Ordered a 2012 135i convertible

[zz135i]

I am a frequent reader of the forums, but this is my first time posting. I currently drive a 1996 318i convertible, but a few weeks ago I decided it was time to upgrade so I ordered a 2012 135i convertible (jet black, coral red leather, m sports package) and now it is done with production so hopefully it is only a few weeks away! I'm not sure if there are many 2012s out there yet, but if there are I wanted to hear from anyone to see how they like it/how different it is from the 2011/any tips on how best to maintain it. Needless to say I have been counting down the days until it gets here!

[BrokenVert]

Congrats. Good to see another vert lover on here

[KingOfJericho]

Only thing I would have done differently is ordered the metallic black as it ages much better (shows fewer swirls) but it should be badass nonetheless. The cars are pretty easy to maintain as it lets you know when it needs something. I don't know of anyone who has taken delivery of a 2012.

[1SerieStud]

Well, just some general knowledge non year specific: black = microfiber everything, regular 2 bucket system washes sealant/wax. This should keep your black paint looking its best.

[bdoooh]

I was going to put in an order for a 2012 in June.. Let us know when you get it and how it is! I haven't heard of anyone else putting in an order yet or being close to receiving it.. If I can get my current car sold I'm going to attempt ED! Haha.

[zz135i]

as soon as i get it (should be about 5-6 weeks) i will post pictures and let you know how it is. Its going to be the longest 6 weeks of my life

[KingOfJericho]

It goes MUCH faster than you think.

[NKatsim]

Congrats!

[amancuso]

Congrats. There really are no differences between 2011 and 2012s unless you count the head/tail lights and the more expensive cost for less standard features.

[RoundelM3]

Wife and I waited from Dec. 28 to March 12 for delivery of our 128i M-Sport cabrio...and I'm STILL waiting for the Alufelgen CS7 18" wheels I ordered on Feb. 4. But it's all worth it!

[BlackBMiLuc]

Originally Posted by zz135i

I am a frequent reader of the forums, but this is my first time posting. I currently drive a 1996 318i convertible, but a few weeks ago I decided it was time to upgrade so I ordered a 2012 135i convertible (jet black, coral red leather, m sports package) and now it is done with production so hopefully it is only a few weeks away! I'm not sure if there are many 2012s out there yet, but if there are I wanted to hear from anyone to see how they like it/how different it is from the 2011/any tips on how best to maintain it. Needless to say I have been counting down the days until it gets here!

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

Only thing I would have done differently is ordered the metallic black as it ages much better (shows fewer swirls) but it should be badass nonetheless. The cars are pretty easy to maintain as it lets you know when it needs something. I don't know of anyone who has taken delivery of a 2012.

Originally Posted by bdoooh

I was going to put in an order for a 2012 in June.. Let us know when you get it and how it is! I haven't heard of anyone else putting in an order yet or being close to receiving it.. If I can get my current car sold I'm going to attempt ED! Haha.

congrats on your order!

according to BMW and my local dealer, I will be taking delivery of the first 2012 1 series to touch american soil by the end of this week. it's been sitting at the port for weeks going through emissions. i made the order back in february when it was right at the transition phase of the 2011 production to the 2012. looking forward to finally bringing it home soon and with that, will be taking plenty of pictures and creating a thread for it if interested. i wasn't sure of any changes until i did some research on the forums here which i'll be sure to demonstrate! (so far finding out that they changed the head and tail lights).

[fancyfl1ght]

Originally Posted by zz135i

I am a frequent reader of the forums, but this is my first time posting. I currently drive a 1996 318i convertible, but a few weeks ago I decided it was time to upgrade so I ordered a 2012 135i convertible (jet black, coral red leather, m sports package) and now it is done with production so hopefully it is only a few weeks away! I'm not sure if there are many 2012s out there yet, but if there are I wanted to hear from anyone to see how they like it/how different it is from the 2011/any tips on how best to maintain it. Needless to say I have been counting down the days until it gets here!

I would definitely sort out the run flat tires. In the crappy pothole stricken roads of San Diego, I bent the soft M-spoke rims and threw the front alignment way off because the runflats have no give.

I bet NJ has similar road hazards.

BMW really cheaped out on these wheels big time.

This may not be an issue if you purchased the wheel insurance plan.

