Buying my 1st 135i, questions

[mjposner]

"That blue 2013 for 13k looks super clean... and weirdly cheap... like been in an accident cheap"

Its been on the lot for a year, baking in Florida sun. Plus they offered me only $32k in trade. when others have been 36-39k

[duder13]

Originally Posted by mjposner

"I might recommend you just buy a 1 series that you like & then sell the 911. You'll get a bit more for it than trade."

Not selling my 911, I like it best, I would trade my 2016 M4 for the 135i and cash. The one I looked at offered me $39,100 and had the car been better I would have done teh deal. I would have preferred a 135is but hard to find and wife insists I get a dct so she can drive occasionally. My 911 is a stick (so is my 65 Corbvair).

You can get the 135is with a DCT, although I’m not sure it’s worth the extra money. FWIW, be prepared that the 135i will need quite a bit of suspension work to get anywhere close to your M4, is that’s the goal.

[Gangplank]

There is a black one up in Orlando. Don't know anything about it or the dealer. They have a couple other BMWs listed in their inventory.

Low mileage, good options & no Idrive (I'm not a fan but some people like it).

Are only looking for a convertible?

Vehicle:
https://www.mintautotrader.com/2013-...j8AzZMwrb3E%3d

Vin decoder:
https://www.mdecoder.com/decode/vm28068

[mjposner]

My desires: DCT (wife requires this, other 2 cars are manuals); convertible; dct; m sport. Blue is my favorite color. Hate beige interiors, black is okay, red if exterior is black.

I would do wheels, coilovers, exhaust and tune, and upgrade nav to modern head unit.

I miss my 911 already (getting window regulator fixed at friends shop, you know, fast=expensive, slow=cheap, can't have fast=cheap

[Gangplank]

Originally Posted by mjposner

My desires: DCT (wife requires this, other 2 cars are manuals); convertible; dct; m sport. Blue is my favorite color. Hate beige interiors, black is okay, red if exterior is black.

I would do wheels, coilovers, exhaust and tune, and upgrade nav to modern head unit.

I miss my 911 already (getting window regulator fixed at friends shop, you know, fast=expensive, slow=cheap, can't have fast=cheap

You'll be able to find an inexpensive E82 135i in a convertible here in FL. You might be surprised by the 135 once you do some basic suspension upgrades its drives surprisingly well and is duly quick when needed. I've done the suspension and am really pleased with the way it drives (Ohlins are fantastic! + M3 arms, Rear Subframe inserts + diff brace). I plan on some wheels, charge pipe, inter-cooler and a tune in the next few years.

[Gangplank]

There is a nice looking titanium silver w/ black interior in Daytona, low miles but price is bit higher that the others you were looking at.
https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/57794815

Also a red w/ grey one with low miles in sarasota.
https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/55661243

[mjposner]

Thanks for the links, silver and red are not my colors.

The silver car dealer has what I really want:

https://www.carsforsale.com/used-car...tails/55251839

But my wife wants a DCT/Auto only so she can use occasionally.

The Black/Red car I rejected may be back in play.

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by mjposner

But my wife wants a DCT/Auto only so she can use occasionally.

Curious as to why? Does she have a car for daily use as well? If so then... shouldn't really matter about this right? The few times she "needs" your car maybe you can just drive her somewhere. Or teach her how. Maybe DCT is nice to have for her, but not for you, and it's "your" car so...???

[Gangplank]

Originally Posted by mjposner

Thanks for the links, silver and red are not my colors.

The silver car dealer has what I really want:

https://www.carsforsale.com/used-car...tails/55251839

But my wife wants a DCT/Auto only so she can use occasionally.

The Black/Red car I rejected may be back in play.

I had the exact same issue with my wife. I wanted a manual but since we only have2 cars she needs to be able to drive it. I test drive a '11 135i DCT and instantly forgot why I thought I wanted a manual. It's truly a better transmission. Can be used in auto or manual shifting.

Realizing that most race cars (and all racing motorcycles for that matter) don't require a clutch anymore and DCT makes sense.

[zx10guy]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

I had the exact same issue with my wife. I wanted a manual but since we only have2 cars she needs to be able to drive it. I test drive a '11 135i DCT and instantly forgot why I thought I wanted a manual. It's truly a better transmission. Can be used in auto or manual shifting.

Realizing that most race cars (and all racing motorcycles for that matter) don't require a clutch anymore and DCT makes sense.

