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





 

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-08-2019, 05:44 AM   #89
Gangplank
Brigadier General
Gangplank's Avatar
United_States
1539
Rep
3,071
Posts

Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Vero Beach, FL

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2011 135i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by fascistbullyboy View Post
hey guys, new to the forum. +1 to Canada. 1.5 year owner of an 08 E82 135i. Came from an 04 and 05 MCS so its been taking a little getting used to but I'm learning to appreciate the car. Beautiful car, Matticus.
Welcome to the forum. There is a ton of helpful info here on 1addicts & a great community. Everything from small interior mods to engine tuning, and even deep dive engineering of the differences between the e82 and M suspension components

What is an 04/05 MCS?
Appreciate 0
      06-08-2019, 07:42 PM   #90
jayhawkBMW
New Member
11
Rep
28
Posts

Drives: Z4 Coupe 6mt
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: KS

iTrader: (0)

Hey all, I am looking at buying a 2011 135i with just under 80k miles. It's a manual.

My question is this -- assuming it doesn't have much documented maintenance history, what should I budget for immediate "peace of mind" maintenance? I assume I would want to change the brake fluid, manual transmission fluid, not sure what else?

Would it be worth it to go ahead and change the HPFP or water pump at purchase too, and if so how much does that typically cost?

Thanks!
Appreciate 1
jz5203.00
      06-09-2019, 06:46 AM   #91
Gangplank
Brigadier General
Gangplank's Avatar
United_States
1539
Rep
3,071
Posts

Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Vero Beach, FL

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2011 135i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by jayhawkBMW View Post
Hey all, I am looking at buying a 2011 135i with just under 80k miles. It's a manual.

My question is this -- assuming it doesn't have much documented maintenance history, what should I budget for immediate "peace of mind" maintenance? I assume I would want to change the brake fluid, manual transmission fluid, not sure what else?

Would it be worth it to go ahead and change the HPFP or water pump at purchase too, and if so how much does that typically cost?

Thanks!
A 2011 will have the N55 engine so the HPFP is not an issue. No need to change it.

I recommend getting a pre-purchase inspection at a good reputable Indy shop. I'd also ask the seller for records or where the work was done. If a dealer did the work you might be able to find out what's been done & when. If you get the car fax it'll let you know where the car has been registered and you can contact the bmw dealers there.

If no records at all then I'd change the oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid and spark plugs. At 80k the transmission & differential fluid are due as well (there is a good DIY on it by user wolfe).

If the water pump hasn't been done I'd consider the water pump & thermostat too. At 80k it's either been done or will be needed. They tend to go at around 60-80k on the 135. If it was done then just coolant flush & fill.

The air filter & cabin filter are both easy and inexpensive. The power steering fluid is easy using the turkey baster method.
__________________
2011 135i w/ DCT | ZSP Sport Pkg | PPK | Ohlins R
Appreciate 0
      06-11-2019, 10:55 AM   #92
Matticus91
Brigadier General
Matticus91's Avatar
United_States
3470
Rep
3,722
Posts

Drives: 2013 135i
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Washington DC

iTrader: (6)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jayhawkBMW View Post
Hey all, I am looking at buying a 2011 135i with just under 80k miles. It's a manual.

My question is this -- assuming it doesn't have much documented maintenance history, what should I budget for immediate "peace of mind" maintenance? I assume I would want to change the brake fluid, manual transmission fluid, not sure what else?

Would it be worth it to go ahead and change the HPFP or water pump at purchase too, and if so how much does that typically cost?

Thanks!
Gangplank gave good advice. Try to find all records possible, and (assuming there are no records of past work) have the following done:

General Maintenance:
  • Oil & Oil Filter
  • Spark Plugs
  • Differential Fluid
  • Brake Fluid
  • Trans Fluid
  • Air filter
  • Cabin Air filters
  • Coils

Bigger stuff:
  • Water Pump, T-Stat, Coolant (all during same job)
  • Oil Filter Housing Gasket & Valve Cover Gasket (during same job)
  • Check belt and tensioner pulley

Buy everything on FCP Euro when possible, they have a lifetime replacement warranty. Use the oil, buy more, pour the old oil in the containers and ship it back in a flat rate box for a refund. This applies to everything they sell; fluids, parts brakes etc.
__________________
"Tobias" 2013 135i ///M-Sport 6MT • Pure Stage 1 • XDI 35 HPFP • 404whp/440wtq
Appreciate 1
lab_rat394.50
      07-16-2019, 10:03 AM   #93
RizzyFizzy
New Member
12
Rep
25
Posts

Drives: Searching for a Car
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

iTrader: (0)

I'm currently looking to purchase my first car, and I really like how the 128i E88 with red seats looks and drives. I test drove one with 57k miles on it. Do you think it makes a good car for a first time car buyer fresh out of college?
Appreciate 0
      07-18-2019, 05:00 PM   #94
Matticus91
Brigadier General
Matticus91's Avatar
United_States
3470
Rep
3,722
Posts

Drives: 2013 135i
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Washington DC

iTrader: (6)

