New guy with a 135i

[Matticus91]

Making a long drive from MD to NC for a 2011 135i with 55k on the clock.

Space grey on grey interior with the M-sport package and 6MT.

Very very excited for this car!

Does anyone have any recommendations for me before I go down there to finalize the deal? I've read some horror stories about maintenance and certain parts (HPFP/Water Pump) failing. The previous owners kept it in great shape and there's documentation on all repairs and services done on-time.

Can't wait!! This will be my first BMW but not my first coupe/MT/RWD combo car. Mods are definitely planned, starting with supporting/reliability mods (chargepipe for one) and some minor aesthetics like tint and fixing the damn finish on the steering wheel.

UPDATE: It's official, drove 350 miles down to NC, bought it, and drove back 350 miles in the 135i! Absolutely love this car so far, couldn't be happier. All new pics below...

[dm874]

Nice! Welcome to the Group. I like the grey interior, first time I'm seeing it

[dtla1]

First time for me seeing the grey on grey, looks good.

[Matticus91]

Thanks guys, I thought it looked great as well, big fan of the space grey paint.

[Esteban]

Congrats and welcome to the club. Nice ride. You're in for some fun.

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by EvenEsteban

Congrats and welcome to the club. Nice ride. You're in for some fun.

Thank you, anything I should look into once I get it?

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by Matticus91

Thank you, anything I should look into once I get it?

I'd have it inspected first, if at all possible.

[Enovoc]

looks good

[tock172]

Nice purchase! Looks VERY similar to mine. However, mine has 29,000 miles and yours is in MUCH better shape. Your seat looks almost completely devoid of any noticeable wear. My steering wheel has significantly less peeling though.

My advice would be to get a PPI and hold off on the mods. Enjoy the car in it's pure, stock form before deciding what to do.

2011 MY 135i vehicles had the updated N55 engine. The HPFP is not a concern.

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by tock172

Nice purchase! Looks VERY similar to mine. However, mine has 29,000 miles and yours is in MUCH better shape. Your seat looks almost completely devoid of any noticeable wear. My steering wheel has significantly less peeling though.

My advice would be to get a PPI and hold off on the mods. Enjoy the car in it's pure, stock form before deciding what to do.

2011 MY 135i vehicles had the updated N55 engine. The HPFP is not a concern.

I couldn't believe how clean it looked either, though seeing it in person may change my mind!

PPI is a great call, I'll have to find a mechanic nearby willing to do one for me. Thanks for the tip!

[Ed P]

Looks good. What size tires? They look a bit taller than stock.

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by Ed P

Looks good. What size tires? They look a bit taller than stock.

Not sure on size but they're definitely slightly different. They're Continental DWS's.

[swagon]

Check the rear tires, those are definitely wrong size.

[Matticus91]

Getting a full PPI done by a local BMW dealership (at $175!!!! wtf!!!) so I will hopefully have some peace of mind from that.

Originally Posted by swagon

Check the rear tires, those are definitely wrong size.

Is that cause for concern? I know the speedo might be off a tad and the gearing will be ever so slightly different but other than that can it be a problem? The tires are nearly brand new, and I'd rather not trash them for being a little tall.

[Schalldampfer1]

Welcome! I just bought mine in May. Few things I had issues with were third brake light cracked near driver's side edge (apparently a known issue dealing with tension springs), radio display losing visibility when warm in cabin (above 65 degrees, also known issue), rear view mirror loose because of metal ring inside that came undone. The first two items could possibly be taken care of by the dealer with the current owner (kind of good will items since they are known issues but don't have recalls). Hope you don't have those problems though.

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by Schalldampfer1

Welcome! I just bought mine in May. Few things I had issues with were third brake light cracked near driver's side edge (apparently a known issue dealing with tension springs), radio display losing visibility when warm in cabin (above 65 degrees, also known issue), rear view mirror loose because of metal ring inside that came undone. The first two items could possibly be taken care of by the dealer with the current owner (kind of good will items since they are known issues but don't have recalls). Hope you don't have those problems though.

Great information, thanks! I've heard of the tail light issue but not the other ones. It's hot as hell where I live so hopefully the display doesn't have any issue. You're referring to the normal system right not the nav?

[Matticus91]

Just got the post-inspection call from the dealership, car has a clean bill of health and the technician loved it. Heading down to NC tomorrow to do my final walkaround in person and hopefully drive home with it!

[blue135]

This place keeps giving me more helpful information. Love it.

Got a 2008 135i convertible two weeks ago with the brake light and radio display issues and was wondering if i should panic or not. Thanks as now i can be comfortable that these are not life ending issues, just a pain in the butt.

[Esteban]

My third brake light has been cracked since I picked up my car in 2010, but it's never fallen out or got worse. Just stayed the same. I meant to have it fixed before the warranty ran out but forgot about it. I hope writing about it here doesn't bring me bad luck.

[Matticus91]

Updated original thread with pics, officially bought the car yesterday!