GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk8 => Topic started by: Exonian on 07 October 2020, 05:37
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https://www.topgear.com/car-news/hot-hatch/new-bmw-128ti-cheaper-golf-gti
£32995 vs £33460 (spec sheets will no doubt differ a fair bit)
I think current BMW 1er PCP APR is sub 3%
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https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/bmw-guns-golf-gti-new-261bhp-128ti-hot-hatch
The BMW is an auto only, so even cheaper vs the Dsg golf...
Will be interesting to look at them in detail in terms of spec and price though.
From my musings with the 135i though, i know there will be at least two must haves i need to add... Acc and lumbar support. That's almost 2k on the price for items standard on the gti. The rest of the options probably i don't care about much.
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Georg Kacher gives it a very good review in the latest issue of CAR .
They also really like the new GTI, pitted against the new Civic Type-R
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I was going to say, if you remember that the 128Ti comes with an 8 speed Auto as standard, bigger performance brakes (much bigger than the standard MK8 GTI units), the Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential form the M135i (tweaked), and the BMW Idrive system with the professional 10" screen as standard (the Discover Pro in the MK8 costs an additional - £1,600) etc.
If you configure a MK8 GTI in white with DSG, Discover Pro and Winter pack (as the BMW comes with heated seats as standard), the price is £36,830 vs the BMW 128Ti bog standard (similar or better spec) at the announced £32,995, then even before options, it seems the BMW (which is also more powerful) is already nearly £4k cheaper (at list prices)!
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Opinions are divided over the looks of the new BMW 1 Series. There are a few near where I live and in darker colours they actually look pretty good. The one in our road is a dark metallic grey/silver and I like it.
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Yeah, looks are subjective. I'm not that keen on the 1 Series looks personally. So i'd buy the GTi instead on that basis. Still, at least BMW didn't completely ruin it by sticking that 4 Series /M3 grille on it.
I reckon spec will be swings and roundabouts, so price comparisons will depend on your ideal spec. For example the GTi gets adaptive matrix LED headlights and a heated steering wheel as standard. IIRC these are cost options on the 135i.
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I was going to say, if you remember that the 128Ti comes with an 8 speed Auto as standard, bigger performance brakes (much bigger than the standard MK8 GTI units), the Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential form the M135i (tweaked), and the BMW Idrive system with the professional 10" screen as standard (the Discover Pro in the MK8 costs an additional - £1,600) etc.
If you configure a MK8 GTI in white with DSG, Discover Pro and Winter pack (as the BMW comes with heated seats as standard), the price is £36,830 vs the BMW 128Ti bog standard (similar or better spec) at the announced £32,995, then even before options, it seems the BMW (which is also more powerful) is already nearly £4k cheaper (at list prices)!
Unless you really want voice control or gesture control, I reckon the Nav Pro is a waste of money at £1600. The standard nav screen in the GTi is already 10 inches. I think gesture control is also an optional extra on the 1 Series.
Edit: it seems the 10.25 inch nav screen on the 128ti is part of the Live Cockpit Professional option at £1k. The standard screen is 8.8 inches. It looks like there's no active cruise control as standard either.
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Really like the spec sheet for the 128Ti.
I was looking forward to getting back into a GTI after almost 3 years in an Arteon (also a great car), but disappointed in the cost Vs spec, and a few design decisions. The lack of physical controls for the Aircon/heating systems is a deal breaker for me (why VW, why!!!).
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I wonder why all the press release images for the 128ti are in white, surely the worst colour for it.
I also really like the spec sheet, will be interesting to read the road test comparisons when they come out.
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Unless you really want voice control or gesture control, I reckon the Nav Pro is a waste of money at £1600. The standard nav screen in the GTi is already 10 inches. I think gesture control is also an optional extra on the 1 Series.
Edit: it seems the 10.25 inch nav screen on the 128ti is part of the Live Cockpit Professional option at £1k. The standard screen is 8.8 inches. It looks like there's no active cruise control as standard either.
I think we don't understand clearly what NavPro gives you on the Mk8, the same that we didn't understand it well on the Mk7/7.5 until people actually had them.
I think you also need Live Cockpit Pro for ACP/AA.
AAC is definitely an additional cost on the BMW, as is lumbar support!
I added:
tech pack (gives you loads of things including the EXCELLENT BMW HUD that I loved on the M135i and matrix LED's)
Automatic Cruise Control (which I really use on my Golf Mk7.x)
Live Cockpit Pro
Lumbar support
Didn't mess with colour or wheels..... its £36,970..... definitely under 40k even if I go nuts with more crap on it.
Still waiting for my Mk8 GTI quote from my dealer, but on the face of it, that's:
1) not far off a Mk8 GTI DSG list price, with extra kit
2) I expect bigger discounts and better PCP APR from BMW
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The seats not having lumbar on the BMW is odd (cheap?), but always seems to be a cost option for BMWs (at least on the 1 and 2 series). I could live without ACC and the HUD etc, and i'd have to deselect the exterior red details and add lumbar, but otherwise it's a well spec'd car which would suit me fine.
Hoping the lease deals will be on par for those currently available for the M135i/M235i.
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Strangely, assuming it’s the same as the 135i although there’s no standard lumbar adjustability it has electric bolsters instead.
Arty BMW ad: https://youtu.be/32xURLpFfkA
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TBH, the Mk7 GTD/GTI was the only car I looked at back in 2014 that had lumbar support as standard.
Audi, BMW, you pay.
Was one of my must haves then, still is now. Prepared to pay rather than suffer.
Don't think you can delete the red accents. If you choose some of the colours, they don't have them.... blue for example.
I quite like them TBH.
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In the configurator you can deselect the red trim, and it replaces it with gloss black in the preview image of the car (as the option is added/removed).
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The more i look at the 128, the more it grows on me...
Always had VAG cars though...
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Oh yes. You can delete the red.... i rather like it tho.
There is a TI decal in front of the rear wheels too...
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I think Lumbar support for £150 is the last thing you ask for to be thrown in just as you are about to agree the deal.
I doubt any salesman in his right mind would say no for that kind of money :laugh:
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I think you are looking at about 14% discounts on these btw.... including PCP deposit contrib.
Which is 3% more than VW look likely to offer and if you go with actual PCP, an interest rate almost half of that from VWFS.
Not got hard figures from either yet, but will share when I do.
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It’ll be really interesting to see what figures you get back Fred. That bmw looks very tempting even though I love VW.
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Opinions are divided over the looks of the new BMW 1 Series. There are a few near where I live and in darker colours they actually look pretty good. The one in our road is a dark metallic grey/silver and I like it.
I don't like that huge chrome grill!
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I don't like that huge chrome grill!
You can swap that out for a black one if you like.
A lot of M135i lot have done it.
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Opinions are divided over the looks of the new BMW 1 Series. There are a few near where I live and in darker colours they actually look pretty good. The one in our road is a dark metallic grey/silver and I like it.
I don't like that huge chrome grill!
The 128ti doesn't have a chrome grille
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Actually, correct, no chrome grill.
Have a look here: https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0318069EN/the-new-bmw-128ti
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Actually, correct, no chrome grill.
Have a look here: https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0318069EN/the-new-bmw-128ti
That doesn't look bad actually, if I was wanting to change one of these looks a better bet than a MK8 GTI. My OH would never talk to me again though as for some reason she intensely dislikes BMWs. Win win! :laugh: :whistle:
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The thing to think about in terms of price too... This is more like gti pp dsg performance, lsd and brakes.. For less than the basic gti price.
And you can have rear tints too for those narco deals.
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Actually, correct, no chrome grill.
Have a look here: https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0318069EN/the-new-bmw-128ti
It's face really reminds me of the Joker, from Batman. The red accents look like his scars. Still looks better than the Golf, though.
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So, in the sakes of fairness, whilst the GTI loses out on basic price (and perhaps quality), it does counter with some extra equipment that is optional on the BMW
1. Keyless entry - standard (£500 option on BMW)
2. 3 Zone climate control - standard (only 2 zone on the BMW)
3. Safety pack - standard (Travel assist, adaptive cruise, side assist, lane assist, emergency assist (£1000 option on BMW)
4. IQ matrix LED Headlights - standard - (BMW IQ Headlights are £500 option)
5. Heated Steering Wheel - Standard (£150 option on BMW) - anyone else find it weird you get a heated steering wheel but not seats ?
6. Load though system and lumbar support (each are a £150 option with BMW)
7. Digital dash on GTI Standard (Only contained in BMW Live cockpit professional for £1000, and arguably a worse implementation)
8. Wireless phone charging (£350 option on BMW)
9. Manual gearbox available on GTI (for £1,500 less than the DSG) - no manual option on BMW
BMW Counter with
1. More power 265ps vs 245ps
2. More Torque 400 Nm vs 375Nm
3. Mechanical LSD - Electronic only on GTI
4. 4 pot 360mm Front brakes (312mm single pot on GTI)
5. 2 pot 330mm rear brakes (300mm single pot on GTI)
6. Heated seats standard on BMW (£270 winter pack option on GTI)
7. Extendable seat squab (not available on GTI)
So if you add the "missing" equipment above to the BMW it's an addition £3,800 (£500+£1000+£500+£150+£300+£1000+£350), it would bring the 128Ti basic price to £37,120 vs £34,960 for the GTI (DSG), plus the £270 you would have to add for Winter pack on the GTI make it actually actually £35,230. That's always assuming of course the "missing" equipment matters to you at all.
