Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisl
Stupenal: did you get the 128 with the M sport suspension? Before I found my (used) Cayman, I test drove the 128i and the BRZ extensively, and I found the same difference you mentioned between the regular 128i and BRZ, but the M-sport package on the 128i really firmed up the BMW, and pretty much negated that difference. I still didn't like the lack of an LSD, but unless you were really pushing it, the BMW felt just as responsive as the BRZ (as long as it had the M-sport), though perhaps not quite as quick to transition between corners. As you said, the BMW engine is much smoother (though no more powerful feeling overall), and the shifter isn't quite as easy to use for quick shifts.
That having been said, I absolutely agree with your final statement. They appeal to two related, but definitely distinct groups.
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I got the sport package, which is the same suspension as the m-sport package (just without the m sport bumpers and wheels). With a switch to lightweight wheels (17x8 BBS RK 16.8 lbs) and some non RFT (hankook v12s), the 128i handles much better and is a bit more responsive in steering. Of course, at this point, you can say the BRZ with wider wheels and stickier rubber would also do the same.
Quote:
Originally Posted by elbles
chrisl, I test drove the 1-series (128i, 135i, and 135is) quite a few times before getting my BRZ, and even in 135is form (which is essentially the M sport package on steroids, IIRC), it just didn't have the athleticism that the BRZ has out-of-the-box, particularly in steering response (the Bimmers just felt like boats by comparison, to me).
I wanted to love the BMW. I wanted to have one instead of the BRZ, because by and large, it's a much nicer vehicle. But the BMW suffered from the same problem as my GTI--I liked driving it, but I never felt inspired to just go out and drive it the way I do the BRZ. At the same time, for the cost of a new 1-series, I could own a BRZ Limited and have enough cash leftover to buy a very nice E46 or even an early E90 to serve as a DD of sorts.
In any case, I just figured I'd throw my two cents in after a few more months of ownership (and after just looking at used E46s for when winter comes, ha). The statement about the cars being made for two different groups of people are spot on, but I certainly wish there was something in between the two.
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Not sure how buying a new 1 series is equivalent in price to a BRZ limited PLUS an early e90. I did the math and a new 1 series via european delivery comes out to $29k and change, which is only a grand or 2 more than the BRZ limited.
The BMW 1 series is on it's way out (the new 2 series coupe looks HOT), and along with it goes the last of BMW's NA i6 motors and hydraulic steering. I wouldn't be surprised if idrive is also standard going forward (like the 3 series) so there goes the driver oriented simplistic interior. Hopefully others who are on the fence and leaning towards the 1 series will take action soon before it's too late.