135is production started.

[Worra]

Originally Posted by gregthegr8

Those all have 4.

Here you go. $8!

http://www.amazon.com/Valor-Auto-Com...3182893&sr=1-1

Or this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Valor-Auto-Com...3182893&sr=1-5

Yeah I know. Cheap plastic is cheap.

Is this the real deal? If so, done.
http://www.amazon.com/Genuine-BMW-Sl...productDetails

[gregthegr8]

Originally Posted by Worra

Yeah I know. Cheap plastic is cheap.

Is this the real deal? If so, done.
http://www.amazon.com/Genuine-BMW-Sl...productDetails

That's their faux carbon fiber, which is what BMW calls it. That's why it says "carbon fiber look." Granted, it's still a good price as I've seen it from forum vendors for like $40-42. Not sure what MSRP is. Hang on, retail is $52 and is part #82110034723.

http://www.shopbmwusa.com/PRODUCT/69...cessories.aspx

[Worra]

Originally Posted by gregthegr8

That's their faux carbon fiber, which is what BMW calls it. That's why it says "carbon fiber look." Granted, it's still a good price as I've seen it from forum vendors for like $40-42. Not sure what MSRP is. Hang on, retail is $52 and is part #82110034723.

http://www.shopbmwusa.com/PRODUCT/69...cessories.aspx

Ahh, I didn't know that BMW made a faux-cf one. Goddammit.

[gregthegr8]

Originally Posted by Worra

Ahh, I didn't know that BMW made a faux-cf one. Goddammit.

If there's a dealer nearby, I'd at least go and look to see what their CF ones look like in person before shelling out a huge chunk of change for a license plate frame. I'd still buy it online though for much less.

This from someone who shelled out a huge chunk of change to get a personalized plate cause I didn't like the generic one they sent since it began 7AOL and I hate AOL and don't want to look like I'm supporting them, if they are even still in business.

[Worra]

Yeah I was glad the 3 letters on my plate didn't spell anything dumb.

[Worra]

3 weeks and 3 days....first speeding ticket obtained. Damn motorcycle cops.

[gregthegr8]

Originally Posted by Worra

3 weeks and 3 days....first speeding ticket obtained. Damn motorcycle cops.

Man, that suuuucks! You couldn't outrun him? Did you at least say, "nice bike!"

How fast were you going? Blame the car man. They make you do some really bad stuff.

[Worra]

Originally Posted by gregthegr8

Man, that suuuucks! You couldn't outrun him? Did you at least say, "nice bike!"

I actually did outrun him for a bit, unbeknownst to me. I didnt even notice him until I was sitting at a stoplight and he was flashing his lights behind me. He asked me about the car, cause he saw the M badges in the interior. Nice enough cop, but he still wrote me up. Its a nice wide 4-lane road, with minimal traffic...but the speed limit is 35

[CAVU]

Originally Posted by Worra

3 weeks and 3 days....first speeding ticket obtained. Damn motorcycle cops.

Ouch. Sorry to hear about that. Hopefully he cut you a bit of a break on the speed, and it doesn't impact your insurance rates. I guess you'll need to be on your 'best behavior' for a while. Laser? Radar? Was he pacing you?

[Worra]

Originally Posted by rikMsport

Ouch. Sorry to hear about that. Hopefully he cut you a bit of a break on the speed, and it doesn't impact your insurance rates. I guess you'll need to be on your 'best behavior' for a while. Laser? Radar? Was he pacing you?

He definitely gave me a bit of a break on the speed he clocked me at. I was definitely going 8mph or so faster than was written. Looking into picking up a V1 now...

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by Worra

3 weeks and 3 days....first speeding ticket obtained. Damn motorcycle cops.

ouch! sucks man!!!!

[crvz]

Originally Posted by crvz

Meh, the part they had in stock was not the right one, so now we're in a "geographical oddity... two weeks from anywhere!" They're waiting for the part to come in from Germany, and it's gonna be a few weeks. They gave me my car back, but get this. They pull it out of the garage, hand me the keys... and the back seat is completely unattached and cockeyed, and there's 8 nuts in a cup holder. Uh, what?

They're a bit embarrassed and I'm not exactly confident in their abilities. The service adviser is pretty cool, though, and he's implied he's going to hook me up. From what everyone says apparently I should go after the bmw performance exhaust. What do you guys think? If he gives me a deal is it worth the money? You IS guys are homers, though, anyone have a real comparison between the stock and performance exhaust differences?

Yeah, you remember this bush league response from the shop? And then they had the guts to tell me those nuts werent needed for anything. Well I found out. With the undercarriage of the car full down and scraped the road on the highway. Fortunately I was two miles away from the dealership and drove to it there. To their credit, they immediately gave me a loaner, admitted this was their fault, and I'll hear more next week.

Let's just say if this dealership was interested in driving me away from the BMW brand, they're doing a great job. I have 822 miles on the car, which didnt come with one option that I ordered, that has now been to the shop 3 times.

