We found the steering, cornering, and braking performance of the BMW 135i to be exemplary, perfectly matched to the huge acceleration power of the engine.
We haven't driven the 128i, but we expect it will also deliver a good measure of driving enjoyment. Its engine is very slightly larger (2996 cc vs. 2979 for the 135i) but breathes at atmospheric pressure without benefit of turbocharging. It does feature the same Valvetronic valvetrain management and aluminum/magnesium construction as the 135i unit. It develops 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque which, in the slightly lighter, 3250-pound 128i, should still get your attention when you put the pedal to the floor. BMW lists a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds, which is quite sprightly and just a second slower than the 135i, with the same electronically limited top speed.
Fuel economy is significantly better in the 128i, with EPA ratings of 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway with the manual transmission. (Again, the automatic picks up 1 additional mpg in the city.)
The standard suspension in the 128i is softer than in the 135i, but weight distribution is a marginally better 51/49. Brakes are 11.8-inch vented discs all around, but again, that should be more than adequate for the 128i's more modest; no, make that less extravagant performance.
Electronic driving aids abound in the 1 Series, including antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and cornering brake control, dynamic traction control, dynamic stability control, and a switch that can disable the DSC system for track days or generally more involving driving through the woods. That's ABS with EBD, CBC, DSC and traction control, for those who prefer acronyms. Next Page