Track and Street Solution: BMW 128i

[@twotonsosalt9638]

I have the same car, same color. I LOVE it. More car makers these days should look at the 1 series to see why they are such a blast to drive. They're just the perfect combination of "I love you during the commute" and "I love you in the mountain twisties". Planted is the right word for these cars. Enjoy my friend. :)

[@bandygram]

TwoTonsOSalt thank you! Enjoy yours as well!

[@the-drive-home]

I have the same car, same color as well! 👍

[@1alexnewman]

Appreciate the ride on Road Atlanta with this car! Truly impressed with how well it handled and the braking was fantastic! Proof that you dont need alot of money to have fun 😉

[@bishamsingh4023]

Thanks for the video. It's very helpful. I've been debating between the 128 and 135.

[@khalifaskho4223]

I personally dont really like BMWs models but I personally love this one, small which they don’t make this size any more, nimble, agile for slipping through car yet still pack a power of normal sized BMW

[@matthewguynn4942]

I found my 2009 128i garage kept since 2011.. it has 34k miles 😁

[@DomWayne]

The sunroof maaaaaan. As soon as I saw that, the car is a winner. Watching from 🇬🇧

[@jonathannunez2702]

Major inside front wheel lift! Pushing hard!

[@kgrieshaber]

Nice video. I have a 128i that I use on the track and street as well. I've done the coil overs but may need to make the brake swap. Right now I just use a pure track pad to get the braking I want.

[@DrewH-zv9iz]

Informative content, I gotta 135, but would love a 128 track only car

[@72911RS]

Suggestion: Proper seats, harness and half cage. You'll never go back.

[@noch3579]

"Well planted" as I'm playing in slow mow to make sure I'm seeing daylight between the tire hitting the curbs.... think you may wanna do somthing with your swaybar

[@danielb9355]

Been looking at the 3 series of this gen., but think I think I might go for a 128. Great engine, in a smaller, amazing looking form. Smaller cars are so much more fun. Still want to get a 335d, but where I still live it's pretty much illegal to delete it. We'll see

[@fast.biking_freddy]

This is an awesome video dude!

[@bandygram]

Thank you!

[@johnnymula2305]

Can we talk about the drivers door being a different color than the rest of the car? The body shop not only got the wrong shade of silver. But they didnt even blend into adjacent panels

[@bandygram]

I hate that I didn’t notice it until I took pictures of it after purchase. Pretty thrown together no doubt.

[@sheuro-503]

Which headunit is that? How is it holding up? It looks like the AliExpress ones, my only concern with them is reliability, so how has it been for you? Thanks.

[@sagarganesh1026]

Nice video dude!

[@KJs_Garage]

Good video, my only suggestion would be to get a mic of some kind, theres lots of wind and background noise lol

[@bandygram]

Yeah, I need a directional mic, but let me save some money before I go crazy on production value 😅

[@drivingprophet]

Thinking about finding one of these as a street/track replacement to my S2000

[@Eri94]

Nooo keep your s2k. I sold mine a few years back and I still regret it to this day

[@drivingprophet]

Vee K You think? I’ve gone back and forth with the idea of selling it for about a year now. What it is is twofold: I’m impatiently wanting a car that’s more daily drivable but that can handle a few track days a year and a lot of backroad driving. And also I’ve realized how far up in value s2ks have climbed, thinking I could have a nice chunk of money in my pocket vs constantly spending money to keep it up

[@regulardude2011]

If you were able, hopefully, you kept the S2k. I miss mine still, but I’m a bit too tall for s2k so I got 1 series BMW. Stock vs stock S2000 is a much MUCH more satisfying drive.

[@samnixon6198]

Great vid KB!

[@tylernol1]

Thanks for the informative video! How does the 128 compare on track to your old 86? (came here from the vinwiki clip) Been moving through HPDE the past few years and considering a little more pace than my BRZ. Cheers!

[@bandygram]

It feels like a more durable and more planted car. Once I get it properly balanced I expect to see that translated in lap times. It's a highly confidence inspiring car.

