Off to buy a 135i, what should I be looking out for?

[2WheelDave]

I've been on the hunt for a good 1 series convertible for a few months, and I think I found a good candidate. Unfortunately it's 450km from me! It's a 2012 with a DSG and all options with the exception of nav, which I am 100% OK with. It has 74,000km (46K miles approx.) and has no reported accidents and has supposedly been serviced at a BMW dealership it's whole life. Said dealership is being cagey about releasing service history to non-owners like me though :/

The Audi dealer has been through it and replaced pads and rotors on all 4 corners and the front tires. They have replaced air and cabin filters and done an oil change as well. I had them take it over to a BMW dealership for a mechanical inspection, which I am paying for, for a deeper look at the expensive bits. If everything checks out with that, we'll drive down for a final look and arm-wrestle tomorrow.

I've lurked on this board long enough to be wary, but not discouraged. When I get my eyeballs on it myself, what would you recommend I be looking out for that might be missed in a safety & mechanical inspection?

[JimVonBaden]

Glad you made it here. Smart group of fanatics here.

[2WheelDave]

Thanks Jim, certainly enough info to either send one running off screaming, or really get intrigued!

The real question is, when will you be releasing your maintenance DVD for the 1 series?!?

[Esteban]

This is a good thread for potential 1er buyers, if you haven't already seen it:

The Ultimate 1-Series Buyer's Guide

Good Luck and let us know how it goes.

[NorthernDancer]

I understand dealer being somewhat reluctant releasing maint info. But, in talking face to face:
1. will they release info once you buy it?
2. will they tell you if car has had at least 7 oil changes?
3. will they tell you what major components have been replaced?
4. does Canada warranty the HPFP for 10 years?
5. dealer should/may delete name and address of previous owner if they agree to giving you previous maint docs
6. assume car is in Vancouver; have you tried contacting BMW Club of Vancouver to see if anyone in club knows these cars well and would be willing to help?
Good Luck. Mine was 1200 miles away

[Gangplank]

If your test drive is anything like mine was, get in drive with the Dual-Clutch Trans, and you'll be hooked.

If the BMW dealer does a good pre-purchase inspection that will tell you a lot. Biggest issue w/ n55 is just oil filter housing gasket and other leaks. Also water pump failure at around 60-70,000 miles is common. Good advice above re: getting records if possible.

[2WheelDave]

We had a 2014 Audi S4 with a 7 speed DCT, certainly a nice gearbox! For the 135, I imagine it works really well for "acceleration tests" as it would keep the boost up while running through the gears. If things don't go together with this car, I think I would be very happy with a 125 6 speed, that is a very fun drivetrain too.

[NorthernDancer]

OK Dave,. lets get it right:

BMW= DCT
Audi = DSG

and good luck in your hunt

[mfindigital]

Your wallet.

[2WheelDave]

Originally Posted by mfindigital

Your wallet.

I don't understand your comment.

[2WheelDave]

Originally Posted by NorthernDancer

OK Dave,. lets get it right:

BMW= DCT
Audi = DSG

and good luck in your hunt

Different acronyms for the same thing though right?

[mfindigital]

Originally Posted by 2WheelDave

I don't understand your comment.

You'll need it nearby at all times with this car. Get a nice durable one that can handle being opened an infinite amount of times.

[2WheelDave]

Ah, the old Bring More Wallet, Buy More Warranty acronym, I get it.

I hope that's not the case, but prepared if it is!

I've had a BMW motorcycle for 13 years that has been an anvil, reliability wise.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by 2WheelDave

Ah, the old Bring More Wallet, Buy More Warranty acronym, I get it.

I hope that's not the case, but prepared if it is!

I've had a BMW motorcycle for 13 years that has been an anvil, reliability wise.

I like Big Money Waste, although that hasn't been the case for me, yet. lol

[2WheelDave]

Well, that's why I'm looking for the latest model with the lowest mileage I can find, by the time we've had some fun with it for a couple years, it will still be relatively resalable.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by 2WheelDave

Well, that's why I'm looking for the latest model with the lowest mileage I can find, by the time we've had some fun with it for a couple years, it will still be relatively resalable.

What's this, you say? Resell?? Sacrilege!! Hahaha!

[swunder]

Just be prepared for repairs no matter how low the mileage is, its still a 7 year old BMW.

My 2013 with 50k had ~$1500 of warranty work done and $700 non warranty work done in the first year/10k miles. This was a mint looking car with full service history!

[2WheelDave]

So you're saying I should by a Mustang or perhaps, a Camaro?!?

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by 2WheelDave

So you're saying I should by a Mustang or perhaps, a Camaro?!?

Yeah, if you're hungry...

[2WheelDave]

I am lucky, we have a very good indy shop here that specializes in German cars, they have been in 25+ years and have an excellent reputation locally. I had him price out the repairs that the BMW shop identified (and quoted) and he came in at just under half the price using OEM parts.

[JimVonBaden]

Originally Posted by 2WheelDave

So you're saying I should by a Mustang or perhaps, a Camaro?!?

Meh, as on all forums, you rarely hear the good. And with BMW owners, bikes or cars, whining is super common, and only complaints are broadcast.

[..Rush..]

Big plus on checking for oil leaks.
Make the dealer pay for anything that's needed.