[gregthegr8]

Originally Posted by crvz

Yeah, you remember this bush league response from the shop? And then they had the guts to tell me those nuts werent needed for anything. Well I found out. With the undercarriage of the car full down and scraped the road on the highway. Fortunately I was two miles away from the dealership and drove to it there. To their credit, they immediately gave me a loaner, admitted this was their fault, and I'll hear more next week.

Let's just say if this dealership was interested in driving me away from the BMW brand, they're doing a great job. I have 822 miles on the car, which didnt come with one option that I ordered, that has now been to the shop 3 times.

You know I misinterpreted the story when you initially told and I thought you meant nuts as in food, like someone was sitting there eating in your car.

These people sound incompetent! Man! Once you get your car back, I think you're best off braving horrible traffic and taking it to a different dealer. Sadly, I have a dealer a mile and a half from my house, but they're so awful, I'll never take it there again. So, now I drive 15 miles out of my way to go elsewhere.

Hopefully it's just a crappy service department and you'll be able to start really enjoying your car soon without having them ruin the experience. I also hope they gave you like an M5 or M6 loaner at this point and not another 328.

[crvz]

So I got the car back yesterday. They kept it up on the lift and showed me all the parts replaced on the undercarriage, and also showed me where the hose was that had a leak. They said debris across an o-seal is what caused the leak, and that replacing the hose and connector with a new seal should solve my problem moving forward. I hope they're right.

I also spoke at length with the general manager. Despite my requests, the service nor sales guy had actually gotten their management's attention. So after a twenty minute description of my problems with their store to date (with the one exception of the leaking o-seal, all my problems have been on the dealership side; the car itself is a delight). The general manager was very receptive, thanked me for taking the time to talk through my issues, and how I might like to resolve my dissatisfaction. He was even willing to entertain the nuclear option; giving this car back in lieu of something that meets my needs (specifically, despite every assurance to the contrary prior to delivery, this car does not have bluetooth streaming audio, which was where my disappointment began with this car). I think what he meant was that if I kept him engaged, he would give me the best possible deal on getting into a M235i, but I'm sure that it would still be at my loss on some level. So I'm gather data on that.

He also offered the possibility of them comping me on some level of OEM accessory. He brought up the carbon fiber diffuser, which doesnt entertain me that much, but things that would interest me would be the performance exhaust, the PPK v2, or an extended warranty. Which of those would you go after if given your pick (and again, I may have to pitch in some level of cash to get those accessories, but which would be the most value)?

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by crvz

So I got the car back yesterday. They kept it up on the lift and showed me all the parts replaced on the undercarriage, and also showed me where the hose was that had a leak. They said debris across an o-seal is what caused the leak, and that replacing the hose and connector with a new seal should solve my problem moving forward. I hope they're right.

I also spoke at length with the general manager. Despite my requests, the service nor sales guy had actually gotten their management's attention. So after a twenty minute description of my problems with their store to date (with the one exception of the leaking o-seal, all my problems have been on the dealership side; the car itself is a delight). The general manager was very receptive, thanked me for taking the time to talk through my issues, and how I might like to resolve my dissatisfaction. He was even willing to entertain the nuclear option; giving this car back in lieu of something that meets my needs (specifically, despite every assurance to the contrary prior to delivery, this car does not have bluetooth streaming audio, which was where my disappointment began with this car). I think what he meant was that if I kept him engaged, he would give me the best possible deal on getting into a M235i, but I'm sure that it would still be at my loss on some level. So I'm gather data on that.

He also offered the possibility of them comping me on some level of OEM accessory. He brought up the carbon fiber diffuser, which doesnt entertain me that much, but things that would interest me would be the performance exhaust, the PPK v2, or an extended warranty. Which of those would you go after if given your pick (and again, I may have to pitch in some level of cash to get those accessories, but which would be the most value)?

wow that sucks man. here's hoping it is sorted out.

as for taking a 'gift'...i agree the CF diffuser is BLAH (i actually find it quite ugly myself).....the exhaust would probably be my recommendation....assuming you are going to keep the car. IF you aren't happy with it though....you should probably entertain other options as well, including getting something else. Pretty sucky that such a new car can go so 'off' so quickly.

[gregthegr8]

Originally Posted by crvz

He also offered the possibility of them comping me on some level of OEM accessory. He brought up the carbon fiber diffuser, which doesnt entertain me that much, but things that would interest me would be the performance exhaust, the PPK v2, or an extended warranty. Which of those would you go after if given your pick (and again, I may have to pitch in some level of cash to get those accessories, but which would be the most value)?

Well hopefully you won't be seeing them for awhile, except to cash in on the deal. PE vs PPK vs extended warranty. Hmm. Depends if what you want more is more power or are fine with the power but want it to sound incredible or intend to keep it for a long time and want peace of mind.

I think the increase in power going from 300 horsies to 320 and getting 17 lb-ft of torque you may not even notice all that much, so it will be a subtle increase. Impact wise though, the PE is like night and day and goes from just sounding nice to a mean, sexy, exotic brute, like a ferrari. What you may want to do is try to test drive a 135is if they have one or maybe a local member has one because you could then drive that and see if you even notice the extra power vs noticing the extra sound.