[@nickq8623]

Nice vid 👍

[@jtucke21]

bandygram, Great video. I am beginning my trek with the 128i for a street/track machine. Looks like you hit some of the tracks which are in my region. You in GA as well?

[@bandygram]

John Tucker awesome! I’m happy I went with this platform. I am based out of Atlanta. You’ll find me at all of the JZilla events in the southeast.

[@jtucke21]

bandygram I’m based near Augusta. Going to be at Carolina Motorsports Park in November for the nasa SE event there for my first track weekend.

[@bandygram]

John Tucker enjoy it! The track is freshly repaved. Should be a great event!

[@omeridrizi5499]

I have the same exact car!

[@aldocabrera9603]

great video! How many miles your 128i?

[@bandygram]

148k and climbing!

[@fratertater6130]

Very informative! I know you’re 6 foot on tinder, but what’s a good car for tall guys to track? I really like GT 86s. Afraid I might be too tall at 6’6”.

[@bandygram]

frater tater that’s a great question. While the 128i for instance has a much bigger cabin than something like a miata I didn’t even fit comfortably with the powered seats and a helmet on. Thankfully mine has manual seats and swapping to buckets would solve that for anyone. Without going that crazy you’d want to give these cars a try. I was pretty happy with how i fit in the 86 and if your arms are long enough that you’re comfortable leaning back slightly that will make cars like mine work for you. Go sit in some cars and remember the additional height of the helmet. Good luck!

[@fratertater6130]

@@bandygram Thanks so much!

[@Federico-ms5pn]

I was a tech and always thought the 128i would be a fun car. People get too hung up on power.

[@RB211TriStar]

Ha, was just about to ask... what are you using for a mic? I struggle with the same thing. Great video quality!

[@bandygram]

I used a Zoom H5 just off camera but it picks up sound from all directions and I couldn't find anywhere quieter 😬I think a directional mic could have solved my issues

[@bigmarc977]

Where did you dial in your alignment after the M3 control arms... I assume you also have camber plates? I have Bilstein B14's + Dinan Camber plates.... I'm doing the Front+ rear M3 control arm conversion in a few weeks

[@bandygram]

My coilovers come with camber plates. I was able to get 2.5deg of rear camber and my old setup was 4 up front but I’m looking closer to 3 due to the design of my new coilovers. Toe is essentially zero up front and slightly in for the rear.

[@andreagate542]

Did you get your car corner balanced after you I did all of the new suspension components. Thxs

[@bigmarc977]

@@andreagate542 I did on my end, def worth it

[@andreagate542]

@@bigmarc977 Thxs M!

[@andreagate542]

Question do you still have the car? If so would love to see some more content on it when time permits🍺

[@brendan7632]

Are the automatic transmissions decent on this car? Your VINwiki video has peaked my interest in these, but someone who’s sadly not too accustomed driving stick, AND the fact that they aren’t as easy to find, I’m curious what the auto is like if anyone knows

[@bandygram]

Maybe we can get others to weigh in but I’ve heard it’s smooth shifting almost to a fault. It won’t be PDK but it shouldn’t be terrible.

[@brendan7632]

bandygram appreciate the response man thanks 👍🏻

[@DarkLuvzWhalez]

@@bandygram its amazing for what it is i slide my auto 13 128i with no issues besides unpredictability bc of the diff lol

[@regulardude2011]

Brother, if you’re in Birmingham, can I get a ride in your car? I wanna gauge how much difference suspension makes. My car has a ridiculous amount of body roll, just doesn’t feel planted at all and I can’t push it super hard in corners

[@bandygram]

Interesting. Well I make it to Barber from time to time. I’m not far away. Once I get the car back together (long story) perhaps! IG is the best way to get ahold of me

[@CareerProgramming]

Did you upgrade front brakes only? If you did the rears how did you solve the hand brake problem? If not any issues with brake bias?

[@bandygram]

Front only and no complaints with brake bias. I ran into those concerns when considering all 4 and that’s why I decided to do front only.

[@CareerProgramming]

@@bandygram awesome. Also curious if you considered the f30 4 pot calipers with the larger rotors?

