Would you buy this car?

Promethalean · 09-11-2023, 07:00 PM

I am currently looking at a 2013 135i with 86.5k miles. The car is the "limited edition" trim but no nav/iDrive. The seller is asking $13,000. I paid a local mechanic to take a look at the car and they provided me with the attached report. Given what is going on with the car I offered $8,500.

Do you think that is a good deal or a nightmare waiting to happen? I tried searching the codes associated with the misfire and it seems it could be: 1. Plugs and Coils. 2. HFPF. 3. Valve cover gasket. I am trying to assess if its worth the effort and, if so, at what price that effort is warranted.

Let me know if you guys would jump in at $8,500.

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Almuliman · 09-11-2023, 07:15 PM

If that's really a 135is (I didn't check, but the report says it is and AFAIK it has all the hallmarks of an is: wheels, sill plate, etc.), that could be a good deal.

I don't have a 135, so I can't speak to the cost or severity of those findings, but for a car like a 135 (and an is to boot), I do find it disconcerting that the misfires haven't been addressed, there's an issue with lighting, and the pads are at critical. All are obvious in daily driving, so it doesn't convey that the previous owner(s) has maintained the car properly.

Houranimd49 · 09-11-2023, 08:49 PM

Is it me, or does the drivers side have the shadow line trim and the passenger side has chrome?

Andrewbens · 09-11-2023, 09:22 PM

That’s not a is base on chrome window trim and wheels. Also brown seats were never offered. It’s a 135i DCT

GoRomeo · 09-12-2023, 12:42 AM

I would not at that price. Maybe at 5k max.

BMWCCA1 · 09-12-2023, 06:57 AM

That hideous brown steering wheel on the special edition cars is easily replaced. But you'll need one with paddles for the clutch-less transmission.

NorthernDancer · 09-12-2023, 10:26 AM

Being retired and on pension I never wanted a 135 b/c I knew it would be a money pit. Getting the PPI was obviously a very wise decision. I cannot see all the problems from your paperwork but $8500 does seem reasonable but remember the 6 speed manuals are where the fun is and these will always be in demand. Also, being a NW car (if I remember) means little to no rust.

Almuliman · 09-12-2023, 10:47 AM

Fake "is" with issues, then. Yeah. No. (IMO, of course

)

Promethalean · 09-12-2023, 12:51 PM

Ok so it seems like the sketchy history, and the needed know (and unknown) maintenance make this something to stay far away from!

CrownGlass · 09-13-2023, 10:18 AM

Hi

Looks like it was a Limited Edition Lifecycle model, but was painted, 1m style bumper, grills changed.

https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1081194_bmw-announces-limited-edition-1-series-confirms-detroit-lineup

The above link gives a bit of detail.

My guess? Owner drove it, made the cosmetic changes but skipped the maintenance and did the same as you have done now - obtained a quote for repairs.

Looked at total, and decided was time to sell.

These engines need their regular oil changes - if no records of that, would avoid.

JustAnotherSportsCar · 09-16-2023, 11:03 AM

I spent a little over $10k on my 2008 135 with 93,000 miles a few years ago. While I have spent about the same amount on repairs and upgrades. It should be set for another 90,000 miles. If it is truly what you want, then go for it. Spend what you need to make it right, then drive the piss out of it and enjoy. The 135 is a thoroughly enjoyable car and at that price, I’d say jump on it!

09-11-2023, 07:00 PM	#1
Promethalean New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW M240i, 2011 BMW 135i Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0)	Would you buy this car? I am currently looking at a 2013 135i with 86.5k miles. The car is the "limited edition" trim but no nav/iDrive. The seller is asking $13,000. I paid a local mechanic to take a look at the car and they provided me with the attached report. Given what is going on with the car I offered $8,500. Do you think that is a good deal or a nightmare waiting to happen? I tried searching the codes associated with the misfire and it seems it could be: 1. Plugs and Coils. 2. HFPF. 3. Valve cover gasket. I am trying to assess if its worth the effort and, if so, at what price that effort is warranted. Let me know if you guys would jump in at $8,500.
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09-11-2023, 07:15 PM	#2
Almuliman Lieutenant 485 Rep 566 Posts Drives: 2013 LMB 6MT 128i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Outside Seattle iTrader: (0)	If that's really a 135is (I didn't check, but the report says it is and AFAIK it has all the hallmarks of an is: wheels, sill plate, etc.), that could be a good deal. I don't have a 135, so I can't speak to the cost or severity of those findings, but for a car like a 135 (and an is to boot), I do find it disconcerting that the misfires haven't been addressed, there's an issue with lighting, and the pads are at critical. All are obvious in daily driving, so it doesn't convey that the previous owner(s) has maintained the car properly.
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09-11-2023, 08:49 PM	#3
Houranimd49 First Lieutenant 252 Rep 333 Posts Drives: F10 535i xDrive, F25 xDrive35i Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: MI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW X3 xDriv ... [9.25] 2011 BMW 535i xDrive [9.50]	Is it me, or does the drivers side have the shadow line trim and the passenger side has chrome?
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09-11-2023, 09:22 PM	#4
Andrewbens Private 26 Rep 64 Posts Drives: Bmw !35is Join Date: Apr 2023 Location: Modesto CA iTrader: (0)	That’s not a is base on chrome window trim and wheels. Also brown seats were never offered. It’s a 135i DCT
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09-12-2023, 12:42 AM	#5
GoRomeo Brigadier General 965 Rep 3,859 Posts Drives: 330i, 135i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: San Diego CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [9.50] 2006 330i [6.75]	I would not at that price. Maybe at 5k max.
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09-12-2023, 06:57 AM	#6
BMWCCA1 BMW Owner Since 1971 2257 Rep 1,408 Posts Drives: 1964 700 Sport Cabriolet Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Central Virginia iTrader: (2) Garage List 2013 BMW 128i [10.00]	That hideous brown steering wheel on the special edition cars is easily replaced. But you'll need one with paddles for the clutch-less transmission.
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09-12-2023, 10:26 AM	#7
NorthernDancer Colonel 850 Rep 2,276 Posts Drives: 08 Sedona 128 & 06 330xiT 6MT Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ottawa On Canada iTrader: (3)	Being retired and on pension I never wanted a 135 b/c I knew it would be a money pit. Getting the PPI was obviously a very wise decision. I cannot see all the problems from your paperwork but $8500 does seem reasonable but remember the 6 speed manuals are where the fun is and these will always be in demand. Also, being a NW car (if I remember) means little to no rust.
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09-12-2023, 10:47 AM	#8
Almuliman Lieutenant 485 Rep 566 Posts Drives: 2013 LMB 6MT 128i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Outside Seattle iTrader: (0)	Fake "is" with issues, then. Yeah. No. (IMO, of course )
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09-12-2023, 12:51 PM	#9
Promethalean New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW M240i, 2011 BMW 135i Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0)	Ok so it seems like the sketchy history, and the needed know (and unknown) maintenance make this something to stay far away from!
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09-13-2023, 10:18 AM	#10
CrownGlass Enlisted Member 27 Rep 33 Posts Drives: 135i 2008, 335d 2011 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: GTA iTrader: (0)	Hi Looks like it was a Limited Edition Lifecycle model, but was painted, 1m style bumper, grills changed. https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1081194_bmw-announces-limited-edition-1-series-confirms-detroit-lineup The above link gives a bit of detail. My guess? Owner drove it, made the cosmetic changes but skipped the maintenance and did the same as you have done now - obtained a quote for repairs. Looked at total, and decided was time to sell. These engines need their regular oil changes - if no records of that, would avoid.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-16-2023, 11:03 AM	#11
JustAnotherSportsCar Private First Class 83 Rep 114 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 135i E88 Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0)	I spent a little over $10k on my 2008 135 with 93,000 miles a few years ago. While I have spent about the same amount on repairs and upgrades. It should be set for another 90,000 miles. If it is truly what you want, then go for it. Spend what you need to make it right, then drive the piss out of it and enjoy. The 135 is a thoroughly enjoyable car and at that price, I’d say jump on it!
	Appreciate 0 Quote