Looking to get 135

[mtowle182]

Originally Posted by Eddien123

Alright so the N54 got replaced because of its issues. That should give you an idea. They are amazing motors. The n54 has twin turbos while the N55 has a single twin scroll turbo which was implemented after 2010. Same stock power output but the N55 is much more reliable. The common issues with the N54 is the high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) they are known to go bad at random times. Sometimes frequently and sometimes not so much. I've seen stories where people have gone through 4 in less than 5k miles. The problem is there is no symptoms of it failing it just does and leaves you stranded. I don't know how reliable the turbo chargers are. The waste gates are known to rattle and eventually break and I think bmw did a recall on all N54 motors. It also may have a water pump issue like the n52 (128i and 328i motor). But if it was already replaced then it might not be an issue anymore. It's all about finding one that's in good shape. I know 335 owners with the N54 who have done 100k with no issues. It's the luck of the draw. If reliability is a big concern for you then I'd suggest a later model 135 or the 128. Hope that helped.

n55 has same issues with hpfp though still though right?

[FactorX81]

They both use the same pump. There have been several revisions. The latest pump along with a software update to prime the system before attempting to start the motor seems to have made the problem "go away". This solution was brought about right around the time the n55 hit the street so it has benefited from it as well. There are usually symptoms like long cranks before they fail although not always.

N54 pump:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...83&hg=13&fg=15

N55 pump:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...55&hg=13&fg=15

Wastegate actuator arms and pivots were revised for later n54 motors and I believe they are thicker and less prone to warping and wearing out. I don't think they are rattle proof though. Realoem doesn't show the old turbo part numbers but does show that the lock rings for the arm went from 6mm to 8mm.

Overall the N54 didn't get replaced because of issues it got replaced because a revised motor was created in the N55. N55 is a newer design it is designed to be more fuel efficient and cheaper to manufacture. There is nothing inherently wrong with either motor.

[Eddien123]

Originally Posted by mtowle182

n55 has same issues with hpfp though still though right?

Not that I know it. I believe that that issue was corrected with the N55 release. N55 is pretty bulletproof

[mr.fabulous]

... and that is called "spitting in the eye of the Gods"

[potxoli]

Originally Posted by mr.fabulous

First post from me, very new here (been on UUC for 15yrs, some of you may know me). Purchased a 2011 135i just this past Tuesday to use as a daily driver. Had to travel 500 miles to get it as I need a stick and they're very difficult to find. I understand I can't keep up with the 7-speed DCT, don't care. The thing for me with a MT is the car slows down when I take my foot off the gas, not so with an AT. That might seem silly, but driving an AT makes me crazy for that reason alone. Me. Need. Stick.

DCT in manual mode will give you all the engine braking you desire and is equivalent to MT since the clutch is fully engaged.

DCT in Sport-Auto mode, will downshift and engine brake if you brake hard on the brakes. Typical scenario from my commute home: 70 MPH on highway, exit ramp comes, hit brakes relatively hard, DCT auto downshifts to 3rd gear, holds 3rd the whole way through the off ramp even while I accelerate.

This is my first non-MT car and I love the DCT. Superior to MT in everyway.

[mr.fabulous]

Sounds pretty nice (seriously). But just this evening I'm driving my 90yo dad out for Thai and listening to me shift (windows open), and I'm sorry, but that's music. I love my new (to me) car, this thing is amazing.

[Solo_M_Tech]

Originally Posted by potxoli

DCT in manual mode will give you all the engine braking you desire and is equivalent to MT since the clutch is fully engaged.

DCT in Sport-Auto mode, will downshift and engine brake if you brake hard on the brakes. Typical scenario from my commute home: 70 MPH on highway, exit ramp comes, hit brakes relatively hard, DCT auto downshifts to 3rd gear, holds 3rd the whole way through the off ramp even while I accelerate.

This is my first non-MT car and I love the DCT. Superior to MT in everyway.

The dct is very nice indeed. Although I would not say it's superior in every way. It's personal preference. I drive 6MT everyday, and on the track. The dct is better for novice drivers since the rev matching and shifts are done by a computer. For someone looking for a better driving expirience, the 6MT is far more involved and more fun to drive in my opinion. With that said, I'd like to have the dct for daily driving. I think the dct is a compromise. To the OP, if you buy the standard automatic car, you will eventually hate it. Get the dct if you want that convenience.

There is nothing wrong with tuning the n55, just not a lot of options if your 2012+.

[potxoli]

Originally Posted by Sinister_1

The dct is very nice indeed. Although I would not say it's superior in every way. It's personal preference. I drive 6MT everyday, and on the track. The dct is better for novice drivers since the rev matching and shifts are done by a computer. For someone looking for a better driving expirience, the 6MT is far more involved and more fun to drive in my opinion. With that said, I'd like to have the dct for daily driving. I think the dct is a compromise. To the OP, if you buy the standard automatic car, you will eventually hate it. Get the dct if you want that convenience.

There is nothing wrong with tuning the n55, just not a lot of options if your 2012+.

Agree, obviously MT is fun and if you like it, then by definition it is the best . I miss not having an MT and am looking at a second fun project car just to have one again (maybe an e30).

When I said superior, I meant on a objective basis on the actual mechanics of shifting gears machine vs human. DCT shifts faster, can hold the exact gear you want etc. There is a reason F1 hasn't had MT for a long time. Doesn't mean you'll like it necessarily.

[Overpar56]

Originally Posted by Sinister_1

The dct is very nice indeed. Although I would not say it's superior in every way. It's personal preference. I drive 6MT everyday, and on the track. The dct is better for novice drivers since the rev matching and shifts are done by a computer. For someone looking for a better driving expirience, the 6MT is far more involved and more fun to drive in my opinion. With that said, I'd like to have the dct for daily driving. I think the dct is a compromise. To the OP, if you buy the standard automatic car, you will eventually hate it. Get the dct if you want that convenience.

There is nothing wrong with tuning the n55, just not a lot of options if your 2012+.

DCT is for novice drivers? I had a good chuckle over that statement.
That being said there's nothing like a perfect heal/toe downshift with a manual.

[Solo_M_Tech]

Everyone has their own preferences! I like the control with the 6MT, heel toe, rev matching, etc.