1 month with my new 1er, and w124 parallels

[CH400EM]

So about 1 month ago I decided to pull the trigger on a 2012 135i w/ 42k miles. Jet black on black interior without nav. and with the DCT. Pretty much exactly what I was looking for. Previous owner is a honest, stand-up individual and they had a thick collection of service receipts which sealed the deal.

I wanted to make the switch to something practical, exciting, and I wanted to stay with a German AG. My first choice was a face-lift MB W204 C63 but after months of searching, nothing appealed to me that was under 30k. That's when I began to seriously consider the 135i and I am so happy I did. It took about 2 months to find the right one.

My main motivation for getting a newer car was that I had finally finished most of the restoration on my 1992 MB W124 400E and couldn't stand using it as a daily and parking outside anymore (single stage paint). What I have found is that the W124 and E82 actually share a similar story, decades apart:

The W124 was a midsize workhorse for Mercedes for over a decade. Impeccably engineered global platform that housed diesels, 6zyls, and later V8s. Similarly, the E8X is a solid, perfect sized platform that was globally distributed with a variety of engines that include the amazing n54 and n55.

Here in the US, the true values lie right under the exclusive, rare top-spec models for both chassis. The W124 E500(E) is a beast of a car with beautiful wide flares and intimidating presence. The E82 1M is menacing to look at and proudly shows it's special design. But there was a W124 with the same M119 V8 architecture in 4.2L form, good for 275hp and 295ft-lb torque (quite impressive for 1992). Its housed in body that shares all the looks of the understated 300E. No flashy bits, no hype, just unexpected smooth power and speed! I feel the same about the 135i. Great everyday, turbocharged engine variant with a sound that is so rich it puts a smile on your face. Speed and power whenever you want it. But understated in comparison to the 1M and worry-free with regards to driving daily.

Massively happy to add it to the stable alongside the W124. Don't get me wrong, my dream collection would include a W124 500E and a E82 1M, but for now, these cars are great company.

And although this isn't a parallel, I love how they are black and white, yin and yang so-to-speak. 400E delivering simplicity (didn't even have a check engine light!), drowning in nostalgia, gentle brawn. 135i delivering technological engine prowess, twitchy tossible handling, modern niceties. Two eras and experiences that compliment each other perfectly.

Hope you enjoy the 2 engine shots attached and their respective cars.

Cheers, all. (also first post on forum!)

[dtla1]

Welcome to the forum and great looking cars! Both of those cars look immaculate.

[Esteban]

Congrats on the 1er and welcome to 1ADDICTS!

Lots of good info here will tell you everything you need to know about your little beast.

Ask if you need help, though. Someone's bound to know or steer you in the right direction.

[kaputt]

Nice cars, both of them! Your W124 gives me some nostalgia. I was fortunate enough to get a hand me down 300E in the exact same color as yours as my first car. Was one smooth, and well built car. Loved that thing and was awesome to drive compared to my high school peers and their Camrys and Civics. My dad actually still has it tucked in the garage, but it needs some major work now.

Maybe someday!

[CH400EM]

Thank you all! I really appreciate a good forum for my vehicles and I've already used quite a lot of the info available here.

So far BMW forums have been the best out of all of the vehicle specific forums I've been on, and 1addicts is awesome. E500Eboard has been fantastic for the w124, but it is quite specific. Lexus, VW, and Subaru boards weren't very well rounded for one reason or another. Saab boards are incredible, but those cars are lost to history unfortunately.

I've already started coding the car how I like and have used TGS to do the remote PPK tune coding (mainly for all updated ECM/DCM firmware). The pops from the PPK are sweet! Also, I've fitted a VSRF charge pipe. Fluids and filters all changed using liqui moly 5w30 and BMW oem.

Future plans include slowly accumulating M3 suspension bits and the RSFB. Also I have a lower charge pipe from Racing Dynamics I'm waiting to fit.

The W124 has been a labor of love, no doubt. Probably have ~7k in parts in it by now, all labor done myself. New suspension, steering, brakes, belt-driven engine parts, all coolant system parts and hoses, all ignition components, etc.! ... So safe to say even the worst I've read about the 1er doesn't scare me off lol.

Love everything about it so far! Thanks to all on the forum!

I hope you enjoy a pic of the W124 dash and one from my interior detailing of the 1er!

[Dackelone]

Welcome to 1Addicts

I have always loved the W124 cars.

[Moveitsmikey]

Welcome! This is a great place with wonderful and knowledgeable people. You'll love it here. Both rides are sweet. Reminds me of my fiends 400E he only paid 400 for it! Beautiful Mercedes

[swunder]

That MB interior is perfect. I love the simplicity of the 1's especially compared to other new cars these days but it doesn't look like it compares to the MB in fit and finish,

[Matticus91]

Welcome! Both are great cars!

[Dackelone]

CH400EM From what I remember of my MB days... one of the W124 Achilles heels was it's fuel pump relay's internals melting down. I'm sure you probably have replaced it already. Just thought, I'd mention it. Heck at this age of your car... you probably need a new fuel pump and gas tank. lol

PS: Don't use any ethanol fuel in your cars... try to use "pure" gasoline or use a fuel stabilizer additive.

Dack

[NorthernDancer]

Congrats; 2 fine cars. My opinion would be to do RSFB first.

[Shortedaman]

Originally Posted by CH400EM

Thank you all! I really appreciate a good forum for my vehicles and I've already used quite a lot of the info available here.

So far BMW forums have been the best out of all of the vehicle specific forums I've been on, and 1addicts is awesome. E500Eboard has been fantastic for the w124, but it is quite specific. Lexus, VW, and Subaru boards weren't very well rounded for one reason or another. Saab boards are incredible, but those cars are lost to history unfortunately.

I've already started coding the car how I like and have used TGS to do the remote PPK tune coding (mainly for all updated ECM/DCM firmware). The pops from the PPK are sweet! Also, I've fitted a VSRF charge pipe. Fluids and filters all changed using liqui moly 5w30 and BMW oem.

Future plans include slowly accumulating M3 suspension bits and the RSFB. Also I have a lower charge pipe from Racing Dynamics I'm waiting to fit.

The W124 has been a labor of love, no doubt. Probably have ~7k in parts in it by now, all labor done myself. New suspension, steering, brakes, belt-driven engine parts, all coolant system parts and hoses, all ignition components, etc.! ... So safe to say even the worst I've read about the 1er doesn't scare me off lol.

Love everything about it so far! Thanks to all on the forum!

I hope you enjoy a pic of the W124 dash and one from my interior detailing of the 1er!

that reminds me of my old e39 dash board.