Love my new (to me) 11 135i convertible

[Tenspeed]

I just bought my first Beemer in August, a 2011 135i convertible with only 24k miles and it is so much fun! I had been looking a 2003 Boxster S with a 6 speed, but a bad oil sample and inherent engine issues sent me to BMW. I started looking at 335's and a six speed, but after driving the 135 and the DCT I was hooked. The DCT won't miss a 2nd to 3rd shift like the guy in the M6 convertible did while playing the day after I bought it, which allowed me to catch him momentarily (made me smile). This car is so much fun in the NC mountains and will be sure to surprise some folks that don't pay attention to the numbers on the back, both of which are what I was looking for. The M package with 18's would have been nice, but I am happy with the 17's for my primary uses, which are cruising, some twisties, and the occasional stoplight play.

The wife even likes riding in it (can't play when she is riding though), which is another bonus.

I plan to keep this thing for a long time! JB4 might be in the future too, after the warranty is out.

[awns729]

Congrats. Just curious, what'd you find in that oil sample?

[Esteban]

Welcome Tenspeed and congrats on your new ride.

[Jsargevt]

Nice ride! I have a sibling - a 2011 convertible in BSM. I also do not have the M-sport package and while occasionally I wish that I had the M steering wheel, the sport seats and the 18" wheels, I typically forget all of that while driving. To be honest, the 17" wheels look nice, are easy to clean and even with the stock RFTs the ride is not bad at all on our crappy New Hampshire roads. I'll probably just swap out the RFTs with standard sport tires when the time comes.

I also tested out a 335 and 328 convertible and the 1er was what captured my interest. I agree that the DCT was what really sealed the deal for me - my wife insisted that this vehicle be automatic and the DCT is a very good compromise.

Enjoy the twisty roads up in NC! I know that I love them here in NH in the 135!

[Tenspeed]

Originally Posted by awns729

Congrats. Just curious, what'd you find in that oil sample?

Extremely high iron that was most likely from the intake cam on the #1 cylinder. It was going to take $2k for an invasive inspection before I would even discover if I could put the IMS Solution in the car. Then, if it was acceptable for the solution, another $10.5 k for the repairs to make it sound and remove all know issues. I would have then had about $30k in a $16k car. It was in beautiful condition and had been well maintained, just too much risk for me.

My 135 is quicker and handles as well, so I am happy!