going from M3 to 135i comments

[mjposner]

I have an E93 about to go out of warranty, and my search for a warranty has gone poorly. I tried Mercury Group on my wife's car and first claim was fully denied, so I cancelled and will not use them for my BMW. USAA want nearly 7 grand for 48/100; and BMW wants $6,200 for 24/100. I can't se keeping this car without a warranty.

So one option is to trade in and I saw a loaded 2012 135i Convertible CPO for $38k. Warranty will be till 12/17 or 80k more miles.

I drive solo 95% and no one has been in the back seat of my M in ages.

I have the DCT and the 135i is DCT as well (though I understand that they are somewhat different).

I test drove a 235i and was impressed.

So comments. Am I crazy.

[Pig Farmer]

Out of curiousity, is the USAA warranty 7 years from the car's original in service date or 7 years from the warranty's execution date? If it's 7 years from execution, and depending on your current mileage, that seems pretty reasonable. That being said, there are really only two major items that I'd be concerned with on the M3... A leaky air conditioner evaporator (+4,000 to replace) and the rod bearing issue which is more of a concern on the early model E9x M3. I also understand that BMW recently developed rod bearings with a different metal composition that is suppose to solve the problem. An Indy shop quoted my buddy $1,200 to replace his rod bearings. If they fail while driving, you could run into a much big bill.

Don't get me wrong, the 135i is a great car, but it is not the hallmark of reliability. Luckily, the issues tend to be minor such as fuel pumps, water pump, injectors, coils, carbon build-up, vacuum leaks, etc. They're not big dollar items (especially if you DIY) but they can be a real nuisance. The only major issue I'm aware of on the n55 is the vanos which is covered by a recall. Just keep in mind that your moving from a high revving, naturally aspirated, analog platform to a high torque, turbo charged, direct injection, digital super computer. There are pros and cons of each. Reliability probably rests with the M3 but when something goes wrong it's going to be expensive.

[IEDEI]

go drive one....these cars are a whole lot of fun. latter model 135s seem to be way more reliable than earlier ones.....you will find it to be a smaller, lighter, and tossable car than the M3....with better torque

[mjposner]

The USAA is 4 years from purchase plus 100k total miles. I just can't see keeping my car past 2 years and 75k miles, so to shell out $7,000 now. I can get this from BMW:

Platinum
6/100 msrp is $5990.00, I will sell for $5290.00
7/100 msrp is $7430.00, I will sell for $6730.00

If I were to keep my M3 I think I would pay for an oil analysis before the factory warranty runs out. My concern is the complex hardtop.

I do not track, the car is a daily driver.

[..]

You will miss the limited slip differential

[rocketpop]

Have you thought about keeping your car and finding a good BMW shop? I have a great shop in my home town that nearly cuts the dealer cost of repair in half. For example the dealer wanted $1200 to replace 3 injectors, I got it done for $750.

[inFamousKicks]

If my M3 was a convertible, I'd want to switch too

[mjposner]

Yes as someone who lived in Northeast Pa a convertible would be a waste, but thankfully I live in Sunny South Florida so I get top down enjoyment 12 months a year.

P.S. Go Eagles