Also, don't' forget the BMW will always have more power, more torque, the LSD and much more powerful and blingy brakes as standard, and BMW has some much nicer colours to choose from as well - mmm.. Misano blue....
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I had a reply about my quote request.... its going to be a week or so before its available for a finance quote.
Seems its not just VW that are disorganised German car makers.
I would have thought having your product to sell on the day you start your advertising would be a good idea if you wanted max impact. Given that most new cars are sold on dealer/OEM finance, having that ready should be your priority.
If you've already decided a cash price and have finance systems already, surely inputting some figures for a new model can't be hard can it??
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Just sums up how poor car dealerships are at providing a decent service to the paying client. I've come across one or two very good salesmen but they are the exception. And as for websites.....
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A lot being mentioned on the £150 lumbar, but on a BMW you get multiple adjustable zones & electric controlled - not just a lever that pokes you in the back a bit more based on a guess that's where you need it. You do want it though, the standard seats are a touch lacking.
Shame it doesn't have the M135i's hardback seats.
I'd want to have a go of that 'box too. The ZF8 in my old M135i was superbly calibrated and I loved that it would hold a gear and not auto-upshift - unlike my DSG.
The 8sp in the front draggers is the same as I have in my XC40, and whilst I imagine it'll have BMW's own settings, rather than those of a slushy LOLVO, it's just not quite as nice as even DSG, never mind the ZF8.
I've got my fantasy one at a more than happy with the spec £35,780.
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Watched a walk-around and chat with the BMW development guy on the 128ti yesterday by coincidence. Sounds like they have put a lot of effort in to create an exciting FWD hatch. It really seems well priced against the GTI in terms of hardware such as power, brakes, 8spd auto.
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The BMW has REALLY got my attention, the 1 series in general in fact, the more I see them the more I like them.
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The BMW has REALLY got my attention, the 1 series in general in fact, the more I see them the more I like them.
https://www.specsavers.co.uk/book-and-shop-online
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:grin: :grin: :grin:
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Actually the 1 series look is really growing on me, especially compared to the huge plastic mouth that adorns the new MK8 GTI. I still think the MK7.5 GTI's / R's and GTD's hit that sweet spot on looks though.
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Curiosity got the better of me and I've an M135i arriving TBC on a 24hr test.
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Curiosity got the better of me and I've an M135i arriving TBC on a 24hr test.
You know you signed the piece of paper that said "I shall write a review on the GolfGTI forum" :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Ha!
I'll not buy one, it's too capable. I want to suss that 'box and driving position.
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Slight detour
In Autocar 7 Oct, the edition with a short GTI test drive on UK roads and this 128ti, there is a preview of the Hyundai i20N 1.6l 200PS manual only £20,000. More of a Fiesta competitor and gets a very positive preview.
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Slight detour
In Autocar 7 Oct, the edition with a short GTI test drive on UK roads and this 128ti, there is a preview of the Hyundai i20N 1.6l 200PS manual only £20,000. More of a Fiesta competitor and gets a very positive preview.
Yes, I spotted those protype drives on i20N as well. Very interesting to see final version and the full reviews. Obviously going up against Polo GTI and Fiesta ST, but excited to see how it fares and what the full specification is.
But back on topic, I popped down to VW dealer and they had a GTE (in black) in the showroom could only see it from window as I got there after dealership shut.
Putting aside they are only 17” I do quite like the Bakersfield alloys. On the car colour, I am not sure black helps the look of the car, but at the same time it does blend with some of the black plastic trim especially on front bumper which seems to stand out on other colours too much.
Sorry, can’t really give any other views but the large front grille still seems to look awkward but better than standard car look.
Definitely back on topic this time. Popped into BMW dealer yesterday to take a look. I’m still not sure about the looks on 1 series but will certainly have to give a 128ti some consideration. Definitely interested to hear feedback from everyone’s M135i experiences
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I love a scrappy hatch, more the better.
The 1series’ chrome grills do nothing for it, reminds me of an Allegro VP. Much better in black.
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Hi all, I had the Polo 2litre Gti and had decided 12 months ago to wait for the Mk8. However yesterday I did a deal on the new 128ti. Why? 1. Cost. I got the 128 for £32k, delivery November. 2. I like driving not playing with the stupid touch screen info display and steering wheel of the Mk8.
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Ooh! What was it listing at? i.e. what did you get off??
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I received about £2k discount. Paying £32k. Mk8 equivalent £35.5k
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Quite light on the options then.
There’s around 12% off new M135is being advertised, maybe more being achieved? I guess there’s not quite as much wiggle room in the ti with it being so new. I got 22% off my old arse driven M135i back in the day, so there’s plenty of margin in their cars.
Have they been able to quote APR, if you’re buying it that way?? I know there’s some 2.9% deals on at the mo.
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I’m cash buyer. Also getting on so timing is important. I realised a few years ago that a performance car, driven on the road, does not need a pile of upgrades. Power, suspension, chassis and concentration sums it up. A review of the Gti shows it takes 7(?) finger jabs of the screen to access suspension settings!! :🤔
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Makes sense, a lot of discount is tied up in you borrowing the money. I bought this one cash as VW finance is sponsored by Dick Turpin.
I’m old enough to have grown up in the glory days of hilariously dangerous tin cans - funny how lift off oversteer and featherweight have given over to AWD grip and ‘planted’.
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The cheapest way is to take the PCP deposit contribution then pay it off straight away. If you have cash and aren't doing that then you are literally just throwing a sizeable chunk of money in the bin. Just saying...
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The cheapest way is to take the PCP deposit contribution then pay it off straight away.
This is exactly what I’ve just done, which IMO is a no brainier if you’re in a position to do this.
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Yep, far and away the best plan. :whistle:
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A review of the Gti shows it takes 7(?) finger jabs of the screen to access suspension settings!! :🤔
Only if you have DCC.... the 128TI solves that problem by not even letting you have DCC :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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PCP deals showing £3100+ deposit contribution and 2.9% already.
Ignore the 118i typo, it's deffo a 128ti
https://www.john-clark.co.uk/bmw/new-car-offers/1-series-128ti-sport/
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Thats my 'local' dealer and thats the contribution and rate I've been given :smiley:
Had a sit in a 1 series today - its a very very nice place to be. Pictures don't do it justice, the quality is easily up there if not better than my S4 and knocks VW into a cocked hat. Only trouble is its made me want the proper digital dash which is another 1k. Will have to wait and see what VW come back with regarding financing before making a decision, but seeing a '1' in the flesh hasn't made the decision easier.
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PCP deals showing £3100+ deposit contribution and 2.9% already.
Ignore the 118i typo, it's deffo a 128ti
https://www.john-clark.co.uk/bmw/new-car-offers/1-series-128ti-sport/
When the full bmw discounts kick in that’s going to be insanely cheap for what it is. I really like the look of the Mk8 Clubsport but the 128 is hard to ignore.
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It's ace there's so many good cars to choose from.
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What kind of discounts are people expecting on the 1 Series then? From looking around the web they don't really seem any greater than DTD are offering on the GTi. Admittedly the PCP % rate looks better.
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Yeah, about the same - whether you can negotiate more is another matter.
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My cousin has always had BMWs and it’s like shooting fish in a barrel. I think 4-5k will be achievable at some point.
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I got circa £6600 off my M135i, pre covid admittedly. I think there are some good discounts achievable on BMWs. In my case I got them to match the best Carwow deal I was offered at the time.
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I reckon you’ll see £4k off a base car.
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Thats my 'local' dealer and thats the contribution and rate I've been given :smiley:
Had a sit in a 1 series today - its a very very nice place to be. Pictures don't do it justice, the quality is easily up there if not better than my S4 and knocks VW into a cocked hat. Only trouble is its made me want the proper digital dash which is another 1k. Will have to wait and see what VW come back with regarding financing before making a decision, but seeing a '1' in the flesh hasn't made the decision easier.
I think the standard dials are actually nice and would be tempted not to have the £1k full digital one as it isn't really that great - backward rev counter, map in between is ok but not as detailed as a Mk7.5 and you can't really change much about it. It does display quite a lot of info but it's nothing like the Audi one. Think the proper M cars maybe can change to a central rev counter. Doesn't bother me too much as most of the time I'm in hybrid mode :grin:
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If it was genuine analogue dials I would agree but the standard set of dials on the 1 looks quite naff. I think this is different to to set up on the 3 series and others. I do agree that even the full digital BMW set up is not great - however you also get a bigger, sharper infotainment screen as well.
Still haven't made my mind up re GTI vs 128 - the 128 appears to be 'better' and cheaper than the GTI on paper - but the GTI is iconic, and I kindov prefer the overall image of being a GTI owner... decisions decisions.
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Yes there is quite a difference between the full 1k option and standard 1 series dials.... quite a difference.... but it is 1k.... probably would go for it though.
I do agree after all of the discussion about the Mk7.5 AID being a bit basic that actually something that looks like Candy Crush is actually less functional.
Apart from anything else, I find low contrast colours hard to read at night - the clocks and stereo on my daughter's Mini are orange and at night I really cannot read them at all. Makes speeding tickets highly probable, I try not to drive it in the dark!
Less is definitely more.
