Help!: Which 135i to Buy

[dry_heat]

Hello ladies and gents!

First time poster here. Total BMW noob at the moment, but soon to change.


Currently in the process of finalizing a purchase for a CPO 2009 135i out of state. Car has 30,000 miles and will be mine for just under $31k OTD, though I have to pay around a grand to get her shipped to me. This car is loaded. Sport package, everything from the premium package minus the mood lighting. Also has BMW assist and bluetooth, Nav, heated seats, and active steering (I've done my research on this and have decided I will probably enjoy it). 6-speed, obviously!

I have a dealer in Las Vegas really trying to sell me a 2010. It's not CPO, has 15,000 miles, and only has the M-Sport package. Was bought in Germany by someone in the military and imported to the US last year. This dealer has come down but wants just over $33k OTD. The salesman has offered to drive it down to me, but I'd be just as likely to fly up and drive it down myself.

So we're talking a bit under a $1,500 price difference to get the car to my doorstep. Registration will be a bit more on the 2010 but not much.

Paying cash for these cars.


I'm totally torn. Half of me wants all the options on the 2009, not to mention the extra 15 months of warranty from the CPO program, and the other half of me feels like the 2010 is an easier transaction and might *might* hold its value a bit more. I'll get an extra year of maintenance, but both that and the warranty expire 12/13, which is a bit too soon for my taste. They won't CPO it without charging me another $2,400, so that's all but out of the question.


Could anyone spare me an opinion? The cars are both nice colors that I dig, so that's not a big thing. It effectively comes down to mileage, M sport package vs. sport package + almost every option there is, and then about $1,300 difference. Plus I kind of feel like the 2009 might holds its value just as much, if not more, considering that it's CPO and has, well, just about every option there is. KBB difference between the two is all of $300!


I've got about 48 hours before I need to absolutely make a decision. Any help would be tremendously appreciated!

[predator19872]

Well I'm not a BMW Guru either, but I have looked on the internet and found out the ins and outs of this particular model. With a 2009 your getting the N54 engine, which is the twin turbo inline 6. The 2010 and higher have the N55 Twin Power turbo inline 6. I've read that the N54 has a little bit less on the MPG rating. I've seen videos that show a stock N54 vs stock N55 and the N55 came out on top. That's the performance side, my opinion would be to go with the 2010. The Options side which BMW has a great selection of stuff to choose from makes me want to pick the 2009. I know its personal preference. If your a driver like myself I would choose the 2010. if the amenities are what your fond of the integration of yourself, car, and outside world the 2009 is definitely the way to go. other than that the extra stuff is just fluff but by no means takes away from the 135i's driving experience.

[jzcrna]

Originally Posted by predator19872

With a 2009 your getting the N54 engine, which is the twin turbo inline 6. The 2010 and higher have the N55 Twin Power turbo inline 6.

Correction...The 2011 and up have the N55. 2010 and earlier 1 series' have the N54 motor.

I think you said you were getting manual, but if you decided to get automatic, note that the 2010 and later have the nicer sport auto gear shift lever.

[GeeRam]

Originally Posted by dry_heat

Half of me wants all the options on the 2009, not to mention the extra 15 months of warranty from the CPO program

This.

I'd go for the loaded CPO '09 car over a no option, non-CPO '10 car without hesitation.

[predator19872]

Originally Posted by jzcrna

Correction...The 2011 and up have the N55. 2010 and earlier 1 series' have the N54 motor.

I think you said you were getting manual, but if you decided to get automatic, note that the 2010 and later have the nicer sport auto gear shift lever.

Ok yeah like I said I'm not a Guru but I could have swore the 2010 had N55's, guess I was wrong.

[predator19872]

Yep I was wrong, which pretty much made my entire post irrelevant, man I feel dumb.

[Clovef]

It will be the n54 in both. I would go with the 09 cpo but that is me. If you keep it until the cop is up it will be worth less as it will be a year older with 15k more miles but you will have a longer warranty and more options as advantages as well as it being cheaper right? One thing to consider is the clutch which will not be under warranty. With a performance car you have to consider the abuse it may have seen.

[dry_heat]

Well aware that the clutch could by pure chance go out a matter of days after the maintenance expires, but that's a chance I'm willing to take. I'll cross my fingers for a solid 20k miles or so without the need for a new clutch. Its fair to say the 2010 probably saw some hard driving since it spent about a year and a half in Germany (probably also saw some snow and thus salt), as I can't imagine any American military member who buys 135i w only an M sport package while stationed in Germany isn't going to do some spirited driving (and perhaps some autobahn driving). At least that's what I'D do in that position.

The '09, on the other hand, was a lease and was probably driven by someone a bit older, a bit better-off financially (had a $45k msrp w all it's options), and someone who wanted to be comfortable while driving a car that could perform when needed. The active steering is evidene of that.

That said, seeing that actual 1 series owners would likely lean toward the same car, and would only consider the potential of sligtly lower resale value as an incentive to get the 2010 (of course, those options will help maintain that), I'm feeling pretty confident that I'm making the right choice.

Of course, any more opinions are welcome! Come Monday, the deed is all but done unless I make a phone call!

[3liter1]

i would mention to both dealers that the research you did regarding the N54 engine makes you concerned that you will have some reliability issues (even though they will say it is covered). Seem very concerned and having second thoughts about the whole thing and see who drops the price more. Other than that it is hard for anyone else to decide for you which of these two cars is the better fit. e.g If you drive fewer miles per year, then the older car with more miles may be fine. How are the tires on the non CPO car. If they are worn, you can mention that too.
Good luck and enjoy whatever you end up with!

