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Re: Help to make a decision

I am in the process of making that decision as well. I have a 2007 MINI Cooper S, which has been great, but I want a BMW again and a convertible. The 128ic seems like a good option. Has anyone actually driven one with a stick and the M Sport Package? What about with the BMW Performance exhaust? (Is the exhaust a complete waste of money in comparisson to other brands, like Super Sprint, AC Schnitzer, etc?)

Thanks. I found a car for sale that has the M Sport and stick, so going to test drive it in the next week or so.

Living in the DC area, fyi, the 135i doesn't make much sense for me. I need a little cruising car that bops from place to place, with decent acceleration, but great handling and safety. I think the 128i meets these specs, so perhaps they would for you as well.<font color="#000000">2007 MINI Cooper S</font>
<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZBtrt14rL0w/Sr1KkosHE2I/AAAAAAAAATw/dfVdR1hw9E4/s128/IMGP1966.JPG"><br>
<font color="#000000">2005</font> <font color="#0000FF">BMW</font> <font color="#C0C0C0">Lotus Elise</font><BR>
<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZBtrt14rL0w/SiUezWYbkSI/AAAAAAAAAHw/LLHd8DgDhe0/s128/RGElise.jpg"><br>

Re: don't expect good fuel mileage if

wow!

Re: Help to make a decision

The 128 would be fine for me. The reliability isn't an issue for me with the 135, just that I prefer the mileage tradeoff of the 128. Our family has 2 328s and they're pretty darn good (not the speed monster of the -35 though). Another option for you to consider is the VW GTI if you're considering options.<img src="http://members.roadfly.com/drz/avatar.jpg"height="150" width="600">

don't expect good fuel mileage if

you only drive around in city traffic. I got about 14 mpg in the city with a 135ia, and I am not a lead foot. However, on the freeway, it got into the 30s.

I think he means the high pressure fuel pump.

What turbo problems?

There are no problems with the turbo that I have heard about. The only "problem" was related to an attempt by BMW to get rid of waste-gate rattle, which was deleted in subsequent releases of the ECU software because it caused turbo lag and power loss.

Help to make a decision

Now that the MINI JCW is out of my mind due to reliability and complains about current owners not to mention overpriced I am thinking about getting a brand new 1 series Convertible instead.
I have heard of some flaws that the twin turbo is now experiencing and I am not sure now if I really want a 135.
I know that I might miss out on all that power and speed of the 135 but on the long run would the 128 be a good choice? I want this car to last me for a very long time but would I be happy with this car to keep and have as a fun car?
I used to own a E46 and I still remember how I enjoyed driving that car except I always thought that car was too big for me. I really love small cars and the smaller they are the better for 2 good reasons, better gas milage and you can park them almost anywhere.
For all you 128 and 135 owners, sure would like your imputs, thanks.