Do I Regret Buying My BMW 128i? | 128i LONG TERM REVIEW

[@Ovadose850]

I would say you’ve made the right decision, a 135i would have cost you 3-4x as much in maintenance by now 👍

[@BMW1M]

Money is overrated 😝🤣😂😅

[@AutobotVu]

I prob spent like maybe 3000 total in 10 years my 128i on 2 new set tires. Coil spark plug change and I think that's it oil changes stuff, but than again I don't go anywhere but work barely have over 40k miles 😂

[@LEWiSG]

Is it really that big a difference in things that could go wrong ?

[@AB-jk7tw]

I had a 135i for 3 years and traded it for a 128i recently. The 135 definitely has more power but in terms of simplicity, reliability, cost of parts, port vs direct injection and just sheer daily durability, the 128 is the better car for me.

[@SirDavothe2]

Really interesting

[@SirDavothe2]

Did you have issue with the 135i or was it just the risk of expensive repairs that got you?

[@schro3532]

135 has port?

[@AB-jk7tw]

@@schro3532 No, the 135 has direct injection while the 128 has port

[@AB-jk7tw]

@@SirDavothe2 The 135 was loads of fun but too many stories about the cost of the high pressure fuel pump, insane cost to replace the injectors when they inevitably required replacement and possibly the turbos was enough for us to move to a 128. Could not be happier with our decision.

[@MFrankie]

I just picked up my first 128i and I’m excited. I bought her for 4700, honestly can’t wait to put this together, after falling in love with my e36 can’t wait to dive deep into another chassis.

[@tonys_128]

Always appreciate your videos. I am 6 months into ownership of a 2013 non-msport manual 128i and hope to get into autocross/track activity “down the road” too. Cheers!

[@BMW1M]

Down what road? Just get in there man. What are you waiting for? more courage?

[@quantumx9924]

After my old car was hit while parked I needed a car and randomly bought a 128i. Never considered a bmw but the price was right and it was in excellent condition. So far everything its needed was valve cover gasket, spark plugs/coilpacks and the rear diff had a slow leak. Did all the work myself, really easy to work on. Its fun and zippy and looks great.

[@johnnypolex]

Somehow, I was able to solidly keep up with a pack of experienced GT3’s on a Porsche mountain drive. This was in a base automatic 128i w/ Sumitomo HTR Z5’s. The only sections where the Porsches pulled away were well over 100 beans per hour Expect performance with driver mod, a 128i and decent tires I’ve tracked all types of fast cars but these Exx generation 1/3-series cars def perform. An LSD and some bolt-on exhausts go a long way. They’re still great stock, with a little bit of front camber and sporty tires 170k and we’re still on the original water pump to boot

[@a88888888a]

My 40k miles sample is still flawless...but some of the plastics are aging and cheap.

[@ARPerez]

Great take on why we love cars. People buy cars all the time for different reasons, but if you are a true car enthusiast it boils down to driving feel and tunability(tuna-bility?) My wife keepa talking about selling her 09 6spd m-pkge and I keep talking her away from it. We have done a dual to single mass clutch conversion, urethane engine and trans mounts and muffler delete along with some major maintenance. I would love to take a ride in a track prepped e82, sure it would put a smile on my face! 👍🏾

[@austinmiller4903]

I have a non-m pkg 6mt 128i with all the wrong options (sunroof, Idrive) and its still a blast to drive and own. A slept on car for sure.

[@DigitalDissident]

I have a manual 2011 E82 N55. No sunroof, no iDrive thankfully

[@NauticaHD]

@@DigitalDissident why not sunroof and I drive ? What’s wrong with that

[@DigitalDissident]

@@NauticaHD Car dash looks cleaner without infotainment. I never use the infotainment crap anyway, use phone for navigation. Also, you don't have to go through menus to check oil. And it won't be outdated system Less gimmicks, less stuff to go wrong, less weight, & purely driver focused. Also, sunroofs can leak or malfunction. My 135i is EU spec, lightweight combo, manual seats, & no power mirrows, no automatic. Just nice mPackage trim & rear PDC. I deleted the gimmick headlight washer system too.

