1 series 135i coupe ownership experiences?

[MissChief]

Have been looking at these recently now they're coming down to around £10-£12k and wondered if anyone has one or owned one and what I need to know if I go and look at some. Known problems, things to check, servicing costs at an indy, parts prices etc. Thanks.

[mato]

Have owned a 135i for several years, there's two choices of engine (N54 and N55) and three choices of gearbox. It really does depend what you want from the car as to which is the best fit etc. On the N54 especially, be prepared for high maintenance costs relative to the purchase price of the car. For example, injectors, HPFP, water pump, valve cover, turbos. Very minimal issues with the engine itself and the rest of the car in general with regards to reliability.

[Rowe]

They're decent cars if they've been looked after. HPFP isn't as common here as it is in the states. Turbo actuators can be hit and miss. Mine was fine up until i sold it, but my mates 335i rattled with half the mileage.
I also never had any issues with the injectors, coils, or plugs. Some seem chronic for issues.
The N55 engine is definitely the more relaible of the 2 in standard form, but the N54 will take alot more power chucked through it. I guess it depends what you want from the car.

The only thing i do kinda regret about mine, was buying the automatic. I think a manual would of suited the car better.
It's mad that the prices still remain so high on them. I sold mine for 13.5k in 2014 - which was a decent price then.

[MissChief]

Rowe said:

They're decent cars if they've been looked after. HPFP isn't as common here as it is in the states. Turbo actuators can be hit and miss. Mine was fine up until i sold it, but my mates 335i rattled with half the mileage.
I also never had any issues with the injectors, coils, or plugs. Some seem chronic for issues.
The N55 engine is definitely the more relaible of the 2 in standard form, but the N54 will take alot more power chucked through it. I guess it depends what you want from the car.

The only thing i do kinda regret about mine, was buying the automatic. I think a manual would of suited the car better.
It's mad that the prices still remain so high on them. I sold mine for 13.5k in 2014 - which was a decent price then.

When was the change from N54 to N55? I’m unlikely to change anything if I do buy.

[Smuler]

MissChief said:

When was the change from N54 to N55? I’m unlikely to change anything if I do buy.

I'm confident it'll be April 2010, same as the 335i coupe. But will eat humble(apple please) pie if an owner says otherwise

I preferred the N54. I found it seemed to rev out more, was more responsive and sounded better. Maybe no surprise it's the engine BMW put in the 1M coupe and US only 335is

If not going manual , I'd recommend a DCT. With the 335i, that was the standard "auto" from April 2010; so again should be the same with 135i
The six speed auto, felt very dull and un-involving.

If looking at cars, get last 7 digits of VIN and google a VIN decoder, it will say the engine.

Reason being some of these cars are built awhile before they're registered.

[Rowe]

i was sure it was around 09 time - if it's got a DCT box it'll be an N55.
given you don't want to mess with it, i'd definitely get as late of a car as possible. You'll also have the CIC idrive in a later car which is miles better than the CCC version

you can get the older auto boxes flashed, but i'm yet to experience one in person. Reviews are pretty good though

[Crackie]

Smuler said:

MissChief said:

When was the change from N54 to N55? I’m unlikely to change anything if I do buy.

I'm confident it'll be April 2010, same as the 335i coupe. But will eat humble(apple please) pie if an owner says otherwise

I preferred the N54. I found it seemed to rev out more, was more responsive and sounded better. Maybe no surprise it's the engine BMW put in the 1M coupe and US only 335is

If not going manual , I'd recommend a DCT. With the 335i, that was the standard "auto" from April 2010; so again should be the same with 135i
The six speed auto, felt very dull and un-involving.

[b]If looking at cars, get last 7 digits of VIN and google a VIN decoder, it will say the engine.

Reason being some of these cars are built awhile before they're registered.[/b]

To be 100% sure and overcome the potential lag between when the car was built and when it was registered you could just have a look at the engine itself.........N55s say twinpower turbo on the engine cover, N55 oil filler cap is located on the front corner of the block whereas it's pretty central on top of the N54 etc etc.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_N54

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_N55

Edited by Crackie on Thursday 21st May 07:39

[Krikkit]

A quick scout on RealOEM would suggest the changeover is during February 2010 - both N54 and N55 are listed, with single listings before/after. That's build date I believe, so reg should be later.

[bodhi]

Worth looking at the 125i as well. Only 218bhp as stock, but a quick ECU flash can take that up to 260 - 280 depending on who does it. Likely to be cheaper to buy, and less to go wrong with a fantastic soundtrack.

I'm coming up to 6 years and 95k with mine and it's been utterly hassle free.