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





 

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-27-2009, 07:46 PM   #1
firefly335i
Registered
4
Rep
1
Posts

Drives: 128i
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Arizona

iTrader: (0)

Naturally Aspirated or Turbo

Any advice on going with either the turbo or the naturally aspirated would be appreciated. Dunno which is a better choice it seems most people have opted to go with the N series. Why is that?
Appreciate 0
      06-27-2009, 09:36 PM   #2
blklacker
Captain
blklacker's Avatar
50
Rep
657
Posts

Drives: 135i
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: seattle

iTrader: (0)

?
__________________

-135i BSM, CRBL ,custom front lip/Indianapolis red fade, blacked out tail lights/corner headlights, golf tee, BMS Air intake, SSTT, CF spoiler,Powdered coated OEM rims gunmetal high gloss,custom Rear diffuser Black/Indianapolis red fade
Appreciate 0
      06-27-2009, 10:22 PM   #3
frimmelnojerz
Captain
frimmelnojerz's Avatar
United_States
23
Rep
692
Posts

Drives: Montego blue 135i
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Bayonne, NJ

iTrader: (0)

go with the 128
__________________
08' 135 in much need of some TLC.
But after that... Watch out.
AA/Berk/ER/UR/CP-e/Snow/ESS
Appreciate 0
      06-28-2009, 02:53 PM   #4
e82vette
Captain
United_States
25
Rep
627
Posts

Drives: 128i
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (1)

I think most people go w/ 135
Appreciate 0
      07-05-2009, 01:51 AM   #5
raceman
Private First Class
2
Rep
108
Posts

Drives: E82
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: East Europe

iTrader: (0)

Depending on target, but N52 can be very nicely tuned to around 300HP, although with N54 is simplier and shorter way to get let say 370-400 HP.
With deeper tuning N52 can reach 400 HP without turbo what would be my personal preference over 400 HP with N54.
Anything over that requires lot of knowledge and work, so might be not the best choice.
So far I'm working on N52 with 300-310 HP target without touching engine itself, result will be reported shortly.
Appreciate 0
      07-05-2009, 02:00 AM   #6
e82vette
Captain
United_States
25
Rep
627
Posts

Drives: 128i
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by raceman View Post
Depending on target, but N52 can be very nicely tuned to around 300HP, although with N54 is simplier and shorter way to get let say 370-400 HP.
With deeper tuning N52 can reach 400 HP without turbo what would be my personal preference over 400 HP with N54.
Anything over that requires lot of knowledge and work, so might be not the best choice.
So far I'm working on N52 with 300-310 HP target without touching engine itself, result will be reported shortly.
do you hate turbo?
Appreciate 0
      07-05-2009, 03:05 AM   #7
NJ135
First Lieutenant
United_States
27
Rep
308
Posts

Drives: 08 BMW 135i
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Union NJ

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2008 135i  [0.00]
if you have a brain youd get a 135
__________________
Appreciate 0
      07-05-2009, 05:04 AM   #8
bozola
Unloved BMW Addict
bozola's Avatar
United_States
86
Rep
1,185
Posts

Drives: Z3 Coupe, 3 318Ti
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: King County WA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
1999 Z3 Coupe  [10.00]
1998 318Ti  [0.00]
1998 318Ti  [10.00]
2008 128i  [9.00]
I have a brain.. and got a 128.

It's awesome.

But to answer the OP question, IMHO there is no wrong choice. 128 or 135 both very nice, very fast cars.

1 is a bit faster, and a bit more expensive
Appreciate 0
      07-05-2009, 05:05 AM   #9
BMW86
Major General
Australia
395
Rep
9,156
Posts

Drives: RS3 Sedan / Macan S
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

135i given... they're both essentially the same car but the 135i is for people who want the extra power. however there are plenty of 128i drivers who are content with the power output of the N52.
Appreciate 0
      07-05-2009, 06:47 AM   #10
Evice
Major
Evice's Avatar
193
Rep
1,457
Posts

Drives: E92M3
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Somewhere here

iTrader: (1)

unless you are gonna take it to track, autox or events like that, get 128.. It is powerful enough
__________________
Appreciate 0
      07-05-2009, 01:03 PM   #11
bozola
Unloved BMW Addict
bozola's Avatar
United_States
86
Rep
1,185
Posts

Drives: Z3 Coupe, 3 318Ti
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: King County WA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
1999 Z3 Coupe  [10.00]
1998 318Ti  [0.00]
1998 318Ti  [10.00]
2008 128i  [9.00]
IMHO, the 128 is underrated on this forum.