[@DigitalDissident]

My n55 135i stock temps were 110-120c. By installing a mosselmann thermostat, & setting the fan speed to sport with MHD, I now run 90-100c temps even at autobahn speeds up to 270kmh. I also opened the engine bay with M3 rain cowls. stock 135s come with 1 oil cooler, a second one is definitely not needed. People don't know about the fan speed setting or aftermarket thermostats that open sooner.

[@72911RS]

I've had 2 early 911s, '69S, '72 RS replica, both of which I tracked (DEs). I then had a '93 M3 race car. No question the 911s were very cool and great cars to learn to dive in but the cost of maintenance just killed me. The BMW was bullet proof and 10 seconds faster at Mosport. I got tired of trailering. I'm now looking for a 128. Great video and very sensible. Thanks for sharing.

[@itsmebk6820]

In hindsight we should have sold everything we own and bought all the Porsches we could afford in late 2019 🤣 love the 1 series m8

[@jasonvanderstel5894]

Such work put into the story, the cinema. You’re spot on. I’ve got a 128 not a unicorn and, as a daily drive, I still enjoy everything this car has to offer. Without the track days of course. 5/5

[@DjNikGnashers]

Good choice. I have owned my M140i for almost 4 years, it's an incredible car. It does everything so well.

[@Moto-romomo]

Great video! I just bought a wrecked manual 128 from Copart and I’m super excited to get it on the road. I look forward to using your channel as a guide for good autocross mods!

[@canadianpatriot1387]

I had a 986 for 12 years loved it....sold it and bought my 2013 128i Msport. Don't worry about IMS only oil leaks.

[@Ourgarageautodetail]

Great video!! Loved the layout, narration, and information. I have been considering 135s but this has piqued my interest on 128s. Keep up the good work!

[@Zinbou1]

The 128i even the E82 1 series is super popular in the UK. In canada, not so much I feel like, but Im still planning on doing coilovers and putting the stage 3 N52 intake manifold in mine to track it a bit. Obviously changing the water pump too ...

[@sander16v11]

Picked up the exact same car in blue, m package, 6 speed. But I have a sun roof. Which I like since I don’t track it. 😊

[@Donax695]

that is great spec

[@christianbarboza1074]

Congratulations sir. You seem to have found a perfect racer. It looks awesome too. Thank you for sharing your experiences with this platform. You should have more success in your endeavors as you seem very knowledgeable and seem very personable. Thanks for sharing.

[@Steelerhater37]

I own an ‘12 Audi b8a4 maxed with bolt ons & a ‘13 e82 that I’ve kept at stock to this point both a dream to drive but man o man if u wanna feel that old kart racing as a kid feeling then I’ll hop right into the bmw e82 & let er go! Bowzer look out . Here comes Yoshi‼️

[@xshadowspy]

Damn your water pump went out early mine legit just went out at 108k miles have had the car since 20k miles these things are super solid.

[@BMW1M]

I mean, I knew the answer before watching of course ;) the E82 is underrated - it's a better, stiffer and more dynamic chassis than the E46, but the E46 is still more popular. If you know,, you know. It shouldn't be compared with a 911 though, imo. I love my 1M, but a similar aged 911 is just on another level. Now, that said. A 1M with 600hp is a whole different flavor of fun :)

[@BMW1M]

Also, if you're after a street car that is also a track weap, I'm afraid to say that the Hyundai N's are just pure magic. No wonder really, Hyundai head hunted Albert Beirmann from BMW M right after he finished the 1M, and his next projects were the Veloster and i30 N cars.

[@AnthonyStromDesign]

Great commentary. Sounds like your 128i fits your needs and budget in every way. I'm jealous that you have a manual slick top. I have a black 2009 manual m-sport with red interior. I love mine!

