00:00 - OPEN - The Last Non-Turbo Inline 6-Cylinder Coupe from BMW

Today’s car definitely falls into the category of “fantastic driving machine” and it’s one I highly recommend.   It’s a 2-door coupe with a hydraulic steering rack that provides excellent feedback through the steering wheel, an outstanding suspension for those who love balanced handling, and it has the last normally aspirated inline 6-cylinder engine offered by BMW in the US. 

01:25 - INTRO - The 2008-2013 BMW 128i with Manual Transmission and The Sport Package

The car in question is the E82 BMW 128i, a 2-door coupe with a normally aspirated 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine that was sold in the US from 2008 to 2013. And more specifically, this episode focus on a the 128i coupe configured with a manual transmission and the Sport package.

06:10 - What Makes the BMW 128i a Great Driver's Car?

• BMW's Last Normally Aspirated 6-Cylinder Engine Offering
• A 6-Speed Manual Transmission
• Sport Suspension
• Excellent 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock
• Minimalist interior styling with focused driver's cockpit
• Funky, yet functional exterior styling

13:00 - Some Potential Issues with the BMW 128i

While overall the BMW 128i is a very reliable car, nothing is perfect and there are some issues that can develop over time, including the following:

• Oil leaks from the valve cover and oil filter housing
• VANOS issues over time (change your oil!)
• Electric water pump failure
• Hydraulic lifters can wear and "click" over time

17:55 - Finding a BMW 128i in Good Condition

Important options/packages

• Cold weather package (for heated seats)
• Sport Package or M-Sport Package
• Adaptive Headlights
• iDrive/Navigation

What To Look For When Searching for a 128i

• 6-speed Manual with the Sport Package (minimum)
• Minimal owners (1 or 2 is ideal)
• Low miles (but condition is more important than mileage)
• No accidents or branded title (be sure to check)
• Take a long test drive
• Get a pre-purchase inspection

Current Pricing

• Not much below $10K - typically basic cars with higher mileage
• $10K to $15K - Good to great examples - maybe the perfect car?
• $15K+ - This is where a great 128i with 6-speed and Sport Package will likely be found, but you might still find a great one between $10k to $15K - it will just take more time and persistence.

28:20 - WRAP UP - BMW 128I with a 6-speed and the Sport Package

If you’re looking for a classic analog driving experience behind the wheel of a small, nimble 2-door BMW coupe – and especially one with the last normally aspirated in-line 6-cylinder engines that BMW offered - then a BMW 128i with a 6-speed manual and the sport package just might be the perfect car for you. 

LINKS:

FCP EURO Takes a deep dive into potential problem areas and maintenance required to keep a BMW N52 Engine in good working condition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR_aXg3zpWY