But it is a GREAT car.
Appreciate 0
      07-05-2009, 05:10 PM   #12
vash_241987
Private
15
Rep
74
Posts

Drives: 99 corolla
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Corpus christi, Tx

iTrader: (0)

I don't have either cars, but IMO, if you want a boosted car get the 135i so you don't have to hassle with factory warranty and spend who knows how much for the turbo installation. Or if your really dying to have you turbo fix, maybe trade-in the 128 for the 135? I've heard this before with guys who want to buy a mkiv supra. N/A or TT? Then again you can get a decent N/A, with high miles for about 13k, add in a turbo kit and others for about 7k, and you got yourself a nice boosted supra for about 20k, maybe more
Appreciate 0
      07-05-2009, 05:57 PM   #13
fmxomar
Major
94
Rep
1,245
Posts

Drives: bmw 135i
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: san diego, ca

iTrader: (15)

um please show me a n52 with 400 rwhp

Quote:
Originally Posted by raceman View Post
Depending on target, but N52 can be very nicely tuned to around 300HP, although with N54 is simplier and shorter way to get let say 370-400 HP.
With deeper tuning N52 can reach 400 HP without turbo what would be my personal preference over 400 HP with N54.
Anything over that requires lot of knowledge and work, so might be not the best choice.
So far I'm working on N52 with 300-310 HP target without touching engine itself, result will be reported shortly.
Appreciate 0
      08-05-2009, 04:49 PM   #14
SlicktopTTZ
Captain
SlicktopTTZ's Avatar
United_States
11
Rep
685
Posts

Drives: 91 300ZX Twin-Turbo, 2010 135i
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas

iTrader: (0)

That is what I was thinking, where is this 400whp N52? 400whp is hard to get out of any NA 3.0 liter without super-high revs/powerband or nitrous. Sure would sound sweet though!
Appreciate 0
      08-05-2009, 07:32 PM   #15
miro2296
Colonel
miro2296's Avatar
United_States
57
Rep
2,251
Posts

Drives: '08 Montego Blue BMW 135i
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Round Rock, TX

iTrader: (1)

OP, all would depend on your budget. If money is no matter, then you should go and test drive both and make a decision. Both cars are great cars, you can't go wrong either way!
__________________
-------------------------------------
BMW 135i/6 Speed/Montego Blue/Formula One Ceramic Tint/JB4 G4/AA Sport Intercooler/19 inch Iconz 880Z(19X8.5 & 19X10)/PSS 225/35 & 265/30/E93 M3 front sway bar/TRW front and rear Control Arms/BMS Drop In Filter/Dinan Exhaust/BlackLines/Upgraded \\\M RSFB
Appreciate 0
      08-05-2009, 08:28 PM   #16
myfirstone
Enlisted Member
3
Rep
40
Posts

Drives: 128i
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by e82vette View Post
I think most people go w/ 135
Actually, BMW moves more 128i models for one simple reason -- price.
Appreciate 0
      08-05-2009, 10:20 PM   #17
Fireflyer239
First Lieutenant
United_States
19
Rep
349
Posts

Drives: BMW, Jeep, Ducati & Harley
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: New Haven, CT

iTrader: (0)

Luv my Ti 128 w/ 6MT, Sport Pkg. and not much else. I enjoy knowing it doesn't have 40 lbs. of electric seat hardware clinging along for the ride. I think it has a radio but the tailpipe music is all I listen to, and I have no idea why I might need i-drive when everything works perfectly fine the way it is. During 95% of driving time - suburban and city streets, country 2-lanes, normal highway commuting - the 135's extra power would be of no use, but the extra 200 lbs. would always be there. My switch to Breyton GTS-R's and non-run-flats will soon save me 10+ lbs. per corner...anyone with me here?

Now, what about that other 5% of the time? Yeah...the boost would be nice - but I'll stick with "light and basic" for all the sense it makes the rest of the time. 5.7 sec 0-60 and 14.3 1/4 mile is nothing to sneeze at, let's face it - about the same as a Ferrari 328 GTS and just a tick behind the 348. If the 135 were a Hemi 'Cuda or 427 Chevelle, then the 128 would be the 383/396 version of same. Comparisons to Italian exotics and monster muscle aside, I feel BMW could have given us the extra 30-35 ponies still hiding in the ECU! Where's my plug-and-play upgrade?

Okay well, this is coming from a guy who is still very much in love with his lightweight, torquey, air-cooled '93 Ducati 900SS - and has not felt the need to "upgrade" to the 4-valve, watercooled superbike (I guess 0-100 in 8.5 seconds is enough for me!) So I'll say that before you decide you absolutely must have the twin turbos, surprise yourself by taking one of these (very eager) little buzz-saws up over 5,000 rpm and on to the 7K redline a few times (and DON'T do it with an automatic!!!), then relish that sweet torquey push when you toe the go-pedal at around 3,000.

