Reader Review: 2013 BMW 128i M-Sport - De reader-but-not-commentator Paul Stanley (record comments, B & B) is a review of what he...
De reader-but-not-commentator Paul Stanley (record comments, B & B) is a review of what he feels to be the last amateur oriented Bimmer - JB
BMW neue klasse marked the beginning of an era of drivers of cars driven in 1960 by introducing a lightweight, moderately powered car that sought balance and usability first. Perhaps more importantly, it is affordable and not too complex. The year 02 was the car of a driver, and so was the 3 series that followed.
Then, in 08, BMW introduced the 1 Series in the US market.
Presented as part of 02, a narrowed portion 3 Series, 1 humble came we cut and forms convertible and 128i and 135i flavors. The 135i 08 was the show thief with excellent twin-turbo N54, 3-liter inline-six engine underhood. Producing 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, it blasted through the quarter mile in 13.3 seconds. The limited-run "1M" not to be confused with the M1, became an instant collection, commander crazy prices on the used market.
The slightest 128i with 230 horsepower and 0 lb-ft of torque from a normally aspirated inline six 3 liter was easy for the driver statistics focused on neglect. Indeed, he seemed destined to become the new "Car secretary" of the BMW range. Although it offered a low base of just under $ 30,000, the 128i has often been ordered with an automatic transmission and loaded with convenience options. The sunroof is also a mandatory option built early, bloating weight and cost while decreasing the pleasure and reliability of conduct.
Yet many authors knew the 128i was the purchase of smart range, as they lamented the state charged-up of their test cars. The 128i against undercut the 135i by $ 8000, while avoiding weight and complexity, singing a sweet song, and respect for tradition. But unless you ordered a new one, what are the chances today to find one with only the passionate checked boxes? Do market participants have used a chance to find this sweet spot, this 21st century 02?
Sometimes we fans get lucky when our car navigation in slow motion, and I'm so lucky.
Two days before Christmas 2015, I picked up a 128i 2013. It was painted Alpine White and equipped with only two options, coral red leather interior Boston and M Sport package. I finally found my own neue klasse . Yet it is at the end of an era, rather than the beginning, and I found myself thinking that the alte klasse -. BMW Swan Song in purist, if you want
Avoiding fanciness such as navigation, a sunroof, or flappy paddle gearbox This is controlled car by a driver. The original owner traded in with only 8,300 miles, apparently succumbed to the new craze Miata. stubby exterior styling 1 allows a cockpit that comfortably seats four adults of average size for short walks. My long legs, six foot tall woman is in relative comfort with our six year old on a point behind her, nor complain once about a 0 minutes drive. More impressively, a child seat Rear-facing is perfect on the bridge between the two rear seats, which means that this car is just as usable for a small family as 02 was for a generation that has no need to crossovers.
visibility is excellent in all directions, and the lack of Xenon on my car is good for me because it would need to order the premium package as well. The car is fun to drive, quick enough to be fun, but slow enough to let me wrapped gear and hear the right-line six yawp with input from BMW Performance. race clocks a 0-60 in under 6 seconds. The BMW Performance Brake options have melted during a free training Lick Mountain Observatory seven tenths outside of San Jose. And the six-speed manual is clear and precise, smooth addition, the linear nature of the engine.
Since the introduction of the 3 Series in 1977, we have seen various developments performance of single M3 E30 to high technology F80 / F82 M current monsters. True, BMW has moved away from simplicity and mechanical to electronic magic. In 2014, the replacement of my car, the BMW 228i moved further in this direction, by exchanging the straight-six engine to a turbo four.
BMW can keep their turbocharged fours and improved electronic devices. I'll keep this car for myself. The 128i 2013 marks the end of an era, and I celebrate each ramp, all mountain roads, and each trip on the California coast.
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