[BimmerE82]

Buy the 09! You won't regret it! and make sure the tires are good they should have been replaced by 30,000 miles but make sure because a new set of RFT's will set you back another $1700.00

[Moo]

I'd get the car with half the miles and a year younger, if it's just $1.5K difference. If you want luxo stuff go with MB or Audi.

[P1]

Not much of a difference between the 2009 and 2010 (if any) so go with the loaded 2009.

However, the M Package was a must for me, as was the DCT transmission.

[Mark16q]

get the '10 certified by the dealer. Mine was for sale not CPO but had them throw it in to close the deal. If it can't be certified, might be nice to know why not? My '10 came with all the bells and whistles and though I really didn't want them, have to admit that I'm loving the goodies. Must haves would be memory heated seats, m sport, 6mt. Stuff that I'm loving are the deluxe stereo, nav and comfort access. Frilly I know but nice if you can get them.

That being said, if you can't get the '10 CPO go for the '09 and enjoy yourself.

mg

[dry_heat]

Neither dealer is dropping a penny more on the price; I've tried every bargaining chip and veiled threat in the book. These are bottom line prices.

The CPO '09 just had all maintenance done, new brakes, and has fresh tires. The '10's tires look pretty good but not new! I also don't know if they're still the run flats.

Mark16q, your response actually makes me believe that the '09 is indeed the better car considering that the '10 is bare bones minus the M package.

Can anyone verify for me the differences between the M sport and sport minus the wheels and interior trim? Is there anything outside that's different? Been researching this high and low and have found some mixed info.

[BuddhaPilot]

Don't know how far you want to go for the car, but my dealer has a Titanium Silver over black 2011 DCT car with <9,000 miles. You probably get it for less than $33K. It has sport package, heated seats, and satellite radio as the only options.

[jzcrna]

Originally Posted by predator19872

Yep I was wrong, which pretty much made my entire post irrelevant, man I feel dumb.

don't worry. It does get confusing. I miss my N54 engine, but will not get another car with one. So I have been looking at the 1, 3, and 5 series.

The only 2010 MY that had the N55 motor was the 5 series GT.

Im in a conundrum as well. There are better deals to be had with the 2011 1 series, but the 2012s have the awesome LCI facelift. I still may go for the F30 328i, but its a waiting game for me to see what pops up CPO come August through December 2012.

I was actually thinking about a 2011 5 series, but the 2011s seem to be trouble laden.

Anyhow, sorry to go OT.

[pdr1269]

I'd get a car with the single turbo N55 engine. Better reliability as the N54 is having issues with the fuel system and there is a class action suit against BMW over it. I just bought an immaculate used 2011 135 6MT loaded with the M package and with only 4600 miles on it for $31,500 at a dealership in Phoenix. Flew over and drove it home. Good luck on your purchase, the car is great fun!

[dry_heat]

Originally Posted by pdr1269

I'd get a car with the single turbo N55 engine. Better reliability as the N54 is having issues with the fuel system and there is a class action suit against BMW over it. I just bought an immaculate used 2011 135 6MT loaded with the M package and with only 4600 miles on it for $31,500 at a dealership in Phoenix. Flew over and drove it home. Good luck on your purchase, the car is great fun!

sounds like you got an absolute steal. I would jump on that immediately, but I've looked high and low and not seen anything even remotely close to that at a dealer, let alone one that's 110 miles from me.

Sweet win for you! I don't suspect I'll find a N55 in my price range, though feel free to point one out if you see one!

As far as the lawsuit, I know plenty about the HPFP and the car I am likely buying had its pump replaced when the recall went out. I'm not too worried, but if it were to fail again I know BMW has my back for a replacement for a very long time.

I also think the danger of the car entering limp mode is a bit overplayed.

[dry_heat]

Hmmm... I also just found this car:

http://www.ecarone.com/web/used/BMW-...Texas/2164775/

At that price, it's too much. Anyone have experience with this dealer? If it came down $2k OTD I'd jump on it. At that price it's just a sliver outside of what I'd consider my absolute maximum price range.

Of course, it does have that N55...

[Mark16q]

Originally Posted by dry_heat

Can anyone verify for me the differences between the M sport and sport minus the wheels and interior trim? Is there anything outside that's different? Been researching this high and low and have found some mixed info.

I did search the crap out of the topic, and it seemed to be cosmetic only. At one point found online brochures detailing the packages, and it came down to M emblems, slightly different wheels and interior trim. Personal preference on appearance, but shouldn't be a deal breaker imo. You're getting the hard parts you want either way.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=362052

[dry_heat]

Originally Posted by Mark16q

I did search the crap out of the topic, and it seemed to be cosmetic only. At one point found online brochures detailing the packages, and it came down to M emblems, slightly different wheels and interior trim. Personal preference on appearance, but shouldn't be a deal breaker imo. You're getting the hard parts you want either way.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=362052

Good to see it's pretty much what I suspected. I really just need the tuned suspension and sport seat. Steering wheel, shifter, and trim are a bonus. I do love those M wheels, but when buying used, there's little reason to go out of my way just for some measly wheels I can easily replace down the road anyway.

[cagekicker]

GET THE 09! besides the 2010 have those ugly dumbo-eared mirrors