BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

View Poll Results: How reliable has your 135i been?
My N54 powered 135i has problems very frequently. I have to fix this car quite often 32 6.60%
My N54 powered 135i has problems somewhat frequently, but not overwhelmingly so. 51 10.52%
My N54 powered 135i has only had a few problems, just like any other car out there. 78 16.08%
My N54 powered 135i very rarely has a problem. The reliability issues with these cars is overstated. 71 14.64%
My N55 powered 135i has problems very frequently. I have to fix this car quite often. 17 3.51%
My N55 powered 135i has problems somewhat frequently, but not overwhelmingly so. 39 8.04%
My N55 powered 135i has only had a few problems, just like any other car out there. 79 16.29%
My N55 powered 135i very rarely has a problem. The reliability issues with these cars is overstated. 118 24.33%
Voters: 485. You may not vote on this poll

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      07-07-2015, 03:14 PM   #1
Joebie
Grandmaster
Joebie's Avatar
749
Rep
785
Posts

Drives: 2018 ///M2 6MT
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: St. Louis

iTrader: (0)

135i Reliability Poll

I have been interested in a 135i for a long while now and I'm finally getting to the point where I have saved up enough money for one, but I keep second guessing myself because of my concerns with reliability. I have test driven a 128i and it was not as fast as I would like, so its either a 135i or something entirely different for me. I would be buying used, and probably out of warranty. With what I want to spend ($20k or so) that would give me something with around 50-60k miles.

I have done plenty of reading and even found a poll like this one, but it was somewhat outdated. I am totally aware of the issues that these cars sometimes have, but I don't really have a grasp on how often these issues occur, or in what percentage of cars, so that's what I'm trying to accomplish with this poll. The poll options are somewhat subjective to your personal definition of "reliable" and "often" but i think the options I have given you to choose form should somewhat accurately portray how reliable your average 135i is.

The options are simple, please answer whichever option you feel describes your 135i the best! Thank you for your participation!


EDIT: there are a couple typos in the poll, but you get the point. I can't edit the poll options to my knowledge.

Last edited by Joebie; 07-07-2015 at 03:32 PM..
Appreciate 0
      07-07-2015, 03:19 PM   #2
Zombie1
Colonel
United_States
171
Rep
2,347
Posts

Drives: BMW 135i 2010
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Island long

iTrader: (6)

Poll would help...
__________________
Mods:-Berkexhaust -alpinaB3flash -CobbAP -Cobb FMIC -ER charge pipe tialQ bov -M3 front sway bar -M3 subframe bushings -M3 front upper and lower control arms -M3 guide rods -M3 rear upper control arms -Mfactory LSD -defiv lockdown kit -TC Kline SA coilovers /camber plates- HP rear toe arms
Appreciate 0
      07-07-2015, 03:25 PM   #3
Joebie
Grandmaster
Joebie's Avatar
749
Rep
785
Posts

Drives: 2018 ///M2 6MT
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: St. Louis

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zombie1 View Post
Poll would help...
Sorry, you have to submit the post before you can add the poll. It's up now!
Appreciate 1
      07-07-2015, 03:54 PM   #4
Dackelone
European Editor
Dackelone's Avatar
Germany
10505
Rep
22,992
Posts

Drives: N54 e82
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Bayern, Germany

iTrader: (1)

I bought it new over here in Germany, I've never had a single issue with the engine. Its been 100% reliable for me. I have had one flat tire and wind noise from the passenger window. And that is the extent of ALL of my problems with my 135i(US specs).
Appreciate 1
      07-07-2015, 04:00 PM   #5
lowbudgethero
Captain
lowbudgethero's Avatar
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]
My big issue with the car stemmed from previous owner toasting clutch and flywheel. It held power with a flash tune for about 10K more miles before it would jump a few thousand rpm on boost.

True delta is a good source for actual owner's experiences
Appreciate 0
      07-07-2015, 04:13 PM   #6
BrokenVert
Resident Kerbalnaut
BrokenVert's Avatar
United_States
476
Rep
10,703
Posts

Drives: Topless Brute/Hybrid Boogaloo
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Fahrvergnügen/NY

iTrader: (0)

Youll find that these cars are kind of hit or miss in terms of reliability. Mine hasn't had engine issues, but it has had body and trim issues. But its an early production first year car, so those problems should have been expected.

It also hasn't had issues outside of maintenance items since it still had a warranty (70K miles ago).

