Golf Mk7.5 GTI to a BMW 128ti

[Hertsman]

Thank you, I will look at the servicing costs.

One has literally just popped up at my nearest dealer so hoping to go and have a look soon.

Edit: Ouch just looked using a 128ti registration number (21 plate)

basic service - engine oil service with micro filter £297.19
Bigger service - engine oil service with microfilter, air filter and spark plugs £556.77

Other things to note, is that some of the early 128Ti did not have the digital display and large media screen, just analogue (digital looking) dials and small media screen, the upgrade was a £1000 option, for me the digital display and large media screen are a must.

Second thing to look out for, is that due to parts shortages due to chip issues, some of the late 21, through to early 23 plates had deletions, for example, the rear ambient light strips were replaced with Led light under handle and indicators did not stretch across length of boot, but on quarter only, there is a thread on BabyBMW for deletions, so worth a look through and when looking at cars wish to buy checking physically with the dealer as the generic lists are not to be trusted,.

[fredgroves]

I should probably add that since then I've gone to a mk8 GTI and 25k miles on (apart from all of the bloody software issues) the difference between it and the 128ti are rather less....I've got HUD (and now waze works with it too and wirelessly like the BMW), the seats are even better than the Mk7.5 were, the handling is super flat but equally ride is not spine breaking (unlike the BMW), DSG is super smooth, Zero (and I mean ZERO) understear and even the noise is better - definitely throbbly on the Mk8, fuel economy is excellent for a 245ps turbo petrol and the Matrix IQ lights are simply stunning.

So 128ti.... if you can stand the seats, better than a mk7.5 GTI.... Mk8 GTI... better than both if VW ever manage to sort out the software problems. Its a shame they really dropped the ball with the Mk8 - functioning as intended it really really is a belter. Amp it even further with the Mk8 clubby...

I live with the bongs :-/

[Hertsman]

I should probably add that since then I've gone to a mk8 GTI and 25k miles on (apart from all of the bloody software issues) the difference between it and the 128ti are rather less....I've got HUD (and now waze works with it too and wirelessly like the BMW), the seats are even better than the Mk7.5 were, the handling is super flat but equally ride is not spine breaking (unlike the BMW), DSG is super smooth, Zero (and I mean ZERO) understear and even the noise is better - definitely throbbly on the Mk8, fuel economy is excellent for a 245ps turbo petrol and the Matrix IQ lights are simply stunning.

So 128ti.... if you can stand the seats, better than a mk7.5 GTI.... Mk8 GTI... better than both if VW ever manage to sort out the software problems. Its a shame they really dropped the ball with the Mk8 - functioning as intended it really really is a belter. Amp it even further with the Mk8 clubby...

I live with the bongs :-/

The MK8 has really caused me a dilemma as would love to have looked towards a ClubSport or R when the 128ti lease is at an end in 2025 but the risk in picking a used up without the software issues is too high, there is also the seeming promise that the MK 8.5 will address the MK 8 snag list, offering improved and stable software, improved physical button to haptic blending, and better quality to some of the identified hard plastics, which combined with the already improved ride and drive, will make the MK 8.5 as the only MK8 to have if not already a MK8 owner.

Problem for me, is newer means super premium price of 1-2 year MK8.5 will be out of my range.

Recently purchased a 4 year old MK7.5 Golf R as second car and as a long term keeper which has all the tech that could ever need as though it’s accepted that the MK8 is a better drivers car, the run out MK7.5 are the completed evolution of the excellent MK7x model and everything you get in terms of drive and tech is still in that excellent range.

So, with the MK8 out due to the concerns and MK8.5 out due to cost can see myself looking at what will be 6 year MK 7.5 Golf R or TCR with lowest mileage and complete service history when replace the 128ti, imaginr MK7.5 20 plates will be in bargain money territory compared to a MK8.5 R or ClubSport

[fredgroves]

All new cars have got stupid expensive... Not to mention vw can't seem to actually deliver any in a reasonable time frame and I doubt the 8.5 will be any different.

If its not dealer stock you seem largely buggered all round and it doesn't look like it's getting any better...

[bogwoppit]

Thanks for all the comments and reviews.

I prefer the look of the digital display and larger screen, most of the ones I'm looking at seem to have that.

The deletions thing is a bit crazy, looking at pictures comparing 21 plates against 23 plates, I've noticed a few more things missing: drivers side small glovebox, 12v supply in the boot, metal trim pieces in the boot entry, the trim on the rear doors, but I think Hertsman mentioned that one. I guess the rear indicators can only be noticed by testing them.

I guess supply chain issues have caused problems for other manufacturers as well.

[SRGTD]

Thanks for all the comments and reviews.

