Unsung Hero: BMW 128i

Does anyone else feel like the week has flown by? I sure do, and now here we are on beautiful Friday with the weekend in sight! We have been fortunate the past few days with gorgeous summer weather in Hampton Roads (well, it would be even better if that smoke cleared out completely, right?) With the amazing weather, I have noticed more convertibles with their tops down. I have never driven a convertible, so my curiosity brought me to Checkered Flag BMW yesterday, where I found the perfect summer car, the BMW 128i. Not only is it one beautiful vehicle, but the 128i also makes our Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency list.

The 128i is part of the 1-series and is considered to be the modern version of the legendary BMW 2002 (pictured below) of the late 1960s and mid 1970s. The 2002 introduced American drivers to the concept of the "sports sedan". Forty years later BMW does it again by introducing the 128i, which delivers sports car performance with all the sedan comforts. This "throwback" is available in two body styles: convertible or coupe (personally, I am fond of the convertible).

Scott Weseleskey (pictured here with the 128i), a client advisor at Checkered Flag BMW, described the 128i as "pure BMW from the ground up." It is a entry level (starting at $28,600 plus destination and handling) compact  rear-wheel drive, and at about 3,300 lbs is lighter than its 3-series siblings. The 128i shares the same powertrains as the ones on the 3-series models. It is powered by a 230-hp, 3.0-liter inline-six with 200 pound-feet of torque. Scott, as a BMW driver himself, says owning a BMW is the ultimate driving experience. From its superior handling and performance, to its dedication to quality, BMWs are simply joys to drive. The 128i is perfectly balanced with 50-50 front and back wheels distribution.

Scott also says the 128i has remarkable fuel efficiency for a vehicle in its class. Paired with its strong engine, the 128i also has 6-speed STEPTRONIC with paddle shifters that is designed to adapt to every driver improving gear shifting and reducing fuel consumption. The patented Valvetronic system is also found on the 128i, which allows for increased power output and fuel efficiency. Scott says with all of that technology integrated together, you will get good gas mileage. The 128i gets 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Its tank size is 14 gallons and will get about 400 highway miles. 

Outside, the 128i is a real beauty with its chrome-plated exhaust tips, chrome-line exterior trim, and gray-band windshield. It also has halogen free-form front fog lights; heated dual power mirrors; and heated windshield washer jets. The convertible has a fully lined power-folding automatic soft top with heated glass rear window.Inside, the 128i is cozy and intimate. It has many of the comforts that you would expect from a BMW including: Anti-theft AM/FM stereo CD/MP3 player audio system with 10 speakers; Radio Data System (RDS); audio input for portable music players; 8-way adjustable front seats with 2-way headrests; manual height adjustment for front passenger seat; leatherette upholstery; high-gloss black trim; and 3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel with audio.

The 128i is also feature-rich when it comes to safety and security. Anti-lock braking system (ABS); Adaptive Brake Lights; Rollover Protection System Driver and passenger front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS); front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags; interlocking door anchoring system; and central locking system with center console switch are just a few of the safety features on the 128i. For a full list visit here.

There is so much to talk about when it comes to the 128i! I got so excited about this car that I went to the BMW website, and for kicks I utilized the Build your Own feature. There you can customize your perfect 128i or any of the other BMW models. My virtual 128i was in the Blue Water Metallic, but you can chose from several different exterior colors. Try it out for yourself, here. I suggest also stopping by at Checkered Flag BMW, 5225 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach to see the 128i in person or call (757) 490-1111 for more information. Have a wonderful weekend!