[fancyfl1ght]

Originally Posted by maxnix

Not really. Most OEM use softer cast alloy wheel so that they bend rather than more expensive to repair suspension parts.

The trick is to avoid the road hazards.

Whatever planned road maintenance budget was out there is gone. I always choose the well maintained roads. This year the same roads are cracked and pot marked like you would not believe.

SoCal is a 3rd world nation when road maintanence is involved.

[bluecat]

Originally Posted by fancyfl1ght

Whatever planned road maintenance budget was out there is gone. I always choose the well maintained roads. This year the same roads are cracked and pot marked like you would not believe.

SoCal is a 3rd world nation when road maintanence is involved.

Off topic: I was out in SD for the first time last year and was surprised at how bad the roads were considering you get ZERO freezing/unfreezing, snowplow, sand/salt.

Almost On topic: OP, amazing that you're still driving that car. My first car was a 1984 318i and it still goes down as my favorite car of all time.

On topic: Congrats on the new ride, good color combo choice!

[zz135i]

Originally Posted by BlackBMiLuc

congrats on your order!

according to BMW and my local dealer, I will be taking delivery of the first 2012 1 series to touch american soil by the end of this week. it's been sitting at the port for weeks going through emissions. i made the order back in february when it was right at the transition phase of the 2011 production to the 2012. looking forward to finally bringing it home soon and with that, will be taking plenty of pictures and creating a thread for it if interested. i wasn't sure of any changes until i did some research on the forums here which i'll be sure to demonstrate! (so far finding out that they changed the head and tail lights).

I am looking forward to hearing about your car once you get delivery and I'm glad to see convertibles getting some love

[BlackBMiLuc]

where abouts in jersey are you from?

(im from the monmouth county area in central jersey).

[zz135i]

Originally Posted by BlackBMiLuc

where abouts in jersey are you from?

(im from the monmouth county area in central jersey).

I'm from Belmar...small world. Where in Monmouth County are you from?

[shodanusmc]

We have an 09 135 Vert and love it. What a great vehicle. Pretty much my wife's, but she lets me take it to the gas station for her.

[BlackVert]

I used microfiber on my black Harley and it left horrible scratches. I did some research and was advised that the "plastic" in microfiber is harder than the clear coat and will scratch it. I was advised to use prewashed cotton cloths for washing and chamios for drying.

Just my two cents worth!

[fancyfl1ght]

Originally Posted by BlackVert

I used microfiber on my black Harley and it left horrible scratches. I did some research and was advised that the "plastic" in microfiber is harder than the clear coat and will scratch it. I was advised to use prewashed cotton cloths for washing and chamios for drying.

Just my two cents worth!

What ever you do, scratches are inevitable. I stopped caring a long time ago.

[BrokenVert]

Woah your name is blackvert? I think it's me talking I just see BV...


This relationship isn't going to work out

[jzmundy]

zz135i,

Congrats on your order! The next few weeks are sure to be miserable while you wait though, but like others have said, it'll be worth it in the end.

As far as care goes, there are a couple "levels" at which you could maintain your new Bimmer:

1) wash it and not give a crap - grab any old bucket and sponge/cloth and go to town ( = 99% of the population)

2) light protection and maintenance - An occasional claying (with a OTC claybar) and you don't necessarily have to use an abrasive polish, but perhaps look into an all-in-one (AIO). Some of these are easier than others to apply by hand if you aren't looking to buy a DA polisher. After you clay and polish (or AIO), slap on a coat of sealant or wax and off you go.

3) total correction - I don't know that I would go here given that you leased your car. You don't want to be TOO obsessed over its cleanliness (I'm sure you know someone like this - we all do).

In any case, I would definitely recommend buying a couple or 3 (dozen?) microfiber towels. QUALITY towels are key - head over to pakshak.com or autogeek.net for some of the best (IMO).

I'd also look into getting a hold of some convertible top protectant. Many recommend RaggTopp (sp?), but I find the OEM BMW stuff worked better on my Z4.

Interior wise, many prefer just a light, non-greasy (!) protectant like 303 Aerospace Protectant for the vinyl (dash, door panels, etc.) and a basic leather protectant with perhaps some UV-blocking qualities (Zaino Z10 is a good one). Protecting the interior is especially important with a convertible!

Hope this helps a bit. Let me know if you have any more questions! Enjoy!

Zach