I just bought a 135, stock. Now I need to.........

[VRG_135]

New 135 owner here, and I have been scouring this site to see what I need to do for my car. I thought in order to help me, and any future 1st time 135 owners, informed, I would try and place some need to know information about maintenance and mods in one place.
My story so far: Bought a great, silver 2012 135 in January(56k), it has started
running a little rough when pulling up to a light or stop sign, and when lightly accelerating. Especially bad when AC is on.

Also, I bought an extended warranty from ASG through my credit union. Thoughts about extended warranties?

And, what are some easy or least costly mods for these cars, especially mods that might still keep the car covered under the extended warranty?
Thanks in advance for you thoughts!

[Esteban]

Exhaust is a good mod. I have the PE and think it sounds great. Very nice stainless steel exhaust tips as well. PPK is another mod that adds some pops and crackles to the exhaust sound, plus 20 hp and 17 ft-lbs of torque. Some cosmetic mods are different grilles or backline taillights, or a carbon fiber spoiler. Just a few suggestions.

[The Wind Breezes]

WTF? There are thousands of mods from cosmetic to handling to braking to engine power....This is literally the most useless question ever asked. You didn't tell us what you're looking for.

With that said, you probably want a JB4 for added power.

[Stewy_604]

First of all, welcome! Agree on the above, that's really a very open ended ask. Everyone has different tastes, and wants from their ride. Help the car breathe, help the car stick, help the car brake. Have fun.

[Esteban]

Nothing wrong with some suggestions guys. Help him out. He's looking for ideas.

[tock172]

Congrats on the purchase and welcome to the forum. To address some of your concerns: I'm definitely a fan of a good extended warranty on any BMW, especially on a modern turbo example like yours. Just make sure you've familiarized yourself with the fine print and that the warranty will be worth it's salt.

The rough running may be related to a recall or software update for your car. Verify that all of these things have been addressed.

As far as the mods go, an exhaust is an extremely popular option. As previously mentioned the BMW Performance Exhaust is a good, cost effective choice that will have no impact on your warranty. Otherwise, do your research and good luck!

[Esteban]

Another suggestion is a suspension upgrade as most are not happy with the way the 135i comes from the factory. A popular upgrade is the Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit.

Many (most) don't like the runflats, and if you still have them you will probably want to ditch them. A lot of people like the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

Also, as you are already discovering, there's a wealth of info in these pages, continue to take advantage of it.

[Mr Gasser]

make sure all the wear and tear items are fixed first, like the water pump.

[The Wind Breezes]

For a poverty mod with maximum effect, remove your midpipe and run an open downpipe. It's so badass you'll need to wear earplugs while driving to avoid hearing damage.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by VRG_135

New 135 owner here, and I have been scouring this site to see what I need to do for my car. I thought in order to help me, and any future 1st time 135 owners, informed, I would try and place some need to know information about maintenance and mods in one place.
My story so far: Bought a great, silver 2012 135 in January(56k), it has started
running a little rough when pulling up to a light or stop sign, and when lightly accelerating. Especially bad when AC is on.

Also, I bought an extended warranty from ASG through my credit union. Thoughts about extended warranties?

And, what are some easy or least costly mods for these cars, especially mods that might still keep the car covered under the extended warranty?
Thanks in advance for you thoughts!

Welcome and congrats!!

You need to be more specific to get better help, what kind of mods are you looking for?

If performance,
Pick up a Jb4 + charge pipe + intercooler and intake

Remove the JB4 before repairs so you do not get any hard time with the warranty

Exhaust is another safe option in terms of warranty

[The Wind Breezes]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

intake

This is straight up bad advice, do not get an intake unless you just want more turbo noise. The stock air box is spectacular and won't lose you any power. The rest of his suggestions are spot on.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by The Wind Breezes

This is straight up bad advice, do not get an intake unless you just want more turbo noise. The stock air box is spectacular and won't lose you any power. The rest of his suggestions are spot on.

