Long term ownership

[mfindigital]

I've had my 135i for about 6 years. It's the most "complete" driving car I've ever had, the coilovers and hybrid turbo turned this thing into a little savage of a car. The steering is unreal, power surges to 7k in a wonderful way, and it sounds incredible. My m3 seats are super comfortable and grabby enough for canyons, there is space for my two little kids in the back when need be, and I still love how it looks.

But I just hit 75k miles, and its BMWness is scaring me. I don't drive the car for anything other than joy, I'm a remote employee. I've put 10k miles on the car the last 3-4 years.

I've had every typical issue with this car, current one is a faulty EKP that goes in for repair tomorrow. Future problems will likely be more severe, the idea of throwing a rod terrifies me because I have no interest pumping 6-10k for a new motor into a car worth 20 max.

Anyone else out there have the same sort of concerns? I am a mazda corp employee now, always been a mazda fan, and have ALWAYS wanted to own a V8 or boosted miata. I'm sure it will end up with similar reliability issues, but service and parts are so much cheaper. It also drives better.

My two choices are essentially to either keep the bimmer and throw a new set of beefier rod bearings into it, or sell it, take that money and finance a new build. That would end up being a turbo miata, likely an NC, because of the stronger trans.

Just venting out with some like minded e82 fans, anyone else have the same type of fears? What led you to either sell or keep your 135?

[NorthernDancer]

had my 128 for 12 years now [NO serious issues] and plan to keep it for as long as I can drive.

[Cbeitler12]

Initially had an 09 white M sport 128i in manual but had to part with it due to relocating. I've dreamt of having a 1 series since I was a kid so recently acquired an 09 black convertible 128i. It doesn't have m sport package but the heated steering wheel and electric seats are nice. Having gotten it knowing it had issue with the top it never deterred me from getting it. I love working on these cars and at times it's overwhelming but at the end of the day these are some of the best looking and driving bmws IMO. It's just enough tech to feel new but not too advanced to mess around with. Plans to get a 135i in the future, this black E88 with the N52 isn't going anywhere. Already have plans to get a manual trans and backup motor set aside in case anything goes wrong.

[ejm3]

I've had my 2012 135i convertible since it was new.
Its got 74k on it but most of that was prior to Covid as I also am now a remote worker now and put on 2-3k per year, mostly in the summer.
Its not my daily driver.
Like you I've fixed many of the normal things that go wrong with this car, some of which have been quite expensive.
At 74k I'm not too worried about the motor blowing up but I am worried about the turbos, which I'm told is a pretty expensive repair.
If you don't already have one find a good indie shop that won't charge you a fortune on normal repairs.
My car still runs great and the motor is strong and I still like it.
I guess I'll just drive it until something big goes wrong and then I'll just make the decision on what to do then.
The alternative s to sell it now while its running great.
But its almost impossible to find a new car that's a convertible and a manual and not $100k.

[lucahemi@gmail.com]

Man I just bought a 13’ 135i vert manual w 85k miles and you guys are making me nervous!

[Goodmanfue]

I’ve got an 08 135i that’s been in the family since inception. I’m at 183,000 miles. Still running stock turbos. Water pump was replaced at 80k, HPFP a little earlier. Fuel injectors replaced at 100k.
Changed VCG, OFHG, and oil pan gasket this year as I was getting some slight oil seepage under the car.
I think there’s definitely concern on engine reliability if you start pushing more power. Only recently tuned to MHD stage 1+ otherwise the car remained stock.

[parameter416]

I’ve had my 128i for going on 5 years. This is my first BMW after a series of Mazdas - my last was an NB Miata. I walk to work, but we still manage to put on about 11,000 km (7k mi) each year. It’s been very reliable - mostly just preventative maintenance (currently approaching 160,000 km/100,000 mi).

For me, the issue isn’t the car - it’s the roads around here. I rarely get the opportunity to drive on the type of roads that these cars were made for. Ultimately that’s what led me to sell the Miata.

So I love the 1 series, and I’ll keep it for as long as I’m still enjoying it.

[mfindigital]

Originally Posted by lucahemi@gmail.com

Man I just bought a 13’ 135i vert manual w 85k miles and you guys are making me nervous!

