2012 vs 2013

[parish99]

I've been looking to buy a 135 for a little while kind of just waiting for exactly what I want to come along. I'm on the fence about getting a 12 or a 13, I'd generally rather get 13 just because it was the last year, but I would to know what changes bmw made to the 2013 vs the 2012. I am only looking at 6mt models.

[champignon]

Originally Posted by parish99

I've been looking to buy a 135 for a little while kind of just waiting for exactly what I want to come along. I'm on the fence about getting a 12 or a 13, I'd generally rather get 13 just because it was the last year, but I would to know what changes bmw made to the 2013 vs the 2012. I am only looking at 6mt models.

I don't believe that there were any substantive changes made. The only real differences are likely to be the length of warranty remaining (if any, for the 2012), and the mileage accrued to date.

Good luck in your search, it should not be too difficult to find what you are looking for. I would suggest getting one with sports seats (the sports suspension is standard, and the M-Sports steering wheel, if not present, can be easily obtained for a few hundred dollars).

Given the driver side airbag recall, you might even be able to obtain one at a better deal, given that the market for this car may be reduced pending the availability of the replacement airbags.

[TheCaptain]

I'm pretty sure 2012 was the year that got the new headlights and taillights, and the only real change in 2013 was that BMW offered the IS model.

[gregthegr8]

Only real change I know of is in the interior, as they switched from an open tray storage in front of the gearshift back to "the smoker's package" on which gets a door that opens and closes. Pretty sure the 2012 with open storage doesn't have a 12V power source there then, but the 2013 does.

[champignon]

Originally Posted by TheCaptain

I'm pretty sure 2012 was the year that got the new headlights and taillights, and the only real change in 2013 was that BMW offered the IS model.

But the 135is is a very limited production model and finding one will boost the selling price by several thousand dollars. I would not criticize that choice, in fact I own one, but other than the specific options installed on the car, there is no substantive difference between 135i and 135is. As has been pointed out many times, you could reproduce a 135is from a stock 135i by doing those same options after purchase, however whether that would effect resale value is unclear since there is not enough sales history with resales of 135is models to say whether or not they will permanently sell for more than the basic 135i car that has at least the basic sports options such as the sports seats, M-wheel, and maybe the special tire rims.

[ShocknAwe]

I would go with an early 2012, pretty sure those have the DME which is still easily tunable. Nevermind, good advancements happening all the time with the N55, but be aware of flash tuning hindrances on the platform.

If you don't care, totally different ballpark. I'd buy one with as much warranty left on it, fewest miles, with the options and color you want. That's usually tricky with 6MT cars. Took me almost 6 months to find mine.

[parish99]

Thanks for all off the responses, are there Any tell tale signs of trouble to look for with these cars?

[parish99]

Just hearing about the airbag issues, I'm not sure if that make them easier or harder to get, given that dealers can't sell them limits me from getting a certified one.

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by parish99

Thanks for all off the responses, are there Any tell tale signs of trouble to look for with these cars?

Only big one for N55 is the vanos bolt issue. Just make sure it's had the recall performed and that the engine is healthy.

N55 didn't have growing pains like the N54 did. Either way, I think all issues on the 1er turbo engines have been resolved/addressed in USDM at this point.

Honestly, I'd probably try to find a private seller with full service documents rather than a dealer. BMW warranty is BMW warranty, doesn't matter if you buy it from a dealer, I'd rather talk to the person who lived with the car than a salesman who doesn't know anything.

[parish99]

I have another question regarding the Audio packages, I see some have the radio above the HVAC and others have it below. What is the difference between the two?

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by parish99

I have another question regarding the Audio packages, I see some have the radio above the HVAC and others have it below. What is the difference between the two?

Radio above the HVAC is 2008-2011 (pre-LCI). Radio below HVAC is 2012-2013 (LCI).

[TheCaptain]

Originally Posted by Esteban

Radio above the HVAC is 2008-2011 (pre-LCI). Radio below HVAC is 2012-2013 (LCI).

They actually switched the radio to the below spot in 2011, same models that got N55 and DCT for the auto.

It's kinda weird, almost like they split the refresh over two years with some new features coming in 2011 and then others in 2012, but then no changes in 2013.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by TheCaptain

They actually switched the radio to the above spot in 2011, same models that got N55 and DCT for the auto.

It's kinda weird, almost like they split the refresh over two years with some new features coming in 2011 and then others in 2012, but then no changes in 2013.

No, BMW didn't switch the radio to the above spot in 2011, it was there before. It's just like I said, 2008-2011 (pre-LCI) radio above HVAC. 2012-2013 (LCI) radio below HVAC. See for yourself below.

Also, even though the official LCI model year for the 1-series was 2012, they did introduce the N55 and DCT for the 135i for the 2011 model year. It is strange that they made those changes in two different years.

135i dashboards 2008-2013

http://www.motorauthority.com/image/...135i-dashboard

http://gtcarlot.com/data/BMW/1+Serie...-80185490.html

http://gtcarlot.com/data/BMW/1%20Ser...-73813076.html

http://www.thecarconnection.com/imag...135i-dashboard

http://www.motorauthority.com/image/...135i-dashboard

http://www.motorauthority.com/image/...135i-dashboard

2012 1-Series LCI Official Announcement

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=466003

[Fade135is]

Originally Posted by champignon

But the 135is is a very limited production model and finding one will boost the selling price by several thousand dollars. I would not criticize that choice, in fact I own one, but other than the specific options installed on the car, there is no substantive difference between 135i and 135is. As has been pointed out many times, you could reproduce a 135is from a stock 135i by doing those same options after purchase, however whether that would effect resale value is unclear since there is not enough sales history with resales of 135is models to say whether or not they will permanently sell for more than the basic 135i car that has at least the basic sports options such as the sports seats, M-wheel, and maybe the special tire rims.

Nobody mentions the Blue stitching on the seats. I suppose it could be reproduced as well. But as far as I know they aren't sold in the BMW performance parts catalog.

[TheCaptain]

Originally Posted by Esteban

No, BMW didn't switch the radio to the above spot in 2011, it was there before. It's just like I said, 2008-2011 (pre-LCI) radio above HVAC. 2012-2013 (LCI) radio below HVAC. See for yourself below.

Not trying to start an argument, but you are mistaken. My car is a 2011 and the HVAC is above the radio.

The link to the 2011 photo that you posted is wrong, that's not the actual interior of a 2011.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by TheCaptain

Not trying to start an argument, but you are mistaken. My car is a 2011 and the HVAC is above the radio.

Don't want to argue either but I'm not mistaken. My car is a 2011 as well and here's a pic that I just took of my dash. Clearly the radio controls are above the HVAC controls.

[TheCaptain]

Ok, so I think we have it figured out. Do you have iDrive? I have iDrive and my radio looks nothing like that - it doesn't have any LCD screen, and it is located below the HVAC.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by TheCaptain

Ok, so I think we have it figured out. Do you have iDrive? I have iDrive and my radio looks nothing like that - it doesn't have any LCD screen, and it is located below the HVAC.

No idrive here. Maybe that's it. Brilliant deduction my dear Watson.

[VRG_135]

Here's my 2 cents.....
I would totally go for a car with the nav system. I'm not a nav system fan at all, but I love controlling the stereo that way.

Also, the stock DCT will have some issues with lurching when coming to a stop.
I am having that fixed today with an SIB download, & am probably going to get the PPK download also (adds 20 hp and some great exhaust noises).

I did get an extended warranty, and it has already almost paid for itself. I paid $2800 for ASG through my credit union. I would highly recommend it.

All in all, I love my car, and I think you will be good with either model year.

[TheCaptain]

Yeah, sorry for saying you were mistaken, looks like we both had it wrong. Here's my '11 radio for reference:

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by TheCaptain

Yeah, sorry for saying you were mistaken, looks like we both had it wrong. Here's my '11 radio for reference:

No problem. I think we both had it right.

[Hankdoll]

Originally Posted by Fade135is

Nobody mentions the Blue stitching on the seats. I suppose it could be reproduced as well. But as far as I know they aren't sold in the BMW performance parts catalog.

You're right. Supposedly there is also a less intrusive traction control. This was mentioned in the press release, not sure if it's actually true.