Found a N52 128i slicktop 6spd

[TboneS54]

I joined the forum years ago when looking at a next car; ended up getting an E46 M3, but 10 years later, I've just now added a 2012 128i TiAg/Black slicktop, 6spd non-SULEV N52! It was the only one in the country I could find, at least on major websites and it was within 50 miles, so couldn't pass it up.

I've been DDing an old Honda civic, but wanted something fun as my commute is pretty short, but back roads, no freeway (traffic). I already have a highly modded E46 M3, so I didn't feel the need for a 135i or another car with more power altogether. Going for the fun factor of a n/a 6cyl 3100-3200lb manual. Even though the E46 is already a car that meets that criteria, I realized how much I missed driving it everyday (when I retired it to weekend duty). I knew an auto 530i or 328i or an SUV would be too boring for me.

The color palate for the e82 isn't too great is it? It was tough finding 6spds let alone slicktops, so I was happy enough with TiAg as I do love metallic colors on BMWs. Got the sport steering wheel, and manual seats that are heated, but it's Sensatec, not leather unfortunately. No options really other than that, no idrive, no xenons, pretty basic just as I like it.

Already have ordered:
Weighted ///M shift knob
Koni STR.T
Eibach pro-kit
Eibach 28mm/15mm sways
Dinan camber plates
Whiteline poly RSFB
TRW M3 control arms
all new rubber parts like mounts/bushings

Other plans include:
CDV delete
Fluids/filter change
18" wheels (finding ones with our offsets is not easy poo)
Michelin PSS or MPS4s
Porting my stereo over (don't like these 4" mids and 8" underseat woofers arggg)
Not much in the way of appearances, I like OE+ look.

Anyway, happy to be a part of the club now, on to the modding!

[Petro135]

Congrats!!! Nice ride

[..Rush..]

It's a great looking car!

[b1aze]

Congrats!

Only thing that would bug the hell out of me is lack of sport seats... You'll take care of the rest of the non-sport model items but the seats matter a LOT to me.

[Thunderguts]

Glad you found what you wanted! I first started looking around 2015 and E82s were everywhere. Carmax probably had 5 low-mileage manuals at any given time and they were reasonably priced! I'm guessing there was a glut of them coming off lease. The supply completely dried up about a year after that and it's getting very hard to find a specific model now.

[Lucky1]

I can't own a much slower DD; it always makes me want to drive the faster car :
From that perspective I say you need another E46 M3

[dtla1]

Car looks super clean, welcome!

Regarding the color palette for e82's, there are some interesting ones out there, just rare, or not available in the USA. Two that come to mind are Marrakesh Brown and Tahiti Green.

[TboneS54]

Thanks guys!

Seats - I was expecting the base seats to suck, maybe 'cause I'm coming from vaders then e46 seats, but these are pretty nice for basic and vinly. Sport seats are something I can entertain swapping in later, I bet they're better than these and leather would be nice if in decent enough shape. This sensatec wears so well.

As far as this being a "slow" or basic daily compared to the M, that's actually the point. The M3 is a real treat to drive once a week and it preserves it.

An m3 dd is just too uncomfortable too much maintenance too much gas, insurance etc.

Do you guys have a section for journals (picture diary) or do you just post in this section?

[ShocknAwe]

If you think the non sport seats are ok, the sport seats are gonna make you cream your g string.

Look into the DISA mod and headers. Add a tune and I think the N52 is quite stout. Ran into a guy who ran down that mod path as far as he could, car sounded amazing and with some light weight reduction, high ratio diff ... definitely wasn't slow in any way.

[TboneS54]

Thanks everyone!

Ya manifold, headers, cone filter for sound, tune, maybe primary cat delete, all in time.

Seats sound great, I'll research the cost thanks!

Will need some coding, need DRLs off and can chimes be disabled?