I think most of my issues have been accelerated because of the power I'm throwing at it. These cars are reliable stock, you'll probably still run into some of the issues mentioned, but nothing catastrophic.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by mfindigital

I think most of my issues have been accelerated because of the power I'm throwing at it. These cars are reliable stock, you'll probably still run into some of the issues mentioned, but nothing catastrophic.

Where you say "these cars are reliable stock," I agree. I had my 2011 135i DCT for 9 years (bought new), and the only problem I had was a part went bad, High Pressure Fuel Sensor, replaced it and all was good. Sold the car a few years ago. Just got bored.

[aresfiend]

Originally Posted by Esteban

Where you say "these cars are reliable stock," I agree. I had my 2011 135i DCT for 9 years (bought new), and the only problem I had was a part went bad, High Pressure Fuel Sensor, replaced it and all was good. Sold the car a few years ago. Just got bored.

The other thing about stock reliability versus tuned reliability is more related to the N54. The injectors die way faster tuned than they do stock

[ejm3]

I don't know about these statements.
Mine is bone-stock and I pretty much baby it, to the point that its really never been out in the rain.
And I've experienced many of the same [expensive] issues as everyone else.
In addition to "normal" maintenance items...
OFHG at 40k for $1000+
Water pump at 50k for $1800 (though I got $1k back as part of the class-action lawsuit)
Charge pipe, main computer replacement, etc.
I figured I wouldn't experience these problems as my car was never modified but nope.
In fact I have had these things crap out even sooner than many people.
So yes you should be concerned.
That said I still love the car.

[JustAnotherSportsCar]

I guess I didn’t realize throwing a rod under mostly stock conditions was an issue. I bought my 08 135 E88 6MT with 93,000 miles. I am about 80% done with going through about $8,000 worth of maintenance work that I have done myself. I took the “while I’m in here, I might as well replace” approach. I bought the car for under $10k and plan on running it for another 75,000 - 100,000. For me, all the expense is reasonable for a car that should be mostly sorted now. 135’s, and even 128’s for that matter, are pretty rare in my area, and it is a fun car for my family to cruise in.

[Gray_Panther]

11 years stock 128i manual 81k miles

Ofgh - $35 (replaced myself)
5/6 ignition coils all replaced under SULEV warranty with mileage of failures between 60-75k

Everything else was basic maintenance and fluid changes all done at my leisure in my garage.

Car is solid and reliable I’d say.

[lucahemi@gmail.com]

Originally Posted by Gray_Panther

11 years stock 128i manual 81k miles

Ofgh - $35 (replaced myself)
5/6 ignition coils all replaced under SULEV warranty with mileage of failures between 60-75k

Everything else was basic maintenance and fluid changes all done at my leisure in my garage.

Car is solid and reliable I’d say.

128’s are considered much more reliable though, they seem like the perfect track car and one that will age as a great drive whereas the 135 will require more maintenance and be more collectible / driven less

[DarthFader]

My 2012 135i has 126k miles. Only mod is PPK and performance exhaust. It's been my daily for 10 years and that includes winter in WI.

Only issues were the usual:
OFHG at 70k
Water pump at 80k
Oil pain gasket at 100k
Valve cover and gasket at 120k

[GoRomeo]

Good time reading all of your stories. Well, I am long time e90 owner as you see. I have always wanted either a 335 or 135. Well I finally got one this year. E88. Got an awesome deal on it at 100k miles. Great service history. I been working on braes and other minor stuff. for the last month or so. I knew what I am getting into since I read lots of good/bad experiences with the 3 series turbos etc. I get nervous but man every time I get to drive it its so fun. Its a weekend car kind of car. I still use my e90 as a daily driver. I got the parts to service the tranny as I did with my e90 a few years ago. Cheers.

[Wazowski]

Original owner 08 E88 135 MSport 6M. 191k miles daily driver. Stage 1 Dinan tune about 5 years ago. Finally had oil pan and valve cover gaskets done this winter. Although there have been maintenance expenses over the years (I prefer not to add them up), I would describe it as a reliable car. I mostly describe it as a blast to own. I think in general, anything that gets driven regularly stays operationally sound longer. I have high expectations for many more miles.