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BMW weight the GFV for certain options, so adding more on for key spec. I know it's a bit topsy-turvy, but that £1k nav would probably in reality cost you £600.
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They all do that. Some options you have some residual value on, most you pay for the whole price. Can't remember which of the mk7 ones had some value, I did work it out back in 2014.
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Followed a BMW 118i in mineral grey the other day and it looked really good, they look different in real life! like other posters it makes you think whether to go BMW 128ti or M135i (from new stock.)
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I'm still waiting to get a drive of the 128. If it's anything like as good as the 135 then you'll probably struggle to buy one because bmw won't be able to make them fast enough...
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Trigger pulled - 128 incoming. Much better deal financially than VW (to be fair I didn't haggle hard with them), much better quality interior, more power, will be here this side of xmas.
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I went into my local BMW dealership yesterday (the one where various forum members seem to think I have my own coffee mug :whistle:)
They told me that they won't have a 128TI for me to look at until about 2 weeks time. That even the UK landing date isn't available yet, let alone them actually knowing when they will have it.... but its soon.
They promised me a phone call just as soon as they could book test drives though.
Of course, I have the same offer open from my VW dealership just as soon as they get a GTI too.
And then Boris has put a spanner in the works with all of that :cry:
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I went into my local BMW dealership yesterday (the one where various forum members seem to think I have my own coffee mug :whistle:)
They told me that they won't have a 128TI for me to look at until about 2 weeks time. That even the UK landing date isn't available yet, let alone them actually knowing when they will have it.... but its soon.
They promised me a phone call just as soon as they could book test drives though.
Of course, I have the same offer open from my VW dealership just as soon as they get a GTI too.
And then Boris has put a spanner in the works with all of that :cry:
My local Vw told me they’d be open even during a lockdown. Might be worth checking.
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They may be open for servicing and MOT's but it says on gov.uk site that car dealerships will be closed. You may be able deal with them via phone or email but I'd be surprised if they are offering things like viewings or test drives 🤷♂️
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They told me they’d be fully open but it’s almost like a dealer isn’t sure what they’re doing. Very unlike them. :whistle:
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Yeah as usual, speak first and check later :grin:
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I got a discounted quote today. 32.7k base car gets just over 4k knocked off.
Four years of eight thousand miles a year and it's worth just under 13k.
£1700 deposit and its yours for £349 a month.
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I got a discounted quote today. 32.7k base car gets just over 4k knocked off.
Four years of eight thousand miles a year and it's worth just under 13k.
£1700 deposit and its yours for £349 a month.
Looks a good deal compared to gti figures. What are your thoughts, Fred? I think that the 128 and 135 are real contenders when I change.
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The interest rate is 2.6% too.... That's less than half vw's and a lot more realistic.
I'm waiting to see a three year gfv, but reckon I've got about sixty quid of extras to add and more miles, think it's likely to be maybe 460 maybe?
Gotta wait until next week for some more figures now.
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The interest rate is 2.6% too.... That's less than half vw's and a lot more realistic.
I'm waiting to see a three year gfv, but reckon I've got about sixty quid of extras to add and more miles, think it's likely to be maybe 460 maybe?
Gotta wait until next week for some more figures now.
I’d be really interested to see how you get on. Wonder when they’ll be in dealers to test drive?
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They were meant to be calling me probably next week to arrange the test drive. There are no 128's in the UK yet at all.
Covid of course decided to have different ideas...
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I got a discounted quote today. 32.7k base car gets just over 4k knocked off.
Four years of eight thousand miles a year and it's worth just under 13k.
£1700 deposit and its yours for £349 a month.
So you pay 25k over 4 years for a 28k car and it's worth 13k?
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So you pay 25k over 4 years for a 28k car and it's worth 13k?
No, you pay £18,452 over four years then give it back and to you it's worth nothing or pay a further £13,000, so a total of £31,452, and keep it.
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That's more like it, shocking late night maths!
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The other thing to read with GFV's is that they should be a fairly indicative price of what you could sell your car for at that age/mileage.
I was also told btw that every thousand miles extra on the deal would be a fiver a month.... I didn't see what the over mileage charge was but thats £235 for a thousand miles... probably be cheaper to pay it (my VW one is 10p a mile).
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I got a discounted quote today. 32.7k base car gets just over 4k knocked off.
Four years of eight thousand miles a year and it's worth just under 13k.
£1700 deposit and its yours for £349 a month.
Is that through a local dealer?
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No, one of the brokers.
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No, one of the brokers.
Have you got many options to add?
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I think it's about sixty quids worth. Tech pack, pro dash, acc and lumbar.
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How does this look for a lease deal?
https://www.stablevehiclecontracts.co.uk/car-leasing/bmw/1-series/1-series-hatchback/m135i-xdrive-5dr-step-auto-2021?term=48&mileage=5000&profile=9&utm_source=Mailchimp&utm_campaign=MC_C07112020&utm_medium=Email
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How does this look for a lease deal?
https://www.stablevehiclecontracts.co.uk/car-leasing/bmw/1-series/1-series-hatchback/m135i-xdrive-5dr-step-auto-2021?term=48&mileage=5000&profile=9&utm_source=Mailchimp&utm_campaign=MC_C07112020&utm_medium=Email
There are better deals TBH. I tend to find Stable a bit expensive. If 5k miles is enough then fair enough, but I'm not keen on the big upfront payment or the leasing beyond the end of the warranty.
Here is a cheaper 4 year deal
https://leasing.com/independent-brokers/car-leasing-made-simple/bmw/1-series/613869117/
3 years more expensive obviously, but gets around the warranty issue
https://leasing.com/independent-brokers/car-leasing-made-simple/bmw/1-series/613869968/
I'm not saying either are amazing deals, but they are the best around at the moment
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I got a discounted quote today. 32.7k base car gets just over 4k knocked off.
Four years of eight thousand miles a year and it's worth just under 13k.
£1700 deposit and its yours for £349 a month.
Seems a good deal, I got just under 4k off with 3.5k of options. £1500 down, 10k miles a year and 450 a month. It was in the ballpark I was expecting but now wondering if I could have pushed a bit harder.
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The other thing to read with GFV's is that they should be a fairly indicative price of what you could sell your car for at that age/mileage.
I was also told btw that every thousand miles extra on the deal would be a fiver a month.... I didn't see what the over mileage charge was but thats £235 for a thousand miles... probably be cheaper to pay it (my VW one is 10p a mile).
Ive given up telling them what actual mileage I do and now just take the car as 8k miles per year to keep the price down.
I went under with one car at 12k miles per year and they don't give you the difference back.
So the next car I put 10k and went way over it. Come trade in time the extra mileage didn't matter a jot. The difference on WBAC for quotes with different mileage was negligible.
For me it will only really come in to the equation if you hand them back the keys and walk away, which I doubt I'd ever do.
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Ive given up telling them what actual mileage I do and now just take the car as 8k miles per year to keep the price down.
I went under with one car at 12k miles per year and they don't give you the difference back.
So the next car I put 10k and went way over it. Come trade in time the extra mileage didn't matter a jot. The difference on WBAC for quotes with different mileage was negligible.
For me it will only really come in to the equation if you hand them back the keys and walk away, which I doubt I'd ever do.
That is a really insightful comment - that plus my calculation that you actually pay more for the mileage monthly than you would in the end anyway, makes me think knock it right right back and take the gamble.
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I know this is a million dollar question but what’s everyone feelings about better deals coming along next year or do you feel things will only get worse? I always find people’s take on things and knowledge really interesting, I know it’s impossible to know but other people’s gut feelings are usually better than mine!
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I know this is a million dollar question but what’s everyone feelings about better deals coming along next year or do you feel things will only get worse? I always find people’s take on things and knowledge really interesting, I know it’s impossible to know but other people’s gut feelings are usually better than mine!
With Vw price increases I fear it will only get worse. I’m a proper ray of sunshine today!
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Generally prices go up - there will be smoke and mirrors with the finance package, standard options and what not but over any meaningful period of time the price only goes one way.
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Yeah it will go up about 3-4% in January. That's assuming they don't add any post brexit import duty to it, which could add another 1500 easily. Sure they might increase PCP deposit contribution, it's current 1250, should imagine 1500 wouldn't be a surprise.
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Where are people getting quotes from, I’ve only found it listed on broadspeed but the site just looked a bit like a scam.
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Where are people getting quotes from, I’ve only found it listed on broadspeed but the site just looked a bit like a scam.
Quotes for the gti? Drive the Deal, Coast 2 Coast, Brokers4Cars and Broadspeed which is complete legitimate. It’s a shame Orange Wheels are lease only now as they were decent too.
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Sorry I meant the 128ti. Thanks for the feedback about Broadspeed :cool:
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No problem. I did think it was me being thick. And it was! At least I’m consistent. :whistle:
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I've sent you a PM MagPie :cool:
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Any idea when you’ll have that test drive Fred?
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Seem to be appearing in dealers now. They all seem very pricey though. This one is £40k!
(https://i.postimg.cc/Vkt67t8G/0-E290-A53-715-F-41-A2-91-F0-6901-F426-A212.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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If I'm reading it right, the standard GTi DSG is £57.22 cheaper than the standard 128ti after broker discount. However the BMW still wins on monthly cost due to the lower finance rate. It's missing a few bits of GTi spec though :nerd:
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If I'm reading it right, the standard GTi DSG is £57.22 cheaper than the standard 128ti after broker discount. However the BMW still wins on monthly cost due to the lower finance rate. It's missing a few bits of GTi spec though :nerd:
Yeah the bmw on finance will be better. Discount is usually more achievable from bmw too.
