looking to buy need help deciding

[r1eater]

So basically I've narrowed purchasing between two 135i's, both have msport packgage, one is white manual tranny with about 64k miles, hk radio and they are asking 20. THen there is a black one with dct about 24k miles, no hk, has msport.

I really like the white but I'm worried abotu the miles, the black one has the dct which I could live with but I've read where people have been having issues. I'm leaning towards the black one because of mileage, both have been single owners and according to carfax have been taken care of.

Is the HK radio that big a deal and is the DCT trouble? I dont plan on modding except for maybe an exhaust down the road. Thoughts?

[ianc]

Not enough info. Years of cars? Engines? Service histories?

ianc

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by r1eater

So basically I've narrowed purchasing between two 135i's, both have msport packgage, one is white manual tranny with about 64k miles, hk radio and they are asking 20. THen there is a black one with dct about 24k miles, no hk, has msport.

I really like the white but I'm worried abotu the miles, the black one has the dct which I could live with but I've read where people have been having issues. I'm leaning towards the black one because of mileage, both have been single owners and according to carfax have been taken care of.

Is the HK radio that big a deal and is the DCT trouble? I dont plan on modding except for maybe an exhaust down the road. Thoughts?

I personally love the HK but everyone has an opinion on that. I also have a manual car and love raking the gears but I've heard great things about the DCT and have been wanting to try it.

64k is a bad time for these cars honestly, there's a trend of repairs around this mileage: HPFP, OFHG, water pump, thermostat... all kind of pricey. And if you get an N54 car you'll need a walnut blasting at that mileage.

Even though you haven't given us much info I'd say go for the lower mileage car.

[Esteban]

I would go with the lower mileage car as well if you don't have to have the manual transmission and don't mind having the DCT.

The DCT has been great for me but it has been known to give some folks problems (throttle lag, lurching forward, idle fluctuation), even after trying to eliminate these issues by getting a software update or adding PPK.

If possible test drive the DCT equipped car and drive with the a/c on because that's when these issues mostly occur and see if the car has the above mentioned problems.

Search for more info in this forum.

[VRG_135]

Originally Posted by r1eater

So basically I've narrowed purchasing between two 135i's, both have msport packgage, one is white manual tranny with about 64k miles, hk radio and they are asking 20. THen there is a black one with dct about 24k miles, no hk, has msport.

I really like the white but I'm worried abotu the miles, the black one has the dct which I could live with but I've read where people have been having issues. I'm leaning towards the black one because of mileage, both have been single owners and according to carfax have been taken care of.

Is the HK radio that big a deal and is the DCT trouble? I dont plan on modding except for maybe an exhaust down the road. Thoughts?

Go with the dct. I don't think I have the HK (No HK logo's anywhere) and the stereo is fine.

[VRG_135]

Originally Posted by Esteban

I would go with the lower mileage car as well if you don't have to have the manual transmission and don't mind having the DCT.

The DCT has been great for me but it has been known to give some folks problems (throttle lag, lurching forward, idle fluctuation), even after trying to eliminate these issues by getting a software update or adding PPK.

If possible test drive the DCT equipped car and drive with the a/c on because that's when these issues mostly occur and see if the car has the above mentioned problems.

Search for more info in this forum.

Drive with the AC on MAX.....its cold out and that makes the AC come on no matter what, and you can see if it has the lurching problem (which is a dct software problem).

[r1eater]

Originally Posted by ianc

Not enough info. Years of cars? Engines? Service histories?

ianc

Sorry both are 2012, the black one seems to have had the oil changed every 5000 mile according to carmax. The white one not so much.

Originally Posted by Matticus91

I personally love the HK but everyone has an opinion on that. I also have a manual car and love raking the gears but I've heard great things about the DCT and have been wanting to try it.

64k is a bad time for these cars honestly, there's a trend of repairs around this mileage: HPFP, OFHG, water pump, thermostat... all kind of pricey. And if you get an N54 car you'll need a walnut blasting at that mileage.

Even though you haven't given us much info I'd say go for the lower mileage car.

Does the 2012 model also have these issues?

Originally Posted by Esteban

I would go with the lower mileage car as well if you don't have to have the manual transmission and don't mind having the DCT.

The DCT has been great for me but it has been known to give some folks problems (throttle lag, lurching forward, idle fluctuation), even after trying to eliminate these issues by getting a software update or adding PPK.

If possible test drive the DCT equipped car and drive with the a/c on because that's when these issues mostly occur and see if the car has the above mentioned problems.

Search for more info in this forum.

Originally Posted by VRG_135

Go with the dct. I don't think I have the HK (No HK logo's anywhere) and the stereo is fine.

I was reading your posts about the dct lag you have been having, has it been fixed?

[gap]

Good maintenance records and proof the car has been taken care of would be a must
to avoid having to catch up on deferred service/repairs. Properly cared for 135's can
last for a long time, neglected and abused ones will be money pit. I think most guys on
here are like me and keep a binder with all receipts and list of repairs done.
Manual transmissions are pretty much bullet proof and worry free.