[jsigone]

you would be hard pressed to find a replacement that will check all of those boxes without going to 2-3x the price. Love the go kart feeling and able to throw 2 kids in the back as well. I only had my 135i for about 2yrs. Had 13' C63amg and it sat around allot after I got the 1, eventually sold the AMG few months ago and didn't lose money on it. 1er was easier on the wallet vs cali 91 gas prices, didn't shred rear tires so fast and that steering is awesome (after coilovers and Sq tire setup. AMG was great for adrenaline rushes though, it was fast, too fast almost. Before the AMG and 1er, I had couple EvoX, those engines are pure unicorns to find. Way more overall volume to find virgin or low mile N55 plus too much plastic in the EVO interior, which got old to look at.

As far as mazda go, I had 06' mazdaspeed miata, great car to be left stock. Tuning the ECU was near impossible w/o going stand alone. I'm not sure how the newer copies are for tuners.

My replacement for the 1er would be a 2er, 240ixdrive https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/2-se...upe/bmw-m.html but 3x the price plus insurance would be allot more.

[mfindigital]

Originally Posted by jsigone

you would be hard pressed to find a replacement that will check all of those boxes without going to 2-3x the price. Love the go kart feeling and able to throw 2 kids in the back as well. I only had my 135i for about 2yrs. Had 13' C63amg and it sat around allot after I got the 1, eventually sold the AMG few months ago and didn't lose money on it. 1er was easier on the wallet vs cali 91 gas prices, didn't shred rear tires so fast and that steering is awesome (after coilovers and Sq tire setup. AMG was great for adrenaline rushes though, it was fast, too fast almost. Before the AMG and 1er, I had couple EvoX, those engines are pure unicorns to find. Way more overall volume to find virgin or low mile N55 plus too much plastic in the EVO interior, which got old to look at.

As far as mazda go, I had 06' mazdaspeed miata, great car to be left stock. Tuning the ECU was near impossible w/o going stand alone. I'm not sure how the newer copies are for tuners.

My replacement for the 1er would be a 2er, 240ixdrive https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/2-se...upe/bmw-m.html but 3x the price plus insurance would be allot more.

It's definitely a unique car. Newer BMW's steering feel just isn't the same as the e82. The only "newer" car I'd consider is the A90 Supra, but those prices are still ridiculously inflated.

[tracer bullet]

I still have mine after 11 years because there was little else I was interested in to replace it with. Keeping in mind I like the size and weight of it as a huge reason, because obviously an M3 for example is a "better" car.

Also it's been super reliable, I did have to replace the Valvetronic motor and eccentric for reasons I can't explain (so, there's the BMW thing going on), otherwise no issues whatsoever.

You mentioned you were a Mazda employee, and always liked them (as have I since my parents had an '82 626 and I owned a Ford Probe GT which was basically a Mazda as well)... it would be a serious consideration to switch for that reason. CX-50 would be a nice little SUV, a Miata would be fun.

I wish they'd make a new RX7, in spirit at least, something above the Miata.

[mfindigital]

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

I still have mine after 11 years because there was little else I was interested in to replace it with. Keeping in mind I like the size and weight of it as a huge reason, because obviously an M3 for example is a "better" car.

Also it's been super reliable, I did have to replace the Valvetronic motor and eccentric for reasons I can't explain (so, there's the BMW thing going on), otherwise no issues whatsoever.

You mentioned you were a Mazda employee, and always liked them (as have I since my parents had an '82 626 and I owned a Ford Probe GT which was basically a Mazda as well)... it would be a serious consideration to switch for that reason. CX-50 would be a nice little SUV, a Miata would be fun.

I wish they'd make a new RX7, in spirit at least, something above the Miata.

Details are sparse, but expect a new rx7 with a rotary hybrid by about 2030, the MX30 we made was obviously not an attempt to dominate the ev market, but the oversees version was a design experiment of the hybrid rotary combo. It's the ideal combination, because rotaries make no torque.

I get a free car from the company, right now I have a 2023 CX-9 carbon edition. We have to replace them every 12 months, I'm in the process of choosing between the cx-50 Meridian and our new i6 turbo CX-90. Even my cx-9 drives better than any suv its size sans porsche and bmw. The 90 is a dream.
Mazda makes the best value daily drivers in the country, nothing in our class, for any of our cars, comes close. My dad had the MX-6 v6 with a manual, very similar to the probe gt, fantastic cars.

[ptack]

I'm at about 218k miles on my 135i and it's still runs great. You just need to take basic care of the car and find a good mechanic.