In the market for a 1

[vanondemand]

I have a budget of 20K CANADIAN

http://www.bluestarmotors.com/index....ehicle_id=2268
this thing caught my eyes, maybe too good of a deal to be true, any thoughts of what to look out for ? problem wise

[Bmwbreed]

Looks very nice. Check and make sure the HPFP has been replaced also see if its had the waste gates replaced and if you can hear them rattling. At 98000km its got just about under 60000 miles so both will be replaced for free if they havent been.

[TheSt|G]

What's your maintenance budget?

[vanondemand]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

What's your maintenance budget?

Whats that supposed to mean

[hydroboy35th]

Originally Posted by vanondemand

Whats that supposed to mean

It means set a couple grand aside for repairs. Like water pump/fuel pump/valve cleaning/etc. etc.

[vanondemand]

Originally Posted by hydroboy35th

It means set a couple grand aside for repairs. Like water pump/fuel pump/valve cleaning/etc. etc.

Should I go with a 128i?

[hydroboy35th]

Originally Posted by vanondemand

Should I go with a 128i?

That's up to you, the 128 won't be as fun though!

[vanondemand]

Couple grand is not chump change

[Isdaako]

Looks very nice and is nicely equipped.
Along with the previous response of having some money put aside for maintenance; find out how much more does this vehicle cost to insure than the 128i?

[kensington]

If you cant swing $2000 at any point during owning the car you might look at something cheaper. Tires will run you $800+ installed (non runflats), and they wont last 50,000 miles. Oil changes at the dealer are around $100. Insurance might be pricey depending on age/accident history.

With that said, you wont be disappointed you bought it (even if you have to eat ramen noodles for awhile). They 135i is a blast to drive. Just make sure you find one in good shape mechanically. Check everything to verify it works. Check carfax and get a PPI done. Take it on a long test drive, dont go 2 miles around the block.

[dorkdog]

This is nothing new to me. As a former airplane owner it is essential to escrow funds for repairs. An airplane's annual inspection seems to always require a significant amount of cash, and a $10K plus overhaul every 2000 hours is a huge outlay.

Many noobs to that world go to Trade-a-Plane and buy a cheep Cessna 150 for $9000 only to have a $3000 annual 'physical' six months later and a $12K engine overhaul the following year.

Fine if you plan for that in your purchase.

With my C-150 I escrowed $40 per hour. Because of the cost I no longer have the plane. This was centuries ago.

It's the same for the 135i, or truly any high performance vehicle. The smart folks among us who want to keep our cars (128 included) put a few bucks away each month so that when the warranty expires you can pretty much pay for any needed repairs out of the fund.

Those who are not disciplined enough to do so are the folks who buy extended warranties. My slush fund IS my extended warranty.

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by vanondemand

Whats that supposed to mean

It means that the 135i is many things, but cheap out of warranty isn't among them. For 2008 you have fast waterpump failure, injector failures, turbo failures, high pressure fuel pump failures, and carbon buildup among other things.

You need to have a few thousand set aside to own that car safely out of warranty.

[631twentyeighteye]

Originally Posted by hydroboy35th

That's up to you, the 128 won't be as fun though!

False. It's a different kind of fun. While the n54 is torquey out the wazoo and fast, the 128i is light, nimble and loves to be revved. Plus i get to use more of my power more of the time, compared to scootin around town with a 135i where the torque just carries it around.

If you go 128i, you sure as hell don't need to worry about having a 2k budget just for repairs

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by dorkdog

This is nothing new to me. As a former airplane owner it is essential to escrow funds for repairs. An airplane's annual inspection seems to always require a significant amount of cash, and a $10K plus overhaul every 2000 hours is a huge outlay.

Many noobs to that world go to Trade-a-Plane and buy a cheep Cessna 150 for $9000 only to have a $3000 annual 'physical' six months later and a $12K engine overhaul the following year.
.

How true. This reminds me of people who buy used Ferraris. Sure, they can be found cheap used, but can you afford the maintenance? Pulling the engine out every 24,000 km to replace the belts is a big reason why used is so cheap.

[foghat]

Ya, you need to be able to afford the repairs. But don't think that you are going to need to spend 1000's of dollars each year maintaining a 135i. I don't think that is the case - unless you are very unlucky.

I will have had my '08 for one year at the beginning of May. So far I have had to pay for one oil change ~$100 and both of my rear tail lights went out - requiring me to replace the both assemblies (easy to replace yourself). I got them both used on ebay for $160 shipped.

I also did spark plugs ~$70 for plugs + $20 for the socket that makes changing them on your own easy. My plugs did not need to be changed, but I got a jb4 and figured it would be a good idea.

So in not quite a year I have spent about $350. Not bad in my book. I'd be surprised if I need anything else done before my year anniversary is up. But you never know...

Now I had/have a lot less km's on my car. Bought it with 33,000 and am at about 46,000 now. No doubt the water pump will go at some point (an issue with many bmw's, not just 135i). hpfp is covered until 120,000km (or maybe more, can't quite remember).

If my turbos go, will be time for upgraded ones. Yes that can get a bit pricey.

My suggestion is if you do get the car and don't have a decent savings account, put aside $75-$100 a month to keep as a repair/maintenance fund. If you do this, even the bigger ticket items will have far smaller impact on your wallet.

[hydroboy35th]

Originally Posted by 631twentyeighteye

False. It's a different kind of fun. While the n54 is torquey out the wazoo and fast, the 128i is light, nimble and loves to be revved. Plus i get to use more of my power more of the time, compared to scootin around town with a 135i where the torque just carries it around.

If you go 128i, you sure as hell don't need to worry about having a 2k budget just for repairs

Keep telling yourself that, lol

[631twentyeighteye]

Originally Posted by hydroboy35th

Keep telling yourself that, lol

I'll be sure to remind everyone in 10 years when my motor is still running strong

[Gray_Panther]

Originally Posted by 631twentyeighteye

I'll be sure to remind everyone in 10 years when my motor is still running strong

+1 bro. Right there with you

My friend with an 08 335i has been feeling it.
6 speed is needed for 128i.

[vertebra]

Originally Posted by 631twentyeighteye

I'll be sure to remind everyone in 10 years when my motor is still running strong

How does the 128i handle in the snow(with the exception of that crazy storm you got last month)? Im from Stony Brook living in Atlanta now.

[Bmwbreed]

Originally Posted by Gray_Panther

+1 bro. Right there with you

My friend with an 08 335i has been feeling it.
6 speed is needed for 128i.

I agree with both of you. The 128i is very fun to drive I hate when 35i owners always make that remark "its not as fun though". Speed is not the only element of fun in driving the car. With the 128 you have a more connected feel and you actually have to keep the car in its power band which I think makes it a more connected drivers experience. I love my 135 but theres nothing wrong with a 128 either and they are certainly cheaper all around which noone would complain about im sure. Dont know why so many 135 owners act like we are so high and mighty when all that seperates us is a price tag 1 or 2 turbos.

[vertebra]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

It means that the 135i is many things, but cheap out of warranty isn't among them. For 2008 you have fast waterpump failure, injector failures, turbo failures, high pressure fuel pump failures, and carbon buildup among other things.

You need to have a few thousand set aside to own that car safely out of warranty.

Most of the things you listed are typical of all BMW's or have an extended warranty on them. Whats your point?

[vanondemand]

Bad news...

"Has a 15k accident and also has had the engine just replaced under warranty.. approx 17k. Pretty awesome car. Have all documentation for the accident and the engine claim" thoughts? Don't touch it with a 10 foot pole?

I know what maintenance is like, I'm coming from a 3 series