

@@Bruno-cb5gk I personally wouldn’t see any reason for buying it…

[@Bruno-cb5gk]

@@AndorRadnai my point is that if you aren't shopping for a new manual hot hatch, then you're watching this video for purely recreational purposes. Therefore stopping the video because of the lack of a manual is a stupid decision. I'm all for manuals but I can't blame manufacturers for making less and less of them if almost no one is buying them. 99% of people compaining that x car doesn't have a manual are people who will never be in the market for one anyway, so why are they even getting worked up about it?

[@darkmegaman44]

Oof RWD was one of BMWs main selling points and with that gone there's no reason to buy this over an i30 N :/

[@Benepene]

Exactly.

[@Dagost99]

Main selling point for a niche market. As the sport derivatives are based on their mass production models, it's no surprise this car is FWD, sadly. Also according to BMW, the large majority of their clients had no idea whether their car was RWD, FWD or 4WD. oh well...

[@Tolmalion]

@@Dagost99 sort of tells us how dumb the average buyer really is. Not knowing and not being able to tell whether your car is FWD or RWD is just sad, especially for someone who is looking for a sporty car.

[@Dagost99]

​@@Tolmalion Yeah that was regarding their mass production models though. I'd say ignorant is a better adjective. Not everyone is an enthusiast and ends up driving at a pace where a difference is noticeable. But yes for performance versions you would expect people to know whether a car is FWD, RWD or AWD...

[@ThePussukka]

@@Tolmalion The average 1 series buyer is not looking for a sporty car, they're looking for the cheapest thing with a BMW badge.

[@James-xo8dl]

The production value of these videos is getting better and better.

[@naythanvaz3032]

I think they're better than anything currently out there on KZbin. I mean, yes, there are your Carwow's and your Top Gear's (a joke) but.. I would say, Carfection lies in the upper echelon of all automotive channels on KZbin, and it's certainly my favourite.

[@463Richard]

Know that small stretch of road between Chicksands and Ireland in Bedfordshire. You must have gone up and down it 20 times as it's only half a kilometre long. Great review!

[@donzadonz1]

Is BMW really incapable of designing a nice front end anymore.

[@stevem2323]

Well the 3, 5 and 8 series are great so...

[@yobama8344]

That's what happens when you hire designers who worked for Asian companies in the past.

[@macaron3141592653]

@@yobama8344 and yet almost none of those asian companies have put out anything uglier than this or the 4 series

[@ronpage1994]

Yes

[@AndorRadnai]

@@macaron3141592653 Well, said companies have hired previous BMW designers…

[@mahfuzulhoque3465]

Wonderful review, as always. I appreciate the historical background that you provide in most of your reviews.

[@joemacmillan8492]

nice work Carfection, still loving your videos, thank you. I wish you all the pace to 1,000,000 subscribers. No real constructive criticism here. Henry being my fav mind you. Best video editing skills for car journalism hands down. Really can't ask for much more. I wish more people appreciated this channel as much as I do. All the best.

[@lukewaring2832]

33k , yep the worlds gone mad.... Ti is The Intercooler. Which is a good read BTW 😅🤪 Epic as ever guys. Its carfection and Ti that's all that's needed to chill out with with a good cuppa... keep up the excellent work you never fail to be on point.🤪😎

[@AdamDUrso]

For genuine quality automotive journalism it's hard to think of anyone doing it as well as Carfection. Shout to Savage Geese too for the technical aspects they incorporate but the driving feedback and videography from CF is much better.

[@deancostello14]

I get why they did it, and I guess they're not really bothered about me. I just can't see myself swapping my M140i for anything BMW currently make, I can't see me swapping it for anything else, except a slightly newer version of my same car. Like I said, they clearly don't want my business since I bought a manual RWD hatchback.

[@mickeynissan9887]

Never sell that car! Unless it’s to me.

[@deancostello14]

@@mickeynissan9887 Don't plan on it, brilliant thing.

[@stevem2323]

Keep him especially after this.

