Tips for purchasing an E87 130i - help!

[JHS130]

Hi everyone I've decided that the 130i with the 6MT would be my next car. I've got some inspections lined up in a couple of days and I was wondering if you guys could give me some tips on what to look out for. Are there any major/common issues or faults associated with this model? I'd also like to know a bit more about the service intervals - I know one particular example I'll be looking at will be due for a 75,000km service in the not too distant future so I'd like to know what that would involve. (Sounds like a major service)

In any case I'm very much looking forward to getting back into a 1 series. Can't wait!

[kmli5]

Service interval is condition based. The car tells you what and when to service, you can either look it up in idrive or thru pressing the BC button on the indicator stalk.

The only 'major thing' I can think of at 75000km might be brakes. Other than that, it's the usual oil change, brake fluid, various filters change and spark plugs. Other extra things I would recommend is gearbox oil change and diff oil change. You should also go to a BMW specialist rather than a dealer if that suits you.

Lookout for the general things like crash repair and oil leaks. Engine should rev nice and fast with a decent exhaust noise.

[flinchy]

As above.. You could be due for spark plugs, mine due to my highway driving are at my upcoming 100kkm.. Be gentle on the brakes and they last forever, mine go down '2000' km probably every 5000 or so lol.. Been saying mid 2xxxx for 10,000 now

Loud Valve noise on idle is a thing with these engines if you do lots of idling while cold or short start stop trips.. But it's not an 'issue' as such, just an annoyance

Make sure the pdc works (if fitted) mine's broken, apparently rain can leak in the boot seal and get into the control unit

Same with the auto-tint rear view mirror if optioned, just shine a bright light on the sensor

But really, out of all bmw's engines this is easily one of the least issue-prone.. Which is surprising considering the incredible level of technology and development.

Otherwise - anything youd look for on any car.. Press every button, turn knobs, damage, scratches etc.

Find a good one and you should enjoy it as much as me

If/when you get one, want to know anything specific, i've been doing as much research as possible lately, hit me up . it's hard to find a lot of info on certain things.. Unless it's a general 1 series thing (like suspension)

[Ninjaoz]

check for oil leak, though not common - faulty PVC/CCV crankshaft valve and mechatronic sleeve plug etc.

[Drawn05]

N52 has noisy lifters that can be somewhat disappointing if you were expecting a nice, refined engine noise.

Best thing you can do is purchase a BMS Powerbox or cheaper equiv. With the N54 there is at least power to compensate for the delay between the pedal position and the throttle actually responding. The N52 feels like a half-decent engine with a powerbox installed.

[37&TenCents]

Look in the service history for regular oil changes. BMW says can go 20K in between oil services but you should really be changing your oil much more than that, especially with the Valvetronic engines, bits of gunk in the oil can clog up the extra bits in the head and the engine won't run as well.

[MrBlonde]

As above.

Check:
+ Dash skin is good where passenger airbag is located
+ Steering is good
+ Logbooks show regular servicing

[JHS130]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I'll definitely be taking it to a BMW specialist.. I've been hearing very good things about Southern BM in Melbourne, and it's quite close to where I live when I'm at uni. I've experienced the loud valve noise on idle in N52s as my mum's 530i (barely driven) had it for a while, but it seems to be completely gone now so I'm hoping that it's not a deal breaker should I encounter it!

[alik01]

Certainly a fun car. Only issues I had in 40K kms was;
Mirror dipping when reversing function stuffed up - something to do control module on the passenger side mirror. No action taken.
Steering Angle Sensor failed - no nannies for a few weeks in the wet = fun! Replaced under out of warranty assist.
Rear windscreen spray nozzle got blocked - due to lack of use. Had to replace entire wiper motor as nozzle was within. Used much more after.

That's about it. Was a cracking car. Had heaps of fun and even tracked a few times.

Oh, and biggest issue of all was an older gentlemen running into me leading to write off.

[david.orr]

Originally Posted by JHS130

Thanks for the replies everyone! I'll definitely be taking it to a BMW specialist.. I've been hearing very good things about Southern BM in Melbourne, and it's quite close to where I live when I'm at uni. I've experienced the loud valve noise on idle in N52s as my mum's 530i (barely driven) had it for a while, but it seems to be completely gone now so I'm hoping that it's not a deal breaker should I encounter it!

Once you have set your heart on one, suggest you take it to SouthernBM or a cooperating dealer for a PPI. Existing owner should not object to this.

[flinchy]

Originally Posted by alik01

Certainly a fun car. Only issues I had in 40K kms was;
Mirror dipping when reversing function stuffed up - something to do control module on the passenger side mirror. No action taken.
Steering Angle Sensor failed - no nannies for a few weeks in the wet = fun! Replaced under out of warranty assist.
Rear windscreen spray nozzle got blocked - due to lack of use. Had to replace entire wiper motor as nozzle was within. Used much more after.