Intake adds 5-10 whp on FBO cars

[The Wind Breezes]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Intake adds 5-10 whp on FBO cars

5-10 whp is within the variance between runs and if you're really worried you can enlarge the inlet to the airbox after getting rid of those stupid scoops / ducting. Done. The stock filter is more effective than the cone types too.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by The Wind Breezes

5-10 whp is within the variance between runs and if you're really worried you can enlarge the inlet to the airbox after getting rid of those stupid scoops / ducting. Done. The stock filter is more effective than the cone types too.

Just because the increase is within the variance does not mean it is not there

No one is saying intake will add huge amount of power, most will not notice it but if you have done FBO and are looking for any extra HP you can get, intake is an option

[esses]

Your best bet is to get the 1 running like a top before you add mods. Mods have a way of making small problems big.

I suggest you start with oil/filter change, transmission fluid change, coolant change, CDV delete. Then check the plugs, coils, air filter, brakes and brake fluid and replace as needed. Toss in an OCC and get a walnut blast. Aside from the walnut blast this is all DIY-able with basic hand tools.

If you drive a stick, I consider the BMW SSK the single most important mod and it would be #1 in my book after getting the car in order.

Then decide if you want to focus on show, go, or roll:

Show: springs, rims, CF trim, and the always popular +10 RWHP decals and M badges.

Go: exhaust, FMIC/chargepipe/CAI and tune.

Roll: M3 suspension bits and coilovers.

Have fun!

[Horigan]

I don't believe the N55 engine needs an oil catch can, or walnut blasting at that mileage. At least I haven't seen pictures of a grungy N55 intake on this forum.

[esses]

I've heard both sides of this before, to each their own.

In my BMW and non-BMW experience DI/PCV systems always have accumulation in the intake ports and should be periodically cleaned for performance and longevity. If buildup gets so bad that it visibly reduces airflow, there has probably been compression loss for a while. FWIW, most of the N55 shop/contender cars I see at the track say they get it done. If my 135 was the one turbo version, I would still get it done.

[The Wind Breezes]

Originally Posted by Horigan

I don't believe the N55 engine needs an oil catch can, or walnut blasting at that mileage. At least I haven't seen pictures of a grungy N55 intake on this forum.

NO ENGINE needs a catch can because all the catch cans on the market are complete gimmicks that catch a SAMPLE of the stuff going through your PCV. NONE of them come even remotely close to removing everything that goes through.

If you want a proper solution to your PCV, dump it beneath the car, with a filter. You can also actively suck it out through the exhaust but this is a little more complex and some people have issues with sucking out excess oil.

Finally, even if you completely eliminate your PCV vapors in the intake you'll still have to deal with EGR and oil leaking thru the valve seals and the valves will still get dirty although it will take longer.

[VRG_135]

Thanks for all the input so far. I am definitely a "GO" person, looking for a little more power. The PE sounds like a great idea.
The only other question I would have is about my extended warranty. I have ASG. Has anyone else dealt with them?

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by VRG_135

Thanks for all the input so far. I am definitely a "GO" person, looking for a little more power. The PE sounds like a great idea.
The only other question I would have is about my extended warranty. I have ASG. Has anyone else dealt with them?

Go with JB4 and PE but definitely take care of all your maintenance and get your car running smooth before you even think about it again.

On the extended warranty: ANY mod will make them second guess helping you, and yes they can deny a claim if your contract states that a given mod impacts a given component that you're trying to repair.

My advice, work with a dealership and your warranty provider to get everything in perfect shape. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING, this is your biggest backer when dealing with warranty companies because guess what, they all try to get out of it.

Once everything is running great and you have records of all maintenance/work, THEN you can focus on some fun stuff.

My 2 cents as someone who's dealt with several warranty companies and plenty of used cars...

[VRG_135]

I'm in the shop today because of the rough idle (especially yesterday with the AC on)....I figure I'll give this warranty a shot. It states it covers almost everything. We shall see.

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by VRG_135

I'm in the shop today because of the rough idle (especially yesterday with the AC on)....I figure I'll give this warranty a shot. It states it covers almost everything. We shall see.

If it's mechanical you should be good, they're usually better about that. Let us know how they are. I have Warranty Solutions from Wells Fargo and have yet to make a claim but it's lifetime/bumper-to-bumper so I'm sure I'll get there soon enough.