[@joshgodber63]

Fwd with a torque converter, a true drivers car lol

[@dwade3202]

Why not at least put a manual in a car like this

[@mbanck]

The maddening thing is: You can get that 1 series with a manual - as long as it has 150 hp or less:116i, 118i, 116d and 118d can all be specced with a manual in Germany

[@joshstreet3919]

@@mbanck but you can’t have the MINI Countryman JCW as a manual, on which this car is based.

[@Judge_OnYouTube]

They didn't want to spend the engineering time and money. He conveniently did a bit on it in this very video.

[@albertocomesana1248]

My take on this is that automatic transmissions are more profitable for car manufacturers and that’s why they only offer those in their more performance-oriented cars. Do you want bragging rights and claim that you’re not driving some run-of-the-mill 116d? Then the only option is that you agree on buying automatic only.

[@rikkiseddo]

BMW hate engineering manuals. They only did the Z4 Handschalter after Toyota created a parts bin job for the Supra Manual. The manual for the M3/M4 weren’t great and they got rid of them ASAP.

[@FootToPedal]

This is probably the first and only time we will ever get a review of a car out before Carfection :)

[@imtomp]

Refer back to the old BMW ads “that’s why we don’t have front wheel drives”, pictures of animals with their large hind legs swapped with their smaller fronts. They ignored their own marketing, hence why they can no longer claim “The Ultimate Driving Machine”- they don’t make one.

[@quea6593]

They are making "the average driving machine"

[@michaelb9664]

I still remember the adds with the guy on a unicycle. They used to say “when the wheels that drive a vehicle also steer a vehicle, handling becomes tricky” Yeah I guess it’s a case of just saying what suits them at the time. Certainly not the ultimate driving machine or even the ultimate hot hatch.

[@VarioFelce]

I'm not interested in this fwd BMW but I love Carfection so I watch lol

[@Monkey80llx]

Same but only as it's Henry.

[@Pandamasque]

Ah. The iconic bmw A R S E. G R I L L E.

[@Elias_g1]

I wouldn't buy a car that looks like this even if it was by far the best in its class...

[@juliantaffa4089]

It's just ridiculously ugly, isn't it? I think we're past peak BMW styling. The outgoing F80 M3 and the M2 were both so nice to look at, the new stuff looks horrendous

[@hansdietrich83]

@@juliantaffa4089 the Z4 M coupé, the 1er M Coupé and the F82 M4 where the peak of BMW design for me

[@stevem2323]

@@juliantaffa4089 What new stuff? 3, 5 and 8 series and brilliant looking, just like great looking X1, X2, X3 and X5.

[@dwade3202]

I guess toyota 86/brz are the only rwd manual cars left that are affordable

[@blueleaf04]

MX-5?

[@Chris2010H]

Nissan 370Z’s are pretty cheap these days too

[@Demofix33]

@@Chris2010H new 400z will be also manual I think

[@Chris2010H]

@@Demofix33 we don’t get it in the U.K. 👎

[@TassieLorenzo]

@@Chris2010H Emissions of the 400Z will be too high for Europe.

[@spazda_mx5]

I love how all the buttons move when you press the individual sport/comfort/eco pro button, quality.

[@avigator]

👍😂

[@ProfessorPesca]

Looks like the switchgear is made out of old takeaway tubs

[@tobias_k01]

They are all one big button. It's on all BMWs, and it's been like that for years. How do people still not see that, isn't that so obvious?

[@ProfessorPesca]

@@tobias_k01 I had a previous one series and the drive mode selector was obviously one curved rocker switch. At 3:15 the entire panel depresses when he touches it, including the ‘AUTO H’ buttons which doesn’t appear to have anything to do with the 3 drive modes.

[@jeebus2121]

I complained about that item explicitly to the local dealership after being lent two 330i. It reminds me of the W205 C class: it *looks* nice but is actually a step backwards in quality from the previous model...all the while you get charged more to buy it.

[@bloodstockvip2176]

No zf box in m135i or 128Ti, Aisin 8 speed box now but it's a good one when manually shifting up especially 👍

[@creekfreak1997]

It's just disappointing that the "Ultimate Driving Machine" brand has turned a previously killer platform (6-speed, RWD, subtle but aggressive styling) into this...and the TI and M badges are just a mockery of some of the historically significant models BMW has produced in the past.

