'Big Hello' from new member and 128i owner

[axtech]

For the last several months, I have been searching for my 2nd (fun) car; I wanted the purest driving experience possible (NA, MT, "light" coupe), and after much consideration of all models, new and used, in the $30,000 range, I pulled the trigger on a 2013 Jet Black 128i M Package over an older Cayman. Biggest factors in my decision:

1. Usable rear seats in a pinch (my 2 little ones haven't complained yet);
2. With reasonable suspension mods and upgraded wheels/tires, my abilities will never be tested without significant investment in HPDE classes and major track time;
3. Accessible stereo upgrade options (hello MusicarNW!) to satisfy my audiophile snobbishness (better than Porsche's Burmester is good enough for me)
4. That inline 6 SOUND (just stock) is soooooo hypnotic; I found myself sitting in a public garage starting my car, enjoying the rumble.

I'm sure you've all heard it before, but it was #4 that was the real clincher (must get BMW PE). My wife said, "A car that puts a smile on your face before you even get it moving is the one to get."

Next Upgrades:

Audio: my first major mod investment is to upgrade the Top HiFi Stereo, thanks to MusicarNW's Level 3 upgrade with USB enhancement recoded for direct digital from my iOS device to the upgraded system.

Exterior: jet black is a nightmare to keep "glossy" and I'm considering everything from a full Xpel wrap ($2800-$3500) to a clear bra with Opti-Coat. Suggestions from other Jet Black owners would be appreciated.

Looking forward to contributing to the discussion!

[C135i]

Congrats on your new car! I have a jet black '13 135i and my suggestion is to just keep it dusted and in the garage. As long as you keep it clayed and a good coat of high quality wax on it your OK. My previous '11 3 series was also jet black and had no issues.

It's just a little more alone time detailing your car in the garage.

IMO there is nothing better than a clean, jet black BMW!

[Kgolf31]

Welcome!

Were you able to score a 128i w/o a sunroof?

Let me know if you have any questions if you decide to go a suspension/wheel route. I'm currently prepping my car for SCCA STX Solo and have done a fair amount of testing, tuning, and tweaking to figure out a good combo.

[Gray_Panther]

A permanent coating sounds like the best choice, I have OC applied on my DSBM 128i and it is hard enough to prevent swirling (IF washed correctly!!!).

Congrats on the pickup!!!

Give my sympathies to your detailer.

[barnsdale]

Love my jet black on coral red....washed it yesterday and already coated with pollen LOL pain in the butt but whatever, it looks so damn sexy while it's clean. Never thought I'd own a black car after owning so many metallic blues...but I love the jet black on black M sport rims

[Deutsche-Broke]

Congrats on the new purchase..

I found myself today just sitting and listening to the motor on the daily commute. There is no sound like it..

I've always owned black cars and the paint on mine is above average.. Wash it by hand regularly with a two bucket system, a good quality glaze like Klasse and top coat from the same company and you will only have to worry about idiots that swing doors wide in parking lots.

Enjoy the noise..

[chris82]

I agree with you totally especially with #4. When that N51/52 gets over 3k rpm, it truly sings. Such an awesome engine sound it's like you said, hypnotic at times

[axtech]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

Welcome!

Were you able to score a 128i w/o a sunroof?

Let me know if you have any questions if you decide to go a suspension/wheel route. I'm currently prepping my car for SCCA STX Solo and have done a fair amount of testing, tuning, and tweaking to figure out a good combo.

Alas no, it came with the Premium package (sunroof and all). I also was hoping for the manual sports seats, but it's fully automatic sports seats too. On the flipside, wife enjoys the sunroof and memory seats, so can't complain about that!

Looking forward to learning all the tricks of the trade by perusing through the archives in this forum, such a treasure trove of knowledge.

[axtech]

IMO there is nothing better than a clean, jet black BMW!
[/QUOTE]

I love your wheels! Are they BBS? I'm saving up for 18" BBS CHR, those things just elevate the look of the whole car.

[brocklanders]

Originally Posted by 16hourdrive

Congrats on your new car! I have a jet black '13 135i and my suggestion is to just keep it dusted and in the garage. As long as you keep it clayed and a good coat of high quality wax on it your OK. My previous '11 3 series was also jet black and had no issues.

It's just a little more alone time detailing your car in the garage.

IMO there is nothing better than a clean, jet black BMW!

Your car looks great, I love the wheels. But I have to disagree there is nothing better than a mineral white BMW!

[mike@x-ph.com]

Congrats and welcome !!