[@suprgnat]

Very thoughtful and enjoyable review. Love my Le Mans Blue 6-speed, slicktop, M-Sport 128i! Owned it since new and can't imagine every getting rid of it. I will confess to being a bit gentler with mine than @BESIMXCARS .

[@_que]

Nice review, glad to see I was not the only one with the itch. Same car, slick top base 128, rare car indeed.

[@texas10519]

I’ve had my 128i for about 4-5 years now it’s been awesome for me. Reliability is great but I will say I have had some problems here and there.

[@aaronlee9660]

What kind of problems?

[@hordonsalano2734]

How is repair coast?

[@texas10519]

@@aaronlee9660 coolant issues, electrical issues etc.

[@texas10519]

@@hordonsalano2734 not great but my dad has a shop so that’s what helped me. I took it to the dealership once and I almost threw up from the bill

[@龙源探索]

Absolutely no! I bought mine in October of 2018 and have not one regret. Still have it, still love it! 🥰🥰

[@hunteryoung9927]

I just sold some wheels in my 128i and the dude I met with was very surprised they all fit in the car, folding seats are clutch

[@infidel900rr]

These cars are great, now stop making videos about it, so we can keep prices reasonable! 😉

[@ArticulateArena]

Yeah, I was looking at one at a local dealer. I imagine it's a nice car to drive but why tf would I get it if it's not a manual....

[@FULLTHROTTLEAUTO]

Fantastic edit on this video. Great to see you back. Keep it up

[@hensonator]

I bought my 128I early in the pandemic before the car market started skyrocketing and the market hasnt really changed too much for 128Is. I guess that's the nature of a non-M car - prices will hold but not really go up too much An e9x m3 would have been a great compromise for having a streetable trackable car that also benefitted from the market increase, and it personally feels like a missed opportunity since the "value" aspect isnt what it was before for, esp if the intent was to drive them and not garage them. As for the 128I, the features that make it "common" are what I love about it. That means it's more reliable, understated, and underappreciated. You dont really understand why it's special until you drive (a manual) one, which i guess makes it a sleeper driver's car? Lol

[@hensonator]

I will say though, the *current* aftermarket support for 128i's is pretty slim and discouraging, despite the shared drivetrain with the non-M e9x. Lots of the cool aftermarket parts are now discontinued

[@JetBlackGT]

Please do a 128i vs. 350z track car comparison. Aiming to have as a hpde car and work up to a racing series.

[@KG-zi8xu]

I’ve got the exact same car in aus, slick top, 6 speed, m sport, lci, had it for 6 years, such a nice car to drive

[@SirDavothe2]

what is it called in aus? I can't see any 128i's for sale here

[@clementquirder]

@@SirDavothe2 125i

[@IvanDeaquino-e4y]

I just got mine a week ago and it’s a blast to drive

[@anilkhanal21]

Can you please came similar video on 120i coup ,2012.

[@Fongrr]

Thinking about buying this 2008 128i but it apparently has dme problem. Has 95k miles. Is it worth 3500? It's still drivable apparently. Would love some advice as I'm itching to pull the trigger lol

[@ShadowRap-y5l]

Did you buy it in the end?

[@nickdreamin]

love the video bro just recently bought a 128i hoping to modify soon !! i love 911’s too!!! id love to have my beamer next to it one day great minds think alike

[@qers]

This is a handsome looking E82. What are the wheel specs?

[@Monkey_G5]

Does this have an LSD? Factory?

[@project_piston]

Your videos were one of the main reasons I bought this as my dd. I do have a question how do you monitor your oil temps I can't find a sensor or any display for it? Is this a custom sensor we have to add on to our vehicles?

[@BESIMXCARS]

On the Carly app/adapter I use for code checking I can also monitor a lot of values, including those temps

[@project_piston]

@@BESIMXCARS Awesome thanks man! Keep up the great content really can tell the passion from a true enthusiast.

