Newbie question: changes from 2008-2011

[blunau]

Hello all,

I apologize for asking what may be an elementary question, and I have read through the forums and haven't seen the information.

I'm looking at "pre-owned" 135 convertibles.

Obviously 2008 models are cheaper than 2011 models, and there are some pretty nice 2008's out there with very low miles.

Mileage and options aside, what are the major differences between 2008 and 2011 models? I.e. what significant improvements have come in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 model years?

Thanks in advance.

[1speedbike]

2011+ models have a single twin-scroll turbocharger. They also have the option of a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, and progressive springs. The exhaust system only has one primary cat and one downpipe. There's no extra cats in the midpipes either.

2008-2010 models have two turbochargers. There is no DCT, only the 6-speed steptronic with paddle shifters, or the 6-speed manual. The springs are linear (but there's honestly not much difference). Two downpipes (one for each turbo) and the midpipes have two smaller cats, plus a resonator.

Both engines are great, but if you're looking to mod, the N54 engine from the 2008-2010 models seems to have more tuning potential (so far.. but we'll see). The DCT is a great transmission, and everyone loves it. But the steptronic is also great. It shifts in about 200 ms, faster than anyone can shift stick, never hesitates, is never confused, and is pretty awesome. But the DCT is still faster and has an extra gear.

Also, 2010+ models (both N54 and N55) seem to have a lighter-weight flywheel or crankshaft or something (I forgot which haha).

Edit: also, some messing around with the options list occurred. Leather became standard in 2009 or 2010, and a free "value package" containing leather and other goodies was added. not totally sure on the specifics..

[blunau]

Much appreciated.

[Turbolader]

2010 brought about some bad changes that were not mentioned. If 2008 is year one of the one, then 2010 is year none of the one.

- Leather was no longer standard
- The standard sound system lost all tweeters, an amp, and the crappy underseat 8" subs became crappy 6.5" subs. All speakers driven off the head unit, with a severely re-equalized (non-defeatable) output.
- Key hole in the trunk was deleted (I think this happened some time in 2009)
- Charge pipe was changed. I really don't know how, but most aftermarket intercoolers require a new hard pipe with 2010 models.
- TPMS frequencies changed in 2010 I believe
- 2010 did get HD Radio (I don't think pre-2010 cars did)

I have a 2010 and I love it, but the pursuit of profit really hit hard for this year. I would have bought a 2009 if I knew what I know now.

[Xios135]

Since your looking for a vert, keep an eye out for this.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...ht=convertible

Had my top replaced a little while ago.

[tritonx]

2011 got blue tooth and USB as standard option.

Edit: Mirrors got bigger with with later year.

[Tom K.]

There were also significant changes to the iDrive/Navi system (IIRC beginning in '09 or perhaps '10). The '08 cars have a DVD based Navi and folding screen while the later ones have a hard drive Navi and a fixed screen.

Tom

[blunau]

Thanks all. Ended up getting a pretty good deal on an 08 vert: Jet black with some Dinan upgrades and only 15k miles.

[Focusedintntions]

Congrats!