ED for M135 3-door ??

I've been looking into doing European Delivery for a 135 coupe next Spring and discovered in my internet trolling that there is an M135i 3-door that's not imported to the US but is sold in Europe. Since I'm moving up from a 1997 318ti (hatchback) that really fits my needs, I'm very interested in the 3-door. Yeah, I know, it's not imported...but, has anyone figured out if there is a way to get one for European Delivery that can be configured for the US and California requirements? If so, how did you go about it? Go through a local dealer? Deal with BMW Munich direct and if so, who did you contact?

Is there anyone else out there that would love to have a 3-door with 135i performance?

hnodrog

ED can only be done on US spec cars. Someone bought a euro spec M3 CRT and then imported it himself, but BMW ED isn't going to help you or allow you to directly order a euro optioned car.

Thanks, 03BeastCharmer ~

I was afraid that was the case but had to check it out.

hnodrog

Hopefully BMWNA will bring this and a fuller range if the 1-series to the US.

Had it been available I probably would bought a 5-door 1er over my 335d.

Originally Posted by 03BeastCharmer

ED can only be done on US spec cars. Someone bought a euro spec M3 CRT and then imported it himself, but BMW ED isn't going to help you or allow you to directly order a euro optioned car.

The 4 year/50,000 free maintenance will also not apply, and the warranty may be voided as well.

Gees! You guys aren't very encouraging. Oh WELL! Guess I'll just have to go with a 135i. What a Bummer!

hnodrog

The BMW CCA did a poll a few months back to see what kind of interest there might be in the US for the 3door M135i. I'm not sure what the results were, but from BMW NA's perspective, the answer was clear: No.


So instead, we get the 135is, which is basically a 135i M-sport with an engine tune, and 'is' lettering everywhere, for about 3k less than a 135i M-sport with all the matching options. Not a bad deal, to be honest, but I'm not sure how many they'll actually sell.

Thanks, petriej - I'm looking into the 135is as a matter of fact since it seems to include much of what I want and I like the idea of the increased HP. Probably done mostly with a chip giving the turbo extra boost, I'm assuming. The best thing about all this is I'm having fun looking at all the options and becoming more knowledgeable in the process. hnodrog

Originally Posted by hnodrog

Thanks, petriej - I'm looking into the 135is as a matter of fact since it seems to include much of what I want and I like the idea of the increased HP. Probably done mostly with a chip giving the turbo extra boost, I'm assuming. The best thing about all this is I'm having fun looking at all the options and becoming more knowledgeable in the process. hnodrog

BMW doesn't increase the power with a "chip" they just modify the ECU with different parameters to increase the horsepower. On turbo engines this usually consists primarily of increasing the turbo boost.

"Chips" are no longer used on modern engines to increase the horsepower. Now it's all a matter of reprogramming the ECU which is entirely software based, and not hardware based.

Thanks, Tom. It's good to understand more about how these things are done. By the way, I think your "his and hers" move is great!
Gordon