2008 BMW 128i

I'm a big fan of this 128i, more so than our long-term 135i. I know the 135i has the explosive power everyone craves these days, but the substantial cost of that engine makes the 135i a little less attractive to me. This 128i is more than quick enough for my needs and it drives more smoothly because it doesn't have the huge hit of torque just off idle. The point is you don't need to get the 135i to have fun behind the wheel. A 128i just might be my favorite Bavarian car for right now.

Everything else feels very similar to our long-term 135i, although I'm thrilled this car doesn't have the tacky fake aluminum trim. I just don't find the aluminum-look plastic to look or feel as classy as the rest of the 1-series interior.

Phil Floraday, Senior Online Editor