Maybe euro halogens. Will need a cooling refresh. Car is bone stock, which I love starting with, but at 83k, it needs work. Not gonna go bananas like with my m3, but this car will get more love than the old civic.

Here's the engine bay, not too bad:



Here's the M3's lol:



Here are some pics of the m3 for anyone interested:

[Rmtt]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

If you think the non sport seats are ok, the sport seats are gonna make you cream your g string.

Look into the DISA mod and headers. Add a tune and I think the N52 is quite stout. Ran into a guy who ran down that mod path as far as he could, car sounded amazing and with some light weight reduction, high ratio diff ... definitely wasn't slow in any way.

+1. Great looking car. Just the options I was looking for although I had to settle with a sun-roof. But I did get sport seats so it was a "wash".

Look at the mods in my sig. Definitely nothing compared to the "M"...I used to have one.....but it's as close as you can get to it without actually buying another one. And I probably have less than $2500 in engine parts, tune, and rear diff. As for wheels...the APEX gave me an 18" square setup with a considerable weight savings.

I did add some Depo's V2 for angel eyes with clear corners which really look nice.

Just have a look in the 128I subsection for plenty of threads about people and their performance upgrades. Also the cosmetic subsection will show a lot of light upgrades.

Next mods for me are dampers, RSFB's, and an LSD. After that I think I am done aside from cosmetics.

It's a great little car to drive now, and a night and day difference in power since I first bought it!

Welcome to the forum!

[Rmtt]

Plus I love your M3. Such a timeless design...and that rear!

I had a 2005 I believe. One of the only cars that I wish I never sold.

[dtla1]

Originally Posted by TboneS54

Do you guys have a section for journals (picture diary) or do you just post in this section?

It seems like most use the photos and videos sub-forum for their build threads.
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=227

[Ric in RVA]

Very nice unicorn. I looked 17 months for mine....

You are going to love it.

Nice list of mods too.

Mine is here....close in spec

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show...php?p=25080126


Winter wheels here....

[Tommm]

My 128i came with two options, buttburners and metallic paint. I replaced the drivers seat with a leather sport seat I bought from a member here. I had to tap into the spine wire to get power. That, and fearing an explosion while swapping the airbag were the only things that made me nervous. If you look close you can see the difference between the leather drivers seat and vinyl passenger seat. If you look that close you might as well smell too. I'm pretty sure I left a few farts in the seat to make your day.

I was driving 52 miles each way to work and the sport seat offers a lot more lumbar support. I recommend one (with our without the farts).

[sixburgh]

welcome to the club. mine is your twin.

[olds350]

Originally Posted by Ric in RVA

Very nice unicorn. I looked 17 months for mine....

You are going to love it.

Nice list of mods too.

Mine is here....close in spec

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show...php?p=25080126


Winter wheels here....

Great looking pic except for that nasty ass towel laying on the ground. Always check your surrounds when taking a picture...

That said, great looking car. I gave up looking for a slick top manual...

[Ric in RVA]

Originally Posted by olds350

Great looking pic except for that nasty ass towel laying on the ground. Always check your surrounds when taking a picture...

That said, great looking car. I gave up looking for a slick top manual...

Picky picky..... Wish that was a slick top but there are days I enjoy the sunroof....

[TboneS54]

Thanks for the info and the kind words!

I'll start a picture journal thread in the photos/videos subforum then once I start the wrenching!

[Gangplank]

Nice find. The disa & tune upgrade essentially make it a 130i. That was my plan before I wound up buying my 135. Lol!

[TboneS54]

Yes sir hoping for 300 crank when all done with the mods. Hoping for 3000lbs, but still need to research. Do people put a 130i badge on the back or is that a faux pas?

[Shortedaman]

Originally Posted by tbones54

yes sir hoping for 300 crank when all done with the mods. Hoping for 3000lbs, but still need to research. Do people put a 130i badge on the back or is that a faux pas?

don't do it! it is better to have a badass 128i than a regular 130i.