How to Improve a BMW 128i


1. Modify the suspension with lowering springs and performance shocks. One thing the 1 Series suffers from in stock form is a suspension that is softer than optimal for outright road holding. The solution is to remove the stock springs and shocks and upgrade them with stiffer lowering springs, which lower the car's center of gravity, reduce body roll and also help the car look better. Combine the springs with performance shocks.
2. Install wider performance wheels and stickier tires. A set of lighter alloys will make your 128i feel more nimble and also make it look more performance oriented. There are many, many choices when it comes to aftermarket wheels for BMWs. The 128 comes with run-flat tires from the factory, which are heavy and do not provide as much grip as performance tires. Upgrade the tires with non-run-flat ones made from a softer-compound rubber for increased grip. Wider wheels are necessary when installing wider tires.
3. Upgrade the exhaust. The 128’s engine sounds nice in stock form, but is on the quiet side and is also relatively restrictive. Installing a larger-diameter performance exhaust will let the engine breath more freely thanks to the larger exhaust tubing in conjunction with a more free-flowing muffler. This will also sound far better than the stock exhaust.
4. Upgrade the intake and the electronics on the engine. Though the 128i is not as easy to tune for more horsepower as the turbocharged 135i variant, there are still a few ways to get more power from the engine beyond the exhaust. Start with a performance air intake, which replaces the restrictive stock air box with larger-diameter tubing and a larger filter. This results in more cold, dense air being delivered to the engine, which is good for horsepower. BMW itself offers an upgraded factory intake for the 128i. Another helpful modification is a performance upgrade for the 128i’s computer. This needs to be done by a company with the proper computer equipment and software.
5. Upgrade the brakes. With your 128i faster and better handling, you may want to think about upgrading its stopping ability as well. Here, you can start with performance brake pads that will offer more aggressive stopping power. If you want to truly upgrade the brakes, install a brake kit that uses larger calipers, rotors and braided steel brake lines for a significant reduction in stopping ability.