Best thing to do is to check the service records of any car that you're interested in buying. These cars tend to spend their first 50K miles under BMW care (Thanks included maintenance!). Most cars tend to show if theyll be troublemakers in that time.
__________________

Appreciate 0
      07-07-2015, 04:27 PM   #7
Venom
Colonel
Venom's Avatar
United_States
373
Rep
2,388
Posts

Drives: M2 Competition
Join Date: May 2011
Location: East Bay, CA

iTrader: (5)

Garage List
2008 BMW 135i  [8.50]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dackelone View Post
I bought it new over here in Germany, I've never had a single issue with the engine. Its been 100% reliable for me. I have had one flat tire and wind noise from the passenger window. And that is the extent of ALL of my problems with my 135i(US specs).
That is amazing!

I've had too many to list

I actually just got a new HPFP, but the accompanying sensor isn't included in the SIB...
Appreciate 0
      07-07-2015, 10:51 PM   #8
Yeineken
Colonel
Yeineken's Avatar
United_States
1298
Rep
2,089
Posts

Drives: '11 135i M Sport
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Delmarva Peninsula

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
'11 135i  [8.20]
'16 Ford Hatchback  [0.00]
'15 X5  [10.00]
I think it depends on your luck and if the car was previously modded. Had mine since new. No engine mods with zero problems at 54k on n55.
__________________
Appreciate 1
      07-09-2015, 10:56 PM   #9
e92ben
Brigadier General
e92ben's Avatar
1049
Rep
3,199
Posts

Drives: BMW M3 BMW 635csi
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Kenosha Wi

iTrader: (7)

This is my second n54 daily driver Ive owned in the last 5 years. Treat the car right and it'll return the favor. (Oil fluids plugs walnut blast etc.)
__________________

e92 ///M3
Appreciate 2
TJS3.022.50
bobowar1353479.00
      07-10-2015, 02:35 PM   #10
edisapimp
Civil Rights Activist
United_States
115
Rep
949
Posts

Drives: E46 Sedan, E88 Vert
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Long Island

iTrader: (0)

Considering the fact that it's modded and making the power it does with the technology it has - it's been remarkably reliable. I was just thinking about this the other day. I'm glad you posted it.
__________________

E88 Crimson Red Vert MSport 6MT - Listing your mods in your signature is lame.
BMS DCI/MHD E30 Flash!!/AA Sport FMIC/VRSF CP w Tial BOV/VRSF 3" DPs/550i clutch w SPEC SMFW/Apex EC-7s/Whiteline RSFB/E92 M3 FCAs/Bilstein B12 Pro Kit/VRSF inlets
Appreciate 0
      07-10-2015, 04:48 PM   #11
inFamousKicks
Member.
inFamousKicks's Avatar
United_States
201
Rep
827
Posts

Drives: 2011 135i
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Brooklyn, NY

iTrader: (1)

My car's a 2011 N55. I've had it for about a year and a half now. So far, aside from standard maintenance, no issues at all, and none that I know of before taking possession of the car. *knock on wood*
__________________
'11 N55 135i 6MT || ///M-Sport|| Alpine White/Coral Red|| KW V1


Appreciate 1
      07-11-2015, 07:33 AM   #12
Stock4Evr
RetNavSpook
67
Rep
398
Posts

Drives: 2012 135i - 2016 320i
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Canyon Lake, Texas

iTrader: (0)

My only problem replacing the battery after 17595 miles. Before asking it was driven sufficiently to maintain a charged batter.
Appreciate 1
      07-13-2015, 02:28 PM   #13
Ason426
Registered
1
Rep
3
Posts

Drives: 135i
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

I'm also interested in 135i reliability as I'm looking to purchase a 2009 m-sport in august
Appreciate 0
      07-14-2015, 04:41 PM   #14
ShocknAwe
1Addict
ShocknAwe's Avatar
3190
Rep
7,849
Posts

Drives: E82 Mutt, M57 Truck
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Charleston

iTrader: (22)

Zero issues other than normally required maintenance. Gonna have to do a clutch job soon and some of the gaskets have dried out and need replacing.

Reliability has been superb, as long as maintenance is kept up.
__________________
2010 135i 6MT Jet Black
N54/3 FE82 Mutt | BUILD THREAD | GARAGE SALE
Appreciate 0
      07-14-2015, 05:36 PM   #15
ilikebmxbikes
Banned
1518
Rep
4,744
Posts

Drives: S65 1M Clone & E92 M3 4.6L
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: San Francisco

iTrader: (42)

Garage List
We had a thread in the FB group where someone posted their car on a flatbed for water pump failure and no joke 20 more people all posted their cars being towed on flat beds. I am not exaggerating.

