Thinking of 135i; any issues

[capri]

Hi guys

This is my first post here & what got this started was when i test drove a 2011 135i @ the local BMW dealer.
I was looking @ Porsche 997 and Cayman S as well but after i test drove the 135i i was mightily impressed as well.
The 997 was a 2005 model and the Cayman S was a 2008 but tiptronic. In all honestly the I preferred the 135 over the Cayman S.
Would like to know what issues are there with the 135i ? engine, suspension, electronics, etc ?
The 997 has an IMS issue which kinda scares me. How about the 135i ? i would be considering the 7 speed auto option.
For me, in the 1 hour i test drove it, i was impressed w/ the balanced handling, the power was just right for this car. The stability, the solidity and the feel of driving this machine. It was nice and couldnt criticize much.
So in short- it will be a 135i or the 997.

Thanks for the inputs.
Capri

[B-Dawg]

I was looking at a 996 for a long time before the ims finally just scared me off (for now). I ended up with a 135i for a variety of reasons - fun, practicality rear seats (2 small kids).

Im sure you'll get a laundry list of things to watch out for - The one thing I would suggest is getting the newest and lowest mileage you can afford so that warranty coverage is good. And one with good service records. I guess this goes without saying.

Good luck and enjoy, the 135 is really a fun car with alot of pros. As someone who has had two E46's in the past, BMW is a good balance between fast, sporty, fun, and reliability.

[capri]

Originally Posted by B-Dawg

I was looking at a 996 for a long time before the ims finally just scared me off (for now). I ended up with a 135i for a variety of reasons - fun, practicality rear seats (2 small kids).

Im sure you'll get a laundry list of things to watch out for - The one thing I would suggest is getting the newest and lowest mileage you can afford so that warranty coverage is good. And one with good service records. I guess this goes without saying.

Good luck and enjoy, the 135 is really a fun car with alot of pros. As someone who has had two E46's in the past, BMW is a good balance between fast, sporty, fun, and reliability.

Hi Dawg

Thanks for the fast input. The car has 4,000 kilometers only. One year is left in the warranty as its a CPO.
I really love the Porsche but that IMS issue inspite of being a low percentage really scares me!
After I test drove the 135i, it left me a very very good impression. Yes, its practical, its easy to drive even on traffics and on the weekends, its nice to blast it on the mountain roads and straight-aways.
If you dont mind sharing, what issues are there w/ the 135i ?

Thanks.
Capri

[B-Dawg]

There are few known issues that BMW has addressed and extended coverage for, such as the High pressure fuel pump and the turbos' wastegate. I don't know alot about the latter, but I do know BMW has extended coverage of the hpfp to 100k miles or 7(?) years since the car was originally sold. If you google BMW hpfp failure you'll get more info.

Then there's the typical BMW shortcomings like window regulators and cooling system expansion tank, which as long as maintenance is diligent generally aren't a problem.

That's about all for now that comes to mind.

[m7ammed]

Originally Posted by B-Dawg

I do know BMW has extended coverage of the hpfp to 100k miles or 7(?) years since the car was originally sold. If you google BMW hpfp failure you'll get more info.

Sadly this part is only true for US , I had my HPFP replaced under warranty twice I think and never was told about extended warranty

[135Pats]

Long story short: yes, there are issues, yes some are chronic, no most of them are not serious or heinously expensive to rectify. HPFP has long been an issue on the N54/55, but the new pump seems to hold up well, and regardless it has an extended warranty so you won't be on the hook financially. Over time turbo wastegates can degrade, but again there is an extended warranty, and the actual turbo internals seem to have held up quite well in most cars. There are some wear items that need to be replaced over time, but none of them are particularly expensive, and are often replaced individually (injectors and plugs come to mind). The suspension has been rock solid, and you don't see many issues with the trans, be it AT or MT. As with almost all BMWs there are some electronic gremlins that can creep up, defrosters can malfunction along with adaptive headlights and various AC components. It's not a Honda Civic, but I really think the early HPFP issues gave the car a bad rap, when in reality it is fairly reliable. If you're willing to put up with occasional problems you will love the car, it's a great vehicle.

[b1aze]

My dad had a Cayman S for a while that i got to blast around in and while its very comfortable got up and went, it wasnt practical at all. It really depends what you want out of the car. If this will be a daily driver, i would probably go with the 135i over all. For a fun every-other-weekend car, i would probably go with the Cayman, assuming you can get them for a comparable price.

Just my .02

[Trptguy]

997- p car all day long.

[Tom_135i]

Traded in my 2005 987 for a 2012 135i w/ Sport package.

Just needed more room.

[capri]

Originally Posted by Tom_135i

Traded in my 2005 987 for a 2012 135i w/ Sport package.

Just needed more room.

Any regrets on this matter Tom ?
Would you say the 135i is just as fun or similarly as fun as the 997, only the 135i more practical and not as flashy as the 997 ?

Thanks guys for all the inputs. Appreciate it.

[Charleston335]

Ive had a boxster S with a 911 carrera S engine in it and i love my 135i Msport more : )

[doublevanosrc]

BMW did a swell job with the 135i, it can be the perfect all around sporty car with the exception of a tight back seat.

[GONFLYN]

Have an 09 135i, cant speak for the 2011 with the n55 engine, which they put in starting in 10', but overall quality and drivability has been wonderful, no issues.

Just a really fun car to own, a better all around car than the Cayman S, I thought, but sounds like you already suspect that. Go with your gut feeling, you wont be disappointed.

[capri]

Yes, i felt too that the 135i is a better car than the Cayman S. Just more balanced and it felt better. Although the Cayman felt really solid, heavier but slightly sluggist especially w/ the tiptronic transmission.
Looks like this would be the car for me for a while... Hope won't regret the decision.