Golf Mk7.5 GTI to a BMW 128ti

[Hertsman]

Thanks Exonian, I think its the first time in over 20 years that there isn't a VW group car on the drive 

Oh, and the heated wheel is amazing!

Seems we quite similar, first time in near 20 years not had a VAG group car and first time in a BMW and first time on the heated steering wheel, which have to thank Exonian for my cosy hands, as had not originally optioned it.

averaging 1000 miles a month in mine, since last Dec, and its characteristics did change noticeably in first few thousand miles, was quite tight OOTB is best description, but is super fluid now, and really love the whole package, super lively and great interior and comms/media, everyone who gets into it, always comment how swish it is and passengers have done many miles in seemingly good comfort (no moans whatsoever)

Its a well done direct competition to the Golf GTi's

There is a couple of minor demerits, but will see if you make the same comments after driven for a while and any questions, just ask, as pretty much have awareness of all the 128 behaviourals and features now.

[bogwoppit]

Thanks Hertsman 

[bogwoppit]

Thought I'd update this as we've had the car for a good 18 months or so now.

Still happy with the car, that's the important thing.

It took a while to get used to, as it's our first BMW and first automatic.

It's a bit better on fuel than our Mk7.5 PP, in the first year it averaged 39mpg. Best to date was from the M180 service station to Newcastle upon Tyne, 51.6mpg! Which is bonkers for a hot hatch.

I'm not a big fan of diamond cut wheels, so they got removed recently. At the end of last year I managed to pick up a set of delivery mileage BMW 18" 554m alloy wheels with the Pirelli PZero tyres. The wheels make the brakes look even bigger, which is nice.

What surprised me, is how much this improved the ride.
The new wheel/tyre's were approximately 4.2kg a corner lighter, compared to the original 18" wheels and Bridgestone Turanza tyres.

[dfm]

Interesting thread and car. I've only seen a handful over the years but really like the look of them. They're definitely on my list for the replacement of my 7.

[Exonian]

The new wheels look really good, very menacing!
Good to see you’re still enjoying the car. It’s a fine looking example 

[Hertsman]

Just moved into my last 6 months with the 128Ti as three company year lease comes to an end in December. Presently 27000 miles.

128Ti was a short production run, and you not see many, though unless kept the red stripe they are impossible to spot aside from the standard wheels, which were unique to the 128Ti. Sad to say I can spot a 128Ti on wheels alone 

Started to gently look at replacement, and really do not like the 1 series facelift aside from the sweeping single pane screen. Like everyone else BMW have ditched the buttons and the iDrive! which use for every interaction, its such a brilliant dial and now its gone! There is some questionable materials on the vents and the paddles also, so new 1 series gets a thumbs down from me and if looking for 1 series a used 128Ti would be a great buy, not least cars similar to my 72 plate at 27000 miles are being offered for less than 2018/19 Golf GTI and R.

After 2.5 years and 27000 miles think know the 128Ti pretty well, and its a really good car that has a couple of aspects that stop me from saying its great.

The interior is excellent, high quality, nice 128Ti red stitching mixed with the BMW Tri colour, the media unit, software and the range of button, dial, and touch options has you interacting with it with it seamlessly, without thought or distraction, BMW completely nailed it and have it seems in new 1 series, ruined it.

So cabin is a lovely, classy place to be.

Added the Maxton rear lip spoiler as my only add on, and just completes that sporty look, and car gets lots of looks, probably from BMW fans who can see its a little different imagine and wondering what it is.

The ride is good, can crunch lots of miles in comfort, passengers have made a few comments at end of longish journeys to that was nice drive, and its got plenty of pull, plant the right foot and it goes, feels as quick as my previous TCR (265 BHP vs 290BHP)

Now to the demerits,

I am super confident in the dry on pushing the car through same local roads that spiritedly pushed the GTI TCR through and the 128 Ti is comparable, but where had similar confidence in the damp/wet with the TCR, I simply do not trust the 128Ti is same way, the torque steer is noticeable and sometimes twitchy from nowhere. There is a caveat, as worst experience was on ageing tyres but was redressed near completely by a new set, but as soon as start to age the nervousness returns.

In summary on the ride and drive, as good as anything that is in similar performance bracket in dry, a fun, responsive, agile drive, but in wet, you have to moderate, unless on early age tyres.

Second knock is the noise, its relatively mute, no overruns whatsoever, and when put it into Sport + (Press Sport Button and push lever left) its more harsh than sporty. Our 2019 Golf R is way better, some nice overruns and nice low, deeper tone to exhaust in Race.

The last two comments are minor, the auto hold needs a sharp jab on brake to activate and rarely the gearbox gets itself in a muddle and there is notable delay between press and go.

Probably give the 128Ti an 8/10 really enjoyed my time with it, but not enough for me to want to buy it or get another BMW.

Great used car buy for someone though compared to other cars out there, would seriously consider one if looking at MK 7.5 or early MK 8 Golfs, as could get much newer, less mileage 72/73 plate 128 Ti for same or less.

What next for me? Really not sure, have eliminated a BMW, glad scratched that itch as never had one before, but one and done I think. You not get as much for allowance as used to, so have to see what's on there but toying with new Mini John Cooper Works form wife to mainly drive, quite like the facelift, always found Mini had too much going on in the interior for me, but like what they done, especially the new OLED center screen. However if a MK 8.5 GTI/R squeak into my allowance level could be tempted? Cupra? really not sure? expecting the email asking me to look and order soon as 6 months before return of the 128Ti.

ALso toying with just keeping money and buying 17-19 plate Mk 7.5 GTI, Clubsport, R

[fredgroves]

econd knock is the noise, its relatively mute, no overruns whatsoever, and when put it into Sport + (Press Sport Button and push lever left) its more harsh than sporty. Our 2019 Golf R is way better, some nice overruns and nice low, deeper tone to exhaust in Race.

Thats the EU directive on noise for you.

Only old cars make noise, not new ones and its going to get worse as a further cut in dB is coming this year.