Our cars absolutely have issues but they are well documented and can be avoided with preventative maintenance. Do your valve cleaning, plugs every 20k miles, oil changes every 5k, respect your warm up and get a new water pump at around 50k miles.
Appreciate 8
      07-15-2015, 09:14 PM   #16
Pyrat 2
Colonel
Pyrat 2's Avatar
United_States
1416
Rep
2,559
Posts

Drives: Rapidly from A to B
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Chicago 'burbs or TN Smokies

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
Picked up my 2013 N55 135is in November 2012. Zero issues. Zero. Had the pads replaced after a couple days at the track. Had 1 complimentary oil change (I change more frequently on my own and don't reset the service interval). No issues though.
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2015, 12:00 PM   #17
Joebie
Grandmaster
Joebie's Avatar
749
Rep
785
Posts

Drives: 2018 ///M2 6MT
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: St. Louis

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for all the answers everyone and thanks for the sticky. Kinda funny that this poll turned out exactly as i might expect it to, with the N55 being slightly biased towards reliability when compared to the N54.

Still good info! It looks like most 135i owners (at least right now as I'm writing this) report having good or stellar reliability in both the N54 and N55 powered cars!
Appreciate 0
      07-19-2015, 06:00 AM   #18
mr.fabulous
Captain
mr.fabulous's Avatar
209
Rep
893
Posts

Drives: Women Crazy
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Florida Gulf Coast

iTrader: (0)

Owned my car since the end of November (CPO). I've replaced brake pads, flushed the tranny and brake fluid. Dealer service history includes the VANOS recall, windshield replacement (poor fit), USB/Aux center console failure... all of which happened to the PO. I have no idea if this car is completely stock, but the PO had a Garmin and a radar detector in the thing, plus he tinted the windows... and so he was at least somewhat of a car guy (I wonder about my suspension sometimes). AFAIK the car is still factory HPFP and water pump. No issues for me so far (and saying that, here, is what they call "spitting in the eye of the Gods"), but owing to the issues the PO faced I'll check second-from-the-bottom in your poll.
__________________
2011 135i MSport 6MT AW/black, 72Kmiles, bone stock, moneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoney I LOVE THIS CAR
Appreciate 0
      07-22-2015, 05:42 PM   #19
Box007
Registered
2
Rep
3
Posts

Drives: 135i
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: San Antonio, Texas

iTrader: (0)

I bought my 2008 135 Convertible on 11/2013 with 50k miles. This is a dd vehicle and I am at 98k miles now. I have had to replace several sensors, water pump, thermostat, brakes, two coil packs had issues so replaced them all, two cracked rims and three tires ( tires - because of bad alignment and poor judgement on my part.) Other than that, car runs like a champ.
Appreciate 1
      07-23-2015, 08:58 AM   #20
Cavpilot2k
Chief Warrant Officer
1022
Rep
1,638
Posts

Drives: like a damn lunatic
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Boston

iTrader: (0)

Yes, the N55 tends to be somewhat more reliable than the N54.
I had a 2012 N55 for 3 years/ 42k miles with zero issues of any kind.
My current 2012 N55 is good too, but I've only had it for 6 months.
When I was looking to replace my lease, I looked for an N55 for the slight edge in reliability (plus some remaining warranty).
__________________
"Prius" is Latin for Eunuch.
"Hrothgar": 2012 135i: 6MT M-Sport, BSM/Blk; Nav, Premium, Convenience, HK
Dinan Stage 2 +PPK /// BMW PE /// VRSF CP /// K&N /// Koni Sports /// RSFB Inserts /// MPS4S 225/255 /// Other Stuff
Appreciate 0
      07-27-2015, 03:55 PM   #21
tjswarbrick
<(O0=[][]=0O)>
tjswarbrick's Avatar
United_States
740
Rep
1,186
Posts

Drives: 2012 N55 E88
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (1)

Not going to vote since I've only had my 45k mi 2012 N55 E88 for a month. But service records, other than maintenance, were minimal and other than 1 brake sensor failing as I drove it off the lot the inspection showed it to be mechanically pristine. I hope to keep it that way.
Appreciate 0
      07-28-2015, 12:39 PM   #22
DJKapeesh
Lieutenant
DJKapeesh's Avatar
311
Rep
469
Posts

Drives: 11' 135i, 13' 911 C2S, 10' X5D
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Atlanta

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by inFamousKicks View Post
My car's a 2011 N55. I've had it for about a year and a half now. So far, aside from standard maintenance, no issues at all, and none that I know of before taking possession of the car. *knock on wood*
This and no issues at all. Had it from 54k to the current 76k

May be selling if interested

Plug: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1088683

Do your maintenance or even the most reliable car will hurt you
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:57 AM.




1addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST