Contemplating purchase

[msbbc833]

https://www.hgreg.com/cars/bmw/1-ser...series-312136/

It is a 2010 135i convertible, well optioned and priced low at $12,400
Carfax doesn't show much maintenance history however. I currently own a CPO 2012 BMW 335i coupe with 50k miles, and I like the car, but I really want a 1 series with N54 engine because I would like to modify it (downpipes, MHD E40 tune, FMIC, inlets, etc) to make big power and have fun with it. My 335i is stock and under CPO warranty for another 17 months and I do not plan to modify it.

The thing that concerns me is I'm scared of getting an N54 and then having a million things go wrong with it. My 335 with the N55 engine has been extremely reliable with no problems other than OFHG and fuel neck replaced under wrranty in the 1.5 years I've owned it. I've heard the 2010 year N54s are more reliable, but who knows.

I may sell my 2012 335i (market ~20k) and pocket the difference which I could use on mods, but I would hate to end up with lots of repairs and essentially burn through the ~$8k difference.

Thoughts?

[shawnyeeah]

1. Depends on how much power you are aiming for. You can mod the current car after warranty expires and get good power, just not as much as n54 would.
2. I don't like that it is convertible/auto, but looks clean for the mileage.

[inevitab1e]

It's been in an accident, hence the price. (airbags did not deploy)