[r1eater]

Originally Posted by gap

Good maintenance records and proof the car has been taken care of would be a must
to avoid having to catch up on deferred service/repairs. Properly cared for 135's can
last for a long time, neglected and abused ones will be money pit. I think most guys on
here are like me and keep a binder with all receipts and list of repairs done.
Manual transmissions are pretty much bullet proof and worry free.

Thanks I just found another one that carfax shows as corporate. The mileage is low its a 2013, msport, prem package, titanium silver met, oyster interior, DCT and its CPO and still has 7 months left on basic warranty. 23k miles and they are asking 25k. Whats odd is that it seems it sat for a year with very little usage. I'm gonna call tomorrow to ask about it.

6/11/2013 7 BMW of Dallas / MINI of Dallas
Dallas, TX
972-247-7233
Vehicle offered for sale

06/13/2013 BMW of Dallas / MINI of Dallas
Dallas, TX
972-763-5528
Pre-delivery inspection completed
Tire condition and pressure checked
Washed/detailed
Emissions or safety inspection performed

06/13/2013 BMW of Dallas / MINI of Dallas
Dallas, TX
972-763-5528
Vehicle sold

08/06/2013 Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Dallas, TX
Title #05721341483151939 Title issued or updated
First owner reported
Titled or registered as
corporate vehicle
Vehicle color noted as Silver

07/01/2014 Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Dallas, TX
Title #05721341483151939 Registration issued or renewed
Passed safety inspection
Vehicle color noted as Silver

08/06/2014 10,960 BMW of Dallas / MINI of Dallas
Dallas, TX
972-763-5528
Maintenance inspection completed
Battery/charging system checked
Brakes checked
Oil and filter changed
Tire condition and pressure checked
Wiper(s) replaced

03/02/2015 15,855 BMW of Dallas / MINI of Dallas
Dallas, TX
972-763-5528
Maintenance inspection completed
Alignment checked
Battery/charging system checked
Brakes checked
Oil and filter changed
Tire condition and pressure checked
Tire(s) balanced
Tires rotated

06/22/2015 BMW of Dallas / MINI of Dallas
Dallas, TX
972-763-5528
Maintenance inspection completed
Battery/charging system checked
Brakes checked
Oil and filter changed
Tire condition and pressure checked
Emissions inspection performed

06/22/2015 18,339 Texas
Inspection Station
Dallas, TX Passed emissions inspection

07/01/2015 Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Dallas, TX
Title #05721341483151939 Registration issued or renewed
Passed safety inspection
Vehicle color noted as Silver

07/23/2015 19,066 BMW of Dallas / MINI of Dallas
Dallas, TX
972-763-5528
Maintenance inspection completed
Battery/charging system checked
Brake fluid flushed/changed
Brakes checked
Cabin air filter replaced/cleaned
Oil and filter changed
Tire condition and pressure checked

12/19/2015 22,787 BMW of Dallas / MINI of Dallas
Dallas, TX
972-763-5528
Maintenance inspection completed
Battery charged
Battery/charging system checked
Brakes checked
Fuel injector(s) replaced
Tire condition and pressure checked

01/26/2016 23,533 BMW Certified Dealer
Dallas, TX Offered for sale as a
BMW Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle
Silver exterior

01/27/2016 23,641 Texas
Inspection Station
Dallas, TX Passed emissions inspection

02/04/2016 23,652 BMW of Dallas / MINI of Dallas
Dallas, TX
972-763-5528
Pre-delivery inspection completed
Alignment checked
Safety inspection performed
Washed/detailed
Wheels checked
Emissions or safety inspection performed

08/29/2016 23,741 BMW of Dallas / MINI of Dallas
Dallas, TX
972-763-5528
Brakes checked
Left airbag assembly replaced
Safety inspection performed
Emissions or safety inspection performed

08/29/2016 23,742 Texas
Inspection Station
Dallas, TX Passed emissions inspection

09/10/2016 BMW of Dallas / MINI of Dallas
Dallas, TX
972-763-5528
Vehicle serviced

01/08/2017 23,749 BMW of Dallas / MINI of Dallas
Dallas, TX
972-247-7233
Vehicle offered for sale

[HomoPirate]

Good luck with your finding. I suggest you get the low mileage one than something like over 60k mileage on the clock. Just like someone said the HPFP, OFHG, water pump, thermostat are going to fail in this range so the low mileage one should get you less headache for the coming years.

[steeveebee]

I'd also go with the lower mileage.

As to options, the M-sport is really a must...I wouldn't touch a 135i without that.

Nav is really take it or leave it. I have it, but do not use it...I don't even know how. So, I drive around with the map showing me where I am and giving me awareness on traffic.

I don't have the HK, the stereo at least with Nav is pretty decent.

The big choice beyond mileage is really DCT vs Manual. I have a DCT myself, as I drive this car in traffic. I also tried out a manual version and it's also fun, but the decider for me was driving in heavy traffic. The DCT has minor issues, but IMHO for the 135i powertrain it is the best option as far as performance goes as there's no boost loss between shifts. The manual in these cars is fine, but it is underwhelming compared to my S2000.

