Price: SOLD
Mileage: 67,400 Miles
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual Transmission
Exterior color: Mineral Grey Exterior
Interior: Black Boston Leather Interior
Additional features:
M Sport Package:
High Gloss Shadowline Exterior Trim
Glacier Silver Aluminum Interior Trim
Anthracite Headliner
Comfort Access Keyless Entry
Halogen Headlights
Daytime Driving Lights
Fog Lights
Lights Package
Power Memory Seats w/ Lumbar Support
Tinted Windows
Glass Sunroof
Auto-Dimming Rearview Interior Mirror w/ Digital Compass
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
iPhone/USB Adaptor
HiFi Sound System
Automatic Climate Control
On Board Computer
Carpeted Floor Mats
Style 207 17-Inch Double-Spoke Alloy Wheels
Continental ExtremeContact Sport Plus High-Performance Tires
California/Colorado Car
The E82 1 Series was marketed as the spiritual successor to the 2002: a small and sporting car that prioritized driving experience over luxury. When it came to fruition in the U.S. Market in 2008, the hype met reality in one of the most undiluted and enjoyable BMWs of the modern era. The 300-horsepower turbocharged 135i often overshadows the 128i, but the latter’s naturally aspirated 230-horsepower N51/N52 engine is no slouch, delivering a 0-to-60 time of 5.7 seconds—that’s E36 M3 territory. The 128i is also remarkably more reliable, having none of the 135i’s turbocharged engine proclivities. When they were new, BMW CCA technical editor Mike Miller once commented that if he were to buy a new BMW, it would be a 128i with the fewest options possible. A decade or so later, the 1 Series is coming of age: not entirely new, not quite a classic—but absolutely fantastic!
This Mineral Grey over Black leather 2011 BMW 128i M Sport is one of those BMWs that you just don’t see come around that often—a true unicorn. The late-model E82 M Sport package is a significant force multiplier, improving the suspension, exterior aerodynamics, and appearance. This is thanks to more aggressive front and rear valances and shadowline trim. The interior is vastly improved with the M leather steering wheel, sport seats, and Glacier Silver aluminum trim. Equipped, as it should be, with a proper 6-speed manual gearbox, the driving experience is wonderfully visceral and a true modern incarnation of the characteristics that defined BMW as a marque. It reminds us of a modern-day E30 3 Series in both size and character. Other notable options include comfort access, auto-dimming review mirrors, smartphone integration, and old-school halogen headlights.
This example was originally delivered by BMW of Concord, California, in May of 2013 and later sold by Sonnen BMW in San Rafael, California. After that, it landed in Ontario, California, and made its way to Colorado via short stints in Texas and New Mexico. The Carfax shows dealer services throughout most of its life, and the records binder shows a spreadsheet of maintenance and service invoices from more recent maintenance. The Carfax reported minor rear bumper damage very early in 2013; the paint in that area gauges at 6-7 mils, blending down to 3-4 mils forward of the A-pillars. The paint match is perfect, and likely done by a BMW dealer. We found no issues or imminent needs in preparation for the sale. As it sits, it’s one of the best examples of a 128i M Sport on the market, a true bookend to the era of analog, non-turbo, rightly-sized BMWs. We want to find a new owner who will write the next chapter of its story.
The Mineral Grey paint is in fantastic condition, clearly having lived in California for most of its life. The paint gauges at 6-7 mils on the trunk, rear quarter panels, doors, and left front fender, the hood and right front fender are original at 3-4 mils. Forensically, it appears the trunk was re-painted and it was blended forward. The paint match is perfect and factory-correct. It was done two months after originally sold, and based on the other service history, likely by a BMW dealer. Imperfections consist of moderate scuffing on the lower front bumper cover, the worst on the passenger side. There are other scuffs on the lower passenger-side door sill, a small scratch above the driver-side door handle, and a small dent in the center of the trunk panel. There is no rust. All trim is present and accounted for with minimal UV fade. The windshield is crack-free, but does have some minor pitting and a larger pit on the upper area in front of the mirror. The headlight lenses have light pitting; the fog light lenses have moderate pitting. The taillights are in great shape. The Style 207 wheels are free of curb-rash. They are wearing Continental ExtremeContact Sport Plus tires with 2022 DOT dates.
The Black Boston leather interior is excellent. There are no odors, and it has never been smoked in. The carpet has no stains or tears and has been protected by factory BMW floor mats, which are in good condition. The dashboard is crack-free. The Glacier aluminum trim is in excellent shape. The seats have no failed stitching or tears, and all power seat functions work; there is light creasing on the outer driver’s side bolster. The rear seats are in great shape. The M steering wheel has no excessive wear or failed stitching. There are no failed pixels in the instrument cluster or HVAC panel and no alarm or warning lights. The headliner does not sag. The iDrive and entertainment system function correctly. There is moderate wear on the top of the shift knob. The heat blows warm and the air conditioning blows cold. All power windows, door locks, and the sunroof operate correctly. All factory manuals are present, and one key FOB is included.
The N51 is a very reliable engine, being a cleaner engine than its closely related N52 sibling and also delivering better throttle response due to a larger intake manifold. The N51/N52 engines were the last and most advanced of the naturally aspirated in-line six cylinders—the end of an era for BMW. It starts on command, idles smoothly, and pulls wonderfully to redline. There are no notable fluid leaks, and we found no codes during their inspection. The clutch take-up is correct, and it does not slip. The shifter is crisp, and the transmission shifts smoothly. There are no driveline or wheel-bearing vibrations or noises. The M Sport suspension is blissfully agile yet compliant and comfortable—no doubt aided by BMW resisting the temptation to put larger than 17” wheels on it. The brakes are also comically good, with good pad life and rotor thickness remaining. We ensure it passes and pay for emissions in the State of Colorado.
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