The upmarket German company tells us its new BMW 128ti has been introduced to breathe new life into a long tradition. Since the 1960s the BMW “TI” (later “ti”) badge has stood for “Turismo Internazionale”, marking out particularly sporty members of the model range.
The new BMW 128ti is based on the M Sport model specification.
Its 2.0-litre engine produces 180 kW if power across a handy band of 5,000 to 6,500 rpm. Even better, peak torque of 380 Nm runs from 1,500 to 4,400 rpm. BMW quotes a zero to 100 km/h of 6.3 seconds, not a rocketship number but pretty good for an almost standard model.
The BMW 128ti has an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. There are paddles on the steering wheel to give keen drivers finer control over it.
The BMW 128ti has extended Shadow Line trim with a black BMW kidney grille. It has a front apron with sculpted air intakes and the rear apron from the M Sport in high-gloss black. The side skirt trim and “ti” badge ahead of the rear wheels are red on the 128ti with Storm Bay metallic, Mineral Grey metallic, Sapphire Black metallic and Alpine White paintwork.
In those finished in Melbourne Red metallic or Misano Blue metallic finishes, the accents and “ti” badge come in black.
The window graphic surrounds feature BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim. The “128ti” badge on the tailgate is finished in chrome, while the two exhaust tailpipes have a diameter of 90 millimetres.
The BMW 128ti has 18-inch Y-spoke 553 M bi-colour light-alloy wheels exclusive to this model.
The interior of the 128ti red accents aimed to create a bold contrast against the black headliner. A large Race Red surfaces is used on the backrests of the Sensatec/cloth sport seats. A red “ti” is stitched into the centre armrest. The steering wheel rim and airbag cover have red stitching.
M Sport suspension brings a 10-millimetre reduction in ride height for a lower centre of gravity. It has firmer anti-roll bars and anti-roll bar mounts, as well as stiffer springs and shock absorbers.
Model-specific steering has been adapted to suit a powerful front-wheel-drive car and help reduce torque steer.
The front axle of the BMW 128ti is equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential. The mechanical limited-slip differential works with the electronic control systems.
BMW Performance Control, whose “sharper” yaw moment distribution boosts rear axle agility, has been specially modified for the BMW 128ti.
The exclusive 18-inch Y-spoke 553 M bi-colour light-alloy wheels fitted on the BMW 128ti can be specified with sport tyres in 225/40 R18 format as a no-cost option. Nineteen-inch double-spoke 552 M light-alloy wheels shod with 235/35 R19 tyres are optional.
An interesting feature is standard Active Sound Design (ASD) provides specific amplification of the authentic engine sound and adapts it to the character of the BMW 128ti.
Stay tuned for our road test review of what sounds like a very enjoyable small Bimmer.
BMW 128ti IS A NEAT LITTLE PERFORMANCE MACHINE
The upmarket German company tells us its new BMW 128ti has been introduced to breathe new life into a long tradition. Since the 1960s the BMW “TI” (later “ti”) badge has stood for “Turismo Internazionale”, marking out particularly sporty members of the model range.
The new BMW 128ti is based on the M Sport model specification.
Its 2.0-litre engine produces 180 kW if power across a handy band of 5,000 to 6,500 rpm. Even better, peak torque of 380 Nm runs from 1,500 to 4,400 rpm. BMW quotes a zero to 100 km/h of 6.3 seconds, not a rocketship number but pretty good for an almost standard model.
The BMW 128ti has an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. There are paddles on the steering wheel to give keen drivers finer control over it.
The BMW 128ti has extended Shadow Line trim with a black BMW kidney grille. It has a front apron with sculpted air intakes and the rear apron from the M Sport in high-gloss black. The side skirt trim and “ti” badge ahead of the rear wheels are red on the 128ti with Storm Bay metallic, Mineral Grey metallic, Sapphire Black metallic and Alpine White paintwork.
In those finished in Melbourne Red metallic or Misano Blue metallic finishes, the accents and “ti” badge come in black.
The window graphic surrounds feature BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim. The “128ti” badge on the tailgate is finished in chrome, while the two exhaust tailpipes have a diameter of 90 millimetres.
The BMW 128ti has 18-inch Y-spoke 553 M bi-colour light-alloy wheels exclusive to this model.
The interior of the 128ti red accents aimed to create a bold contrast against the black headliner. A large Race Red surfaces is used on the backrests of the Sensatec/cloth sport seats. A red “ti” is stitched into the centre armrest. The steering wheel rim and airbag cover have red stitching.
M Sport suspension brings a 10-millimetre reduction in ride height for a lower centre of gravity. It has firmer anti-roll bars and anti-roll bar mounts, as well as stiffer springs and shock absorbers.
Model-specific steering has been adapted to suit a powerful front-wheel-drive car and help reduce torque steer.
The front axle of the BMW 128ti is equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential. The mechanical limited-slip differential works with the electronic control systems.
BMW Performance Control, whose “sharper” yaw moment distribution boosts rear axle agility, has been specially modified for the BMW 128ti.
The exclusive 18-inch Y-spoke 553 M bi-colour light-alloy wheels fitted on the BMW 128ti can be specified with sport tyres in 225/40 R18 format as a no-cost option. Nineteen-inch double-spoke 552 M light-alloy wheels shod with 235/35 R19 tyres are optional.
An interesting feature is standard Active Sound Design (ASD) provides specific amplification of the authentic engine sound and adapts it to the character of the BMW 128ti.
Stay tuned for our road test review of what sounds like a very enjoyable small Bimmer.
