What would you do? '08 128i

[Codboy]

Hey Guys,

So, I've had my black 2008 128i w/Sport Package for about 9 years. It's been a great car but since COVID hit it's been parked. I've literally put about 10km on it this past year. Prior to that it was used lightly as the families second vehicle. It's currently got ~130k on it.

I'd be lying if I said it was in perfect shape...

- There's a small around of rust on the driver front fender over the wheel arch
- The 3rd brake light needs to be replaced.
- The battery needs replacing.
- It appears it might need an oil pan gasket (yeah, I know. Ug).

I'm on the fence. Fix or sell. It would be an excellent project for the right person that's interested in bringing it back to it's former glory, I just don't know if it's me. I have other interests these days and it's a complete shame to have it sitting in the garage.

Love to hear your thoughts.

Cheers,
Troy

[gary_william]

Fix that minor stuff then sell for more than you'll get in its current state.

[NorthernDancer]

Get things fixed at Autovation in Stittsville then sell it. However there are a lot of BMW DIYs who would want it as is. So, maybe first try selling as is-people will respect knowing exactly what it needs.

[BMWCCA1]

The question for me would be is it a stick or an automatic??

As for the third-brake-light, this one worked fine on my wife's 2008 with no modification necessary: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Fakemike]

Manual 128i are very popular right now, it would be a great time to sell.

I would fix the minor things and leave the oil pan gasket for the next owner

[NorthernDancer]

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

The question for me would be is it a stick or an automatic??

As for the third-brake-light, this one worked fine on my wife's 2008 with no modification necessary: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Third Brake Light (TBL) is not available on Amazon right now. This part, unique to the 1 series will become NLA perhaps sooner than later so I advise buying at least 1 spare. AND, never throw out the broken one. It could be useful long down the line if only to plug that hole in the trunk lid.

[Codboy]

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

The question for me would be is it a stick or an automatic??

As for the third-brake-light, this one worked fine on my wife's 2008 with no modification necessary: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's got the 6 speed manual. It's a total dream to run through the gears. Love it.

[Codboy]

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

The question for me would be is it a stick or an automatic??

As for the third-brake-light, this one worked fine on my wife's 2008 with no modification necessary: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yeah, I saw it on Amazon a couple years ago just before I parked it. Shouldn't bought it then. Damn.

[Codboy]

Originally Posted by NorthernDancer

Get things fixed at Autovation in Stittsville then sell it. However there are a lot of BMW DIYs who would want it as is. So, maybe first try selling as is-people will respect knowing exactly what it needs.

I did the oil change yesterday. No drips yet but I'd imagine that'll change once the engine is up to operating temperature.

I'm gonna take apart the brakes and give them a once over. Probably replace the pads and rotors. I'm sure though if an enthusiast wants it they might not be thrilled with the stock brakes/rotors. Almost a waste of money.

[Codboy]

Originally Posted by NorthernDancer

Third Brake Light (TBL) is not available on Amazon right now. This part, unique to the 1 series will become NLA perhaps sooner than later so I advise buying at least 1 spare. AND, never throw out the broken one. It could be useful long down the line if only to plug that hole in the trunk lid.

Actually, there is another seller.. might require some tweaking.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00GHT6U3Y/...ype=automotive

[NorthernDancer]

Yes, that one is a Dorman and is fairly good but for $2.xx more you get a genuine BMW from ECS Tuning.
I've been on Calabogie with stock brakes on an Audi-absolutely no problem. Once or twice all stock with my 128-all OK. Two or 3 times with my 128 on Zimmerman rotors and Cool Carbon pads-no problem.
Now your driving capability is likely superior to mine but for most 128 drivers I think stock 128 brakes are good enough, at least to start with. (now I'm assuming you want to fix to sell)

[bender128]

Agree with others on this being a great time to sell. I'm seeing 1.5x prices now compared to September when I got my 6mt 128i.

Sell or keep is a personal choice at the end of the day.

[BMWCCA1]

Originally Posted by Codboy

Yeah, I saw it on Amazon a couple years ago just before I parked it. Shouldn't bought it then. Damn.

The CHMSL I linked to is most certainly still available from Amazon. It fits all years and does not require you to cut metal off your trunk lid or modify the light to fit the early cars. Makes no sense to do it any other way, especially having to hack your sheetmetal to fit the OE light. I used the new springs from BMW but I think not over-torquing the mounting nuts achieves the same goal. Trust me, that $69 light is a winner.

If you need photos, go here: https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show...0#post26128240