R50/53 What Lives In Your Garage With Your MINI?
I've seen quite a few posts regarding the 128i on here recently...and I'm not too familiar with it. I just looked up the specs and DAMN that sounds like a proper driver's car.
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
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I had 2 loaners back to back at a BMW dealership recently: a 128i and a brand new 550i. The latter was incredibly fast, but completely and utterly devoid of soul; plus it handled/turned like a barge in the absence of a sport suspension package. Worst of all, it was Prius-quiet. The 128i, on the other hand, made lots of noise in stock form, handled corners in go kart like fashion and was simply tons of fun to drive. I took the 128i out on several "just because" trips, whereas I was happy to let the 550i sit in the driveway after I got home from work. When I returned the 550i to the dealer later that week I informed them that I'd like a 1 series next time - which they couldn't quite grasp.
The 128i is terrific, the 135i amazing and the 1M ridiculous. The 1 series is about the same size as a 3 series in the 1990s, and they feel very similar - somewhat raw and unrefined, but all the more fun as a result. Handling is superb - the cars feel quick.
I had 2 loaners back to back at a BMW dealership recently: a 128i and a brand new 550i. The latter was incredibly fast, but completely and utterly devoid of soul; plus it handled/turned like a barge in the absence of a sport suspension package. Worst of all, it was Prius-quiet. The 128i, on the other hand, made lots of noise in stock form, handled corners in go kart like fashion and was simply tons of fun to drive. I took the 128i out on several "just because" trips, whereas I was happy to let the 550i sit in the driveway after I got home from work. When I returned the 550i to the dealer later that week I informed them that I'd like a 1 series next time - which they couldn't quite grasp.
I had 2 loaners back to back at a BMW dealership recently: a 128i and a brand new 550i. The latter was incredibly fast, but completely and utterly devoid of soul; plus it handled/turned like a barge in the absence of a sport suspension package. Worst of all, it was Prius-quiet. The 128i, on the other hand, made lots of noise in stock form, handled corners in go kart like fashion and was simply tons of fun to drive. I took the 128i out on several "just because" trips, whereas I was happy to let the 550i sit in the driveway after I got home from work. When I returned the 550i to the dealer later that week I informed them that I'd like a 1 series next time - which they couldn't quite grasp.
Yeah, it seems that most dealerships can't quite grasp the idea of a driver's car these days. They seem to think "luxury" is the most important factor. I disagree.
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Joined: Sep 2011
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Well sorta the other way around. My daughter's MINI lived in my new detached garage during her freshman year @ NCSU, but now just shows up for maintenance, since she parks on campus. On the list is the tensioner assembly, rear brakes, exhaust, and probably an entire sound system as I believe her H/K amp just took a crap :( 114K miles now 
'03 R50, '66 GTO, '06 Honda VTX 1300 in the back.
'03 R50, '66 GTO, '06 Honda VTX 1300 in the back.
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 21
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'05 R53 MCS
'12 R60 Countryman 2wd
'71 E-type Jaguar coupe
'67 Triumph TR4A-IRS
'59 Land Rover SII - rolling chassis in process
'71 BMW R75/5
'72 BMW R50/5 toaster frame up in process
'58 Triumph TR3A awaiting restoration
I need a 12-step program
'12 R60 Countryman 2wd
'71 E-type Jaguar coupe
'67 Triumph TR4A-IRS
'59 Land Rover SII - rolling chassis in process
'71 BMW R75/5
'72 BMW R50/5 toaster frame up in process
'58 Triumph TR3A awaiting restoration
I need a 12-step program
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 113
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA, NW side
hahahahahahaha! This made me laugh... My mini sits outside too. My wife's car and my two motorcycles (a '73 Honda CB350Four and a '96 Harley XL1200S Sportster), and the myriad of powered household 'stuff', some 70s classic Schwinn 5 and 10-speed bikes, (etc), all take up the garage... my '02 Silverado 4x4 pickup sits outside faithfully with my little Justa in the driveway...
So, no garage for Mini. But that's ok, I take as good of care of it as I can.
So, no garage for Mini. But that's ok, I take as good of care of it as I can.
Last edited by pilotguy1050; Sep 12, 2012 at 10:27 AM. Reason: added detail
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 307
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From: North Phoenix, AZ
When we got it 5 years ago, oh man, he was soooo excited! He looooooves that thing! He and my mom recently took a trip to Canada on it. They go everywhere with it lol.I enjoy riding it as well. It's been a while though :(
Much love to the Goldwings!!