[@bandygram]

Honestly didn’t really look around the other options since I had experience with the 6pot on my 135i. Everyone mentioned their concerns with cracking pistons and I never saw any issues even under track use. I stuck with the known quantity and I’m happy with their feel and performance

[@CareerProgramming]

@@bandygram ok cool. So you didn't change anything in the back like larger rotors or different brake carrier?

[@bandygram]

@@CareerProgramming correct. Just swapped pads. Running the Ferrodo setup from FCP.

[@visniar10]

how are the isc's holding up, are they v1 or v2's? did you opt for the track valving or the street sport, think the ride degredation is from the sperical mounts mostly or the dampers themselves, just picked up a 08 a month or so ago loving so far!

[@bandygram]

They didn't hold up terribly well. I couldn't manage to keep the spring adjustments from backing out. I did go with the street valving and while it wasn't good for my purposes, I'm beginning to instead blame the rear bushings being too soft for anything stiffer than the stock springs and shocks. I don't recall which versions they were.

[@keanusalimi1750]

I did some looking online and found the 135i brake rotors and calipers fit on the 128i, but you lose the handbrake - I was wondering how you were able to do it?

[@bandygram]

I only swapped the fronts. There were too many compromises to swap the rears. No complaints about brake bias after the front only swap tho.

[@slavik2121]

Would you rather track 128i or the 86 you had previously? I'd assume 86 is more planted due to firmer suspension, and more nimble due to less weight. I've heard 128i understeers when pushed in the corner. What would you rather buy as a track car between the two? Thx

[@bandygram]

I did choose this as my track car over getting another 86 for a few reasons: The power potential and reliability being the top reason. I keep hearing of FA20s blowing at the track. The reliability issues only increase as you add power to the FA20, but the N52 has a lot of potential for power without reliability concerns. The side effect is that the 128i even worn out in base trim is quiet inside and feels more premium. As a daily I find myself preferring the 1 series.

[@nimblybimblyinthetrees]

This is exactly what I was looking for. What have you done as far as making the engine durable? I've been reading that cooling is a huge issue.

[@bandygram]

Ignored the temps. Lol. I don’t have a temp readout anywhere so I’m relying on limp mode to protect the engine and I’ve not experienced that except in the most extreme cases. My oil analysis reports have been very positive so I’m not concerned yet.

[@suprgnat]

Lose the weights on the front calipers, lose ~1.4 pounds per side un-sprung weight.

[@zackerymcpherson9409]

I just test drove a 228i with track pack and I’m cross shopping 128i due to your videos. How would you compare the two if you’ve driven them? If not, how do you like the steering of the 128i and the stock seats on track.

[@zackerymcpherson9409]

I feel like the 228i has great daily comfort but also lacks the character that an older bmw might have. It has adjustable bolstering which I really appreciate, which the 128i might be missing.

[@davyhay1]

What are the specs on the wheels? I am looking for some 17's for the back of my 135i for a drag setup.

[@bandygram]

I got 17x8.5s all around but there's more room in the back. I've tested up to 255s for fit. It's super tight up front but works. 245s are my go-to

[@Neptune8]

You just using regular iPhone clock for your lap timer ?

[@bandygram]

I use the Apex Pro for lap times and data

[@bobbymobby4169]

Hey man, you still have this? If you were to do it over, what would be the first/most worthwhile mods in your opinion? Thanks

[@bandygram]

I recently sold the car. Brakes and oil cooling would be first but the moment you decide to switch from stock suspension you have to include the rear subframe bushings. Spoiler: I went back to a miata 😅

[@BreadManNoWheat]

When buying a first track car, would you recommend the 128i or a Miata?

[@bandygram]

Evan Eichenseer go miata. It’s an amazing car to learn on

[@BaxterRoss]

128 unless you're an incel

[@dandreanderson801]

Where did you get your radio

[@bandygram]

It’s the belsee. Far from perfect but it’s nice to have CarPlay.

[@RaztechPowersports]

How many miles does the car have? Powertrain has been reliable?

[@bandygram]

Powertrain has been great. There are oil leaks to contend with and that's it. 160k miles

[@texas10519]

Where did you get the head unit from?