[@VictorPitstop]

I have a ZHP e46 that I’ve had for a few months and track regularly. Only thing is, I am nervous the motor is going to grenade because of the oil pump sheeting apart with high revs over 5k rpm for prolonged time. I don’t really want to mess with all of that even though the subframe is ‘reinforced’ so I have the opportunity to get a 128i. No subframe, no oil pump issues but it’s not nearly as sexy or special as the ZHP. What to do 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@BESIMXCARS]

At the track this car is relatively similar to a ZHP. I think if I stripped this car out like the ZHP’s that run locally this car would be faster. Honestly, driving dynamics will be extremely similar, just in a slightly more modern package I’d also argue this might be more special than a ZHP, just much much rarer and unknown ;) but that’s subjective. I will say this though, a 128i track car sold on BAT for $45k

[@VictorPitstop]

@@BESIMXCARS yeah, the way I’m looking at it is this way: I still need to reinforce the chassis and pull the engine apart and do the oil pump mod on a car that has an uninspiring engine overall. I also feel bad for taking apart a ‘collector’ car…. The 128i does have subframe issues and does not have oil pump issues. It would save me headache and worry. My e46 has a race diffs LSD and I would have to find an LSD for the 1er right away. Hmmmm… I think I’m leaning towards the 1er.

[@BESIMXCARS]

@@VictorPitstop Tbh the oem LSD is a major drawback, and my current LSD is absolutely my favorite part on this car. Get a LSD, code out the "E-LSD" and you are solid

[@andreagate542]

@@BESIMXCARS Thank you for a great video!! couple questions, do you wish you were able to fit wider tires, upfront?Iin order for you to fit 255s upfront does your spring perch sit above your front tire?🙏🏽

[@mediocreman2]

How did you first gain interest in the 128i? Guessing you saw that blue one around town a few years ago and wanted to check it out?

[@tershen9798]

What wheels are those ? Are they 17 inch?

[@AdriWeedMan]

130i 5 door here, beast of a car, fly under radar :D

[@cadanevans9004]

Great shots! I gotta find where that parking is!

[@e90baby]

missed out on a 128i m sport 6speed for 8k when i was looking for a new car when my e46 developed rod knock (i beat the living piss out of it and never bother topping off the oil) but for some odd reason decided to buy a 2010 e90 328 x drive 6speed sport pack non idrive. she drives beautifully in the snow but it’s a fucking porker. still, i love it to death and believe this generation of bmws is truly timeless. LCI over pre lci though

[@anthonygiordano3991]

I’m currently looking at a 2008 128i with 54K miles (convertible). Do you think I’ll have costly repairs? I’m definitely looking to get a mechanic to take a look before I possibly purchase. Any advice is appreciated!

[@BESIMXCARS]

Definitely see if the water pump has been done, if not plan on getting it done asap. Otherwise car should be relatively trouble free!

[@anthonygiordano3991]

@@BESIMXCARS - Trouble free? Wow.. I would hope so. I hear so many different things. Some guys say the BMW made them poor! It’s hard to separate fact from fiction though. Thanks for the tip!

[@ShadowRap-y5l]

@@BESIMXCARShow much would a water pump cost?

[@sjsharksx408x]

What wheels are on the 128i

[@nickwashington1842]

what year is this 128i?

[@traviswhite771]

Would this have room in the backseat for a baby seat? Currently have a 15 vw gti and am lookong to swap it for this car. Any pros where the bmw takes the edge let me know pls

[@BESIMXCARS]

I am not entirely sure if I am being honest. I feel like you can but you do have the added inconvenience now of having to recline one of the front seats to get the baby seat. I feel like your gti is a better suited car for your predicament if I am being honest

[@holeshot1721]

The fact this car has been thee three different racers nd is still going says alot

[@rag83991]

dude i find it so interesting that we’re thinking the same things. i graduate from uni this semester and i’m already thinking about what cars i want once i get my full time career and graduate. and i was literally considering this car, a 997.1 carrera or a 996 even hahaha that’s interesting. great minds think alike 😅 great video!

