BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

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      08-18-2013, 01:40 AM   #1
CL 19
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Lightbulb How fun is N52 128i? I own N55 135i but just curious

Hi guys. Just curious about our brother on 1 series, which is 128i. Some article said that 128i is actually fun to drive and pure driving pleasure. It has exactly the same engine with 135i except for the forced induction used by 128i (naturally aspirated). Other than that 128i also 100+ lbs lighter than 135i makes me wonder what it can do with proper suspension modifications, wheels and tires setup. Any of you from 128i or even 135i can chime on this one?

I know in term of power, 135i should be more fun compared to its little brother but NA engine is always fun to play with. Please help my curiosity guys . Just wondering how it feels to drive the smaller (in terms of power) sibling. How's the efficiency as well? I know even though NA doesn't boost much power but the fuel efficiency is not so good. Is it worth a test drive to know how it feels?

I'm thinking to post this thread under 128i but I'm afraid they will be very bias toward their opinion so posting under 135i should be more fair and neutral (I hope so).

Let discuss about our sibling guys! Thank you!
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      08-18-2013, 11:48 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CL 19 View Post
I'm thinking to post this thread under 128i but I'm afraid they will be very bias toward their opinion so posting under 135i should be more fair and neutral (I hope so).
LOL.
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      08-19-2013, 12:13 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ian///M
N52 is a fantastic reliable engine as NA IL6 is BMWs hallmark. It isn't quick by today's standards though
Have you ever drive one? I might want to test drive one just to feel its NA engine. Some of my friends told even though it's not fast but it's fun because you have to build up the rev
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      08-19-2013, 06:44 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ian///M
Quote:
Originally Posted by CL 19 View Post
Have you ever drive one? I might want to test drive one just to feel its NA engine. Some of my friends told even though it's not fast but it's fun because you have to build up the rev
Yes, have driven one ages ago. Not as much fun when compared to turbo engine. It will feel slow compared to n54/55
Okay. Which one do you prefer for city driving with many stop and go? I know my N55 would be much more fun but I think I'm going to test drive one just to fulfill my curiousity, haha
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      08-19-2013, 07:06 AM   #5
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You could just install a JB4 and set it to Map 8 on your car. Map 8 is labeled as a economy map and bypasses the turbo(s) on the N54/55. Then you could have a N52 and a N55.
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      08-19-2013, 08:47 AM   #6
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I thought the car was better balanced, lighter and the engine was smoother and more free revving. At the same time, I felt the torque was just a little lacking for my taste. It was indeed fun to rev out the engine though. If it had the 3 stage intake manifold and programming of the old e90 330i, I probably would have gone with the 128.
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      08-19-2013, 09:00 AM   #7
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2011 BMW 1M  [8.40]
i really loved the 128i i test drove a few months ago.....however i love forced induction and the 128i just felt slow...even compared with my A3 quattro it felt sluggish.....i wanted something agile not just in handling but in power.

it is a GREAT car though....and certainly appeals to certain people who aren't that much about speed and more about winding out a slow motor---which certainly has its own type of enjoyment....just not for me!

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      08-19-2013, 09:43 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ian///M View Post
Yes, have driven one ages ago. Not as much fun when compared to turbo engine. It will feel slow compared to n54/55
I have driven both as well, and concur with this statement.
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      08-19-2013, 12:32 PM   #9
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I test drove a Auto 128i vert. It was at an Audi dealer. It felt slower than my GTI. I then test drove the 135i vert and fell in love. I didn't test drive the 128i MT coupe until after I bought my car. I was having lunch with a friend, I hit no traffic and had time to kill(Needed to see what our 128i brothers and sisters are so passionate about). Coming from a GTI as a daily driver I certainly could have been happy with the 128i coupe's power in a MT. It's just really hard to give a unbiased opinion after driving the 135i, when its the torque and the hp that really makes it sooo much fun for me. Take a test drive, its the only way to know.
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      09-10-2013, 09:09 AM   #10
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2011 BMW 1M  [7.33]
I'm fortunate enough to have a 1M and a 128i vert. Completely different animals with different goals. The vert is my daily driver, and I enjoy it for what it is. It may be the last of the NA, inline 6s with RWD and manual. With 230bhp there will be no need to check your shorts off the line, but the overall experience (save for the universally despised RF tires) is akin to that of a classic E30. Since my infatuation with BMW started with an '84 318i, I enjoy driving the vert because it's a reminder of roots.
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      09-10-2013, 09:20 AM   #11
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Hope this doesn’t start an N52 vs. 54(or 55) fight. 1addicts seems more mature than E90post, so fingers crossed.

