December 7, 2021 11:11 am by Mark Holthoff

2009 BMW 128i Coupe with 64k miles and a 6-Speed Manual

For December 7, 2021, our used car find is this nicely kept 2009 BMW 128i coupe with just 64k miles and a six-speed manual gearbox. It’s offered on Craigslist by a private seller in Eugene Oregon for $12,900 or best offer.

Here’s what makes this one special.

Introduction

BMW first brought its 1-Series coupe and convertible models to the US for the 2008 model year. Though their looks may be controversial (some have likened them to pot-bellied pigs), the E82-generation 1-Series boasts mechanicals that are a BMW purist’s dream: a buttery-smooth inline six under the hood, beautifully tactile hydraulic steering, rear-wheel drive, and of course an available six-speed manual transmission. In our E82 Buyer’s Guide, we call the 1-Series “the best way for a budget-minded enthusiast to experience the purity of BMW’s original engineering magic.”

The Listing

This particular example is one of the nicest we’ve seen in a while. Not only does it have just 64k miles from new (with a super clean appearance to match), it’s also perfectly specced with the 3.0-liter naturally-aspirated N52 straight six, good for 230 horsepower, a rare six-speed manual gearbox, and no ugly nav screen cluttering up the dash.

In the words of the seller…

Only 64,000 miles. Flawless! 6 speed manual. $12,900.00 or obo

From the limited photos and text in the listing, we don’t see anything worrying to note. The paint, glass, and upholstery all appear to be blemish-free. We especially like the car’s highly original appearance, which is a rarity with these. This one doesn’t even have tinted windows. Perhaps the only nit to pick here is the fact that it lacks the desirable M Sport package. But that would just drive the price up.

And price is one of this car’s best features. Sure, you might have been able to find something like this for under ten grand a year or two ago. But prices for clean E82s have jumped recently (along with most other used cars). In fact, recent comparables on Bring a Trailer (here, here, and here) have all sold for more. That makes the $12,900 ask quite reasonable.

Here’s a link to the BMW 128i listing on Craigslist.

Details and Specs

• 64,000 miles
• 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine (N52)
• 230 hp @ 6,500 rpm
• 200 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm
• six-speed manual transmission
• rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• Crimson Red exterior
• black vinyl interior
• for sale by owner
• $12,900 (or best offer)
• Eugene, Oregon

Photos