BMW 128ti.
BMW has unveiled the new 128ti. The new car caters to those looking for an unfiltered driving machine and sits below the range-topping all-wheel drive BMW M135i xDrive.
The “ti” badging has traditionally been used by BMW to mark out particularly sporty members of a model range, and the new 128ti is no exception.
The car is focused on delivering driving pleasure, and sports a specially tuned M Sport suspension and a Torsen limited-slip differential.
SPORTING LOOKS, EXCLUSIVE ACCENTS
Red exterior accents continue onto the side skirts and vents on the rear bumper.
Based on the M Sport model specification for the 1 Series, the BMW 128ti gets a distinctive front apron
with specially sculpted air intakes. At the rear, its rear apron is also finished in M Sport high Gloss Black.
The BMW 128ti also gets the outer air intakes of the front apron of the BMW M135i xDrive, but these are finished in a sporting red colour. The air vents on the rear bumper also get a similar treatment.
Cars finished in Storm Bay metallic, Mineral Grey metallic, Sapphire Black metallic or Alpine White get their badging finished in red, while those with the Melbourne Red metallic or Misano Blue metallic paint finishes will see their badging in black.
The 18-inch Y-spoke 553 M bi-colour light-alloy wheels are also exclusive to the 128ti.
BMW 128ti: RICH IN DYANMISM
Improved driving dynamics are also guaranteed thanks to a 10mm decrease in ride height.
The BMW 128ti also adopts the firmer anti-roll bars and anti-roll bar mounts with high preload from the range-topping BMW M135i xDrive. The car has stiffened springs and its shock absorbers have also been modified accordingly.
A model-specific steering setup as also been precisely adapted to reduce torque steer. The mechanical limited-slip differential is capable of delivering locking factors of 31% when accelerating and 26% when decelerating.
Aluminium four-piston monoblock fixed callipers and 360mm x 30mm inner-vented discs are employed at the front wheels, while floating callipers with inner-vented brake discs measuring 300mm x 20mm at the rear provide the stopping power for the BMW 128ti.
SUBLIME POWER
De-tuned 2.0-litre engine still delivers 261bhp and 400Nm of torque.
The BMW 128ti also delivers 261bhp from the de-tuned BMW M135i xDrive’s 2-litre unit. Peak torque of 400Nm is available from 1750rpm to 4500 rpm, delivering a century sprint time of 6.1 seconds.
Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.
RED VS BLACK
On the interior of the BMW 128ti, a large Race Red surface adorns the backrests of the standard Sensatec/cloth sport seats.
A red “ti” is stitched into the centre armrest, while the door panels, the instrument panel and floor mat edging feature red contrast stitching.
Red contrast stitching and “ti” badge on the centre armrest feature in the cabin.
The BMW 128ti also gets the M footrest and M pedals, M door sill strips on the front door openings, and M seat belts as standard. The Boston variant of the innovative backlit trim strips are also offered, with Berlin, Brooklyn and Nizza available as alternatives.
Looking for the latest in BMW handling? Be sure to check out the new BMW M3 and BMW M4 as well!
Read our BMW M135i xDrive review here, or find out more about it here