The N52 is an absolutely superb motor. Tough to make big power on due to strength constraints, but out of the box it’s as sweet as NA I6s get. Never had the chance to drive an N52 powered 1, but the 328s I’ve driven have been very enjoyable. You can rev them out in the city to a degree that’s not really feasible with the boosted cars. Realistically, I just can’t have fun with my motor on the daily commute, save for a 30 second stretch of bridge where I can get through 4th gear with some gusto.
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      09-10-2013, 09:24 AM   #12
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2011 BMW 1M  [7.33]
Oops. Yeah. Earlier post not intended as an N54/N52 or NA/FI bait. As I said, just different animals with different goals. The 1M has gobs of torque and it's almost hard to find substantial road to realise the potential (read: go to a track). The 128i is a little more accessible for daily driving, and has more of the old-school E30-like handling. Not exactly the same, but as close as it gets these days with all the morbidly obese offerings of BMW (4 series? Really?).
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      09-14-2013, 07:17 AM   #13
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Back to back i prefer the n52 w/disa and tune (aka my 130i), more like 270bhp... Smoother in every way, doesn't feel slower, and sounds better

Modding a fair bit though, can't pass up the n54... Or if you're staying stock on the 128i with 230bhp
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      09-14-2013, 08:00 AM   #14
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as a daily driver, I love my n52. I love it even more when driving spiritedly. I prefer my motors to make power at red line and not 2000rpm before it. however, in comparison to the n54/5 it is slow. but it isn't slow compared to 90 percent of the cars on the road, despite what every 135i owner tries to tell you. it's still as fast if not faster than GTI's, for example. the biggest difference is the lack of low end torque, as stated above. however, it all comes down to preference. I find my n52 more fun to drive in every instance with its smooth liner powerband. and yes, I've driven n54's, yes theyre fast, but that doesnt mean shit on the street. in the end, it honestly comes down to preference. I'll admit I wanted the n54 when I first started my search, but after driving the 128 I was 100% satisfied and figured I'd save money and the headache.

another benefit is I can track my car all day long bone stock, and never get limp mode, can't say the same for the turbo variants(without cooling mods)

edit: I forgot to mention that mine is know at 130i specs. meaning, 260hp at the crank and 220 at the rear wheels. I'll have headers on soon enough that will bump it up a tad more. if anyone goes n52 I highly suggest the intake manifold swap and a tune to compliment it. really makes the car all around more enjoyable.
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      09-14-2013, 08:12 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CL 19 View Post
Hi guys. Just curious about our brother on 1 series, which is 128i. Some article said that 128i is actually fun to drive and pure driving pleasure. It has exactly the same engine with 135i except for the forced induction used by 128i (naturally aspirated). Other than that 128i also 100+ lbs lighter than 135i makes me wonder what it can do with proper suspension modifications, wheels and tires setup. Any of you from 128i or even 135i can chime on this one?

I know in term of power, 135i should be more fun compared to its little brother but NA engine is always fun to play with. Please help my curiosity guys . Just wondering how it feels to drive the smaller (in terms of power) sibling. How's the efficiency as well? I know even though NA doesn't boost much power but the fuel efficiency is not so good. Is it worth a test drive to know how it feels?

I'm thinking to post this thread under 128i but I'm afraid they will be very bias toward their opinion so posting under 135i should be more fair and neutral (I hope so).

Let discuss about our sibling guys! Thank you!
The 128i is NOT the same exact motor as 135i sans turbos. The 128i uses the n52 motor, the n54 is closer to the m54 on the e46 platform with turbos. The n52 is much lighter and efficient than the m54.

I own a n52 albeit not 128i. My Z4 3.0si share the same motor as the e90 330i and it is an absolute pleasure to drive. The 135i obviously has more torque and that's where the majority of the fun comes from; I'm genuinely impressed with the motor everyday.

The n52 however is rev happy and exciting to drive, it just lacks the top end of the 135i. On track I have no issues keeping up with higher hp cars given the lighter weight of the car, which I imagine would be the same for the 1-series platform. The n52 will be a classic motor, the last i6 n/a from BMW.

Overall the n54/55 is better for everyday driving but I'll take the n/a inline and its reliability for track any day.
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      09-14-2013, 08:27 AM   #16
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I love my 128i.

Even though I have a S54, I don't have any concerns with power, getting up to speed, etc.

Really a fun car, it likes to rev, and especially since I have a car sans sunroof it is very quick to respond to inputs.


Kind of a miata or s2000 car. just an enjoyable car to drive IMO
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      09-16-2013, 11:57 AM   #17
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Couldn't be happier with my 128i. And whenever I feel like it could use a little more hp, I just drive around like an 80 year old man for about 15 minutes or so, then hammer the gas and it feels like a rocket all over again.
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      09-16-2013, 12:30 PM   #18
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