2012 vs 2013

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by TheCaptain

The link to the 2011 photo that you posted is wrong, that's not the actual interior of a 2011.

You're right about that link not being the actual interior of a 2011 135i even though the pic is labeled as a 2011 135i (you're wrong Car Connection ). The gear selector shown is for the Steptronic transmission, and the Steptronic was replaced in 2011 with the DCT for the 135i.

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by Hankdoll

You're right. Supposedly there is also a less intrusive traction control. This was mentioned in the press release, not sure if it's actually true.

Never read anything on that after the car was released, so if true, it's new to me. Also, all 1er's have access to full traction control, control.

[zx10guy]

To add to the discussion about the location of the radio and if one has iDrive/Nav, there is a big reason why the radio is located below the HVAC controls. The radio actual consumes the space below which on my car is just a blank filler panel. When I got into installing the Bimmertech backup camera retrofit, I thought I could use the space below the radio to install the multimedia module. I got a rude awakening when took apart the center dash.

Here's a pic which shows how big the stock radio is with iDrive/Nav.

[Gangplank]

I vote for 11-13. Personally I bought an 11 b/c it had low miles and the DCT transmission I wanted (which is fantastic!). I later found out it was easy to add the BMW Performance Power Kit tune as a flash, which gives it the same power as the 135is.

12 got different tail lights but those are easily upgraded to the black lines in wanted.

So really anything w/ n55 gets my vote.

[Solo_M_Tech]

The conversation about the radio placement. Non- Idrive cars have the radio above the HVAC controls. The Idrive equipped cars have the radio below the HVAC controls. That is the difference.

As per the 12 vs 13 convo, the 13's had a few electronic hardware differences, specifically the DME. Most 13's got the F30 N55 DME, not the E82 N55 DME. I've seen it on 4 different 2013's I've bench flashed over the last 3 months.

I would get a 2013 if the price is right. Since it's the last year.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by Uber///Madd

The conversation about the radio placement. Non- Idrive cars have the radio above the HVAC controls. The Idrive equipped cars have the radio below the HVAC controls. That is the difference.

Could've sworn they switched the position of the radio controls with the HVAC controls starting in 2012. Been searching through pics of 2012-2013 non-IDrive cars and they all have the radio controls on top, like the rest of the non-IDrive years. Not the 1st time I'm wrong, won't be the last.

[Solo_M_Tech]

Originally Posted by Esteban

Could've sworn they switched the position of the radio controls with the HVAC controls starting in 2012. Been searching through pics of 2012-2013 non-IDrive cars and they all have the radio controls on top, like the rest of the non-IDrive years. Not the 1st time I'm wrong, won't be the last.

It happens! I'm wrong more times than I'm right!

[parish99]

Picking up a 2012 MT next week cant wait, should be a fun drive home.

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by parish99

Picking up a 2012 MT next week cant wait, should be a fun drive home.

Congrats! Post pics!