I prefer the look of the digital display and larger screen, most of the ones I'm looking at seem to have that.

The deletions thing is a bit crazy, looking at pictures comparing 21 plates against 23 plates, I've noticed a few more things missing: drivers side small glovebox, 12v supply in the boot, metal trim pieces in the boot entry, the trim on the rear doors, but I think Hertsman mentioned that one. I guess the rear indicators can only be noticed by testing them.

I guess supply chain issues have caused problems for other manufacturers as well.

Some of those deletions - e.g. small glove box, trim pieces - sound like they might be model year (cost cutting) changes rather than the result of supply chain issues.

VW also made a number of deletions to the mk7 Golf during its lifecycle - e.g. the plastic covers over the door mirror fixings, battery cover, under seat drawers, Isofix covers to name but a few (there were probably others too). A few pounds saved per car on the production line will represent a significant overall saving to the manufacturer during the car’s lifecycle and most of the deletions will be things customers won’t be aware of.

[bogwoppit]

I had a test drive in a 128ti yesterday, and it's an impressive bit of kit.

I cannot believe it only has 20bhp more than the Golf, because it felt a lot quicker than our Golf.
I've put this down to the ridiculously long gearing in the manual Golf, I think this is a 2019 emissions thing, as the earlier Golfs GTI's aren't as long.
It was dry during the test drive, and large throttle openings in the first 2/3 gears was lively, the steering wheel certainly let's you know the car is front wheel drive.

The ride on 128 was really good, and wasn't harsh compared to the Golf. The damping seemed more controlled though on the 128ti, and it cornered a little flatter. Driving the same road back to back in both cars, there was no noticeable difference in comfort, both on 18" wheels.

The noise in the cabin, it was significantly quieter in the BMW. This surprised me as the Golf seems fairly quiet anyway compared to other medium hatchbacks I've been in.
The exhaust on the BMW had a valve in the left hand tail pipe, so I assumed this opens in sport plus mode, but not sure. I tried all the modes and the exhaust note never became obnoxious, I guess the GPF kills all the noise.
The cabin itself was a nice place to be and seemed well screwed together. There also seemed to be a little more legroom in the back compared to the Golf Mk7.5.

The boot, on paper they are both the same size - 380 litres. Above the false floor, they measured roughly the same size.
The Golf has a decent space below the false floor, then it also has the spare wheel well.
The BMW doesn't have a spare wheel well, so if you want to carry a space saver, it will eat all the room below the false floor. Most of the space savers won't fit over the front brakes, as they are huge, something to bear in mind.

That's all I can think of at the moment, hopefully this will help others thinking of changing to the 128ti.

[Exonian]

That’s how close a Golf boot is in size to an F40 1 series, that’s my Ed40’s boot liner sat snugly in my M135i.

The 2.0 BMW engine has a much more pronounced torque delivery which makes it feel punchy and flexible.

Nice mini-review bogwoppit, have you decided what to do as regards to a purchase?



Unrelated to your quest but worth a mention, there are seemingly quite a few 2021/21 plate mk8 Golf R’s appearing on dealer forecourts lately with low mileage in many cases and priced between £35k - £38k, some of them are even in the sub-£40k VED bracket too.

[bogwoppit]

Purchase wise, I'm honestly not sure.

Heart says get the 128ti, head says 320i.

Once or twice a year, we struggle to get all our stuff in the boot of the Golf, false floor in the lowest position and loaded up so you cannot see out the back, 2 adults and 2 teenagers.

This is the dilemma at the moment. I've not driven a G20 3 series yet though.
It won't be anything above a 320i though as the 330i and M340i are both in the luxury tax bracket. As we have 2 cars, trying to keep below that threshold on both.
Ideal world, one of each would be nice 

Thanks for the tip on the Mk8 R's.

Going to get a few valuations for our Golf GTI (22k miles, FSH, Leather interior and genuine 18" Prets) - WBAC and whoever else is worth a look. We could get by with just one car for a few months, whilst looking.

[willni]

This is the dilemma at the moment. I've not driven a G20 3 series yet though.
It won't be anything above a 320i though as the 330i and M340i are both in the luxury tax bracket. As we have 2 cars, trying to keep below that threshold on both.
Ideal world, one of each would be nice 

Are the 320i's not over 40k as well? Going off what you've said I'd have thought a 330e (even better looking in a touring) would possibly be a great choice for you, but again they're over the luxury tax band.

G20's are really well put together, only car I'd consider is a proper upgrade from the mk7.5, in the natural upgrade progression. Just don't let someone crash into the back of you or you'll have plenty of electrical issues for a while...on the plus side you get a m340i as a courtesy car