New to this forum and possibly a 1 series.

[Spin_dry]

I'm in the market for a 135i. I currently have two possiblities. 2011 w/sport/M auto, 25,000 miles for $26k.

The other car is a 2009 w/17,000 miles with identical options. I can probably get it for $23-23,500.

I'm aware the N54 issues, but it does appear BMW seems to have handle on them. The "09 is at a local dealer where it was sold new. All service records are available.

I'm open to pros and cons from those who know these vehicles. The car will be a spring, summer, autumn vehicle that I'll keep a long time. Moderate mods are planned.

Thanks, Greg

[TheCaptain]

The transmissions are completely different. The 7-speed dual clutch transmission in the 2011 is badass and that is the one you want.

[davis449]

I second. Go with the 2011 N55.

[Worra]

If you're not getting a manual, you definitely want the DCT in the '11.

[Spin_dry]

What makes the DCT superior to the steptronic?

[Fume]

Originally Posted by Spin_dry

What makes the DCT superior to the steptronic?

DCT uses two clutches to switch gears whereas I believe steptronic uses the traditional torque converter. Using the clutch to switch gears makes the gear shift almost instant, much faster than most other automatic gear boxes.

Edit: just did a quick youtube search for a decent explanation of DCT:

[Spin_dry]

Originally Posted by Fume

DCT uses two clutches to switch gears whereas I believe steptronic uses the traditional torque converter. Using the clutch to switch gears makes the gear shift almost instant, much faster than most other automatic gear boxes.

Edit: just did a quick youtube search for a decent explanation of DCT:

Thanks. Which transmission is considered more durable?

[inFamousKicks]

+1, go for the DCT. I think it'll bring a lot more enjoyment.

[Spin_dry]

I pulled the pin on the "09. The vehicle was owned by a retired couple. They used it as their fun car. Had an indepth discussion with the husband about the car. The Beemer dealer also open up all the maintenance records. The car comes home next Saturday and goes into heated storage until spring. At 17k miles, it's like new.

[NYHoustonman]

Originally Posted by Spin_dry

I pulled the pin on the "09. The vehicle was owned by a retired couple. They used it as their fun car. Had an indepth discussion with the husband about the car. The Beemer dealer also open up all the maintenance records. The car comes home next Saturday and goes into heated storage until spring. At 17k miles, it's like new.

Not a bad choice at that price with those miles .

If you don't find the ZF 6-speed automatic quick enough after some time with the car, you can always look into the Alpina B3 transmission control unit flash. I did this earlier in the year, and it makes the transmission quite a bit more responsive in both upshifts and downshifts. It's a pretty cheap and entirely reversible upgrade. It's no DCT, but this particular 6-speed is a good transmission nonetheless.

[delta-9-ginseng]

PICS!!!

[edisapimp]

You will not regret your decision! Welcome, and post pics!!

[IEDEI]

don't bother with a Steptronic....it's pretty rubbish. Either get a DCT or a Manual.

[Spin_dry]

I'll get pics up next week. The car is virtually new. The alpina re flash is already planned. As is a hifi overhaul.

[NYHoustonman]

Sounds good!

Despite what you'll hear, the automatic from that generation was not and is not rubbish. The ZF 8-speed is far superior, but in my experience that makes the 6-speed 'merely okay.'

[Spin_dry]

Originally Posted by NYHoustonman

Sounds good!

Despite what you'll hear, the automatic from that generation was not and is not rubbish. The ZF 8-speed is far superior, but in my experience that makes the 6-speed 'merely okay.'

I drove both cars. The "09 has a known history and was $3000 less. While the 8speed is superior, it wasn't $3k superior. This will be my summer play vehicle and part time hobby car. $3k in mods will go a long way. And no, the steptronic isn't rubbish. :-)