Used 2008 135i Questions from a newbie

[tangfj]

Hey guys! I'm new to the forum and wanted to ask some of you 1 series experts out there some advice...

I'm looking trade in my 10yr old Lexus IS300 in and I've been looking at 2008 135i's as well as some other used 128's and 135's.

I was wondering from you guys generally what good prices are for 2008 135i's with between 25k and 40k miles? I'm seeing anything from $25k USD (for 35k miles) to $30k (with fewer miles)...

Another question I had was why there seem to be so many used 2008 135i's on the market now? Is there something wrong with the 2008 models or is it just the time for all the leases/etc to start hitting the used market?

With regards to warranty... it seems that many of these 2008's are nearing the end of their maintenance free warranties. Is it pretty easy to get an extended warranty through BMW? Is getting the car certified pre-owned worth it or just get an extended warranty through BMW or third party? Lastly, do I even need an extended warranty or are general upkeep costs high on 135's?

Also, coming from an 2001 IS300 (MPG is horrible at a combined 18 mpg), what kind of mpg would I expect from the 135 or 128? I've done some reading on the board and people seem to think that the mpg is comparable and seem to only have chosen the 128 due to the lower cost.

Ok, so I know I've asked a lot of questions but being that this is my first car purchase in 10 yrs I want to make sure I make the right choice!

So... to summarize:

• What are good prices for 2008 135's?
• Why so many 2008's on the market now?
• Extended warranty worth it?
• Real world MPG on 2008 135i's vs 128i? better than the 18 combined mpg I'm getting now?
• Any specific questions I should make sure to ask dealers/etc when approaching them? (I thought I remembered hearing about recalls on a few parts from early 135's but don't remember which parts or part numbers)

[ken1137]

1) What are good prices for 2008 135's? depends on miles but your estimates are pretty good ($24K to $32K)
2) Why so many 2008's on the market now? I would think many are coming off the initial lease and some prefer to sell right before the maintenance plan runs out.
3) Extended warranty worth it? Depends on the deal but I feel a lot better having one in place. I think it cost me around $2.5K...3rd party for 3 yrs. There are better including a Group Buy....do a search for that one.
4) Real world MPG on 2008 135i's vs 128i? better than the 18 combined mpg I'm getting now? the 128 should be a bit better since it is the N52 versus the N54 for the 135i. Don't expect good gas mileage with the 135, about 19 mpg city...it's all about the driving experience versus watching your mileage.
5) Any specific questions I should make sure to ask dealers/etc when approaching them? (I thought I remembered hearing about recalls on a few parts from early 135's but don't remember which parts or part numbers) have them provide you a print out of the service record including any warranty and recall work. Dont be alarmed if the HPFP and injectors were replaced. They are under warranty. mine were replaced but I have not had any issues since buying the car used last June.

I am certain other owners will have more to add ...Good luck and either car would will be fun to drive.

[tangfj]

Thanks for the reply!

So I have two cars I'm going to try to test drive this weekend...

1. 2008 135i w/ sport package - about $26.9k, 29,600 miles - 2 previous owners, no "bad" records on file
2. 2011 128i w/ nav and cold weather package - about $27.2k, 9,600 miles - 1 previous owner, no "bad" records on file

What do you guys think? They are about the same price so would there be any benefit beyond the longer remaining warranty period and nav on the 2011 128i?

[NorthernDancer]

I agree with comments by Ken1137 except 3rd party warranties are often iffy. I would insist on accident free, maintenance records and an inspection by the garage where you will get your maintenance done, hopefully a BMW independant.

And, between the above 2 cars I would go for the 128. 135's have intoxicating power causing less mpg and reliability has been an issue which hopefully has been sorted out. Maintenance and repairs will be more. 128's have enough power in my humble opinion and will be extremely reliable.

[Auburn 6]

Originally Posted by tangfj

Thanks for the reply!

So I have two cars I'm going to try to test drive this weekend...

1. 2008 135i w/ sport package - about $26.9k, 29,600 miles - 2 previous owners, no "bad" records on file
2. 2011 128i w/ nav and cold weather package - about $27.2k, 9,600 miles - 1 previous owner, no "bad" records on file

What do you guys think? They are about the same price so would there be any benefit beyond the longer remaining warranty period and nav on the 2011 128i?

It's ultimately up to you, but out of those two I would go for the 135i without a doubt. I know myself well enough to know that I'd be bored with the 128i and always wishing that I had the extra power of the 135i.

The question really becomes how much do you value performance? Will you be happy with a 128i? The 135i is a much faster car and the gap only widens with minor modifications.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by Auburn 6

It's ultimately up to you, but out of those two I would go for the 135i without a doubt. I know myself well enough to know that I'd be bored with the 128i and always wishing that I had the extra power of the 135i.

