So... bought my first BMW! Also, some questions...

thatoneguy... · 08-16-2015, 07:20 PM

Hey all, long term VW/Audi guy here. Just wrapped up the paperwork on an '09 135i in Monaco Blue (40k miles)! I wanted to thank you all for the information you provide in this forum, it was a great help during the purchasing process.

This little car really surprised me. Coming from a manual, I was highly skeptical of the Steptronic transmission. I figured there'd be no way I'd end up purchasing it, as it was automatic (I still believe that manual is better) BUT it doesn't seem anywhere near as bad as others make it out to be. In addition, I realized that the future wife has zero interest in learning how to drive stick, and I (begrudgingly) conceded that the auto was easier for daily driving.

First order of business: Make sure I'm tracking with the maintenance. I'm aware that plugs are due in about 5k miles, and I see no record of a carbon cleaning in the maintenance history. In addition, there's a slight oil leak from oil filter gasket, and my understanding is that the intake manifold must be removed in order to repair that on the N54 anyhow, meaning that it makes sense to have both done at the same time. Anything else?

I'd like to eventually upgrade it, but nothing extraordinary. 350 WHP would be plenty for me. My concern is that the auto transmission can't handle the torque increases I see being produced from these upgrades (I remember seeing somewhere on here that the transmission is only rated for around 400 Nm or so). Thoughts? I also see that Dinan offers tuning for Steptronic. Does that include our transmissions?

Thank you so very much for your patience! You guys rock!

Esteban · 08-16-2015, 07:43 PM

Welcome and congrats on the new ride. We need pics.

Do a search for info on the Alpina software flash for the steptronic. Supposed to be pretty awesome.

thatoneguy... · 08-16-2015, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvenEsteban

Welcome and congrats on the new ride. We need pics.

Do a search for info on the Alpina flash for the steptronic. Supposed to be pretty awesome.

Used my Google-Fu and came across this thread with this video... Looks great! Thanks! I'll try to get photos up when the weather isn't being miserable!

Emanuscript · 08-16-2015, 08:03 PM

Welcome! I have the auto and I just love it!

ccdre · 08-16-2015, 09:19 PM

Welcome! I also have the AT and like it. The "manual" mode is actually useable for those days when you want more control.

Be careful with the Alpina flash if your car came equipped with paddle shifters - there is a known issue that requires some additional tweaking to make the paddles work after flashing the B3 TCU software.

dishy · 08-17-2015, 02:32 AM

Welcome! Congrats on your buy.
ps Auto's are better nowadays

lowbudgethero · 08-17-2015, 01:51 PM

the autos are fairly robust, 350+whp is easy to get with tune and catless downpipes

08-16-2015, 07:20 PM	#1
thatoneguy... Private 26 Rep 62 Posts Drives: '09 135i Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: 3rd Rock from the Sun iTrader: (1)	So... bought my first BMW! Also, some questions... Hey all, long term VW/Audi guy here. Just wrapped up the paperwork on an '09 135i in Monaco Blue (40k miles)! I wanted to thank you all for the information you provide in this forum, it was a great help during the purchasing process. This little car really surprised me. Coming from a manual, I was highly skeptical of the Steptronic transmission. I figured there'd be no way I'd end up purchasing it, as it was automatic (I still believe that manual is better) BUT it doesn't seem anywhere near as bad as others make it out to be. In addition, I realized that the future wife has zero interest in learning how to drive stick, and I (begrudgingly) conceded that the auto was easier for daily driving. First order of business: Make sure I'm tracking with the maintenance. I'm aware that plugs are due in about 5k miles, and I see no record of a carbon cleaning in the maintenance history. In addition, there's a slight oil leak from oil filter gasket, and my understanding is that the intake manifold must be removed in order to repair that on the N54 anyhow, meaning that it makes sense to have both done at the same time. Anything else? I'd like to eventually upgrade it, but nothing extraordinary. 350 WHP would be plenty for me. My concern is that the auto transmission can't handle the torque increases I see being produced from these upgrades (I remember seeing somewhere on here that the transmission is only rated for around 400 Nm or so). Thoughts? I also see that Dinan offers tuning for Steptronic. Does that include our transmissions? Thank you so very much for your patience! You guys rock!
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08-16-2015, 07:43 PM	#2
Esteban Major General 43649 Rep 7,224 Posts Drives: a slow car fast Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Welcome and congrats on the new ride. We need pics. Do a search for info on the Alpina software flash for the steptronic. Supposed to be pretty awesome. __________________
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08-16-2015, 08:03 PM	#4
Emanuscript New Member 1 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 135i Convertible Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Charlotte, NC, USA iTrader: (0)	Welcome! I have the auto and I just love it!
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08-16-2015, 09:19 PM	#5
ccdre Lieutenant 337 Rep 404 Posts Drives: '10 AW 135i, '13 Frozen M3 Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: NorCal iTrader: (1)	Welcome! I also have the AT and like it. The "manual" mode is actually useable for those days when you want more control. Be careful with the Alpina flash if your car came equipped with paddle shifters - there is a known issue that requires some additional tweaking to make the paddles work after flashing the B3 TCU software.
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08-17-2015, 02:32 AM	#6
dishy Private First Class 14 Rep 111 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Western Australia iTrader: (0)	Welcome! Congrats on your buy. ps Auto's are better nowadays
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08-17-2015, 01:51 PM	#7
lowbudgethero Captain 125 Rep 750 Posts Drives: '98 Z3M (gone), '09 135i Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: 908 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i [8.50]	the autos are fairly robust, 350+whp is easy to get with tune and catless downpipes
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