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      10-23-2019, 12:36 AM   #1
Calabash2112
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Need Advise on best year for the 135i

Hey Guys, I apologize if this question gets covered too often, but I'm looking to purchase a used 135i and I'd like to know what year do you guys recommend above others?
I plan to use this as a daily driver with plans to mod until I run outta cash! Thanks in advance!
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      10-23-2019, 06:43 AM   #2
Soterios
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So uhhh... 08 through 13.

Daily driver? N55 > N54 for reliability and cost of ownership. Ok knock off 08 through 10.

I never recommend year one of a model or refresh. Knock off years 11.

The 2013 has a computer that is more work to tune if you're going to do that.

So. Buy a 2012.
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      10-23-2019, 03:28 PM   #3
NorthernDancer
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ANY YEAR as long as you buy privately and owner has very good maintenance records.
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      10-23-2019, 03:57 PM   #4
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Quote:
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ANY YEAR as long as you buy privately and owner has very good maintenance records.
Agreed. I was going to say "the one with the lowest miles" but this is similar.
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      11-18-2019, 08:23 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Calabash2112 View Post
Hey Guys, I apologize if this question gets covered too often, but I'm looking to purchase a used 135i and I'd like to know what year do you guys recommend above others?
I plan to use this as a daily driver with plans to mod until I run outta cash! Thanks in advance!
If you plan to modify get an n54. Spend your money fixing the oil leaks and replacing the crappy factory plastic parts, then make it go faster.
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      11-26-2019, 10:24 AM   #6
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Also watch for the usual used car issues - look for any rust (a cheap trick is to pull the rear tow hook plastic cover and look to see if there is rust under there).

I've owned both an '08 and a '13 - the N54 may be 'easier' to tune, but the N55 is just rock solid. The manual tranny behind the N54 has a higher torque capacity than the one behind the N55.

If I had to do it again I'd try to find a '13 with the fewest miles possible that met my feature set requirements.
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      12-02-2019, 04:44 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Soterios View Post

I never recommend year one of a model or refresh. Knock off years 11.

The 2013 has a computer that is more work to tune if you're going to do that.

So. Buy a 2012.
As an owner of a 2011 I'd disagree with the assumption that the 2011 has any more issues than '12 or '13 model years.

The 2011 are mid-LCI so n55 and DCT option but not the LCI tail lights. Other than that I've not seen anything suggesting the 2011s are any different/worse/less reliable than other years.
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      12-10-2019, 10:27 AM   #8
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135iS and be done with it. The additional value in the sweet 313 wheels, BMW PE and added bits is worth it IMO. And you know its reasonably rare so itll hold value even better IMO.
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      12-10-2019, 03:32 PM   #9
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A break down for why I personally think you should look at both variations of the 135i.

2008 to 2010 N54
Go for 2010: Why, it’s the latest model for the N54 motor.
Power can get to monster proportions 700hp - 800hp on stock internals.
More availability for 6 Speed Manual
Amazing community, loves to be modded, and makes hp easily.

2011 to 2013 N55
Go for 2013 like before latest model for N55 motor.
Historically more reliable than N54.
Newer tech such as LCI and DCT.
Newish modding community that’s hungry for power chasing the N54
Motor also likes to be modded and MHD now unlocks DME, not a 700hp to 800hp monster potential but reliable at 500hp. For now
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      12-10-2019, 03:34 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by b1aze View Post
135iS and be done with it. The additional value in the sweet 313 wheels, BMW PE and added bits is worth it IMO. And you know its reasonably rare so itll hold value even better IMO.
And what he said +1
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      04-23-2020, 11:08 PM   #11
Calabash2112
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On the hunt for a 135i-Help!

Hey Everyone, I'm in Austin, TX. 1. I'm looking to purchase a 2010 135i coupe-prefer manual. Where do most folks have best luck in finding this model? I've been on the usual EBay, Autotempest, Craigs, and usually see convertibles.
2. Once I find this car, who does the best work on this model in TX?
Thanks in advance!
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      05-08-2020, 09:05 PM   #12
b.njamin
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Calabash2112 View Post
Hey Everyone, I'm in Austin, TX. 1. I'm looking to purchase a 2010 135i coupe-prefer manual. Where do most folks have best luck in finding this model? I've been on the usual EBay, Autotempest, Craigs, and usually see convertibles.
2. Once I find this car, who does the best work on this model in TX?
Thanks in advance!
gotta look everywhere man. if you really want one, extend ranges to around the country.
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      05-08-2020, 10:32 PM   #13
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IMHO
The real deal breaker is the engine & trans. As others mentioned above in detail. After you decide if you want a n54 (big hp numbers & track "friendly") or a n55 (more reliable daily driver) & your trans option. You'll need to look into the condition of the car you're looking to buy. Look for leaks (damaged gaskets), trans problems, headlight ballast issues, headliner, door cards, boost leaks, check engine lights, blown shocks, normal ware & tear issues, see if the owner has any maintenance records, receipts, fuel pump, water pump, etc. if the car happens to have any of those issues just use it as a negotiation leverage to get it cheaper, taking into account part costs & labor.

So after you go through your wish list & through the check list of normal issues of the car you should be able to find a nice car for yourself.
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      07-20-2020, 12:25 PM   #14
Windy5000
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Manual: Any
Auto: 2010 - 2013 For DCT Gearbox Box, could be different for the USA.
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      07-20-2020, 08:50 PM   #15
Esteban
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Windy5000 View Post
Auto: 2010 - 2013 For DCT Gearbox Box, could be different for the USA.
In the USA: for Model Year 2008-2010, Steptronic Transmission/for Model Year 2011-2013, DCT.
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