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Any idea when you’ll have that test drive Fred?
2nd December at the earliest! Presuming my dealer isn't in tier 3 when they lift it.... I'm guessing everyone is still f****** at the end of this, so maybe next June
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Any idea when you’ll have that test drive Fred?
2nd December at the earliest! Presuming my dealer isn't in tier 3 when they lift it.... I'm guessing everyone is still f****** at the end of this, so maybe next June
June 2022? :grin:
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As for the price, from what I've seen when I add the things I'd want to the 128 (acc, lumbar support and proper digital dash) it is more than the gti dsg. Not much, but a few quid.
What i don't know about either though is how they drive.
On the face of it, having sat in the gte and the m135i... The BMW wins hands down. I really hate the mk8 interior. Maybe the test drive will win me over, but it's a steep mountain to climb. I'm sure you all know how much i desperately wanted to like the gti too.
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Thats what won the argument for me Fred - sat in a Golf (not a GTI to be fair) then sat in a 1 series m sport - night and day difference.
Threw nearly 4k of options at the 128 and its still not quite as well specced as the golf (though everything bar lumbar support is a nice to have) but financially it still came out better.
Mine should be at the dealers mid December and on my drive towards the end of December.
Given some have now landed on dealers forecourts, I'm hoping someone does a proper review of it soon!
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So my final quote.... the GTI DSG is slightly cheaper cash price (no options) vs the 128TI with some options (most of which correct the lack of standard items, but it does include HUD too). Golf is a thousand quid cheaper.
The GFV on both is very similar, hardly worth talking about.
BMW works out two quid a month cheaper on PCP.
Two quid is two quid to a Yorkshireman! lol
Of course you don't need the options, the things I added I am sure I could live without and I am sure some of you would choose paint and/or wheels as well - I didn't on either - both are white on 18's. Like I care really.
Just need one last thing.... to test drive both, although I'm already thinking about how much Jamaican Ginger Cake I can buy with my 2 quid a month saving lol
PS in the end, both of these two are marginally more expensive than what I have been paying on my 17 plate Mk7.5 GTD. Which as a tight g1t I'm happy with :-)
PPS I had a look, second hand M135i's with decent options and low mileage are about the same cash price as my 128TI spec. Just don't try and have one on BMW PCP - its 10.9% APR!! Ouch.
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Drive the Deal Today £29,756 (15% off)
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GTi Dsg Drive the Deal £29,756 (15% off)
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Drive the Deal Today £29,756 (15% off)
Is that the cash price?
Or is that for PCP with VW's contribution?
Its sometimes hard to see exactly what they are quoting.
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With manufacturer finance. DtD prices always have a * next to them where they include the current finance deal.
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Drive the Deal Today £29,756 (15% off)
Is that the cash price?
Or is that for PCP with VW's contribution?
Its sometimes hard to see exactly what they are quoting.
I’ve had an email with this offer- 15 percent
It’s pcp with £1250 deposit contribution
I don’t understand these things so I’ll just quote it-
“VW are offering PCP finance at 5.4% APR Representative over 18 to 48 months with a 5% minimum deposit.”
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Yes, I actually got the same email.
So that price is about the same as the one I was working on above in my GTI vs 128TI comparison.
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Anyone thinking about ordering a 128TI.... top tip.... in the configurator there are two "standard wheel choices".... both 18's both the same wheel design.... looks a bit like a mistake.... but its not.
The default is the wheel with "standard" tyres.... the other option (and its FREE!) is for "performance" tyres.
The standard tyre is a Bridgestone..... nobody knows what the performance one is yet it seems, but its unlikely to be worse!
Anyway, nice to be given a choice.... VW take note!
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Pretty sure they've homologated a PS4S for it.
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Very beefy discount from Stratstone
linky (https://www.stratstone.com/search/offer/new-car/bmw/1-series-128ti-5dr-step-auto/15666/)
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https://youtu.be/U8YgDnOIvCU
Better reviews starting to come in.
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Anyone thinking about ordering a 128TI.... top tip.... in the configurator there are two "standard wheel choices".... both 18's both the same wheel design.... looks a bit like a mistake.... but its not.
The default is the wheel with "standard" tyres.... the other option (and its FREE!) is for "performance" tyres.
The standard tyre is a Bridgestone..... nobody knows what the performance one is yet it seems, but its unlikely to be worse!
Anyway, nice to be given a choice.... VW take note!
Got to say, this does look a lot nicer than the GTI. Black grill as well for the UK.
Re the performance tyres, in that Joe Achillies review, this appeared:
(https://i.postimg.cc/CKb9cVmY/Screenshot-2020-11-22-at-09-54-52.png) (https://postimg.cc/Z9Kfq2GD)
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Aye, I saw that too. My only niggle is I’m sure in one of the vids when they walked around it semi camo at the Ring they pointed at PS4S boots.
Until I remember which one, consider me wrong :smiley:
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Well I've got my test drive setup for one of these.
And I'm going to rule out the mk8 entirely now. It's either the 128 or a nearly new 135.
I feel sad and disappointed by vw 😔
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GR Yaris comes with 225/40/18 PS4S and they will be available in retail soon.
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Well I've got my test drive setup for one of these.
And I'm going to rule out the mk8 entirely now. It's either the 128 or a nearly new 135.
I feel sad and disappointed by vw 😔
Know how you feel Fred. I’ve nearly discounted the Mk8. This gti is the first I’m not really interested in. Possibly the CS though. The 128 and 135 are top of my list now.
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GR Yaris comes with 225/40/18 PS4S and they will be available in retail soon.
I love the idea of the Yaris. The fact that it’s 3 door kills it for me unfortunately. Numbers are limited so I reckon it’ll hold value pretty well. Possibly the best hot hatch out there.
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GR Yaris comes with 225/40/18 PS4S and they will be available in retail soon.
I love the idea of the Yaris. The fact that it’s 3 door kills it for me unfortunately. Numbers are limited so I reckon it’ll hold value pretty well. Possibly the best hot hatch out there.
Too hardcore for daily use. Here’s an interesting review-
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=FyfOupPZy64
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I noticed this earlier, maybe of interest to some?
(I've not viewed it!)
"1st look BMW 128ti - Golf GTi Mk8 rival?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8YgDnOIvCU
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GR Yaris comes with 225/40/18 PS4S and they will be available in retail soon.
I love the idea of the Yaris. The fact that it’s 3 door kills it for me unfortunately. Numbers are limited so I reckon it’ll hold value pretty well. Possibly the best hot hatch out there.
Too hardcore for daily use. Here’s an interesting review-
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=FyfOupPZy64
I’ll take a look at that after. Thanks! Still a great hot hatch even if it might be too harsh for daily use. Seems that it goes back to hot hatch roots rather than the stuff we get now.
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Yes it is. It’s a very interesting car, the kind of car I would love to own- but never would because I’d think about how tiresome it would be.
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I've seen a few A35s recently and thought they looked pretty good. Especially the red one I saw yesterday.
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I've seen a few A35s recently and thought they looked pretty good. Especially the red one I saw yesterday.
My brother nearly got one as it was a little cheaper than the gti on pch. Couldn’t get round to driving one though so went for the gti.
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I've seen a few A35s recently and thought they looked pretty good. Especially the red one I saw yesterday.
My brother nearly got one as it was a little cheaper than the gti on pch. Couldn’t get round to driving one though so went for the gti.
Just seen the price of them, madness!!
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Forget about these 40k hatchbacks. You can buy a rally car for that much-
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011065871164?sort=relevance&advertising-location=at_cars&aggregatedTrim=GR%20Circuit&model=YARIS&radius=1501&make=TOYOTA&postcode=gu220sg&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&include-delivery-option=on&page=1
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Forget about these 40k hatchbacks. You can buy a rally car for that much
Thats a 44k hatchback :whistle:
Not much use to me and 50% more than I'm spending!
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I’m sure he’d take 40 for it.
It’s the first car to turn my head since I bought the golf.
It took one commute this morning- in my beautiful golf cabin- for me to realise my golf is the better car.
Isn’t it?
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If cabin beauty is your measure of better, then yes.
Cheeky flip of a 33.5k car that you can still order
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Yeah he’ll make a few quid from someone’s impatience.
Gives some indication of what an extraordinary car this is
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I'd rather have the Mk1 Escort in the background! The Pug looks good as well :whistle:
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I suppose because the numbers are limited people will do this. Still think that car could be a good investment. Well, not THAT one exactly. :grin:
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Nah, it's a crap little car. Can't see out the back window, nasty cheap plastics, terrible ride..
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Nah, it's a crap little car. Can't see out the back window, nasty cheap plastics, terrible ride..
But apart from that you like it, right? :grin:
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Nah, it's a crap little car. Can't see out the back window, nasty cheap plastics, terrible ride..
But apart from that you like it, right? :grin:
Boot's too small. Not sure I'd get my cricket kit in that.
My reaction to this car is like in that 80s kit Kat ad- I'm not sure if you remember. Pop group play their demo tape to the record company exec. His response- " you can't sing, you can't play, you look awful.... you'll go a long way"
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Nah, it's a crap little car. Can't see out the back window, nasty cheap plastics, terrible ride..