[@nl3712]

👏👏👏

[@idokwatcher2062]

M = Marketing.

[@brianiswrong]

This many people would like a new TV car show with you,Rory and Henry Metcalf and Chris Harris doing a lap each week. ⬇️

[@raymondnewbill5294]

I wouldn't say 3 OF the best, I would however say, THE THREE BEST car journalists that are working today!!!

[@NineHellHeaven]

Funny he mentioned four people and the first two replies talk about "three of the best..."

[@thedownshiftchannel]

The 2002 is the king of the Ti badge and always will be! This is why I drive old cars! Great production as always though

[@randomdude1229]

This

[@latlak]

Great video! What people forget, is how average the suspension of the previous RWD 1 series was. Even though you don't get that RWD fun, corner speed and handling got objectively better with that new architecture. BMW is saving money either way.

[@sequoiavancamp2152]

This is such a good, thorough review.

[@dartagnanx1]

If there was a top 100 list of automotive presenters, Mr. Catchpole would be within top 3 for sure, if not indeed the top spot.

[@neilrobson3064]

Catchpole, Metcalfe & Tyrell - the Holy Trinity....

[@Miggy2j]

Catchpole, Metcalfe and Harris for me. Bovingdon has to be thrown in as well.

[@gobinduppal4429]

Definitely Catchpole, Metcalfe (for his unique perspective as an executive at a car magazine), and probably Jason Cammisa. Although there are at least 15-20 excellent auto journalists and personalities that just work so well. Of course Chris Harris, Thomas Holland and James Englesman (Throttle House), Mark from Savagegeese, Rory Reid (Auto Trader), and even a few others, like James Martin (JayEmm on Cars), and quite a few legit automotive journalists, who have been writing for magazine and/or free Lance for years. Such as Matt Prior, Steve Sutcliffe, Johnny Lieberman, Carlos Lago, and possibly Jethro Bovingdon (although lately I have found him to be quite irritating and egotistical)

[@michaelgakanga]

Oh how I am passionate about Carfection. And it gets better

[@TheDrednaught]

Great review I have a new one in white like this. Superb car very happy

[@gjmotorsport]

It is not a ZF auto transmission, it is an Aisin transmission..

[@samcourt6228]

Was just going to say the same, loads of journo’s keep referring to it having a ZF.

[@richieduck67]

Carfection and unbiased as always

[@petemayes1940]

Really like this.I cannot afford a 3 series now like I did 4 years ago the new prices are ridiculous

[@philamato9583]

Pretty sure it’s an Aisin not a ZF gearbox?

[@joshgodber63]

Definitely an aisin

[@derekdalton5658]

@@joshgodber63 that makes me worry. Isn't the ZF better quality?

[@maarten8959]

Seriously? The famed ZF gearbox is made for longtidunal engines (RWD) whereas the Aisin is made for FWD engines. Completely different layout.

[@TassieLorenzo]

@@derekdalton5658 The ZF 9 speed gearbox for front wheel drive is not that great anyhow.

[@abhinavganesh1429]

As a hot hatch, I like this car. I just can’t get over that stupid grill

[@DavidKAnderson]

I'm sure there's one of those long-ass German words for "add some ugly to it."

[@HQBProductions]

The best thing is that it is not quite as bad as the others...almost modest..but the M4 I saw yesterday parked at the Dealers is...it’s just..Well I walked on to Porsche next door. BMW has lost me forever now....😨😨😨😰

[@abhinavganesh1429]

@@HQBProductions Idm the m3 tbh like the lines along the side work and the grill u could think of it as being aggressive. The m4 my biggest problem is the side lines just aren’t strong, the grill is whatever. But for this 1 series it just seems weird to me

[@fun2drive52]

Για καναπές καλος ειναι

[@hansdietrich83]

@@DavidKAnderson "verschlimmbessern" adding something better which actually makes it worse

[@dukeokpara3606]

Front wheel drive Caterham got me 😹💔

[@davecoussens9801]

As always a brilliant video 👊🏻👊🏻

[@alexmaddox2255]

I haven't really been enthused by the 128 ti, I feel like BMW created it purely to take more market share by tempting away GTI owners (yeah I know, that's the point of a business). Cars created to please accountants are rarely legendary. As for the badge, I feel that BMW just said "what name can we revive to create more interest around a car that's not outstanding... ti? We haven't used that in years", the name creates more interest than the car does, if it was just a 128i than it wouldn't be that interesting.

