135 questions

Possibly in the market for a 135i. Can I please have ownership experience stories. I'm worried that if I buy one I may not be satisfied with the quality as I has read on this forum of the many rattles that can develop in the 1. Is this a prominent issue? Any other opinions or issues with the car would be appreciated. I really like how the vehicle has 6 pot brakes and traditional hydraulic steering.

Thank you!

The 135 is one of the few BMWs I'd still buy, Z4 is the other. My '08 vert had a few problems because it was one of the 1st ones made but it was a great car to drive. I doubt if there are any problems with rattles or anything else now and you can get the DCT which is a great transmission. The 135 can get expensive quick if you add a lot of options.

i have a 09 E82. So far my experience has been pretty good. I had to replace a tire that got a nail in it. 300+ for a new tire. that sucked. also since the are staggered wheels then you will buy them by the pair. The gas tank is on the small side 13 gallons total with about 17-18mpg so me mindful about that.

2013 135is is available for order now, something to consider before you buy a 2012

I just ordered a 2013 135is. I went into the dealership a month ago prepared to buy a 2012 135i with M sport package and realized that it wasn't going to cost me much more to buy the 2013 135is as long as I didn't load it up with options. I agree with the posting above. If you are looking at a 2012 135i right now, seriously consider the 2013 135is.

How much more is the 135is? You can get a 2012 with the M sport package and add a power kit.

Power kit for 2012 1 Series 135i Coupe

BMW PERFORMANCE POWER KIT / $750.00
More horsepower; more torque and unlimited exhilaration. With sporty performance, outstanding driving dynamics and innovative technology, the Version 1 Power Kit maintains all of BMW's key attributes but allows you to put a personal touch on your BMW. The Performance-Optimized Engine Software provided by the Version 1 Power Kit increases torque to 332 lb-ft (automatic transmissions) or 317 lb-ft (manual transmissions) available from just 1,500 rpm. Power output is increased by 20 horsepower, from 300hp to 320hp. This results in faster acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (0.2 seconds faster than the standard model) and from 50 mph to 75 mph (0.5 seconds faster than the standard model). Even with this increased power, the fuel consumption and emissions ratings remain the same as they were with the standard model. The Version 1 Power Kit also adds a very sporty exhaust burbling noise during engine overrun conditions. BMW Power Kits are the only form of "tuning kits" approved and covered under the BMW of North America limited warranty. Power Kits are designed and tested by BMW engineers to provide the highest power increase without sacrificing reliability.
For vehicles equipped with option code S840.

I have a 2011 135i Convertible with the M sport option and purchased the power kit when it was first introduces and only paid $550.00 installed. I am really pleased with the results.

Originally Posted by mclaren

The 135 is one of the few BMWs I'd still buy, Z4 is the other. My '08 vert had a few problems because it was one of the 1st ones made but it was a great car to drive. I doubt if there are any problems with rattles or anything else now and you can get the DCT which is a great transmission. The 135 can get expensive quick if you add a lot of options.

Boy; THERE's a ringing endorsement. Fortunately, it's only one opinion.

My wife drives a 2010 128 convert. While it's not a 135, I can tell you that there are zero issues with rattles. In fact there have been zero issues overall, the most that has happened was one of the tail-lights went out and it was replaced with out issue. It's also our 4th BMW. I can tell you that they have all been solid and reliable.

Originally Posted by T111

Possibly in the market for a 135i. Can I please have ownership experience stories. I'm worried that if I buy one I may not be satisfied with the quality as I has read on this forum of the many rattles that can develop in the 1. Is this a prominent issue? Any other opinions or issues with the car would be appreciated. I really like how the vehicle has 6 pot brakes and traditional hydraulic steering.

Thank you!

I have had my 135i only about 6 weeks so far, but to date, solid as a rock, no rattles, creaks or groans.

I just purchased my first BMW, a 2008 BMW 135i Cabriolet M sport package with 18,000 miles.
Absolutely love the car, I enjoy driving again! My only complaint is annoying break squeal.
Last month in a moment of weakness I went to my local BMW dealer and had them install the Dinan stage II software upgrade. Inceased the power to 378 hp and 415 ft pounds torque, crazy!
No change in drivability or fuel mileage as long as you're not hard on the pedal. I think one of the big attractions about these cars is that they are so "tuneable" if you're so inclined. Don't get me wrong, they're great stock, but you can have a lot of fun personalizing them!

I've had my 2010 135i 6MT sport package for almost a year now (bought it CPO) and it is seriously my favorite car I have owned (including an S52 M Coupe, E36 M3, E46 M3, and E92 M3). It does have some creaks and rattles, but nothing major, just hit the gas and you will forget all about them. My car has a few modifications: BMS JB4, BMS DCI, and Eibach Sport springs, and I really can't think of many cars I would chose over mine, and none in the same price bracket. It's a real drivers car; mine is a coupe with no iDrive and I love the relatively spartan interior. The stock tires that come with the sport package (Bridgestone something or others, the run flats) leave a lot to be desired, but they are good enough to last you until it's time to replace them. I've put about 14k miles on my car in the 10 months since I purchased it, including a drive from New York to California, and at no point did I ever question my decision that this was the car to buy.

I have had a few issues, but BMW has taken care of them with no questions asked. The pixels on my radio were fading, my d/s mirror was randomly adjusting itself, and that's all I can remember right now. Neither were major and both were taken care of in a few hours when I brought the car in for an oil change. They also changed my brake pads all around under covered maintenance 8k miles before they were due because I asked them nicely (and I burned through them 8k miles early, 90% of my driving is up in the mountains).

135i / 128i / 130i are true BMW

new 1 series = japanese wanabe BMW... they are too light, too refined and too nice

I've got a 2010 135 with Dinan exhaust and stage 2 reflash and it's a beast. There is such a difference over stock. I would be looking for a 2010 or earlier with the N54 not N55. But that's just me. Zero issues with mine.

I'm about to order a 135is. Doesn't make any sense to order a regular M-sport after all discounts because the price difference ends up (for me) only being about 2 grand. The IS comes with the PPK, PE, and wheels, all of which would cost well over 2 grand.