But apart from that you like it, right? :grin:
Boot's too small. Not sure I'd get my cricket kit in that.
My reaction to this car is like in that 80s kit Kat ad- I'm not sure if you remember. Pop group play their demo tape to the record company exec. His response- " you can't sing, you can't play, you look awful.... you'll go a long way"
Unfortunately I do remember that ad!
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Just sorting out my order for a 128TI....
Should be here in January.
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Just sorting out my order for a 128TI....
Should be here in January.
Did you order without a test drive?
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Yes, sort of....anyway I'm excited!
Ps the final straw in an only slightly relevant way was volkswizard and his s3 vs m135i review.
When the s3 can't cut it...
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Yes, sort of....anyway I'm excited!
Ps the final straw in an only slightly relevant way was volkswizard and his s3 vs m135i review.
When the s3 can't cut it...
I saw this video tonight and it’s making me sway more towards bmw next time too. It’s the interior for me. It actually looks better built on camera. I know that sounds odd!
I’m just gutted that the forum is losing so many great members.
Full write up needed though Fred!
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Yes I'm getting a test drive soon ish and still will test drive the gti too.
Definitely will writeup both of those.
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I’m just gutted that the forum is losing so many great members.
Full write up needed though Fred!
What the forum needs is a “The Golf that’s not a Golf” section... :whistle:
And yes, full write up please fredgroves
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I’m just gutted that the forum is losing so many great members.
Full write up needed though Fred!
What the forum needs is a “The Golf that’s not a Golf” section... :whistle:
And yes, full write up please fredgroves
I am sad to say I will be shortly leaving this forum. I agree with most of this thread, I have been waiting for the Mk8 Gti for a year and I am not impressed, mainly the price and cost cutting removal of basic switches. I have a 128ti hopefully arriving next week. Cheaper, better inside, more power and torque. PS I am also an ex Exonion. Went to Vincent Thompson School. That will be a test for you.
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I am sad to say I will be shortly leaving this forum. I agree with most of this thread, I have been waiting for the Mk8 Gti for a year and I am not impressed, mainly the price and cost cutting removal of basic switches. I have a 128ti hopefully arriving next week. Cheaper, better inside, more power and torque. PS I am also an ex Exonion. Went to Vincent Thompson School. That will be a test for you.
Congrats on the impending arrival Jackfire :afro:
I was a St Thomas lad but bought a house near Vincent Thompson many years ago (not whilst I was still at school I hasten to add!)
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Yup Jackfire...
What colour and spec did you go for?
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Kudos for 16 pages of objective discussion too - You often see things like this descend into petty tribalism. :smiley:
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Kudos for 16 pages of objective discussion too - You often see things like this descend into petty tribalism. :smiley:
I think mainly because most of us defectors actually wanted a Golf... But vw couldn't seem to make one as good as the mk7
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Yup Jackfire...
What colour and spec did you go for?
I’ve gone for standard spec in Storm Bay. I am sure there is plenty to play with without additions. Auto, 265bhp, 400 torque...... for £32k
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Yup Jackfire...
What colour and spec did you go for?
I’ve gone for standard spec in Storm Bay. I am sure there is plenty to play with without additions. Auto, 265bhp, 400 torque...... for £32k
Good choice of colour! Were you brave enough to keep the red details?
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Yup Jackfire...
What colour and spec did you go for?
I’ve gone for standard spec in Storm Bay. I am sure there is plenty to play with without additions. Auto, 265bhp, 400 torque...... for £32k
Good choice of colour! Were you brave enough to keep the red details?
I have kept the red details. Grey with a little red highlight? Stolen idea from the Gti? I personally hope it will be subtle but stand out to those that know?
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Yes, I liked it too.
It seems the rather more conservative BMW audience don't though :whistle:
Then again, I really liked that red wrapped TCR the South African guy posted on the Mk7 board the other day too.
I think I'm just fed up of the bleakness of covid - I need a bit of uplift.
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Yes, I liked it too.
It seems the rather more conservative BMW audience don't though :whistle:
Then again, I really liked that red wrapped TCR the South African guy posted on the Mk7 board the other day too.
I think I'm just fed up of the bleakness of covid - I need a bit of uplift.
Another reason for choosing was the prompt delivery, I’ve waited too long for VW in the past.I will post a photo when it arrives next week.
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I think I'm just fed up of the bleakness of covid - I need a bit of uplift.
Put your Xmas tree up instead! 🎄
The red accents will go really well with Storm Bay (as an SB owner with cerium brown bits) but might be a bit much with some colours.
It’ll be somewhat like a JCW Mini with the red bits, which bearing in mind it’s a big Mini underneath that’s no surprise and possibly deliberate.
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Aside from the sticker, they'll all just swap out/wrap anyway I'm sure?
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Aside from the sticker, they'll all just swap out/wrap anyway I'm sure?
Yes in theory you could pop off the red bits and replace them with black ones. Both are available as spares.
You could also put the red bits onto a blue car (which you can't order).... I think they missed a trick not having the red on blue - looks really good on an atlantic blue GTI for example.
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Better off wrapping the canards as it’s a bumper off job to replace them I’m told.
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There's also the ones in the rear bumper... that are deep inside of a hole:
(https://carwow-uk-wp-0.imgix.net/bmw-128ti-driving-white-rear-1.jpg?auto=format&cs=tinysrgb&fit=clip&ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=60&w=750)
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https://youtu.be/WoRB-V6Kd6Y
Goes on a bit but I think he likes it
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Its still not the actual UK road test that i know people are waiting for - in fact there haven't been any road tests of a production model yet, in any country.
Which is weird given the availability of demonstrators, dealer stock and customer orders actually delivered....
I also encountered my first pet hate about BMW.... no height adjuster on the B pillar for the seatbelts.
Its not a BMW thing - not even on expensive cars.
Something Renault have on a 12k sh1tbox, but BMW can't offer. Nice.
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Oh here's a UK driving video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsSPUiipqPY
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Looks good. He wasn’t overly excited though!
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No, hanging out in BMW land I notice that there isn't the same passion as there is for Golfs.... most of them have had a 25 litre 8 series and decided to buy a smaller car and really don't care much at all as long as it has some ghastly orange leather interior.
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What do people think?
(https://i.postimg.cc/hG7RNdpm/532422-C9-548-A-48-C6-9870-18537-B2-D2312.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Y4kPWhc2)
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It may be a great car, I don't know, but those red trim pieces look tacky. They should be black. It's an okay looking car but nothing exciting about it, nothing to really put you off either other than just blandness. A different colour could make a big difference. I asked my OH for an unbiased opinion and she thought it a bit of a boy racer's car :laugh:
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Lol its a hot hatch, it doesn't come more boy racer than that 😉
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What do people think?
I quite like it. I’d have to get rid of the ‘go faster’ red accents though - IMO they look like a Halfords add-on. With my aversion to diamond cut alloys, if there is a painted / powder coated wheel option I’d go for that. If not, wheels can easily be changed for a decent aftermarket set.
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The wheels only come in pretty much the same design and then two sizes.
They aren't great but equally they aren't terrible. They are actually bi colour.
The red accents are a bit divisive, especially it seems with the accountants and bank managers that seem to make up their customer base. They are a very conservative bunch. Combine that with the idea of it being a fwd hot hatch and most have a seizure it seems. Those that don't seem to remove the red flashes and then order every option available, making the start of this thread largely irrelevant....
Makes me laugh though, they all spout on about how the mk8 is expensive too...
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The more I see it the more I like it. Very surprised how similar priced they are to the 135 on AT though.
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It's apparently gti to the m135i's golf R.
Same pros and cons as we are used to here.
One is more powerful, more expensive and faster, the other lighter, nimbler and maybe more amusing. Also the big brother comes in ultra sensible clothes and the upstart wears a hoody and skate shoes.
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Don’t like that colour and the red bits look awkward and tacky.
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I think the colour on that Beemer is v classy but the red trim is an absolute no-no. What are BMW thinking??
The only car in my biased opinion that has really managed to maintain and carry off the red trim details is the various versions of the GTI, both Golf and Polo. It’s a fine balance and initially I thought whilst owning a Mk7 GTI that they had blown it with the 7.5 front end.
How wrong I was!
Not sure whether that still holds with the Mk8 though.
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Also popped in to look at this today.
(https://i.postimg.cc/NjrrKWSh/51-CFD102-D586-459-D-94-DE-DD863-A064257.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sMs2803K)
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What did you think?
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What did you think?
Interior felt car more premium than the gti. Everything feels more solid and plush imo but it’s hard to believe that the cars are a similar age. Didn’t like the 128 logo on the arm rest. The gti feels far more modern. Whether they’d actually a good thing or not is down to individual taste.
Again, the 128 feels more premium on the outside. Any plastic is gloss black or that red, which can be optioned out. Eg. The side skirts on the gti feel very rough and cheap. The 128 ones are lovely and glossy.
Which would I have? Difficult that. You come away from the 128 thinking that you have to consider it on price alone.
I can away from the gti a bit giddy for the CS. But that says more about me.
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Also popped in to look at this today.
(https://i.postimg.cc/NjrrKWSh/51-CFD102-D586-459-D-94-DE-DD863-A064257.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sMs2803K)
The red accents suit the black paint better than they suit the grey paint from a couple of pages back. Still not to keen on them though... :undecided:
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The car that actually made me smile the most today was the Up! Gti I sat in. Felt very different to my wife’s Up!
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One final thought about the 128. The red accents make it look a little less bmw if you know what I mean. Some will like that. I did. Made it look less corporate.
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Yes that non corporate look thing, that's what I like about it and dislike normally about bmw.
Did the one you saw have leather seats? Nearly every showroom one I've seen does yet the cloth seats have red accents to match the rest of the car, the leather is just another dull bmw seat.
BTW it is definitely true that it's only cheaper because its missing things a gti has. The BMW mafia have been busy banging on about the golf not having heated seats but it has a load of stuff that costs thousands to add to the 128ti. Some of it you can't even add if you wanted to.
I realised yesterday that the BMW £1000 digital dash option can't even be configured to do much and any changes are done using menus in the main unit. That makes vw aid from three years ago even light years ahead.
The more I look at it, the less I like the BMW.
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BTW if you really want to see all of those bank managers and accountants in their Saville row suits howl, Maxton make a huge array of extra spoilers, splitters and what not, much available in red.
Maybe I'm just too much of a closet hooligan for bmw.
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Yes that non corporate look thing, that's what I like about it and dislike normally about bmw.
Did the one you saw have leather seats? Nearly every showroom one I've seen does yet the cloth seats have red accents to match the rest of the car, the leather is just another dull bmw seat.
BTW it is definitely true that it's only cheaper because its missing things a gti has. The BMW mafia have been busy banging on about the golf not having heated seats but it has a load of stuff that costs thousands to add to the 128ti. Some of it you can't even add if you wanted to.
I realised yesterday that the BMW £1000 digital dash option can't even be configured to do much and any changes are done using menus in the main unit. That makes vw aid from three years ago even light years ahead.
The more I look at it, the less I like the BMW.
Unfortunately it did have leather and it didn’t look good. I don’t like leather though. I had a look at a 135 with the cloth seats and they looked awesome. Think the 128 cloth would add to the interior massively.
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BTW if you really want to see all of those bank managers and accountants in their Saville row suits howl, Maxton make a huge array of extra spoilers, splitters and what not, much available in red.
Maybe I'm just too much of a closet hooligan for bmw.
Knew there was a problem when they were giving out masks and tan shoes at the reception. :grin:
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Yes that non corporate look thing, that's what I like about it and dislike normally about bmw.
Did the one you saw have leather seats? Nearly every showroom one I've seen does yet the cloth seats have red accents to match the rest of the car, the leather is just another dull bmw seat.
BTW it is definitely true that it's only cheaper because its missing things a gti has. The BMW mafia have been busy banging on about the golf not having heated seats but it has a load of stuff that costs thousands to add to the 128ti. Some of it you can't even add if you wanted to.
I realised yesterday that the BMW £1000 digital dash option can't even be configured to do much and any changes are done using menus in the main unit. That makes vw aid from three years ago even light years ahead.
The more I look at it, the less I like the BMW.
Mr Zapad I presume :wink:
To be honest you would normally expect BMW to be more expensive than a golf on a like for like basis... and it is.
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True, I've got most of my mk7.5 bits on my bmw order spec and it's just over 37k.
The difference is that with discounts it's about the same as my mk8 spec with discounts but the BMW Apr rate is lower...
I've still to test drive the BMW but heavily leaning towards a golf and damn the extra cost. Its going to need to be an amazing drive for the BMW to win right now.
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I didn't wait to make the choice based on a test drive - effectively I figured both would be 'great' grown up hot hatches and the deciding factor for me was really the interior / quality followed by finance. Both cars specced to have what I wanted the BMW was still cheaper when discount was factored in. To be fair I didn't push a discount on the golf as I'd made my mind up quickly so like as not there would only be a couple of quid in it either way.
This is the first BMW I've owned, my first car was a mk4 GTI and I've had every mark of golf since plus a few hot Audi's. Still have a 7' GTD. I haven't driven an 8' GTI but I'm willing to bet it feels familiar but sharper to a 7. The BMW will feel quite unfamiliar. The brakes aren't servod as much as VAG cars typically are and there is a good deal more feedback from the steering than I'm previously used to. This can either be very positive or a bit unnerving when you're not used to the steering telling you what is doing.
If you do manage to get a test drive, make sure to take it to your backroad of choice. I find the way it corners and pulls itself out of them astonishing. I'd check the tyre pressures - BMW seem to like over inflating them...
The good news is, I don't think you'll be able to make a bad choice.
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Interesting. It doesn't look like I'll see a test drive until January, which is frustrating.
Again with the BMW not having the kit i want as options and it seems any dealer stock ordered with options I definitely don't want, I'm not convinced the test drive is even going to be indicative of what I'm interested in discovering. But we'll see.
I did like the m135i a lot but the bits that made that feel good i know are not to be found on the 128ti....the power, the pops and bangs, the sure footed nature and probably least obvious but important to me.. The m sport seats.
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I’m not sure what the BMW lacks that the 8 GTI has? Some actual useful stuff or superfluous electronics?
As a hot hatch and driver’s car the BMW has things like under bonnet and under floor chassis bracing as standard meaning it feels much more solid on crappy British roads than any mk7 I’ve driven (and those that know me know!) along with an interior solidity that feels leagues ahead. Compared to a cost stripped mk8 I dread to think! We shall see...
And I’m not saying the BMW has no cheaper looking bits, it does but the bits used on the bigger more expensive cars that it shares are evidently better quality than the VW equivalent. That kind of fits in with the respective hierarchy where the 1 is the bottom tier of the brand and the Golf sits far further up the VW tree.
Having metal inserts in the loading lip of the boot, the better quality carpets and switchgear (a volume knob with a rotating bezel so the on/off logo stays the right way up 🎉), hydraulic bonnet struts and hidden key slots even...
The BMW AID is nowhere near as clear as the VW offerings but the side screen feels more expensive. iMac next to Inspirion. Plus the BMW software is iMac quick too.
Interior gripes on the new 1 series for me are merely a lack of indication of what gear you’re in which can often be irrelevant as the thing has so much torque plus the slightly odd speedo and Rev counter which to be honest I rarely look at having HUD.
What is annoying some days is the dashboard reflection on the screen at times.
I’m not suggesting anyone rushes out to buy a 128ti over a GTI either. VW’s forte is the Golf, its future forte will be called an ID or something and that’s where VW’s eyes are set right now. BMW have done a bloody good job of making a Golf rival but it’s still not a GTI.
135 vs R? Dunno yet. Depends if you’re a drift mode wannabe which seems rather odd as the 135 feels like a fast FWD hatch that has rear wheel assistance and the VW has become tail happy(?)
Role reversal! :grin:
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Interesting. It doesn't look like I'll see a test drive until January, which is frustrating.
Again with the BMW not having the kit i want as options and it seems any dealer stock ordered with options I definitely don't want, I'm not convinced the test drive is even going to be indicative of what I'm interested in discovering. But we'll see.
I did like the m135i a lot but the bits that made that feel good i know are not to be found on the 128ti....the power, the pops and bangs, the sure footed nature and probably least obvious but important to me.. The m sport seats.
They could have done better with the seats - they're not bad, very comfortable actually, but they don't look as good as GTI seats.
I've never driven a 135 so can't compare but the 128 has power and character in spades. With the engine and gear box in sports it feels like an excited puppy pulling on the leash - lets go and have some fun. With everything in comfort it still feels lively but much more mature.
Like I said I can't imagine you would regret either choice, both great cars. However I'm kindov wondering if you've already made your choice and its a lingering FOMO that stopping you pushing the button on the golf?
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...
The BMW AID is nowhere near as clear as the VW offerings but the side screen feels more expensive. iMac next to Inspirion. Plus the BMW software is iMac quick too.
Interior gripes on the new 1 series for me are merely a lack of indication of what gear you’re in which can often be irrelevant as the thing has so much torque plus the slightly odd speedo and Rev counter which to be honest I rarely look at having HUD.
...
The main reason I opted for the full digital dash for mine was to get the bigger infotainment screen. Quite agree the resolution is fantastic. The actual speedo cluster isn't as good as VAG but its not a disaster either. Quickly get used to the wrong way round rev counter.
The tech in general is very well integrated, I like how you can assign things like the heated seats and steering wheel to come on automatically when its below a certain temperature. Compared to the Audi experience of trying to pair the car to an app its just so much easier.
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I'm a big fan of automation tech, i know its not everyone's cup of tea in the hot hatch game but I was super impressed with the mk8 acc and have high hopes of the car2x in the lifetime of my next car.
This and whether the BMW is comfortable are the key decision points for me. The mk8 was quick enough for me and definitely comfortable enough. I am genuinely keen to discover the outcome of my analysis.
I'm sure others will find things they focus on, probably the clubby answers some of those but that's not me.
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I like how you can assign things like the heated seats and steering wheel to come on automatically when its below a certain temperature. Compared to the Audi experience of trying to pair the car to an app its just so much easier.
Flip me, I had no idea you could program that! I’m too used to utilitarian VW’s so didn’t even look for features like that!!
I’ve been suffering a cold arse at 4:30am all autumn and winter on my leather seats whilst I flick the switch manually :grin:
Where did I put the manual... ?
probably the clubby answers some of those but that's not me.