Well technically, sport bikes/race bikes still have a clutch to deal with. It's a combination of the transmission design and the ability for modern motorcycle ECUs to cut power for a brief moment to allow the rider to click the transmission into the next gear up or down. Slipper clutches also aid in the downshift mechanics. Having ridden a BMW S1000RR on track using clutchless upshifts and downshifts, opens up a whole new world. But you still have to use the clutch from a dead stop. That won't go away. Once the bike is moving is when you don't have to touch the clutch lever again until you come to a stop.

[Gangplank]

Originally Posted by zx10guy

Well technically, sport bikes/race bikes still have a clutch to deal with. It's a combination of the transmission design and the ability for modern motorcycle ECUs to cut power for a brief moment to allow the rider to click the transmission into the next gear up or down. Slipper clutches also aid in the downshift mechanics. Having ridden a BMW S1000RR on track using clutchless upshifts and downshifts, opens up a whole new world. But you still have to use the clutch from a dead stop. That won't go away. Once the bike is moving is when you don't have to touch the clutch lever again until you come to a stop.

Exactly. I used to track/race a GSXR-750 w/ a slipper clutch and quick shifter & tuned. New tech race bikes up and downshift seamlessly. My 10 year old BMW 1 series is similar in a way I guess.

[mjposner]

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

Curious as to why? Does she have a car for daily use as well? If so then... shouldn't really matter about this right? The few times she "needs" your car maybe you can just drive her somewhere. Or teach her how. Maybe DCT is nice to have for her, but not for you, and it's "your" car so...???

Yes she has her own car, and she can even drive a stick (though way our of practice). However, she said is worried that someday, like in an emergency, she may have to drive and does not want to deal with stick. This is a compromise to getting yet another car (already have 2 others, both manuals). A Happy Wife is a Happy Life.

[mjposner]

They came back to me, $13999

https://www.philsmithacura.com/used/...4c6be696bb.htm

One owner, full service car. Steering wheel shake on braking so I presume warped rotors. May have felt one misfire, not sure, drove fine otherwise. Probably on original spark plugs. Has fine scratches on trunk deck and rear bumper, like a briefcase hinge lazily put on car alot.

Thoughts?

[tracer bullet]

2012 convertible w/ 62k miles sounds like a good car, 14k sounds like a decent deal, not bargain of the century but not a rip-off either. If it does the things you need it seems like a good choice.

I hear you about the happy wife and compromises to get what you want. Has her own car, can drive a stick, but just in case just in case just in case... ugh. Silly but yes pick your battles LOL.

[NorthernDancer]

One thing not to forget about our manuals is they will not roll backwards due to automatic braking for about 2-3 seconds when foot taken off brake. This roll back is what scares many.

[Gangplank]

I'm willing to bet those scratches are from a purse - rested or during closing. Just saying.

[mjposner]

I'm willing to bet those scratches are from a purse - rested or during closing. Just saying

Or briefcase. And luggage on the top of the rear fender cover. Means a rear respay and more money invested.

[dtla1]

Originally Posted by mjposner

I'm willing to bet those scratches are from a purse - rested or during closing. Just saying

Or briefcase. And luggage on the top of the rear fender cover. Means a rear respay and more money invested.

Hard to tell from the dealer pics, but are you sure they can't just be polished out? I can't really see any deep scratches in the pictures.

[Gangplank]

Originally Posted by dtla1

Hard to tell from the dealer pics, but are you sure they can't just be polished out? I can't really see any deep scratches in the pictures.

That's what I was wondering. A good detailer can do wonders to remove scratches & restore the clear coat without respraying the car.

[mjposner]

I am torn on this car. Price is good, but don't know what is lurking...I assume wheel shake on braking is warped rotors but who know. Based only on carfax (which shows lots of service at dealer) brakes maybe original, so four corner rotors and pads installed is probably $800 (I could do myself, but don't want to). Also needs new plugs and maybe new coils. (Plus are $66, coils are $180). Figure $200 for detailing plus trunk can maybe be buffed out, scratches on plastic is harder to remove??

[tracer bullet]

Brakes could be helped w/ some aggressive driving /braking and remove pad deposits. But, overall, you are seeing things typical with slightly older cars. The perfect ones are few and far between. Might have to just consider some maintenance to be part of your purchase price.

[dtla1]

Would also be extremely worth it to have a PPI done. Take a good look with all the covers off to check for leaks, etc. Use anything you find as more bargaining power.