BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

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      02-19-2017, 03:19 PM   #1
tvaclavek
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Help picking a used 1 series covertible

Hi all. First post. I've decided that I want a used 128 or 135 convertible. Will be a second car for me (primary is a 16 rubicon) and I want the thrill of driving again. Ive driven a bunch of different cars and like the styling, engine, and the extra room the 1 series gives me.

I am looking at these two:

https://www.carfax.com/vehicles/WBAU...35i--milwaukee

http://www.garylangautogm.com/Vehicl...-IL/2936233193

The 135i is blue with 51k miles. Listed at $14k. Has premium package, sound and light packages as well. Auto.

The 128i is the tan grey color. Not my first choice but it is growing on me (especially in the sunlight) and has 38k miles. Only option is the premium sound I believe. Priced at $13k. Manual. I drove this one but not the other one.

Ive read so much about the differences between the 135i and the 128i my head is spinning. I drove both. I did like that the 128 was a manual but I don't have to have a manual and from what I have read the 135i auto is pretty stellar.

I am guessing that the dealer will move more on the 128 from speaking to them than the 135. The 135 is also about 100 miles away which is doable but of course not ideal. But is the extra 14k miles too much? Neither is going to be covered by BMW but both are 1 owner cars with the service records.

I would appreciate any thoughts you guys/gals might have to help lead me to my next car.
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      02-20-2017, 11:44 AM   #2
NorthernDancer
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One owner cars with service records is a huge plus. At only $1K difference, I would go for the 135. It would be advisable to look thru the 135's records to see what repairs have already been done. You'll be looking at HPFP (possible already done and now has 10 yr warranty) turbos/waste gates/injectors. If the 135 has had 2 oil changes per year, that's good. The 128 will be very reliable and fun with the 6MT (which is what I have) but again at only $1K diff., go 135. Also and very important, find a good BMW indy garage before you buy.

Just looked thru the 2 ads. The 128 has sport package which includes sports seats which everyone wants. Its 262 wheels are 17 inch. The 135 does not have sports pkg so standard seats. Also its wheels are unknown to me and not the preferred 18 inch 264's. And its on Good Year tires.

Last edited by NorthernDancer; 02-20-2017 at 11:59 AM.. Reason: add info
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      02-20-2017, 03:38 PM   #3
tvaclavek
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Thank you for your thoughts. The more research I do the more confused I get. Is the sports package worth losing the other benefits the 135i would give me? I drove the 128i today. Was fun. Not a lot of 135i convertibles out there though. Trying to decide if I want to drive 3 hours rt to go drive the 135i.
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      02-20-2017, 10:26 PM   #4
NorthernDancer
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Well if you join BMWCCA for $48 or so you'll automatically have thousands of friends and some of those will be in Milwaukee and they will be most happy to check out the car for you. www.badgerbimmers.org
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      02-21-2017, 02:29 PM   #5
tvaclavek
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Nice. I will look into that. Does Illinois have a chapter too?
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      02-21-2017, 03:12 PM   #6
NorthernDancer
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Yes, two, Glenview and Peoria. But note that members in these 2 chapters come from all over the state.
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      02-23-2017, 02:22 PM   #7
tvaclavek
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Just to give an update. I took the car to get looked at. They found two issues:

1. There is a fault in the convertible top. It worked fine for me when I tested it before bringing it to a mechanic but when they tested it they couldn't get it to open. I couldn't figure it out either.

2. There is the open recall for the fuel pump which I am guessing may or may not be related to the hpfp? The mechanics said to have them take care of that as well.

I took it back to the dealership and they said they were going to have it fixed then let me know. I definitely like the 135i more than the 128 but of course Im not buying a car with a top that isn't working.
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      02-25-2017, 02:06 PM   #8
Mr Rooty Von Tooty
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When you are dealing with old high mileage cars, forget about service records.

One way to tell the condition of these cars is evaluate who is selling them. As cars age, they go through a life cycle of owners, so if a fat guy with red suspenders is the salesman, you can rightly figure the junk yard is going to be the next owner (after you!).

With old iron, you have to have the experience and intuition to judge if they are worth buying. They may look good, but remember that these lots employ a lot of very good detail guys to pretty them up.

If you have the mechanical ability to fix them, then go for it. One last note, the prices may seem cheap, but they are always overpriced. These lots have bought them at auctions for very small money. Don't be afraid to beat them down on the price by thousands!
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      03-01-2017, 01:44 PM   #9
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A 128i with MT and sport package!! The seats alone would push me to that one.
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      05-30-2018, 01:39 PM   #10
Mandinca
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tvaclavek View Post
Just to give an update. I took the car to get looked at. They found two issues:

1. There is a fault in the convertible top. It worked fine for me when I tested it before bringing it to a mechanic but when they tested it they couldn't get it to open. I couldn't figure it out either.

2. There is the open recall for the fuel pump which I am guessing may or may not be related to the hpfp? The mechanics said to have them take care of that as well.

I took it back to the dealership and they said they were going to have it fixed then let me know. I definitely like the 135i more than the 128 but of course Im not buying a car with a top that isn't working.
Just saw this - convertible top probably worked fine. There is a plastic flap in the trunk that lifts up. If it's in the wrong position the roof won't open/close.
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2008 E88 N54 135i / Cashmere Silver / Beige leather / VRSF catless DP's / BMW Performance Suspension / Whiteline inserts / Aluminum charge pipe and aftermarket BOV
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