2013 135is owners discussion and photos thread!

[Worra]

Originally Posted by gregthegr8

Mine gets washed in the morning. =P

Did you end up getting the BMW plain black slimline license plate frame?

Yep thats the plain black slimline frame.

[AGAV13]

I love the weather here in CT today. Was able to go for a nice ride with the windows down. I loved hearing the exhaust at full roar and the turbo spool again. Can't wait for spring to come around.

[Chunner]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

yeah the salt is brutal! they salted the crap out of the roads this week throughout most of the northeast i'm sure!

with 60 degree weather, I woke up extra early this morning and finally washed all that nasty paint eating salt off the beast and applied 2 coats of spray wax. i now feel clean.. lol

[gregthegr8]

Originally Posted by Chunner

with 60 degree weather, I woke up extra early this morning and finally washed all that nasty paint eating salt off the beast and applied 2 coats of spray wax. i now feel clean.. lol

I'm curious what kind of spray wax you like to use as there are so many seemingly good ones now. I had to try to keep up with you just now and put 1 coat of spray wax on. Couldn't do 2 as I was down to just my last couple of clean towels.

Don't know how you guys do it when dealing with salt, snow, ice, slush, and cicadas. Had to throw them in there.

[Chunner]

Originally Posted by gregthegr8

I'm curious what kind of spray wax you like to use as there are so many seemingly good ones now. I had to try to keep up with you just now and put 1 coat of spray wax on. Couldn't do 2 as I was down to just my last couple of clean towels.

Don't know how you guys do it when dealing with salt, snow, ice, slush, and cicadas. Had to throw them in there.

I first use Meguiar's Ultimate Quik Wax and then Meguiar's Ultimate Quik Detailer over it. They both tend to stay on the car longer then most. Has some kind of technology they call "hydrophobic polymer" which creates high surface tension on the paint surface that allows the water to quickly bead off. I've been using it for years between waxes.

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by Chunner

with 60 degree weather, I woke up extra early this morning and finally washed all that nasty paint eating salt off the beast and applied 2 coats of spray wax. i now feel clean.. lol

we've gotta do an NYC gtg soon!

[Chunner]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

we've gotta do an NYC gtg soon!

Agreed... We should also go to the track together. I am looking for 1er track buddies.... Never done it before, so I think it would be cool to learn about it together as a group. First, need to buy rims and tires dedicated for track duty. Who is in NY/NJ/Conn Metro area and in?

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

we've gotta do an NYC gtg soon!

Originally Posted by Chunner

Agreed... We should also go to the track together. I am looking for 1er track buddies.... Never done it before, so I think it would be cool to learn about it together as a group. First, need to buy rims and tires dedicated for track duty. Who is in NY/NJ/Conn Metro area and in?

THIS

I'm all for meeting new members but circle jerks in parking lots get old really fast. Cruising up to Bear Mountain and grabbing coffee is marginally better but nothing beats the adrenaline rush of a track day. First event of the year typically begins in March. Tracks closest to us:

Lime Rock Park (CT)
Thompson Speedway (CT)
Watkins Glen International (NY)
New Jersey Motorsport Park (NJ)
Poconos (PA)
Summit Point (VA)
Virginia International Raceway (VA)

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Chunner

Agreed... We should also go to the track together. I am looking for 1er track buddies.... Never done it before, so I think it would be cool to learn about it together as a group. First, need to buy rims and tires dedicated for track duty. Who is in NY/NJ/Conn Metro area and in?

I posted this elsewhere but here's a good "Intro to Track Days"

Your first experience to a track day will most likely be through HPDE or DE (high performance driver event or education). HPDE events are typically split between different run (skill) groups with the beginner groups requiring an instructor in the car. In between sessions you typically receive classroom training, which will go over the basic physics/dynamics of the car, learning the school line (fastest/safest way around the track), and general driving etiquette (rules on passing, what different flags mean, etc.)

There are many car clubs that offer DE, few that come to mind are BMW CCA and PCA (Porsche Club of America). Although you may not be a member, often times you can register as a non-member and pay slightly more. NASA is a motorsport club that's not specific to any car make. It's open to everyone and you have to pay annual membership. Other clubs include: Chin Motorsports, SCCA, Trackdaze, and Hooked on Driving.

In order to actually register for an event, look up the local website to see how they handle registration. Some do it directly on their website, others will direct you to www.motorsportreg.com (search for Driver Education), where you will have to create a new profile and add the club to your account. Many events are 2 days so you may want to book a motel in advance. Check the respective club website or forum to see what members' suggestions are. Sometimes clubs will even have special discount codes for that weekend/event.

Lastly in terms of what's needed... really nothing besides a good HUMBLE attitude and a full faced helmet (open face is permitted at some tracks but not all so better off going full). Motorcycle helmets are fine as well, as long as the SNELL rating is 2010. Humility is key, can't tell you the number of guys who thought they were Schumacher and felt instruction was a waste of time. These are the same guys who find themselves in hairy situations and pose a danger to other drivers. In terms of your car, as long as it's in good running shape with no leaks you are good to go. It doesn't need any modifications; the car in STOCK form will be more than adequate for your SKILL. At the very least, I would do a full brake flush with high temp fluids. Prior to any event, the club email you a tech inspection form to be completed either by yourself (assuming you are qualified) or a local independent shop. Things they will check for are rotors, pads, tires, bushings, etc. Some clubs may deny you for safety reasons (improperly installed harness bar, dark tints, etc.)

In terms of what to bring, pack light! Bring only what you need because prior to getting on track, tech inspection will require you empty out your car. That includes floor mats, radar dectectors, owner's manual, ipod, sunglasses, spare tire - you get the drift. Assuming your car got checked out prior to the event, the only 'must' things on my list to bring are:

a) torque wrench - make sure your lugs are nice and tight
b) tire pressure gauge - in case you want to adjust your air pressure
c) foldout chair - something to park your butt on when you're not on track or in class
d) plenty of fluids, you need to stay hydrated during the day b/c these events can really tire you out
e) long sleeve shirts/pants, unless it's extremely hot, long sleeves are mandatory
f) your helmet, duh!

On a side note, drivers have the option to purchase Track Insurance. Although these events are extremely safe and well organized, there's always a risk that you may damage your car. Whether or not you feel the need for insurance is up to you but should you decide to purchase it, look at Lockton Insurance for HPDE. They offer a great discount for CCA members if you purchase a multi-event package.

[AGAV13]

Originally Posted by Chunner

Agreed... We should also go to the track together. I am looking for 1er track buddies.... Never done it before, so I think it would be cool to learn about it together as a group. First, need to buy rims and tires dedicated for track duty. Who is in NY/NJ/Conn Metro area and in?

LimeRock does a very cool skid pad school. I'm looking into registering for one in the spring sometime. I believe they run about $300 for the day.

[mb135is]

Dan, GREAT intro to the track post. Excellent info.

Our cars getting some love:

http://autos.yahoo.com/photos/10-dis...417212120.html

[mb135is]

Originally Posted by AGAV13

LimeRock does a very cool skid pad school. I'm looking into registering for one in the spring sometime. I believe they run about $300 for the day.

For $300 you might look for a full track day. You won't regret it!!!

Looks like my 1er will be my track chariot for another season. Just can't pull the trigger on a real track car. I'll have to become proficient with changing brake pads sometime soon.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by mb135is

Dan, GREAT intro to the track post. Excellent info.

Our cars getting some love:

http://autos.yahoo.com/photos/10-dis...417212120.html

I don't care what others say, I really like the TT-RS

Originally Posted by mb135is

For $300 you might look for a full track day. You won't regret it!!!

Looks like my 1er will be my track chariot for another season. Just can't pull the trigger on a real track car. I'll have to become proficient with changing brake pads sometime soon.

Lime Rock is always expensive at around $300-350/day because Skippy owns it and sets his lease rates. But other tracks like NJMP can be done for $350/weekend with PCA.

I say keep using the 1-er until you decide you get bored with DE. Then think about TT and find a class you want to run in, and buy/build for that class.

Speaking of track days, what's the first event you're doing this year?

[Elwood74]

HPDE's are great fun. I would strongly recommend building your core driving skills at your local autox first. Once you hit the track you'll never want to go back to autox, unfortunately. But the skills you learn there will prove an incredible investment. ALL of my best students have come with that background. All the rest scare the crap out of me.

After that NJMP is a great location with 2 great track options. LRP is fun, but short and $$$. After a day can become boring.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Elwood74

HPDE's are great fun. I would strongly recommend building your core driving skills at your local autox first. Once you hit the track you'll never want to go back to autox, unfortunately. But the skills you learn there will prove an incredible investment. ALL of my best students have come with that background. All the rest scare the crap out of me.

After that NJMP is a great location with 2 great track options. LRP is fun, but short and $$$. After a day can become boring.

+1, 1.5 seasons of auto-x proved useful the few times I had to "catch" the car but I will admit the transition from auto-x to DE wasn't easy, I mean who's ever smooth with the wheel during auto-x? Haha


LRP is very short so traffic can be an issue in the lower level groups but I actually find that track really exciting because it's so damn fast. You really gotta have balls to try to shave tenths below the 1:05 mark.

[Elwood74]

Originally Posted by 3002 Tii

+1, 1.5 seasons of auto-x proved useful the few times I had to "catch" the car but I will admit the transition from auto-x to DE wasn't easy, I mean who's ever smooth with the wheel during auto-x? Haha

Catching the slide is one of the reasons. The biggest reasons are eyes up and being smooth. Believe it or not smooth is very important at autox too. The fast guys are all smooth. >;]

[AGAV13]

I've done autox in my Si for 3 years prior to the 135is. I missed the last one of the year with my car as I was still under the 1200mi and was babying her. I want to get to a skid pad school before I get on a track as I want to learn the car first. This is my first rear wheel drive car and need to the learn the dynamics and fundamentals before hitting the track.

[mb135is]

Originally Posted by 3002 Tii

Speaking of track days, what's the first event you're doing this year?

Haven't even looked at it yet. I guess I have to get on that!

[gregthegr8]

Hey guys,

My gut told me this christmas morning to check my coolant level for some reason. I had gotten a low coolant warning just a couple of weeks after getting my car and I chalked that up to my cracked radiator found during the PDI which was then replaced before I took delivery. I think they may have just forgotten to top off my coolant afterwards. Anyways, added about half a gallon then (!) and voila, everything was fine, checked it a week later and it was at the exact same level and never had any warning lights/issues since.

When I checked today, 7 months later, it was a little below the min level, but I hadn't gotten any light. Topped it off and I'm golden. Looks like we have a really small difference between min and max levels, too, only about half an inch difference.

Just curious if anyone has noticed that we may go through a little bit more coolant than normal with the PPK 2's upgraded, larger radiator and auxiliary radiator as well. May also just be that we go through a lil more in our climate perhaps, considering it's 85 degrees on christmas.

Anyone had to top theirs off or checked theirs? Since I bought the giant gallon bottle of BMW coolant that first go around, which needs to be diluted 50/50 with water, needless to say, I have enough coolant for years to come so figure I'll check it once in a blue moon and top off as needed.

Guess my car got two things for christmas this year - new performance rotors (going on Friday) and some coolant!

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by gregthegr8

Hey guys,

My gut told me this christmas morning to check my coolant level for some reason. I had gotten a low coolant warning just a couple of weeks after getting my car and I chalked that up to my cracked radiator found during the PDI which was then replaced before I took delivery. I think they may have just forgotten to top off my coolant afterwards. Anyways, added about half a gallon then (!) and voila, everything was fine, checked it a week later and it was at the exact same level and never had any warning lights/issues since.

When I checked today, 7 months later, it was a little below the min level, but I hadn't gotten any light. Topped it off and I'm golden. Looks like we have a really small difference between min and max levels, too, only about half an inch difference.

Just curious if anyone has noticed that we may go through a little bit more coolant than normal with the PPK 2's upgraded, larger radiator and auxiliary radiator as well. May also just be that we go through a lil more in our climate perhaps, considering it's 85 degrees on christmas.

Anyone had to top theirs off or checked theirs? Since I bought the giant gallon bottle of BMW coolant that first go around, which needs to be diluted 50/50 with water, needless to say, I have enough coolant for years to come so figure I'll check it once in a blue moon and top off as needed.

Guess my car got two things for christmas this year - new performance rotors (going on Friday) and some coolant!

Do you see your temps rising?

The 2x I did a coolant flush on my other car, I still got a light few days later which required me to top it off. These systems seem really finicky when it comes to bleeding but I was able to rule out leaks. So as long as you can rule out a leak I think you're fine.

[IEDEI]

i'm not really too interested in track days. when i first got my TT, i did a BUNCH of track days.....really enjoyed them....my favourite was Road America....but honestly i'm over it now. Not worth the expenses, wear, or risks on the car as far as i'm concerned. That being said....it's great for those of you who enjoy it....go for it. Evenually at some point down the line, i may try to do it again--but am not interested at all at this time....especially on a leased car that i need for my DD which i drive 600-700 miles a week.

otherwise, it would still be nice to have a more social GTG just to get to know each other's names and faces...

[gregthegr8]

Originally Posted by 3002 Tii

Do you see your temps rising?

The 2x I did a coolant flush on my other car, I still got a light few days later which required me to top it off. These systems seem really finicky when it comes to bleeding but I was able to rule out leaks. So as long as you can rule out a leak I think you're fine.

Never saw high temps, even when I had the low coolant light back in the day. Even stranger, there's nothing in the manual that even shows what that low coolant symbol is. It was sporadic then, would come on 1/3 to half the time I started it over a couple of days. So, I do think they are a bit finicky.

My concern then was a leak, didn't see anything, put cardboard under it for a week, checked and it was at the same level, so ruled that out then.

What I've learned though is that the low coolant light doesn't come on when it's under the min level, but something way below that. I'd just suggest people check their levels once in awhile even without the light on to make sure you're at optimal levels.