In the end...just as a standard 911 plays second fiddle to its turbo stablemate, and as the standard 'Vette hands the limelight to the Z06, I understand the 128 will always reside in the shadow of its muscle-bound brother the 135, but when it comes to all-around goodness...N/A is A-OK!
Appreciate 0
      08-06-2009, 08:55 AM   #18
SlicktopTTZ
Captain
SlicktopTTZ's Avatar
United_States
11
Rep
685
Posts

Drives: 91 300ZX Twin-Turbo, 2010 135i
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas

iTrader: (0)

Nicely said, I also enjoyed my 300zx very much for 2 years before it was Twin-Turbo, no lag and no parts breaking, not to mention better gas mileage.
Appreciate 0
      08-06-2009, 12:00 PM   #19
bigmicj
Second Lieutenant
bigmicj's Avatar
United_States
39
Rep
235
Posts

Drives: 128i + M240iX
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LaLaLand

iTrader: (0)

If you ask me, the 128 is actually closer to the classic E30 325s than any other car in the BMW line up. I love my 128 with sport pack because it seems to be perfectly balanced on twisty highways. The power and torque are more than enough for slinging through 30 - 40mph curves without having to shift out of 2nd or 3rd. Surprisingly, if you visit the autocross track threads, you'll see the 128 is actually highly favored.

I guess it all comes down to what you want to do with your car.
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2009, 06:13 AM   #20
Yuzi
Second Lieutenant
Yuzi's Avatar
Canada
12
Rep
249
Posts

Drives: BMW 128i
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Richmond, BC

iTrader: (0)

I've driven both 128i/135i/328i. I will say 128i fits right in the middle. 135i is a very fast car and 128i is a fast car. If you plan to drive your 1er in a daily basis then I would recommend a 128i. Believe me a NA N52 engine is more mechanically sounded than the twin turbo N54. Check out the mechanical problems 135i had on in the maintenance section of the forum and compare to the 128i, the 135i problems just dominated the whole section. I also remember reading a write up on a magazine comparing a 128i and a VW R32. The 128i is actually faster than the R32 according to their test. I've also destroyed my friend's 2003 G35 with my 128i. So speed is not a concern on this lil car at all. It's up to you man~ how much desire of HP do you have~! I might be biased because I don't go to tracking at all so there's no need for the extra money on gas/power.

Peace
__________________
Currently driving 2003 HONDA S2000

128i | Jet Black | Premium package | Sport package | 18" Style 263 | 6MT | Injen Intake | BMS PowerBox |SOLD

Last edited by Yuzi; 08-10-2009 at 06:34 AM..
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2009, 11:32 PM   #21
Fireflyer239
First Lieutenant
United_States
19
Rep
349
Posts

Drives: BMW, Jeep, Ducati & Harley
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: New Haven, CT

iTrader: (0)

128i CAI

Quote:
Originally Posted by Yuzi View Post
I've driven both 128i/135i/328i. I will say 128i fits right in the middle. 135i is a very fast car and 128i is a fast car. If you plan to drive your 1er in a daily basis then I would recommend a 128i. Believe me a NA N52 engine is more mechanically sounded than the twin turbo N54. Check out the mechanical problems 135i had on in the maintenance section of the forum and compare to the 128i, the 135i problems just dominated the whole section. I also remember reading a write up on a magazine comparing a 128i and a VW R32. The 128i is actually faster than the R32 according to their test. I've also destroyed my friend's 2003 G35 with my 128i. So speed is not a concern on this lil car at all. It's up to you man~ how much desire of HP do you have~! I might be biased because I don't go to tracking at all so there's no need for the extra money on gas/power.

Peace
Let us know how you make out with that CAI!
Appreciate 0
      08-11-2009, 03:28 AM   #22
radiantm3
Apex Everything!
radiantm3's Avatar
United_States
967
Rep
4,378
Posts

Drives: 2007 Honda S2000, 2017 GT350
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Cedar Park, TX

iTrader: (6)

Garage List
2011 E92 M3  [9.35]
2014 BMW i3  [10.00]
First I just want to disclose that I'm in no way trying to say the 135i is a better car. Everyone has their reasons for choosig one or the other. However, I don't know why people say the n54 is of no use drivin daily on the streets. With all that low end torque, all the fun is available instantly without making a scene. I love hitting stop lights in the 135i. Getting up to speed is so much fun and you don't have to sound like you are tryin to race the car next to you. If anything, the 135i makes the better daily driver. The temptation to abuse the power is another story.
__________________
2011 E92 M3(Sold). 2007 Honda S2000 (Track Car). 2016 Cayman GT4 (Sold). 2017 Shelby GT350 (AKA Crowd Killer).

My pet project: https://stickershift.com
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:44 AM.




1addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST