New to BMW, hooked on the 135

COBMW144 · 08-15-2011, 01:33 AM

I am looking at a 2008 135i, 26k miles and just under $27K. I physically went and saw it today but the dealership was closed so didn't get the chance to drive it. Physically all is well and the interior looks perfect. The only unfortunate thing I came across is some curb marks on the wheels. I have been a Honda owner forever now, and currently have a 2006 S2000 as my fun in the sun car and a CRV as my daily. Having 2 cars is nice but lately I have been throwing around the idea of combining both my need of practicality, performance and style into one, and the 135 is the only car I have come across that meets those needs. So after some searching and not finding too many solid posts on what to look for I decided to see what real owners think. I am no stranger to buying cars however I feel making such a jump in classes of vehicles needs some strong consideration and opinions from those that already know. I will be hopefully driving it tomorrow and I just want to know what I need to look/listen for. I continually hear from people the the maintenance costs are high but have usually done the maintenance on my own for all the vehicles I have owned. Any help is appreciated, and feel free to be strongly opinionated!

Focusedintntions · 08-15-2011, 05:37 AM

Usually the biggies it check to make sure all the recalls are done. Being a 2008 means you'll be looking at the N54 motor which means it could possibly have HPFP issues. Check to see if when it was last replaced and how many injectors have been replaced. Don't worry too much though as those have been warrantied to 100k so you should be fine. Other than that from reading around this is a pretty worry free car other than the abnormal issue a few people have had.

ken1137 · 08-15-2011, 07:00 AM

I made the same decision earlier in the year and never looked back. As mentioned above the HPFP issue is the main concern, but then again they are now under warranty (10yr/100K mi). Buy it if everything else checks out and enjoy driving it daily...it is a certainty that you will enjoy it from a pure driving perspective.

Bruck · 08-15-2011, 07:01 AM

09 here with the same n54 engine. Love the car, love the engine, not a single problem since day 1 - HPFP isn't a sign of the car being a lemon anyway, just something BMW will have to fix under the courteous 100kmi warranty extension.

Dam Road · 08-15-2011, 12:19 PM

4 weeks ago I was driving my s2000. Had two of these Hondas, both APIs with 9k redline. Would still have but my height and age made driving the vehicle a chore instead of a pleasure. I went from a Who Concert to a NY Philharmonic Session. The s2000 is raw, the 135i is more civilized. The s2000 has revs and the sound that goes with it, the 135i has torque and sound deadening so you do not hear it as well. The s2000 is 2700 pounds and razor sharp in turning. The 135i Vert is 3600 pounds and you feel that mass in the turns.. The s2000 is a 2 seat roadster, the 135i is a 2 seat GT.

You mentioned you were looking for style along with something that did both what the s2000 and the CRV did. The 135i will do most of what you want with a lot more style, but it is not a s2000. It is not meant to be one.

Do I miss the s2000? Oh yeah but I also luv my 135i Vert. In the perfect world I would never age and have both in my garage.

Pangloss · 08-15-2011, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dam Road

4 weeks ago I was driving my s2000. Had two of these Hondas, both APIs with 9k redline. Would still have but my height and age made driving the vehicle a chore instead of a pleasure. I went from a Who Concert to a NY Philharmonic Session. The s2000 is raw, the 135i is more civilized. The s2000 has revs and the sound that goes with it, the 135i has torque and sound deadening so you do not hear it as well. The s2000 is 2700 pounds and razor sharp in turning. The 135i Vert is 3600 pounds and you feel that mass in the turns.. The s2000 is a 2 seat roadster, the 135i is a 2 seat GT.

You mentioned you were looking for style along with something that did both what the s2000 and the CRV did. The 135i will do most of what you want will a lot more style, but it is not a s2000. It is not meant to be one.

Do I miss the s2000? Oh yeah but I also luv my 135i Vert. In the perfect world I would never age and have both in my garage.

I know exactly how you feel. I'm in the process of trading in a 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP for a 135i convertible. I'll miss it, but it was time to move on from the whole "roadster" thing.

amancuso · 08-15-2011, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pangloss

I know exactly how you feel. I'm in the process of trading in a 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP for a 135i convertible. I'll miss it, but it was time to move on from the whole "roadster" thing.

If you had a Z3 you would never move on from the whole "roadster" thing...

just sayin'.

JimD · 08-15-2011, 02:29 PM

If you are giving up a small SUV you may want to put a hitch on the bimmer and get a little utility trailer. You certainly cannot haul in a 1 series what even a small SUV will haul. I wouldn't tow anything very heavy with my 1 and don't even have a hitch on it because I still have a SUV but I think a utility trailer should be fine. The engine has plenty of power to tow but the rear end is very small with not much lubricant. There is a thread in the DIY section about installing the hitch. The author apparently tows a couple jet skis with his 135.

Jim

singular · 08-15-2011, 02:58 PM

I sold my Accord and kept my CRV when I bought my 2009 135i.

My kids are grown, so I no longer need a mid-size sedan. But I still need to haul crap around and and go on ski trips. Can't see doing either in my 135i. So my advice would be to sell the S2K and keep the CRV.

Another thing to consider when moving to a 1-series (or any relatively new BMW) is the use of run-flats with no spare. Even if you replace the run-flats with decent performance tires, you then have to decide what your back-up plan is: a donut spare that takes up a lot of trunk space, or a pump with plugs and/or slime?

Pangloss · 08-15-2011, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amancuso

If you had a Z3 you would never move on from the whole "roadster" thing...

just sayin'.

To each his own; the Solstice is a great-looking car and mine was as fast as any x35i, if no where near the quality or handling class of a BMW. Also far less commonplace, especially in the stratified parts of town where new neighbors are greeted with "So... which model BMW do *you* own?". I live in such an area, and that was a fleeting concern that I had in this purchase, both from the anti-BMW snobs and the 3/5/7-series snobs. But then I realized that I didn't really care what other motorists think, so long as they get out of my way.

Love that color, btw.

tracer bullet · 08-15-2011, 06:18 PM

I'll play Devil's advocate and say keep 2 cars, assuming you have a place for them.

I had a '01 Eclipse, and sold it and bought a 135i, it's my daily driver. I also have a '98 Ranger which I use when I get stuff to work on my house, have my car torn apart for modding, or when it's snowing.

I love having two choices, I don't have any plans at all to go to one. Especially since it barely costs any extra to insure the truck and it's reliable enough that maintenance is a non-issue for cost as well.

Dam Road · 08-16-2011, 05:18 AM

And,

The s2000 looks like a Rich Man's car but can be bought and maintained on an Average Man's Budget. The 135i is a Rich Man's Car and requires a Rich Man's wallet to maintain down the road.

I have had a Porsche as well. Another great car but, as with my current BMW, I will not buy a BMW, Mercedes or Porsche without a full or extended factory warranty.

sjp3003 · 08-16-2011, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dam Road

4 weeks ago I was driving my s2000. Had two of these Hondas, both APIs with 9k redline. Would still have but my height and age made driving the vehicle a chore instead of a pleasure. I went from a Who Concert to a NY Philharmonic Session. The s2000 is raw, the 135i is more civilized. The s2000 has revs and the sound that goes with it, the 135i has torque and sound deadening so you do not hear it as well. The s2000 is 2700 pounds and razor sharp in turning. The 135i Vert is 3600 pounds and you feel that mass in the turns.. The s2000 is a 2 seat roadster, the 135i is a 2 seat GT.

You mentioned you were looking for style along with something that did both what the s2000 and the CRV did. The 135i will do most of what you want with a lot more style, but it is not a s2000. It is not meant to be one.

Do I miss the s2000? Oh yeah but I also luv my 135i Vert. In the perfect world I would never age and have both in my garage.

+1. Just sold an S2000 2 weeks ago, picked up my 135 vert 2 days ago and couldn't agree more on the comparison (and my SO has a CRV). I'll add a few details: The back seat on the 135 was a deciding factor...my 2 yr old daughter and wife both fit well and my daughter loves convertible motoring. The things I miss about the S2000: the shifter and seats are better IMO, and the motor, light weight and chassis make for a more visceral drying experience. The much better finish, added space, comfort, rear seat, sound system, torque and overall quality of the 135 make up for the stuff I miss about the S2000.