[@ThomasHarrisonLord]

As an i30N owner, the time has come to look for a replacement and this was on the list. Not any more, cheers Henry, I trust your judgment. Perhaps a Megane or a GTI Clubsport will pit the bill instead.

[@MikeWooshy]

Henry you said it was a ZF gearbox at around 3.40 mark. I thought the 1 series (and indeed the Mini) used Getrag and Aisin Gearboxes?

[@florianb.1382]

They do, he made a mistake.

[@5amH45lam]

Superb review. 👍

[@brannenlive]

As someone who has what’s essentially the old version the 125i, I’m not in any rush to upgrade to it. I really don’t like the graphics / red on it. Not convinced by BMW’s new looks either

[@samcourt6228]

Luckily they decals can be removed when ordering it. It’s not a looker, but nor is the Mk8 GTI with its weird monobrow and crappy interior.

[@Goodstegosaurus]

£33k is more than I paid for my brand new M140i. It really feels like BMW are tying to kill off the 1 series. They're expensive, not well equipped anymore and they've lost their RWD unique selling point.

[@zibingotaeam3716]

They don't have much choice. Every Euro X standard gets more expensive, and smaller manufacturers like BMW ( they're worth some 5 bn, last I checked, which is not that big ) really have to work with economics of scale to still even remotely make it work. With Euro 7, we'll probably see a lot of small cars die. If 7 doesn't kill them, 8 will. The tech to clean the exhaust fumes has become what you spend most of the money on. It just comes to a point where you can get a 3 series for almost the same money. Or a Golf instead of an Up. Now, if you're willing to buy american interiors, it can still work - but that means plastic, and only plastic, everywhere.

[@mercury6765]

All cars get more expensive with each generation sadly. If you get the digital dash, I’d say it’s the best cabin of all the hatch backs

[@BH_London]

Not well equipped? Since the old model they’ve added loads of spec as standard - parking sensors, heated seats, digital cockpit, upgrade nav screen etc etc

[@mikem2652]

Yet again a great video - not too sure about the car. I prefer the Golf Gti / Clubsport, only when they sort the buttons out would I consider ordering it though. I quite liked push button radios too instead of an iPad on a bumpy road. I find I listen to Classic Fm a lot.... until I stop at traffic lights that is 😁

[@rotorblade9508]

It’s the recipe of most manufacturers, so maybe they will make more profit. Of course an RWD would be more interesting to drive but that’s not all that matters. This is more practical, cheaper, lower maintenance, economical. Unfortunately now nobody makes small hatch RWD. If some producer does it, it would fill the niche which I don’t think it’s that small. Jaguar could try since they don’t have a car in this segment.

[@michaelco2115]

I think it’s and Asin gearbox rather than ZF 👍

[@cosminmihu9963]

You are correct :))

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Horrid. Isn’t it just a Mini with a BMW badge?

[@deshawnfant1364]

Yes

[@raulvaldivieso8702]

I feel the same way

[@jono6379]

Looks like a b class merc too

[@johndavidc.abatayo6785]

The front man......🤧

[@stevem2323]

That's the biggest problem to me, imagine it has more agressive look, like in F series.

[@benjamincottle8500]

A touch miffed the e36 ti wasn’t mentioned - I’ve run one for a decade as a practical amusing cheap manual commuter precisely because it’s rear drive - my preference is to be pushed round a corner rather than dragged 🤷🏻‍♂️ BMW already has MINI for front drive duties - the new 1 series is lacking its raison e’être. I do like the sound of it being a little raucous though - they have that part of the ti right 🤣

[@jaysen704]

Carfection ..please ignore the negative in all probability ignorant comments.This is a beautiful , powerful car and am loving every minute in it. I make golf gti s bite dust.