The Clubby answers all questions :grin:
It’s not a tail happy £43k drift king that’s going to attract some utter knobs and it’s not a special edition that needs to live in the garage to preserve its value to anoraks, oh and it offsets the need to remap a normal GTI... :whistle:
Just a shame it doesn’t have the Renaultsport fog lights as my commute is along the coast and it’s often misty.
Although I’m a philistine I do really appreciate your knowledge and enthusiasm for in car tech (along with a few others) as it’s taught me a lot :afro:
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I like how you can assign things like the heated seats and steering wheel to come on automatically when its below a certain temperature. Compared to the Audi experience of trying to pair the car to an app its just so much easier.
Flip me, I had no idea you could program that! I’m too used to utilitarian VW’s so didn’t even look for features like that!!
I’ve been suffering a cold arse at 4:30am all autumn and winter on my leather seats whilst I flick the switch manually :grin:
Where did I put the manual... ?
probably the clubby answers some of those but that's not me.
The Clubby answers all questions :grin:
It’s not a tail happy £43k drift king that’s going to attract some utter knobs and it’s not a special edition that needs to live in the garage to preserve its value to anoraks, oh and it offsets the need to remap a normal GTI... :whistle:
Just a shame it doesn’t have the Renaultsport fog lights as my commute is along the coast and it’s often misty.
Although I’m a philistine I do really appreciate your knowledge and enthusiasm for in car tech (along with a few others) as it’s taught me a lot :afro:
Just set mine up the other day - seats to come under 3 degrees although I may change this as needed it on this am and it was 5.5 degrees! This should work also with my pre-warm function when I can finally charge again!
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I've got the seats and steering wheel heating coming on under 8 degrees.
I reckoned it was easier to switch it off than waste a few minutes forgetting to switch it on :grin:
Certainly a great feature and warms up those leather seats nicely.
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I wanted my wife to change her A3 to a Golf. However, she test drove an A3 saloon and really liked it. Then we discovered that the lower powered cars are still using the same DQ200 DSG/Stronic gear box. My wife then decided that she didn't want an A3 or a Golf with that gearbox. I suggested extending the warranty or buying a more powerful car with a different model gearbox... not interested!
Then I discovered the new BMW 2 series. At first I was not sure about the look of the car. When we were driving about, I pointed out a few 1/2 series cars to my wife. She liked them. Test drove a M218i and ordered one the next day.
Exterior looks aside, we were both impressed with the BMW interior. It just looked more premium inside than the other cars we considered buying.
Good to know that BMW heated seats can be set to come on automatically. She'll love that feature. :cool:
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Was speaking to the BMW dealer this afternoon. He said that my wife's new 2 Series Gran Coupe is so popular that BMW increased production to meet demand. Therefore...
Car was ordered at the end of October, with an estimated delivery of mid-March. Then updated to end of January. Car arrived in the dealership yesterday. Will be delivered to us next week. That will be a 9 week delivery time. :shocked:
:smiley:
My last 2 VW cars have been - 9 months for Mk6 GTD and 5 months for Mk7.5 GTI PP.
I know Audi modified an order 'going to production' to bring forward the delivery time of the A3 - from 5 down to 3 months. Whatever the reason - top marks BMW.
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I've been quoted March delivery for a 128ti. That's a bit quicker than I suspect vw might achieve.
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I reckon you'll see that sooner, now we finally know what the situation is.
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Once mine went into production it was basically 2 weeks from start to being in the dealers. Was originally quoted end of December for delivery but in reality it was end of November.
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Just been told the 128ti needs 98ron...
Obviously it will run on 95 but be maybe, what, 10% down on power because of it?
Meaning its no more powerful than the GTI?
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Here in Ireland you've no choice. Its 95 Ron or you walk. So every performance car here (not that there's that many) are running on the inferior fuel. I'm not sure it makes as much a difference as some would suggest. 95 will be fine.
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The only main difference you’ll notice with 95 is in very hot weather it’ll possibly mean slight ignition retardation to prevent linking. The rest of the time any power loss will be minimal I reckon. Unless the car is being driven very hard.
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Yeah I know it will run, just wasn't expecting to see them say the quoted power figures were for 98ron.
I know the M135i or Golf R use 98, just didn't expect a 260bhp car to ask for it too...
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Thats interesting, where did you see that?
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I saw it posted on a BMW forum
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I saw it posted on a BMW forum
I dont believe that, most cars now are made to run on 95 ron
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Yeah seems like BS to me, my fuel cap says 95 (min 91).
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What does the instruction book say?
Not doubting you, you have one of them!
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Book say 95. 98 for 'M' performance models.
The previous page is discussing that Petro should be DIN EN 228.
(https://i.ibb.co/KGBJf2t/IMG-0831.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GJGq8WZ)
(https://i.ibb.co/7WQKPwL/IMG-0830.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bBFXTSD)
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Perfect, case closed!
What do you think of the 128ti? How long have you had it?
I'm not going to get to drive one now until... Well who knows, not any time this side of easter 😔
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Thats a shame. I've had mine since early December but only put around 300 miles on it.
Its brilliant. I've not had a car with a limited slip diff before but the way it corners is surreal. Suspension is firm but smooths out bumps so well - not crashy or jarring as you might expect a firmer ride to do. Plenty quick as you'd imagine for 260bhp - loads of low down torque. It feels like its egging you on to go faster / harder all the time - like a coiled spring.
Coming from VAG gearbox's - or rather VAG software controlling the gearbox - it is very responsive and I would say the changes are very well judged in all the different driving profiles. Not too early in comfort, about bang on with the car in 'sport' but gearbox in 'D'. Gearbox in 'S' naturally revs all the way to the top. Its not perfect but very good.
Brakes are very sharp on first bite but then not as servo'd as typical in VAG cars. Not sure if thats good or bad tbh. Just different.
Fit and finish is excellent, very 'premium'.
Negatives - access to the rear seats isn't as good as a Golf. All the seats are closer to the floor than in a golf and this combined with a sloping profile to the roof makes it a bit more difficult to get in. Doesn't bother me but it could some.
Virtual cockpit isn't as good as VAG implementations but you get used to it pretty quick. Main infotainment screen is very good though. I don't have the HUD but those that do swear by it.
The recommended tyre inflation pressure is very high - 2.7 Bar at the front - seems to be a common BMW thing. I still need to reduce that a bit further.
If you have any specific questions feel free to ask. I can't imagine you would be disappointed by either the GTI or a 128 to be honest.
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That's all good useful info.
Do you feel like you are sitting low as the driver? I don't like that much, which seems to be the reverse of most!
I'm intrigued to see how smooth the gearbox is. Although I did drive the m135i a year ago, I'd not paid much attention really to whether its non jerky at low speed and throttle inputs. I noticed it was pretty harsh in sport mode.
So those are the main things I want to find out.
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You are certainly sitting 'lower' than in a golf but once installed in the car it doesn't really feel like it relative to the steering wheel / view etc. Where you notice it more is simply the gap between the seat and floor is smaller. Less angle between your knees and the pedals. Hard to explain properly really....
The gearbox is silky smooth in the comfort and even the car in sports mode. If you push down hard on the accelerator (and I don't mean kickdown) it raised the rev level it changes at and you can feel those changes - personally I like that. But if you're just driving normally the changes are imperceptible.
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Did you have a Dsg golf before?
What options do you have on the BMW?
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Having specc'd up a 128ti, it looks very tempting. Problem for me will be getting a test drive (and another, longer one in a GTI).
ub7rm - thanks for the update. How does the ride in the 128 compare with your GTD? What sort of mpg are you getting so far? How noisy is it compared to what you have driven before? ta
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@fredgroves
I currently have a DSG GTD, and I've previously had a 7speed DSG b8 S4, and also a ZF 8 speed b9 S4. All of these gearboxes have been excellent at changing gear - but the 'decision' point at when to change gear seems ponderous. I think this is a fairly well accepted point that VAG's software is not as quick as that used by BMW. The b9 S4 has exactly the same ZF gearbox as found in many BMW's but its a common complaint that the integration of the gearbox hasn't been done as well.
Options are privacy glass, lumbar support, HK audio, icon lights, heated steering wheel and the digital dash.
@ar899
Compared to the GTD the ride is definitely firmer - but cornering ability is also significantly better. I can't compare to a GTI as the last GTI I owned was the mk5. I presume the GTI is a bit firmer than a GTD but can't say for sure.
MPG - early days but I've seen 38 on a sensible 12 mile journey. I would expect that to get a bit better as it runs in but pleased so far.
Wind and road noise is very low, maybe a bit lower than the GTD. However nothing compares to the noise isolation of the b9 S4 I had. What I have noticed is that little stones that ping of the tyres make more of a noise than I've encountered on the golf.
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Thanks!
I guess the only way I'd find out is if I actually drove the flipping thing, which as I say is a long way off at the moment.
Frustrating.
On the less noise on a S4... i wonder if the noise you are hearing isn't road noise... the S4, the wheels are a little further away maybe? Just a guess.
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Thanks ub7rm - that's pretty good mpg considering not run in properly yet. Doesn't sound a lot worse than what testers seem to be getting in the new 118i. Re noise, how 'shouty' is the exhaust? I guess it's piped into the cockpit as seems to be the fashion?
