Planning on modding, which year 135i is best?

[Cornhusker]

I had the first year 335i and sold it about a year ago and bought a suv (boring). Now I have a home being built which will put me literally 2 minutes from my office.. so maybe i'll put 4k/miles a year on a car. House will be done in march and I decided I want to get a 135i so I have something fun that I can mod over time, plus they are pretty inexpensive used at this point, even with low miles.

I'm not on the forums as much anymore but I know there's a few differences from year to year between them in regards to modding. Few questions for ya....

M-sport package, did what's included change at all from year to year?

N54-n55, it was n54 from 08-10, correct? then n55 after that? (planning on getting RB turbos from day one)

Double clutch tranny, only 11+ plus models?

Upgrading to LSD, I know in my december 06 335i it was easier/cheaper to swap the internals to get LSD, is it the same with the 135i? If so, when did the change occur?

In my 335i AT, it didn't come with a additional oil cooler from the factory but my dealer was willing to add it later free of charge, is this a concern when buying a used 135i? Do they all the AT"s have them already? You knew you had the addtional one if there was a vent for the addtional oil cooler on the front of the front right side wheel well.

Different ecu's, in terms of tuning/dealer detecting tuning, does it matter at this point what year your 135i is? Do the current upgraded turbo maps from procede jb, etc work on all years with n54?

Suspension, how much is it to swap to m3/1m coupe suspension bits?

Any other significant changes from year to year I should consider? I'm mostly just interested from a modding standpoint. However, if one year there was a much better stereo or whatevs that would be nice to know.

Thanks in advance, in the past I had all this stuff wired but it's been a couple years and I only knew on the 335i. I figured plenty of you had this stuff down.

[BMW86]

If you're getting RB turbos you're limited to N54 so that is 08-09 models. If you want an LSD it's around 1.8k-2k fitted for the autos and 4k+ for manuals.

If you get iDrive make sure you get an 09.

My recommendation is 09 N54 steptronic which is what I have

[fullboost]

I personally love the DCT. I first test drove a '10 last year and had decided to go with a MT as the steptronic did nothing for me. Money got tight so I had to wait until this year to get a 135. When I found out that they changed the motor I was heartbroken. I decided to test drive an '11 with the DCT. I fell in love with it. I've heard that the DCT can't handle much more power without clutch slippage so I would think a 2010 MT would be the way to go for you.

Just my $.02

[1Pirate]

If you want to mod the motor you best choice is the N54 in the 08-10 models. I purchased an 09 with steptronic and I really like it. I also test drove an 09 manual, but came away less than impressed with the shifter.

I understand the DCT is nice, but unfortunately you can't get it with the N54 motor. So basically it comes down to choosing transmissions versus motor in my opinion.

[John Dempsey]

My personal opinion would be 09 with the 6MT. The possibilities are endless

[pixelblue]

I think the best choice would be 2010 N54. from what I have read the internals were upgraded. forged crank and some other stuff. the 1M is based on the 2010 N54

[igzekyativ]

Originally Posted by BMW86

My recommendation is 09 N54 steptronic which is what I have

+1

Originally Posted by 1Pirate

If you want to mod the motor you best choice is the N54 in the 08-10 models. I purchased an 09 with steptronic and I really like it.

I understand the DCT is nice, but unfortunately you can't get it with the N54 motor. So basically it comes down to choosing transmissions versus motor in my opinion.

Also, +1

[1speedbike]

Originally Posted by pixelblue

I think the best choice would be 2010 N54. from what I have read the internals were upgraded. forged crank and some other stuff. the 1M is based on the 2010 N54

This. the 2010 N54 models (up to april or whatever of that year) have upgrades versus the 2008 models. The 2009 models are somewhere in between in terms of the upgrades, I'm not really sure. But a 2010 N54 is probably the best way to go for tuning in terms of availability of components, prices, power output, etc.

[Mr. Nice]

'10 was upgraded? I doubt that, if anything I've read the earlier models were forged and then went to cast in newer models, still I don't think there is any solid eveidence that supports either claim. I'd say a 9 or 10 if you want idrive, if not than an 08 will be cheapest. 09 has smaller side mirrors than 10, looks a little more sleek. 6mt always.

[Cornhusker]

Originally Posted by Mr. Nice

'10 was upgraded? I doubt that, if anything I've read the earlier models were forged and then went to cast in newer models, still I don't think there is any solid eveidence that supports either claim. I'd say a 9 or 10 if you want idrive, if not than an 08 will be cheapest. 09 has smaller side mirrors than 10, looks a little more sleek. 6mt always.