I got my 2013 about 20 months ago with 15K miles for $28K (M, Premium, Tech). It had been sitting for a while, too. The price delta between the 1 and 3 is fairly small (or was at the time I was buying), and I think most people want the extra space of the 3, though I found the 3 to be more ungainly and the 1 to be just great, but not too aggressive (I already have that).

[r1eater]

Originally Posted by steeveebee

I'd also go with the lower mileage.

As to options, the M-sport is really a must...I wouldn't touch a 135i without that.

Nav is really take it or leave it. I have it, but do not use it...I don't even know how. So, I drive around with the map showing me where I am and giving me awareness on traffic.

I don't have the HK, the stereo at least with Nav is pretty decent.

The big choice beyond mileage is really DCT vs Manual. I have a DCT myself, as I drive this car in traffic. I also tried out a manual version and it's also fun, but the decider for me was driving in heavy traffic. The DCT has minor issues, but IMHO for the 135i powertrain it is the best option as far as performance goes as there's no boost loss between shifts. The manual in these cars is fine, but it is underwhelming compared to my S2000.

I got my 2013 about 20 months ago with 15K miles for $28K (M, Premium, Tech). It had been sitting for a while, too. The price delta between the 1 and 3 is fairly small (or was at the time I was buying), and I think most people want the extra space of the 3, though I found the 3 to be more ungainly and the 1 to be just great, but not too aggressive (I already have that).

Thanks for the reply Steve. I think I will go for a CPO one I found, I posted the history above. The interesting thing about that one is that it was a lease which they got back, then it sat at the dealership for a good while. When I asked the dealer they said it was because of the airbag recall. They couldnt sell it with the recall active. They finally got the part and were able to replace it clearing the recall.

I drove my friends 135i DCT with m sport pack lastnight. I didnt beat on it but it was fun, the steering felt super heavy compared to my Vette and compared to the M2 I drove last year.

I'm hoping Thursday I can make time to drive to the dealer and get the 135, titanium silver metallic with oyster black interior, dct, msport

[steeveebee]

Yea, the steering is the "classic BMW steering" and the 1 is the last car with it. They've since switched from hydraulic to electrical, and at the same time completely re-calibrated it because most of the BMW customers wanted light steering.

I find the steering on the current 3 to be way to light...enough to ruin the car.

The thing with the DCT is there are 2 sport modes...one for the engine, one for the transmission. You apply both, the car is pretty much a rocket...maybe not compared to a C7 Vette (though C5 comparable), but it moves.

[shawnyeeah]

Dealers couldn't sell or test drive the vehicle because of the airbag recall. Definitely get the lowest mileage with M-sport package, but I prefer 2012+ models do to styling and more reliability. Manual vs. dct is up to your preference.

[mr.fabulous]

Newer. Is. Always. Better.

[c1pher]

I like the HK, DCT and lower miles.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by r1eater

So basically I've narrowed purchasing between two 135i's, both have msport packgage, one is white manual tranny with about 64k miles, hk radio and they are asking 20. THen there is a black one with dct about 24k miles, no hk, has msport.

I really like the white but I'm worried abotu the miles, the black one has the dct which I could live with but I've read where people have been having issues. I'm leaning towards the black one because of mileage, both have been single owners and according to carfax have been taken care of.

Is the HK radio that big a deal and is the DCT trouble? I dont plan on modding except for maybe an exhaust down the road. Thoughts?

Don't settle for DCT. The future is full of automatic gearboxes. Get one while you can. You can teach your kid to drive a manual and enjoy it. More reliable than DCT too and less annoying.

[tock172]

You need to decide if you want a manual or automatic. I personally prefer having HK Premium sound, and after owning a 6-speed N55 135i and then one with DCT, I prefer the twin clutch.

[champignon]

Make a list of the features that are important to you; everyone's list is going to be different.

Divide your list into those things are "must haves" and those that are "want to haves." By way of example, a MT is a "must have" for me, as are sport seats. In the "want to have" column, I would put M Sport wheel and HK stereo; the M Sport wheel can be retrofitted at nominal cost if the car you buy doesn't have it, but the stereo cannot (which is not to say that you couldn't find a car audio shop to install something else you would like, if necessary).

These cars are not rare, and I would not buy one if I could not get all of my "must haves" and hopefully one or more of my "want to haves." 135i's are easy to get well-equipped. It is the 128i's with MT and sports packages, and the like, which are like unicorns.

[r1eater]

Ended up going with the silver one. First impression, this is one fun little car! I had the dealer install the PPK prior to delivery. Exhaust note is nice for stock, but thinking I might go with something like the BMW PE. Also replacing tint, the dealer that was on the car was terrible.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by r1eater

Ended up going with the silver one. First impression, this is one fun little car! I had the dealer install the PPK prior to delivery. Exhaust note is nice for stock, but thinking I might go with something like the BMW PE. Also replacing tint, the dealer that was on the car was terrible.

Congrats on your purchase. Titanium Silver Metallic and the Oyster/Black sound like a good combination. CPO is also a smart choice. The Performance exhaust really enhances the sounds of PPK, so you should go for it. Post some pics when you get a chance.