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Re S4 noise ... its just a different league of vehicle to the MQB platform / 1 series etc. A4's and above are 'proper' Audi and a whole host of extra refinements are present like double wishbone suspension, much increased sound insulation, acoustic glass etc. I believe the tyres had noise deadening foam in them. Distance to the wheels will be a factor for sure but only part of the story. You could be travelling at 80 zips and have almost complete silence in the cabin.
Re exhaust noise - probably 90% piped in which you can adjust. Exhaust noise isn't obtrusive at all unless you want it to be.
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Any of the large cars are generally quieter though - before my 2014 Golf I had loads of different Mondeo sized cars - all much quieter and calmer on the motorway.
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@ub7rm - the new 135i doesn't use the zf gearbox so I'd hazard a guess the 128ti doesn't either.
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Hi, no the ZF gearbox is only for the longitudinal models - its an Aisin gearbox for the transverse mounted engines.
Apologies if it caused confusion - reference to the ZF gearbox was to compare the VAG integration of it in the S4 (and other longitudinal audi's) vs BMW's integration of the same gearbox in their cars to make the point that VAG's software to control is widely regarded as worse than BMW's software. Typical complaints are around lag that doesn't exist in BMW's - at least to the same degree.
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Doesn't the S4 have a transverse engine too? (I've no idea, that's a genuine question)
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Doesn't the S4 have a transverse engine too? (I've no idea, that's a genuine question)
No, it is longitudinally mounted with the gearbox out the back of the engine rather than to the side.
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Ahhh ok, thats how it could have used the ZF then.
The ZF isn't DCT though is it? BMW I thought only used DCT on the full blooded M's? (eg M3/M5)
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Thats rights its a TQ gearbox - the b8 S4's had 's-tronic' or DCT type gearboxes but on the b9 platform they changed to a TQ gearbox made by ZF and physically is the same as found in many BMW's. You might be right that the 'proper' M cars use a DCT box.
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It's incredible how prices differ in the UK an Italy.
I got quotes for the GTI and the 128ti and, after discounts, there's a 4000€ difference in favour of the GTI.
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It's incredible how prices differ in the UK an Italy.
I got quotes for the GTI and the 128ti and, after discounts, there's a 4000€ difference in favour of the GTI.
How strange.
I wonder if the Italian spec for a GTI doesn't include a lot of the things we get in the UK?
This is true in Germany for sure.
UK spec performance golfs are very heavily loaded with equipment. Its not "free" but it is included in the base price.
On the BMW, they have a different set of options included vs the golf.
Both can of course be order with pretty much the same gear, it just where you start from on each.
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It's incredible how prices differ in the UK an Italy.
I got quotes for the GTI and the 128ti and, after discounts, there's a 4000€ difference in favour of the GTI.
How strange.
I wonder if the Italian spec for a GTI doesn't include a lot of the things we get in the UK?
This is true in Germany for sure.
UK spec performance golfs are very heavily loaded with equipment. Its not "free" but it is included in the base price.
On the BMW, they have a different set of options included vs the golf.
Both can of course be order with pretty much the same gear, it just where you start from on each.
I tried to spec them in the same way, and I reckon that with more dealing the difference could be reduced. About 2500 maybe.
BMW has no ADAS (lane assist, emergency brake, side assist and ACC), no automatic clima. It also have tiny bit more tax (250€ per year which over 5 years it's still something)
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You can't order those options on the BMW at all?
Definitely available here...
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You can't order those options on the BMW at all?
Definitely available here...
You can order, but are standard on the GTI
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How strange, i thought those systems were mandatory from 2021 in all cars in the EU. (including the UK because it was a regulation adopted before brexit).
If you buy a daccia you get them too...
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How strange, i thought those systems were mandatory from 2021 in all cars in the EU. (including the UK because it was a regulation adopted before brexit).
If you buy a daccia you get them too...
I thought so, maybe it's coming in the near future. No BMW/Minis have adaptive, auto brake and lane assist standard. Mini have no lane assist at all even as an option. It's been heavily criticized by media (including me lol)
EDIT: I think they're mandatory from november 2021
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This’ll be interesting.
https://youtu.be/pO74cJ_pFfY
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I'm not at all surprised, as I've said in a few other posts the 128ti is an absolute riot to drive.
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Performs well certainly, eager, flat. Too harsh and uncomfortable for me though.
It's hard to tell with reviews like that what you'd think, I'd suggest a test drive on some bad roads... If you can live with it I'm sure you'd have fun.
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Good initial drive review from Joe Achilles on the PS4 tyres. Actually, it sounds really good from outside which is a surprise for a new hot hatch. Funny how many times he mentions the 135i but doesn't mention a Golf GTI.
Edit. - missed this on Fred's thread! :whistle:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYL3ROGeP7E
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Another review for anyone interested:
https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-driven/2021-bmw-128ti-uk-review/43711
I still disagree, the seats are f***ing terrible.
However, they do say about the suspension being harder than the M135i - which I do agree on.
I find it slightly amusing that we see a divergence from VW here - pay more more money for a softer ride, whereas VW you pay more money for a sportier ride.
I'll stick to my opinion - if you want a one series, get the rather good M135i. Its pretty much perfect for UK roads in every way and just happens to be rather quick to boot.
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Agree, I have an M135i and it certainly a quick thing with immense traction
Thinking of adding a Clubsport alongside it to give a nice 600PS garage :laugh:
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Agree, I have an M135i and it certainly a quick thing with immense traction
Thinking of adding a Clubsport alongside it to give a nice 600PS garage :laugh:
Do it! :grin:
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Evo review - https://www.evo.co.uk/bmw/128ti
They seem to like and say it would beat the Golf in a head to head.
"the Golf GTI’s worst nightmare"
"And on this first experience a more involving, interesting and exciting one to drive than the new Mk8 Golf GTI"
"Like a Golf GTI there are times when it lacks the polish of a Type R, Renaultsport or an N engineered Hyundai, but it’s still dynamically superior to the Wolfsburg icon and more fun as a result"
"It has that level of engagement and thrill that a Golf lacks when you go looking for some mischief"
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Without a doubt the driving kinematics of the 128 are superior to a golf. Handling, throttle response and gearbox calibration are much more focused towards having fun but still a great all rounder. It has the 'puppy dog enthusiasm' of mk5 GTI's of yore.
Some say the seats aren't as comfortable but thats quite subjective. The driving position is lower slung (though obvs height adjustable) and this is different to the golf. When I swap from the 128 to the golf it kindov feels like getting into a transit van. Something I never noticed before is how steeply angled the sqab is on a golf - kindov pitches the front of your legs up a bit. The default position of the 128 is flat - but unlike the golf you can adjust the squab angle to suit your preference.
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This weeks AutoExpress reviews Mk8 Gti verses 128ti and the BMW wins!
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This weeks AutoExpress reviews Mk8 Gti verses 128ti and the BMW wins!
For those of us with a stingy disposition, how do they score each car?
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This weeks AutoExpress reviews Mk8 Gti verses 128ti and the BMW wins!
For those of us with a stingy disposition, how do they score each car?
Bayern Munich 1, VfL Wolfsburg nil.
VfL coming back though in extra time because of a series of back injuries with the Bayern team.
I made a football joke :cool:
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This weeks AutoExpress reviews Mk8 Gti verses 128ti and the BMW wins!
For those of us with a stingy disposition, how do they score each car?
4.5 for the 128ti. 4 for Gti. “128ti...fun to drive. Gti.....expensive and lacks the outright focus of rivals.....even if you put the Gti in Sport which is Number 11 in the settings menu (I kid you not)” I am now biased, after all observations on this forum I went for the 128ti and I am very pleased.
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GTI into sport? press the driving mode physical shortcut button multiple times (to cycle the mode) or once and pick it off of the menu... like on the Mk7...
What spec 128ti did you go for?
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GTI into sport? press the driving mode physical shortcut button multiple times (to cycle the mode) or once and pick it off of the menu... like on the Mk7...
What spec 128ti did you go for?
As it comes, no additions in Storm Bay with the red decals. The standard spec is enough in my view, I bought the car to enjoy driving not to play with technology. Lots on here about the seats, again my view is the standard seats are very comfortable and supportive. It drives very well, if you are out to enjoy a sporty drive it needs concentration and attention to the road not 10 minutes making your mind up on what settings for the suspension!
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Basic 128ti spec is pretty good. I like the storm bay and i like the red flashes.
Yeah I hated the seats after a day in the damned thing :whistle:
If I could have spec'ed the m-sport seats like you can in Europe, it would have been much better.
Probably ok if you just want a fun toy, i needed a workhorse.
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4.5 for the 128ti. 4 for Gti. “128ti...fun to drive. Gti.....expensive and lacks the outright focus of rivals.....even if you put the Gti in Sport which is Number 11 in the settings menu (I kid you not)” I am now biased, after all observations on this forum I went for the 128ti and I am very pleased.
:afro: thanks
About what we’d expect for the result then.
I quite agree and can relate to your thoughts on spec for the 128ti, no point loading it with extras only to find the cost brings it into 135i territory, just enjoy it as a fun car that has decent spec as standard.
Something I did notice on my 135i was that the driving modes were more of a stepped thing where the Golf was far more subtle in that area.
Being as the 128ti is a Mini of sorts you’d expect and hope it would be sharp and fun to drive.
Horses for courses and all that but I reckon the 128ti will deservedly be a popular car.