The question really becomes how much do you value performance? Will you be happy with a 128i? The 135i is a much faster car and the gap only widens with minor modifications.

And then there are those who maintain that it is more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow!

I find the 128i (especially with MT) has more than ample power, especially when passing a group of cars in the 50~90 range in 3rd gear. With about 75% highway mileage (it's a great car for extended road trips), my 128i 'vert has averaged 27.7 mpg over 34k miles and has been totally reliable.

Tom

[IZAGLO]

get a 135i without a doubt. It looks better than a 128, much nicer front bumper/grill and much nicer rear with diffuser...MUCH faster especially if you put a tune on it, and will keep your interest with possible mods. Juat overall a better package..The HPFP issue of years ago is pretty much not a issue anymore compared to what it was and the 08,09 are warrantied for 10 years and no worries. If possible i would try to find one from a dealer or private that is a CPO and you will be covered to 100,000 miles with no worries. If maintenance is a issue you can alway's spend 2 grand for 2 more years of coverage. The 128 is a fine car, but it is no 135i no matter what the 128 guy's tell ya, and DO NOT let them scare you because of the HPFP...your covered and whatever risk you may think is there with it, its WORTH the risk over a 128 big time..I have driven both, and after getting out of my tuned 135i into a 128 its like where is the power????? the 128 has enough for some but for most BMW enthusiasts for sure not enough...it's just not there and the 135i has so much more potential if you want to mod....No comparison here..135i all the way.

[tangfj]

So I ended up getting a black on black 2008 135i. It has 32k miles on it but it is CPO. Ended up getting it for $30.9k with 0.9% financing for 4 years. What do you guys think?

I think I got a decent deal and the car runs great and has been serviced regularly. Also the car includes two sets of wheels, the original wheels and matte black 19" vmrs. The car also has navigation, Bluetooth, and cold and sports package. I'll be picking it up next week after they detail it!

I had a few question regarding the navigation unit for you guys. Do you think the dealer will update the maps for me? Also, for iPod connectivity I only saw a USB port and aux in. Do those units from the 08's have any true iPod/iPhone connectivity? Or just through the aux in?

[Just1]

Originally Posted by tangfj

So I ended up getting a black on black 2008 135i. It has 32k miles on it but it is CPO. Ended up getting it for $30.9k with 0.9% financing for 4 years. What do you guys think?

I think I got a decent deal and the car runs great and has been serviced regularly. Also the car includes two sets of wheels, the original wheels and matte black 19" vmrs. The car also has navigation, Bluetooth, and cold and sports package. I'll be picking it up next week after they detail it!

I had a few question regarding the navigation unit for you guys. Do you think the dealer will update the maps for me? Also, for iPod connectivity I only saw a USB port and aux in. Do those units from the 08's have any true iPod/iPhone connectivity? Or just through the aux in?

$30.9 out the door? 0.9% is great for used car though. I saw 08 with 25K miles sold for $24K from a bmw dealer where i bought mine, 6 speeds no nav though.

[RiefferD]

If you feel as if the deal was a good deal - then it was. There's no way for you to really determine for sure. What we know is that if the dealership agreed to sale it, they probaly made profit. It's hard to compare deals, because so many things come into play. Depending on the state you are in, 135's may be rare -hence a higher cost, or the dealer fees may be higher, and the fact that your car is CPO'd, means that you have to take into consideration dealerships charge different prices for that warranty. If you are happy with the car, and terms of the deal I'd suggest not looking at the price of 135i's again. Just move forward, not doing so may cause you to always question your purchase. If you are happy with the car, that in itself should be enough; afterall you've already signed the dotted line.

[the1andonly]

I got a brand new 2012 128i black on black manual for around $29,000. The 128 paired with a manual make realy fantastic power and rides like a dream, its just such a balanced car...also the 2012 128i has the redesigned front bumper that looks MUCH more agressive than the older one.

I say if you wanted the 135 you did good, but you could get a brand new zero miles 128i with a fresh warranty for that price also...I go with the 128i but its a win win either way

[tangfj]

well i picked the car up and i am completely happy with it and the transaction. i know i could have gotten a cheaper deal elsewhere but i probably would not have gotten CPO nor would i have gotten the 0.9% financing rate (both were important factors for me)

anyway, my dealership was pretty good to work with and they made it all come together fairly quickly for me. they even got brand new factory 18 inch rims (5 spoke offset) and tires put on the car in addition to the 19's that the previous owner had on the car. anyway the car looks and drives great. i was a bit wary of the older idrive in the 08 but after using it i don't mind it at all. it's certainly better than the stereo in my old 2001 lexus is300!