[@bandygram]

It was a random one I found probably on Amazon. It's fine but has lots of quirks. Might not recommend it.

[@eric106071]

Is yours an N51 or N52?

[@dannyhamler4912]

Tire preference?

[@bandygram]

Danny Hamler I’ve been running Dunlop direzza ziii in 245s and I’ve been very impressed

[@Wejustwannatravel]

Any high-dollar red flags to look out for if picking up a high mileage 128i for track use?

[@bandygram]

That's a good question. There's a plethora of items to look for on the turbo cars but I'm not sure which items should be looked over on these. I picked one up that had thorough records so I know the car at least got oil changes regularly. There was a bad vibration under braking when I picked this car up and I noticed it had new brakes which I assume was the dealer's attempt to fix it. It was the rubber bushings in the lower thrust arms. I replaced them with those spherical bearings and m3 arms, so if you intend to do that swap you don't need to worry.

[@Wejustwannatravel]

bandygram awesome thank you! How many miles on it when you bought it?

[@mattz38]

The main thing all of these cars will need with the n52, is to check and replace the oil filter housing gasket. The other more costly one is the oil pan gasket, they all leak by 100k miles, the pain there is that entire subframe must come down to replace the gasket so it’s around $1200 at dealer.

[@Wejustwannatravel]

Matt Zygmunt good stuff. Thanks man!

[@devinmcgee5265]

5/5

[@JayTac1]

How many miles on it? I can't find any 128s for that price.

[@papercut1987]

Have to be patient. I still see many older people driving their 128/135 as summer ride, it will go to Craigslist eventually. I found mine from an old lady, with rusted brake, ABS and AC prob. but with superlow milage and it's a stick!!! and I got it for less than half of market price. Make sure engine isn't covered with oil (leaks).

[@RevRumble_]

Same 5800 is salvage with 150k miles

[@markjackson1580]

What width wheels? Tire size?

[@bandygram]

17x8.5 +40 and the tires are 245-40R17

[@drivingprophet]

$5800 purchase price?? Geez that's a find! How many miles were on the car when you bought it?

[@bandygram]

125k but things have changed with the recent bump in used car prices. It takes some searching for sure!

[@drivingprophet]

​@@bandygram have you had fairly good luck with buying a fairly high mileage 1 series second or third-hand? I'm looking, myself, and am wanting to ask questions to all the owners I can find

[@bandygram]

@@drivingprophet absolutely! It had quite a few dealer services on the carfax which gave me some confidence but all in all it’s been great. It leaks oil as is common with these cars but beyond that it’s been excellent.

[@drivingprophet]

@@bandygram Thanks for the explanation! Your video has been a big help to me and I'll probably end up doing most of the same mods you had done to the car at the time of this video.

[@douglasmotorsport3626]

you NEED a bucket seat

[@bandygram]

You are very right.

[@jeremywatson9129]

Is the rear end still an open diff or did you add an lsd?

[@bandygram]

I’m still running the open diff and with the soft rear suspension it acts quite normally with the exception of fast rear brake wear.

[@jeremywatson9129]

@@bandygram I like your setup, may have to get one while they're still around.

[@jeremywatson9129]

I was looking at a Infiniti G35 coupe but to me the 128i has more charisma somehow.

[@jeremywatson9129]

@@bandygram Was the adjustable camber on the coilovers enough to get it all aligned with the M3 control arms? Love the car and I'm just in situation we're I can think about modding it.

[@bandygram]

@@jeremywatson9129 the m3 control arms gain you camber by themselves. You can add even more if you have adjustability in the top hat

[@freakofnaturebasketball6776]

I have a question do you Snapchat or something to show u what my car is doing

[@bandygram]

Shoot me a message on IG if you're still having issues. Same account name

[@shane0931]

$5800 purchase price my ass!

[@bandygram]

Yeah the market has definitely shifted.

[@octavioacosta8433]

What coilovers are those

[@bandygram]

ISC N1 Street. I just put a set of Fortune Auto 500s on in place of them.

[@uthonias]

What rims and rim size is this rocking ?

[@bandygram]

uthonia Apex ARC-8 in 17s