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

That crazy looking (at launch) Honda Civic is looking better by the day, especially in that fetching shade of blue. Glad you mentioned the torque steer and slow gearbox in the M135i, that was certainly my experience on a test drive. A decent enough car, just not a great one and this, though maybe better, sounds to be much the same. It’s such a shame for a driver focused brand like BMW to be producing something decent enough. Decent enough just isn’t good enough. They should be brilliant. You should drive one and be saying: “Where do I sign?” I’m hoping for better with the upcoming 2 series replacement.

[@ChrisMisMYhandle]

Great review. I just wouldn't buy a fwd (or even front biased 4wd) BMW. The appeal from a performance BMW is for that hip swivel and being pushed from behind. I went for the FK8 type R purely based on the way it drives. If anything the FWD enhances the experience. You can do a massive stoppie as you trail brake hard into an apex then the LSD on the front just rips you out of the other end. It's so satisfying - more so than even a RWD car that pushes on turn in. The FWD hatch segment is saturated with great cars whatever your need. I feel like the market for a harder, less refined 2wd BMW would always prefer a rwd experience.

[@alfie3836]

That looks fantastic! Too bad it won’t come to North America?

[@SalvatoreCaruso24]

Loved the video as always Henry!

[@quea6593]

Thank you HC for saying what BMW should hear, they had a niche product before with the hatch, rwd, n manual option. Brand run by accountants or focus groups, ruining the brand... great video quality video, even though mediocre product. The guy with the E82 128i manual coupe.

[@KNMK259]

Looks BMW learnt from Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear spinning at high speed. Happy Henry pulled a great video.

[@davidjack3]

Maybe? Fwd is definitely more stable

[@KNMK259]

@@davidjack3 yesss

[@davidjack3]

@@KNMK259 I prefer the m135i,but 128ti nice also ,m135 better for Scotland for when we get snow

[@KNMK259]

@@davidjack3 wow amazing. Good traction. Thanks for sharing.

[@avuazahc1966]

5:30 here in South Africa we have a special 330is model from 3 Series G20

[@kevinoshaughnessy2752]

Where do you get those cool T-shirts Henery??? Awesome Video by the way

[@strykeractual696]

BMW Nvidia GTX 128Ti

[@dannymac6368]

To rival Audi, it would be a Quatro 128 Ti.

[@richieduck67]

A manual would be nice

[@b16crxt]

These types of cars beg for a manual transmission. That's just anemic.

[@AndorRadnai]

The small models should have the ti badge for their performance alternatives. Retaining the M for the big ones.

[@richieduck67]

Did the marketing intern sign off on those ti stickers

[@mariosneocleous1418]

Great review. I'm on the verge of ordering this car. In your opinion can it be a daily driver. Is the ride comfortable enough?

[@jamiljafri4841]

Given BMWs iterative nature, I suspect that the differential will be made to be more eager in aiding steering precision on later models. I hope so at least.

[@HIOP0]

Oops, it's not fitted with the ZF, because the engine is transverse, not longitudInal, so has the Aisin 8 speed, also fitted to the MINI.

[@mickwrinkles2318]

Best part of this vid: Seeing the old small RWD BMWs.

[@juddotto3660]

I'd add an additional "ts" to the 128ti. That car would be the tits.

[@Xenos996]

Where was this video shot? The scenery is exceptionally beautiful.

[@mattfoster1999]

Around the Cardington Hangers roads and around Shuttleworth/Chicksands

[@RmB9104]

Although it is kinda sad in its current state, with electric power I think we'll have a bmw rwd hot hatch again real soon.

[@JDSFLA]

6:09 Love how Imperial measurements (14'6") hang on. UK seems to combine Imperial/Metric is a confusing manor.

[@gsnedders_legacy]

For reference, for the last few years any new height/width restriction signage has to have both imperial and metric measurements on them. (I believe the origin of that is too many bridge strikes happening by continental lorries which inevitably didn't know their height in feet. Other signage, like distance signs, are still imperial-only, but are less likely to cause crashes!)