Yes, I do want I drive, so 9 or 10 it sounds like with the n54, I'll be getting AT, I know, I'm to lazy to shift. Anyone know? who would know about whether or not either year has better engine internals? Considering I'll be driving around with 400 whp on pump, it's probably a good idea. Hopefully, the 09 model is the same or better than ten, cuz their quite a bit cheaper used right now. More money to throw at mods. Rb turbos, tune, tbe, and wheels tires from day one, so I could use the extra money.

Does anyone know about the extra oil cooler question? Do you guys have the vent in the right front fender?

[1Fasst1]

I was told by DINAN reps and confirmed by BMW techs that the N54 has a forged crank where as the N55 crank is cast. I am sure this was a cost cutting measure. Makes you wonder what else was done to cut cost. The N54 also was emission certified just through the end of 2011 so I guess that is why the N55 is suposed to be a cleaner burning eng. If your going for allout HP I would much prefer the N54.Wonder why they used it in the 1M? I would also feel beter with a 6 speed manuel. If 1 tubo is good, 2 must be better. Just my opinion, nothing more. Good luck with your choice.

[BennyB]

In my opinion 2010 cause its the newest you can get with the N54 engine...

[Mr. Nice]

at 400 whp you don't have to worry about the internals, I wouldn't even begin to worry until youve upgraded your turbs and surpass 500, but even cast internals should support close to 600, the newer the my the better the resale value and pretty sure all 135s have the oil cooler, but it doesn't work very well if you track it

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by Cornhusker

Yes, I do want I drive, so 9 or 10 it sounds like with the n54, I'll be getting AT, I know, I'm to lazy to shift. Anyone know? who would know about whether or not either year has better engine internals? Considering I'll be driving around with 400 whp on pump, it's probably a good idea. Hopefully, the 09 model is the same or better than ten, cuz their quite a bit cheaper used right now. More money to throw at mods. Rb turbos, tune, tbe, and wheels tires from day one, so I could use the extra money.

Does anyone know about the extra oil cooler question? Do you guys have the vent in the right front fender?

The step is quick and better option if you want to drag. It's consistently faster and not many drivers can match it. Don't worry about an extra oil cooler unless you track your car and even then it's fine most of the time.

[Eyeman]

All 135's have the additional oil cooler in the right front bumper. Many take it further and additional aftermarket help. The performance bumper has extra vents I think intended for brake cooling.

[sear]

OP, N54 FTW definately. After narwowing the other set of options are are acceptable to you, you're likely to be limited by what is avialable on the used market. When I was looking last year, 8 of every 10 135i cars for sale on the internet were AT and I was looking for a 6MT. Good luck

[RnmEvo9]

08-09 for me. I can't stand those elephant side mirrors in the 10+ models.

[Tech112]

If your horny for N54 and DCT there is always the 335is.

[dh58]

I've got the 2010 N54 Steptronic..

And i'm keeping this car forever... That must say something...

[Cornhusker]

Originally Posted by dh58

I've got the 2010 N54 Steptronic..

And i'm keeping this car forever... That must say something...

Based on used prices and options, it's looking like 09 for sure. I want a AT and the dct probably won't handle the power. I know hotrod on the 3 series forums is running 130mph traps with the stock AT with nitrous, so it should be fine on a lighter oner without nitrous and bigger turbos. Plus I'm at 5k feet so I'll be putting down probably 50whp less than others with RB turbos.

Thanks for the input.

[sear]

Originally Posted by Cornhusker

Based on used prices and options, it's looking like 09 for sure. I want a AT and the dct probably won't handle the power. I know hotrod on the 3 series forums is running 130mph traps with the stock AT with nitrous, so it should be fine on a lighter oner without nitrous and bigger turbos. Plus I'm at 5k feet so I'll be putting down probably 50whp less than others with RB turbos.

Thanks for the input.

OP, I'm @ 6k ft in CO and have a few posts over on the E90 side with dynos' timing of what to expect at elevation. Basically, the stock turbos find their inefficient range much quicker at elevation and this can be clearly seen by the slope of both the TQ and HP curves above ~5k rpm. My guess is that RBs will do better on this front, but the effect vs sea level will likely be similar. The N54 is definately a solid platform for altitude performance. You might need to look into octane increasing options on top of just RBs if you are stuck with the crappy 91oct we have here... Good luck

[Trojan4evr]

Originally Posted by pixelblue

I think the best choice would be 2010 N54. from what I have read the internals were upgraded. forged crank and some other stuff. the 1M is based on the 2010 N54

Originally Posted by 1speedbike

This. the 2010 N54 models (up to april or whatever of that year) have upgrades versus the 2008 models. The 2009 models are somewhere in between in terms of the upgrades, I'm not really sure. But a 2010 N54 is probably the best way to go for tuning in terms of availability of components, prices, power output, etc.

Wrong. The early n54s up to 09 are reported to have stronger internal. 3 335 owners that opened up the their engines have confirmed.