Quote:
Originally Posted by RizzyFizzy View Post
I'm currently looking to purchase my first car, and I really like how the 128i E88 with red seats looks and drives. I test drove one with 57k miles on it. Do you think it makes a good car for a first time car buyer fresh out of college?
Not unless you have a big repair budget to be safe.
__________________
"Tobias" 2013 135i ///M-Sport 6MT • Pure Stage 1 • XDI 35 HPFP • 404whp/440wtq
Appreciate 1
GoRomeo891.50
      07-18-2019, 05:08 PM   #95
dtla1
Colonel
dtla1's Avatar
826
Rep
2,232
Posts

Drives: 2011 135i, Space Grey
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Silicon Valley

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Matticus91 View Post
Not unless you have a big repair budget to be safe.
You think so Matticus? Even on a 128i? I don't have one and don't really follow what's going on in that section of the forum so I honestly don't know.
Appreciate 0
      07-18-2019, 05:22 PM   #96
Gangplank
Brigadier General
Gangplank's Avatar
United_States
1539
Rep
3,071
Posts

Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Vero Beach, FL

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2011 135i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matticus91 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by RizzyFizzy View Post
I'm currently looking to purchase my first car, and I really like how the 128i E88 with red seats looks and drives. I test drove one with 57k miles on it. Do you think it makes a good car for a first time car buyer fresh out of college?
Not unless you have a big repair budget to be safe.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RizzyFizzy View Post
I'm currently looking to purchase my first car, and I really like how the 128i E88 with red seats looks and drives. I test drove one with 57k miles on it. Do you think it makes a good car for a first time car buyer fresh out of college?
My 135i has been reliable and it's not that much more to maintain than other cars if you use a good Independent BMW shop for repairs. The 128i even more so I'd imagine. That said if something major happens it can be quite a bit more at the dealer.
__________________
2011 135i w/ DCT | ZSP Sport Pkg | PPK | Ohlins R
Appreciate 0
      07-18-2019, 09:42 PM   #97
gjm120
Colonel
2182
Rep
2,805
Posts

Drives: 2013 128i, 2021 230i
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: East Texas

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by RizzyFizzy View Post
I'm currently looking to purchase my first car, and I really like how the 128i E88 with red seats looks and drives. I test drove one with 57k miles on it. Do you think it makes a good car for a first time car buyer fresh out of college?
A well cared for 128i is likely to not be a big financial drain. Get a good pre-purchase inspetion (PPI) and look at the maintenance records.

If you are inclined, able and have the time to do your own maintenance, you can have a fun pretty reliable car. I bought a BMW CPO and keep hoping (well almost) for something to go wrong to justify the extra cost of CPO
__________________
E82 / BMWP Springs / Koni Yellows / M front control arms / Adjustable front endlinks / M rear guide rods / Whiteline Poly RSFB
Appreciate 0
      07-24-2019, 06:37 PM   #98
wmurray003
Registered
United_States
0
Rep
2
Posts

Drives: 2012 BMW 128i
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Memphis, Tn

iTrader: (0)

Thank you for this guide, I will definitely be using it.
Appreciate 0
      07-24-2019, 06:40 PM   #99
wmurray003
Registered
United_States
0
Rep
2
Posts

Drives: 2012 BMW 128i
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Memphis, Tn

iTrader: (0)

Purchasing a BMW 128 I's?

I'm purchasing an automatic 2012 BMW 128 I from CARMAX with 49K miles on it. What should I be worried about? Are these cars reliable? I don't really have a clear answer to this question.
Appreciate 0
      07-24-2019, 11:43 PM   #100
Matticus91
Brigadier General
Matticus91's Avatar
United_States
3470
Rep
3,722
Posts

Drives: 2013 135i
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Washington DC

iTrader: (6)

Quote:
Originally Posted by wmurray003 View Post
I'm purchasing an automatic 2012 BMW 128 I from CARMAX with 49K miles on it. What should I be worried about? Are these cars reliable? I don't really have a clear answer to this question.
The 128 is pretty solid, Auto's are always more of a risk than manual, do you standard used car checks and get a PPI done by a local BMW dealership. Should be between $125-$180 and they're extremely thorough. See if the seller will split the cost, if you don't buy it you can give them the results to share with the next interested person. If the dealer/individual selling the car is not willing to allow this, that's a red flag.
__________________
"Tobias" 2013 135i ///M-Sport 6MT • Pure Stage 1 • XDI 35 HPFP • 404whp/440wtq
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2019, 04:16 AM   #101
Gangplank
Brigadier General
Gangplank's Avatar
United_States
1539
Rep
3,071
Posts

Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Vero Beach, FL

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2011 135i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matticus91 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by wmurray003 View Post
I'm purchasing an automatic 2012 BMW 128 I from CARMAX with 49K miles on it. What should I be worried about? Are these cars reliable? I don't really have a clear answer to this question.
The 128 is pretty solid, Auto's are always more of a risk than manual, do you standard used car checks and get a PPI done by a local BMW dealership. Should be between $125-$180 and they're extremely thorough. See if the seller will split the cost, if you don't buy it you can give them the results to share with the next interested person. If the dealer/individual selling the car is not willing to allow this, that's a red flag.
Agree with matticus. PPI (pre purchase inspection) from a dealer or a good independent BMW shop but not just any mechanic.
__________________
2011 135i w/ DCT | ZSP Sport Pkg | PPK | Ohlins R
Appreciate 0
      08-03-2020, 09:18 AM   #102
chesbb
New Member
2
Rep
6
Posts

Drives: BMW 128i
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Gastonia, NC

iTrader: (0)

I just purchased a 128i E88. When I run the VIN it tells me that I have a N51 engine. Can someone tell me what is the difference between the N51 & the N52.
Appreciate 0
      08-03-2020, 03:57 PM   #103
Esteban
Major General
Esteban's Avatar
United_States
42184
Rep
7,224
Posts

Drives: a slow car fast
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chesbb View Post
I just purchased a 128i E88. When I run the VIN it tells me that I have a N51 engine. Can someone tell me what is the difference between the N51 & the N52.
There are a lot of 128i owners here and I'm sure someone will chime in, but in the meantime, this popped up in a quick google search (same engines in the E9x cars).

Quote:
The N51 has the three-stage intake manifold and the N52 does not. BMW used the three-stage intake manifold on the N51 to compensate for the slightly lower compression ratio as compared to the N52, 10.0:1 compared to 10.7:1. They are both rated at 230 horsepower.
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1173511
Appreciate 0
      08-04-2020, 03:51 AM   #104
Gangplank
Brigadier General
Gangplank's Avatar
United_States
1539
Rep
3,071
Posts

Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Vero Beach, FL

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2011 135i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by chesbb View Post
I just purchased a 128i E88. When I run the VIN it tells me that I have a N51 engine. Can someone tell me what is the difference between the N51 & the N52.
N52 is ULEV. The N51 is SULEV., which is a higher emissions standard that is used in CA and a bunch of other states. Lots of info on the web.

http://www.tuningforbmws.com/?q=n51-vs-n52-engine

SULEV is not a bad thing. Same basic power output, better emissions, higher compression and longer emissions warranty on certain parts in some states.

Also if you plan on tuning your car the n51 already has the 3 stage intake as Esteban noted. The 3 stage was used on some higher HP output engines, and with an ECU reflash can add a bit more to the 128.
__________________
2011 135i w/ DCT | ZSP Sport Pkg | PPK | Ohlins R
Appreciate 0
      08-04-2020, 08:20 AM   #105
chesbb
New Member
2
Rep
6
Posts

Drives: BMW 128i
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Gastonia, NC

iTrader: (0)

Thanks

Appreciate all of the information. Probably will not be tuning it; but will replace all fluids and just enjoy driving it.
Appreciate 0
      08-04-2020, 02:42 PM   #106
Esteban
Major General
Esteban's Avatar
United_States
42184
Rep
7,224
Posts

Drives: a slow car fast
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chesbb View Post
Appreciate all of the information. Probably will not be tuning it; but will replace all fluids and just enjoy driving it.
Everything you want to know about your N51 1er vert is here, just or ask if you can't find what you're searching for.

Would probably get more responses if you ask in the "What did you do to/for your 1er today" thread, which has basically become a general discussion thread, or you can start a new thread.
Appreciate 0
      08-23-2020, 08:10 AM   #107
BMWCCA1
BMW Owner Since 1971
2236
Rep
1,393
Posts

Drives: 1964 700 Sport Cabriolet
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Central Virginia

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2013 BMW 128i  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gangplank View Post
N52 is ULEV. The N51 is SULEV., which is a higher emissions standard that is used in CA and a bunch of other states. Lots of info on the web.

http://www.tuningforbmws.com/?q=n51-vs-n52-engine
All the attachments to this link seem to have disappeared?
Appreciate 0
      09-07-2020, 05:03 AM   #108
Gangplank
Brigadier General
Gangplank's Avatar
United_States
1539
Rep
3,071
Posts

Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Vero Beach, FL

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2011 135i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWCCA1 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gangplank View Post
N52 is ULEV. The N51 is SULEV., which is a higher emissions standard that is used in CA and a bunch of other states. Lots of info on the web.

http://www.tuningforbmws.com/?q=n51-vs-n52-engine
All the attachments to this link seem to have disappeared?
It works when I click on it? Try copying and pasting it into your browser??

http://www.tuningforbmws.com
__________________
2011 135i w/ DCT | ZSP Sport Pkg | PPK | Ohlins R
Appreciate 0
      10-03-2020, 08:46 PM   #109
foilman
New Member
19
Rep
22
Posts

Drives: 128i 240SX Corolla GT-S
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: GA

iTrader: (0)

I'm currently shopping for a 128i and wondering if there is a easy way to spot the difference between the N51 and N52 from the type of engine bay picture typically found in car ads.

Also, does anybody know of a working VIN decoder site that details the vehicle options? Either mdecoder is broken or I used up all my searches and the others linked here are offline.
Appreciate 0
      10-24-2020, 12:50 AM   #110
TPS44
Registered
0
Rep
3
Posts

Drives: 2011 135I
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Phoenix

iTrader: (0)

Thank you!

This was very helpful, thank you!
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
buyer, guid

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:37 AM.




1addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST