Golf Mk7.5 GTI to a BMW 128ti

[bogwoppit]

Just wondered if anyone has made the change from a Mk7.5 GTI 245 to BMW 128ti?
Are you happy with the change? Plus /negative points.

Interested in your thoughts please, especially on ride comfort.
From a Golf GTi with 18" wheels (on passive suspension) to a 128ti on 18" wheels?
Is it fairly similar, or is the BMW as uncomfortably as something like a mk7 Fiesta ST?

I sat in a normal 1 series at the weekend, 118i I think, and came out really impressed with the interior, especially compared to a mk8 Golf.
I understand certain equipment will be missing that came standard on a 2019 Golf GTI, e.g. reverse camera, radar cruise control, rear armrest and probably more I've missed.

Looking at buying second hand not brand new.

[The_Doc]

I’ve not driven one enough to comment, but I will give you some advice. Check how much it is to service the bmw at the dealer if you’re planning on getting one with warranty, since the bmw service costs can be astronomical even compared to other main dealer service costs.

[bogwoppit]

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

[SRGTD]

I think BMW also do service plans, so it’d be worth checking out how much a service plan costs, the duration of the plan and what work the plan includes.

[Hertsman]

Good Morning

Moved from a GTI TCR to a 128Ti

Originally gave the 128Ti a 7.5 vs 9 for the TCR, but having subsequently discovered the Sport + gearbox option raised that to an overall 8.5

Below is thread and review done in March with my revision from 7.5 to 8.5.

Really enjoying the 128Ti its proved to be an inspired replacement to the TCR and for those watching the ££ the 128Ti is really competitive, as you will see from reviews, added very little in options, all the must haves are standard.

It was very lively/torque steer out of the box, but put that down to grabby new tyres as that's settled down completely, though it's still lively in hand for the more spirited getaway and driving, but no tramping.

The TCR was 290 BHP and 128Ti is 260 BHP and there is no discernible difference, the 128Ti is lively enough for anyone.

Can only comment on the 18" wheels, but the ride is perfectly compliant.

The cabin is the real winner though, its a really lovely place to be and the media options and interactions with touch, buttons and iDrive Dial is superb.

Really loved my TCR and wanted to keep, and would if pushed have one back over the 128Ti, but only for its slight special edition status and trim, I would have the 128Ti over the standard GTI every day of the week.

https://www.vwroc.com/forums/topic/41457-time-to-decide-bmw-128-ti/?do=findComment&comment=648367

[bogwoppit]

Thanks SRGTD and Hertsman for the info.

I've just registered on babybmw.net to have a read up as well.

[Exonian]

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

Check out the service intervals though. Usually every two years for servicing so if you assume VW servicing is annually and circa £200 for year one then a slightly bigger one at year two with brake fluid change added on as well it might mean the BMW is actually cheaper to service *from new* if not keeping it for years and years. The caveat here being if you buy a second hand one try to ensure it’s not the more expensive £556 BMW service that’s your next one due!

I had an F40 M135i X-Drive back in 2020 and have to say the interior is leagues ahead of the Golf in most ways yet for some strange reason I still preferred a mk8 Golf inside despite everything.
On the flip side I preferred the Aisin(?) 8 speed auto to DSG which seems to be the opposite of everyone else so I guess I’m just a bit odd.
Moral of the story - have a few test drives and spend a bit of time in the 1 series before parting with £££££ as everyone is different.
I’d agree with Hertsman though - I’d take a 128 over a regular Golf GTI be it mk7 or mk8 but still reckon I’d be back in a VW before too long.

[fredgroves]

Have a read of my opinion....

https://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=287230.msg2631169#msg2631169

[Hertsman]

Have a read of my opinion....

https://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=287230.msg2631169#msg2631169

Really get what you stated about the seats, took me about 6 weeks to get used to them coming out of the TCR and thinking is they actually make you sit in a more correct position with a much more prominent lumbar, as have been on 300 mile round trips in perfect comfort, so for me its quite a change in position that been used to for many years in the MK 7 and there was some uncomfortable retraining as adjusted to the 128Ti.

Actually running a 2019 Golf R again now, and as move from one to the other, the difference in how seats hold you are noticeable, and both are good in own way, just different in how.

Did note you state about the exhaust and my initial review was a score of 7.5 with part of that based on that muted noise, but subsequently found you have to select sport in menu, and once in that setting, placing the lever to M/S actuated Sport + which is much more like the Sport setting in the TCR, the responsiveness and tone definitely go up a whole notch, and feels pretty aggressive if selected for the more spirited drives. But has to be in that sequence, select Sport by the menu button > Move lever to M/S. This moved my overall score to 8.5

Done nearly 8000 miles in my 128Ti now and given yours was a test drive, pretty much agree with most of your summary.

[Hertsman]

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

Check out the service intervals though. Usually every two years for servicing so if you assume VW servicing is annually and circa £200 for year one then a slightly bigger one at year two with brake fluid change added on as well it might mean the BMW is actually cheaper to service *from new* if not keeping it for years and years. The caveat here being if you buy a second hand one try to ensure it’s not the more expensive £556 BMW service that’s your next one due!

I had an F40 M135i X-Drive back in 2020 and have to say the interior is leagues ahead of the Golf in most ways yet for some strange reason I still preferred a mk8 Golf inside despite everything.
On the flip side I preferred the Aisin(?) 8 speed auto to DSG which seems to be the opposite of everyone else so I guess I’m just a bit odd.
Moral of the story - have a few test drives and spend a bit of time in the 1 series before parting with £££££ as everyone is different.
I’d agree with Hertsman though - I’d take a 128 over a regular Golf GTI be it mk7 or mk8 but still reckon I’d be back in a VW before too long.

As you will see in the photos section, we just chopped in that lovely MK 6 GTI for a 2019 Golf R, it was just a scratch, itch that would not go away and so actually have best of both worlds now