COBMW144 · 08-18-2011, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjp3003

+1. Just sold an S2000 2 weeks ago, picked up my 135 vert 2 days ago and couldn't agree more on the comparison (and my SO has a CRV). I'll add a few details: The back seat on the 135 was a deciding factor...my 2 yr old daughter and wife both fit well and my daughter loves convertible motoring. The things I miss about the S2000: the shifter and seats are better IMO, and the motor, light weight and chassis make for a more visceral drying experience. The much better finish, added space, comfort, rear seat, sound system, torque and overall quality of the 135 make up for the stuff I miss about the S2000.

I drove one 2 days ago for the first time and it was great. Feeling that torque kick in something I haven't felt in a long time and it was also my first time in the drivers seats of a turbo charged vehicle. Even though it was a short test drive, I had the salesmen grabbing onto the door handles at times. The only thing I noticed that would be a very minor problem is it appears the previous owner had a amp and subs hooked up in the trunk at one point. There was a little on/off switch mounted to the right of the steering wheel and a hole drilled just forward of where the ebrake sits (Maybe for gain control?). These are things I could have looked past. The price was reasonable at 27k and I could easily see the benefits of this cars making up for the things lost if I traded my S2000 such as having more space, torque, luxury and so on.

BUT from the get go the salesman was a real prick, for lack of better terms. I asked to drive it after going through it myself before he showed up. The first words out of his mouth were, what are you going to trade in. As if that wasn't enough, he couldn't figure out how to start it he had no idea where the FOB went and kept pushing the start button hoping it would magically start. Thankfully my research allowed me to show him how to start it. Then he tried pushing out the mirrors by hand since they were folded in... once again I showed him how they fold out by a push of a button. Next we went for a drive, where he insisted he will not move on the window price at all, then once we were back he told me he doesn't want to waste his time, basically saying take it or leave it. He never even looked at my license before the test drive, so I am assuming he thought I was just there for a joy ride simply because I look much younger than I am (I am 27). So I hope the next salesmen I encounter is a little more respectful.

Sooo basically my search continues, I would love to have a white one, this one was graphite but still caught my eye. A 27k price range is reasonable to me and now that I have a feel for the car I am set on upgrading soon!