[@TYAC_red]

If it were an 135i vs 911, then 911. But 128i > 135i for the balance. Remember: E30 has a 4-cyl, E36 that won multiple Le Mana had 4-cyl, and E90 that won many BTCC had 4-cyl, too. Small/compact BMW's with 4-cyl are honey.

[@potk17001]

How would you say this car would be as daily for the reliability?

[@BESIMXCARS]

Extremely reliable

[@aombarbor]

I regret not getting 128i but 328i will do i didn't even know 128i exist

[@ken_in_atx9619]

The best two days of an N54 owners life, is the day they buy it and the day they sell it.

[@Donax695]

great review of a car that is close to my heart, I need to sketch it now :D

[@jrzeger]

I’m so torn between a DCt 135 and a manual 128

[@BESIMXCARS]

Do you plan on doing more track duty or street duty with it?

[@mtg_hermit]

so glad I saw your video, I bought my 128i back in Aug and love it I wish I had no sun roof. great video!!!

[@emanuelherrerias4082]

im driving a 2010 328 xi and am worried about how the 128i will handle in the wet. It's raining 8 months of the year where I live; will i be slipping around like butter everywhere i go? Currently I can drive 90miles an hour regardless of how wet the roads are and the car handles with confidence. thoughts?

[@16vPete]

Excellent video man!

[@BESIMXCARS]

Appreciate it man!

[@lightbringer-ra721]

Just bought a convertible one today.

[@CBW0314]

how do you check the oil temp if there is not temp gauge?

[@BESIMXCARS]

I have an OBD adapter and app that allows me to monitor the temps on my phone. The company that makes it is called Carly.

[@Beezy_Builds]

Great video!

[@xZiMinDaveyy]

honest question why didnt you buy a 135i ?

[@BESIMXCARS]

This is way more reliable and was prepped for a racing organization I already compete with I was considering a M235i as well before getting this

[@xZiMinDaveyy]

@@BESIMXCARS True, a 135i needs 20k plus in parts to have it racey.... and 128i i think around 10k.

[@michaelvanna8982]

Snow driven?

[@BESIMXCARS]

Yes! Snow tires and it’s a dream

[@SOLightt]

#dtc off

[@jirikrajnak9047]

f20 120d bro leaving a like

[@mateuszokon1308]

I got my 128i same spec with 192k for 1700 😊

[@ShadowRap-y5l]

Any issue?

[@mateuszokon1308]

@@ShadowRap-y5l none just regular maintenance I did water pump tune up thermostat brakes engine mounts rear shocks radiator oil housing gasket and fluid changes that's what it needed lol I just sold it for 6500 got bored of it

[@n3rdstrength]

Good video, for the love of god drastically reduce the music level or just get rid of it in the future. It's so freakin' hard to pay attention to what you're saying.

[@Umoronz]

You bad.you cracked me up

[@cs2294]

Those SSR's look fantastic. What are the specs? Please! Lol

[@BESIMXCARS]

17x9 +45. 8mm spacer in the front no spacer in the rear :)

[@cs2294]

@@BESIMXCARS Awesome. Thank you

[@guillermoortiz1492]

Why not convertible?

[@guts7518]

nice intro

[@eric106071]

Biased 128i msport owner here

[@X0.Fernnn]

how has reliability been like?

[@eric106071]

@@X0.Fernnn Excellent. The only surprise I had was a set of ignition coils around 15k ago. My car just hit 70k.

[@ShadowRap-y5l]

How much was the ignition coil

[@deadeye4256]

why would you put tire rack on your window?!? your a logo purse man.

[@HTG2011DEAN]

My 135i is the biggest mistake of my life

[@LEWiSG]

Why?

[@brokedownsuperman]

Bad Religion shirt

[@jgriffin1877]

🙌 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝓂𝑜𝓈𝓂

[@MrTomsbah]

👍 Good luck!!! I hope your dream be real one day, I mean you got Porsche of your dream in your garage!!!👍