Considering an E82 N55 Manual advice needed

[Kananga]

I’m thinking of buying an E82 135i coupe, manual Sport Plus Edition.

I’ve heard the N55 engine is generally more reliable than the N54, but less tuneable (which is fine as I plan to keep it standard).

Used to have a 1M coupe many years ago, and made the mistake of selling it. They are now strong money for low mileage examples, so thinking of a late 135i coupe as I like the quirky looks.

I’ve heard the plastic charge pipe should be replaced for an aluminium version but otherwise they are quite reliable?

Was tempted to buy a manual as it won’t be a daily, is the DCT more desirable?

Lastly, any must-have options to have ? I saw a low mileage one that doesn’t have HK, so was a bit curious if easy to upgrade the base stereo ?

Anything else to watch out for ? Any advice appreciated.

[Gassmi]

N55 solid. Swap charge pipe. Check crank hub + belt.
Manual keeps the fun. DCT faster but less raw.
Base stereo is trash – easy to upgrade speakers.
M sport seats + xenons worth hunting.

[Kananga]

Thanks. Saw a low mileage one advertised: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/20364997

Agree the manual likely to be more raw; the one above is a sport edition with xenon’s also.

I do like the idea of a good stereo, but this one has only the base stereo.

[swanny71]

Another ex-1M owner wishing he’d kept it.

Having said that, I think the N55 is a nicer engine than the N54 and seemingly more reliable. Manual only for me, which would also hold value its value better (if that’s a consideration).

E8x best ever small BMW’s in my opinion, also wish I still had my 130i.

That grey 135i looks lovely and decent value.

[Kananga]

Thanks @swanny71, appreciated.

Would love to have my 1M back. Had it from new with all the M performance bits, including the seats.

Feel like maybe this 135i could be a poor man’s replacement!

[Rob_R]

The N55 is a generally reliable engine I have found. I have one with 86,000 miles on it now and the only thing that has 'failed' is a coil pack so far. £25 for the OE Delphi unit and it was a doddle to change over.

That being said, like pretty much all BMWs, the gaskets throughout the engine can fail. Oil filter housing, oil thermostat, valve cover and oil pan gasket can all weep. The one to watch out for is the oil filter housing gasket, if it fails, oil can leak down the front of the engine and can cause the aux belt to slip if it gets bad. If the belt slips then it's game over.

Charge pipe is worth doing if the car is approaching 100k miles but it's OK up until that point if you are going to run standard power.

I would change the oil every 5k miles, personally as fresh oil keeps the turbo in good health.

The high pressure fuel pump and injectors are much less likely to fail on the N55 than they were on the N54.

[Kananga]

Thanks. Presume the gaskets are expensive to replace, given how many there are ?