08-15-2011, 01:33 AM	#1
COBMW144 Private First Class 78 Rep 133 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW M3 xDrive Competition Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	New to BMW, hooked on the 135 I am looking at a 2008 135i, 26k miles and just under $27K. I physically went and saw it today but the dealership was closed so didn't get the chance to drive it. Physically all is well and the interior looks perfect. The only unfortunate thing I came across is some curb marks on the wheels. I have been a Honda owner forever now, and currently have a 2006 S2000 as my fun in the sun car and a CRV as my daily. Having 2 cars is nice but lately I have been throwing around the idea of combining both my need of practicality, performance and style into one, and the 135 is the only car I have come across that meets those needs. So after some searching and not finding too many solid posts on what to look for I decided to see what real owners think. I am no stranger to buying cars however I feel making such a jump in classes of vehicles needs some strong consideration and opinions from those that already know. I will be hopefully driving it tomorrow and I just want to know what I need to look/listen for. I continually hear from people the the maintenance costs are high but have usually done the maintenance on my own for all the vehicles I have owned. Any help is appreciated, and feel free to be strongly opinionated!
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08-15-2011, 05:37 AM	#2
Focusedintntions Colonel 105 Rep 2,696 Posts Drives: 2011 135i M-Sport :D Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NoVA iTrader: (1)	Usually the biggies it check to make sure all the recalls are done. Being a 2008 means you'll be looking at the N54 motor which means it could possibly have HPFP issues. Check to see if when it was last replaced and how many injectors have been replaced. Don't worry too much though as those have been warrantied to 100k so you should be fine. Other than that from reading around this is a pretty worry free car other than the abnormal issue a few people have had. __________________ Faster, faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death… – Hunter Thompson
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08-15-2011, 07:00 AM	#3
ken1137 Brigadier General 89 Rep 3,732 Posts Drives: BMW S1000XR Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Gilbert, AZ iTrader: (7) Garage List 2009 e90 335i [6.40]	I made the same decision earlier in the year and never looked back. As mentioned above the HPFP issue is the main concern, but then again they are now under warranty (10yr/100K mi). Buy it if everything else checks out and enjoy driving it daily...it is a certainty that you will enjoy it from a pure driving perspective.
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08-15-2011, 07:01 AM	#4
Bruck First Lieutenant 30 Rep 362 Posts Drives: 2009 135i MT Alpine White Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Montclair, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 135i [0.00]	09 here with the same n54 engine. Love the car, love the engine, not a single problem since day 1 - HPFP isn't a sign of the car being a lemon anyway, just something BMW will have to fix under the courteous 100kmi warranty extension. __________________ Alpine White E82 135i 6spd Manual Factory Alarm \| Clutch Stop \| Alflugen 18 CS7 Hyper Silver Shadow Blue MK6 GTI 4-Dr DSG Euro OEM Reverse Camera \|
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08-15-2011, 12:19 PM	#5
Dam Road New Member 0 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Vert 6MT Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Fuquay Varina, NC iTrader: (0)	4 weeks ago I was driving my s2000. Had two of these Hondas, both APIs with 9k redline. Would still have but my height and age made driving the vehicle a chore instead of a pleasure. I went from a Who Concert to a NY Philharmonic Session. The s2000 is raw, the 135i is more civilized. The s2000 has revs and the sound that goes with it, the 135i has torque and sound deadening so you do not hear it as well. The s2000 is 2700 pounds and razor sharp in turning. The 135i Vert is 3600 pounds and you feel that mass in the turns.. The s2000 is a 2 seat roadster, the 135i is a 2 seat GT. You mentioned you were looking for style along with something that did both what the s2000 and the CRV did. The 135i will do most of what you want with a lot more style, but it is not a s2000. It is not meant to be one. Do I miss the s2000? Oh yeah but I also luv my 135i Vert. In the perfect world I would never age and have both in my garage. Last edited by Dam Road; 08-16-2011 at 05:11 AM..
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08-15-2011, 02:29 PM	#8
JimD Brigadier General 368 Rep 3,547 Posts Drives: 128i convertible Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lexington, SC iTrader: (0)	If you are giving up a small SUV you may want to put a hitch on the bimmer and get a little utility trailer. You certainly cannot haul in a 1 series what even a small SUV will haul. I wouldn't tow anything very heavy with my 1 and don't even have a hitch on it because I still have a SUV but I think a utility trailer should be fine. The engine has plenty of power to tow but the rear end is very small with not much lubricant. There is a thread in the DIY section about installing the hitch. The author apparently tows a couple jet skis with his 135. Jim __________________ 128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09
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08-15-2011, 02:58 PM	#9
singular Captain 21 Rep 935 Posts Drives: BSM 135i ppk cab Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	I sold my Accord and kept my CRV when I bought my 2009 135i. My kids are grown, so I no longer need a mid-size sedan. But I still need to haul crap around and and go on ski trips. Can't see doing either in my 135i. So my advice would be to sell the S2K and keep the CRV. Another thing to consider when moving to a 1-series (or any relatively new BMW) is the use of run-flats with no spare. Even if you replace the run-flats with decent performance tires, you then have to decide what your back-up plan is: a donut spare that takes up a lot of trunk space, or a pump with plugs and/or slime?
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08-15-2011, 06:18 PM	#11
tracer bullet Brigadier General 2406 Rep 3,535 Posts Drives: '11 135i , '15 X3 35i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Saint Paul, MN iTrader: (1)	I'll play Devil's advocate and say keep 2 cars, assuming you have a place for them. I had a '01 Eclipse, and sold it and bought a 135i, it's my daily driver. I also have a '98 Ranger which I use when I get stuff to work on my house, have my car torn apart for modding, or when it's snowing. I love having two choices, I don't have any plans at all to go to one. Especially since it barely costs any extra to insure the truck and it's reliable enough that maintenance is a non-issue for cost as well.
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08-16-2011, 05:18 AM	#12
Dam Road New Member 0 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Vert 6MT Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Fuquay Varina, NC iTrader: (0)	And, The s2000 looks like a Rich Man's car but can be bought and maintained on an Average Man's Budget. The 135i is a Rich Man's Car and requires a Rich Man's wallet to maintain down the road. I have had a Porsche as well. Another great car but, as with my current BMW, I will not buy a BMW, Mercedes or Porsche without a full or extended factory warranty.
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