That's about it. Was a cracking car. Had heaps of fun and even tracked a few times.

Oh, and biggest issue of all was an older gentlemen running into me leading to write off.

You had a rear windscreen spray? What option was that?

[GJA003]

Originally Posted by alik01

Mirror dipping when reversing function stuffed up - something to do control module on the passenger side mirror. No action taken.

About the Mirror dipping did you have electric or manual seats ? I have a 120i every thing is the same but the motor of course but haven't noticed the mirror dipping is due to having manual seats or has it wrecked how can i check ?

[Knightelf]

Originally Posted by GJA003

About the Mirror dipping did you have electric or manual seats ? I have a 120i every thing is the same but the motor of course but haven't noticed the mirror dipping is due to having manual seats or has it wrecked how can i check ?

IIRC I didn't have mirror dipping on my 118i (manual seats). Probably not featured on standard lower models.

[kmli5]

Originally Posted by JHS130

Thanks for the replies everyone! I'll definitely be taking it to a BMW specialist.. I've been hearing very good things about Southern BM in Melbourne, and it's quite close to where I live when I'm at uni. I've experienced the loud valve noise on idle in N52s as my mum's 530i (barely driven) had it for a while, but it seems to be completely gone now so I'm hoping that it's not a deal breaker should I encounter it!

I take that you study in Monash (close to SBM)?
Mate, can't fault Southern BM, Andrew is a top bloke, I recent had some mods installed by him on my 130i.

I have had only once encountered the valve ticking, scared the shit out of me, thought something was gonna blown because it was quite loud and rather embarrassing. It was because that day I drove only 2 km 8 hrs apart at 60km in 5th gear. I took it for a longer drive and noise disappeared.

[noyp611]

135i sport, white, coupe no mods all original,manual first owner msport package, idrive with sat nav, still under new car warranty and rego. till nov. 2012. $54,500 ono enq. 0410494832

[comar1979]

even if it´s german:

http://www.autobild.de/artikel/dauer...0i-887616.html

its a 100.000 km Dauertest of the 130i ... Fazit: Note 1.0 BEST CAR THEY EVER TEST 100.000km

I my 130i

[flinchy]

Originally Posted by noyp611

135i sport, white, coupe no mods all original,manual first owner msport package, idrive with sat nav, still under new car warranty and rego. till nov. 2012. $54,500 ono enq. 0410494832

:/ why the random ad? Posting a $54,000 ad in a thread about ~30,000 cars seems odd.

[130iWanted]

If the car still has RFTs, check the suspension for worn shocks and bushings!

Mine is at 72,500km, bought it at 54,000km and they were pretty soft back then, they are gone now.

The previous owners must have gone flying over every single speed bump imaginable!

[JHS130]

Once again, thanks for all the replies! I went on a bit of a road trip with my brother yesterday and picked one up. Couldn't be happier with the car (esp for the price I paid) and the owners were fantastic, but more details when I properly introduce myself later

Originally Posted by kmli5

I take that you study in Monash (close to SBM)?
Mate, can't fault Southern BM, Andrew is a top bloke, I recent had some mods installed by him on my 130i.

I have had only once encountered the valve ticking, scared the shit out of me, thought something was gonna blown because it was quite loud and rather embarrassing. It was because that day I drove only 2 km 8 hrs apart at 60km in 5th gear. I took it for a longer drive and noise disappeared.

Yep, I live on campus at Clayton during the semester and return home to Sydney in the breaks. I'll definitely be looking at Southern when the time to install mods beyond my ability arrives
Oh and for servicing too.

Originally Posted by 130iWanted

If the car still has RFTs, check the suspension for worn shocks and bushings!

Mine is at 72,500km, bought it at 54,000km and they were pretty soft back then, they are gone now.

The previous owners must have gone flying over every single speed bump imaginable!

Are you sure it wasn't you that was taking it to the limits?
I didn't check that but the car I got is running on Falken non RFTs. I'll still have a look before I leave for Melbourne next week. Thanks!

[_Ryan_]

ill be back in melb soon with my 130i, based not far from your campus... seems a few 130i owners in the thread.

Hills? :P

[kmli5]

Black Spur!

Originally Posted by _Ryan_

ill be back in melb soon with my 130i, based not far from your campus... seems a few 130i owners in the thread.

Hills? :P

[JHS130]

Hmm not too familiar with the area (only started Uni this February so I'm new to Melb) so I'd love to explore the roads there. Do I smell a cruise coming up?