Inizes' BMW 135i

[Inizes]

I purchased the car about a month ago, spent my time since then working on cleaning the car up a bit. I am the third owner at just a few miles over 100k on the odometer. Car came complete with a full history report hand written in a book kept in the glove box along with every receipt for the car. Needless to say, I think the car came in great condition and only needed a little bit of TLC.

Only thing mechanically wrong with the car is a leaky valve cover gasket. I opted to order a whole new valve cover just in case the plastic is brittle and there is a crack. It will put me to ease knowing its all good as new. I also ordered Delphi coils and new spark plugs. The last time these were changed were at about the 55k mile mark. Not necessary to be replaced, but since I am in the area with the valve cover I might as well take care of it. I also decided to order new transmission and differential oil along with new air filters. All of this maintenance along with walnut blasting will happen in two weeks when I drive down to Louisville, KY to knock it all out with a friend who is a BMW tech.

After treating the leather (which is in great shape for 100k miles) with Leatherique, it is back to looking nearly brand new which is amazing. I also gave the paint a quick polish and wax with Collinite 845. I initially wanted to ceramic coat, but I wasn't completely happy with some light hazing and didn't have time to get it out this fall. I decided to wait until spring when I have more time in better temperatures before giving it another shot.

My friend and I took our cars out to a state park to catch some of the changing leaves before the mid-Ohio winter comes and knocks them all down. I think we were really lucky, it turned out to be a perfect evening.

DSC_0484 by BMW One Series, on Flickr

DSC_0503 by BMW One Series, on Flickr

DSC_0560 by BMW One Series, on Flickr

DSC_0497 by BMW One Series, on Flickr

Since the photos were taken I also installed a new set of Blackline LCI tail lights. I love the way they modernize the car while still having the OEM look.

Some future work will include getting the windows tinted, carbon fiber rear spoiler, diffuser, and front lip. Come spring time I may also jump on the MHD bandwagon and make some more power as I head towards full bolt-ons.

[..Rush..]

Car is amazing looking!
Welcome!

[Inizes]

Originally Posted by Rush1

Car is amazing looking!
Welcome!

Haha thank you. It's still pretty stock (and I like it that way). The previous owner did some stuff like M3 control arms, after market suspension, and the ARC-8 wheels. I'm happy he took such good care of it that it still looks great today almost 10 years later. My goal is to keep it looking well during my ownership so the next owner can hopefully appreciate it as much as I have, when ever that day is.

[6ixSpd]

Car looks great! Photos are fantastic, too.

[Matticus91]

Fantastic shots and great looking car!

[chris_flies]

It has mudflaps. I approve.

Beautiful car, and beautiful colors on those trees!

[Inizes]

Originally Posted by chris_flies

It has mudflaps. I approve.

Beautiful car, and beautiful colors on those trees!

I was actually very happy that it had mudflaps, and I think they look great! Only complaint is it looks like previous owner might have backed into something because one of the rears (can't remember which side) has some scratching on it. Maybe I'll make trying to clean it up a winter project.

[gjm120]

Very nice. I think ARC-8 are probably the best looking wheels for 1er's

[E82Derek]

Looking good!!!

[austinaslink]

Awesome! Car looks great. Glad to hear you're doing maintenance before anything else! Any mods planned for the future?