The BMW 128ti (F40 generation) marks a turning point for the Bavarian brand. Designed to directly compete with the Volkswagen Golf GTI, it revives the historic 'ti' (Turismo Internazionale) badge. Contrary to BMW's rear-wheel-drive tradition, this 1 Series is based on the front-wheel-drive UKL2 platform. To ensure sporty handling, it is equipped with a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential, specific M Sport suspensions (lowered by 10 mm), and anti-roll bars borrowed from the M135i xDrive. Under the hood, we find the highly renowned 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo (B48) exclusively paired with an 8-speed Aisin automatic gearbox.
The BMW 128ti is an excellent surprise and a highly recommendable purchase on the recent used car market. By abandoning rear-wheel drive, BMW has managed to create a very effective front-wheel drive, enhanced by the Torsen differential. The absolute strong point of this model remains its engine/gearbox duo: the B48 block is today one of the most reliable 4-cylinder engines on the market, free from the flaws of its predecessors. If one accepts firm damping and a significant budget for front tires, it is a versatile 'hot hatch', very well finished and without unpleasant mechanical surprises.