[@woodrow_mayes]

I like it but, does it justify itself over a Mini?

[@cookiedais]

My boss’s wife has just ordered one of these ( she currently drives an X2 ) she told me she bought it because she “ liked the red accents & graphics “ 🙈😬😬😬 .EDIT : car is actually much nicer in the flesh , looks especially good from rear & side . The interior looks good quality & it feels very quick , I would be more than happy if she will sell to me in 4 years ( I currently have her old Cooper S . )

[@graemewilson1400]

And that says it all really.

[@skiptastic1000]

Yep, that's your average BMW consumer, right there.

[@cliffbateman6324]

might it be BMW's answer to the MINI ? If and when they shut down production in the UK.

[@JustAGameShow]

Good luck, most other manufacturers in the performance hot hatch league have experienced fwd for years, somehow I doubt this will beat any in it's class and I doubt for one minute it will be able to compete against the Honda Civic Type-R or the Megane RenaultSport Trophy. Should stick to what you know Mr BMW.

[@benbschr]

The moment you realize they are only filming the driver side exterior because it is the same presscar doing the rounds which is already shedding its passenger side TI decal 🥲

[@avuazahc1966]

6:40 this car is not trying to rival GTI Clubsport rather standard GTI

[@AleksandrHalas]

You have to compare this car with Yaris GR, I30 N Civic Type-R

[@matthewlange8616]

Sounds like BMW needs to do a Ti version of the forthcoming next gen RWD 2 series Coupé

[@MichaelRenardson]

Is it not the Aisin auto instead of zf?

[@neilbowness6074]

This will still be massively popular with the badge snobs……

[@florianb.1382]

Did you said ZF gearbox ? It's the same Aisin which is in the m135i, no ?

[@R4M_Tommy]

Short answer: no

[@R4M_Tommy]

Long answer: it's trash, don't buy it.

[@Me-sb3mx]

Any thoughts about hot-hatch just a Golf GTI

[@blarkdexture8899]

I have a e46 318ti, with a manual and alcantara interior

[@benjamincottle8500]

So not a Saab?

[@blarkdexture8899]

@@benjamincottle8500 Just a few

[@markrhoden68]

Thinking ahead....BMW Ti cs? Maybe with the full 300+hp engine and even more track focused like the Golf GTi cs I'm curious, wouldn't you feel a little cheated down the line, thinking why didn't I buy the m135i

[@CarToneHK]

Those who want their small BMW with RWD could only get it in the next 2 coupe

[@DontPanicDear]

It’s all about what Henry doesn’t say 🤓

[@VarioFelce]

And here it's a LOT lmao

[@jbeeches1]

Hi Nice Review 'I'm looking to lease the TI or x135 the 135 is £30 a month more what would you get ? cheers

[@mrlilmatt123]

UGLYYY, worse gearbox and FWD... in what world is this a step *forward* ?!

[@suprememaxpayne]

With the X drive, remove the front axle and you get a RWD right? Why can't they do that? Too much lossses? And the grill is too tall and narrow, and all black looks just like a gaping hole

[@wasdwasdwwasd]

This isn't a longitudinal engined platform

[@thomasheuer1916]

I think this one actually looks quite good

[@nevillebowman8419]

Try to turn it into a positive thought. If you genuinely enjoy driving, your shopping list of cars with a driver's transmission is not intimidatingly large so there isn't all that stress of weighing your options. And if you know how to work on manual transmissions, in a few years you'll have a killer business model working on only older cars.

[@Superblue-e3d]

It's an aisin transmission

[@GM-kj6sb]

So they put some BMW badges on a 4 door Mini

[@ianstoys13mgs]

Is it a ZF gearbox ???

[@mathieucossette9019]

Sorry to ask... I know origins of some trim but At BMW how they choose 128ti or M135i?

[@TheCabrooster11]

Isn’t it just a Mini Clubman in a different suit 🤔

[@AlpineGABE]

Mega car! Well worth trying for those nay-saying from the sidelines, I think it might just surprise them :-)

[@aircommandslipperz]

the gearbox is from aisin or zf??

[@aDaWaN]

Aisin box