I think the CF diffuser is also more popular for people who have the PE because some people don't like that the PE exhaust tips stick out much further. Doesn't bother me at all, don't think it bothers IEDEI, but the CF diffuser is bigger and houses the PE better so it doesn't stick out as much.

So, I'd say impact-wise, the PE will change the entire character of the car and will likely enhance your driving experience bang for buck more than a little extra power. You can also always wheel and deal and negotiate on the extended warranty at any point right up until yours expires. And if in a year or two you find something else you want more or have a million issues, you won't want that extended warranty and the stock 4 year one will be just fine.

My 2 cents after a 2008 135 and now 2013 135is.

Or just have them give you a great deal on a 135is with streaming bluetooth (does that require the BMW Assist? or does tech package take care of that?)

[CAVU]

Originally Posted by crvz

He also offered the possibility of them comping me on some level of OEM accessory. He brought up the carbon fiber diffuser, which doesnt entertain me that much, but things that would interest me would be the performance exhaust, the PPK v2, or an extended warranty. Which of those would you go after if given your pick (and again, I may have to pitch in some level of cash to get those accessories, but which would be the most value)?

I think Greg is spot on. The CF diffuser is cosmetic only, but the PPK2 and PE both change the character of the car. I agree that the PPK2 probably isn't readily detectable by the butt dyno, but it does add some really cool burbles and barks to the exhaust. The PE is what really adds the full time character and is simply off the hook. I've driven most of my 3400 miles with the HK stereo off because the PE sounds so good.

Even though NEVER drive faster than 20-25 mph through my neighborhood, people hear me coming and pull their dogs and children close and get out of the street. The exhaust seems to send a "still an adolescent" message. It wakes up my neighbors, especially cold starts. If it is indoors, everybody in the building will hear it start up. It sounds exotic and amazing, and I love every minute of it!!!

[crvz]

You guys are unintentionally driving me away from the PE. ;-) more sound will not make my wife happy, and that's quite critical in the decision. A few more barks and bites from the PPKv2 may be the compromise. We'll see, imma drive the car another 1000 miles or so before making any decision.

[Chunner]

Originally Posted by crvz

You guys are unintentionally driving me away from the PE. ;-) more sound will not make my wife happy, and that's quite critical in the decision. A few more barks and bites from the PPKv2 may be the compromise. We'll see, imma drive the car another 1000 miles or so before making any decision.

Just do it, get the PPK2 and PE. She will love it. Its a turn on for them ... wink*** my wifey loves it!

[gregthegr8]

Originally Posted by crvz

You guys are unintentionally driving me away from the PE. ;-) more sound will not make my wife happy, and that's quite critical in the decision. A few more barks and bites from the PPKv2 may be the compromise. We'll see, imma drive the car another 1000 miles or so before making any decision.

Then she needs to hear one because for all you know SHE may find it intoxicating. I don't think the sound is that loud from inside the car, but those outside the car do think it's loud. It just makes a sweet sweet sound and really enhances the driving the experience. I like the PPK2 as well and the only thing I don't know about it, is what the long-term effects of having the additional cooling in the PPK2 have on the engine. For all we know it may lessen wear and tear and prolong the life. Not sure.

The only real way to decide is to see and hear both I imagine and can't go wrong either way, so just a matter of personal taste.

I will throw a curve ball in though because Rick has also done this, but you might also consider getting the Michelin Pilot Super Sports and ditching the runflats if you haven't already. That really improved the ride quality, they last twice as long as the runflats, and I'd say you may want to slot that in ahead of the PPK perhaps. So, will throw that in to complicate things further. That also might be the cheapest of the 3 options as they run maybe $900 a set retail, but also something where the dealer could give them to you at cost or a slight loss to make it worth your while. More things to consider.

[CAVU]

Originally Posted by crvz

You guys are unintentionally driving me away from the PE. ;-) more sound will not make my wife happy, and that's quite critical in the decision. A few more barks and bites from the PPKv2 may be the compromise. We'll see, imma drive the car another 1000 miles or so before making any decision.

I definitely don't want to talk you out of the PE, but I thought it would be helpful to pass along my experience and to help you decide if the PE is a good fit for you. My wife loves the it, and when asked "how do you deal with it?" by the next door neighbor lady complaining about it waking her up every day at 6:45am, my wife told her so. I crack the windows even when is cold so that I can hear it better. The BMW engineers who talked their corporate leaders into approving the PE as part of the factory-installed 135 "is" package must still be snickering with a bit of an evil grin. I have no regrets.

As Greg mentioned, the Michelin PSSs are a great upgrade. I love them. Your dealer might not want to financially be party to removal of your RFTs.

[crvz]

Well, since I start my car in the garage, and the kids bedrooms are above it... I think the price may be too much for me to pay for the PE. ;-) I do need to hear it, though, so I'll see what the dealership has on hand.