[rexlex]

Went and test drove the M3. Pretty clean for an 08. Some minor things wrong like minor oil leaks, typical bmw. However I’m gunna pass on it as the dealer was an ass. On the way home a small lot had a 2011 128 with 56k for $13.9k and a 2012 135 m package vert with 49k for $19.5k. Drove them both and like both. 128 definitely needs some upgrades in the power department but wasn’t a slouch. The 135 is perfect except that it’s a convertible. If it was a coupe I would have bought it on the spot. Going to take the wife to look at them Friday and maybe take one of those home with me.

[pbonsalb]

The 128 is the simpler car but not thrilling. Could be made entertaining but that is it. Is that enough? Could you hold our for an M3? They really are special. Or a hard top 135/335? They can be modded to be pretty quick and a nicely sorted out turbo car has the torque to be a good driver. Tough decisions.

[rexlex]

I could hold out for an M3. I’ve been wearing the wife down and she’s almost to the point of just telling me to get whatever M3 I want lol.

If I was going to track the car on a more regular basis I would go the 128 route and just kit it out. But for just the after work spirited drive I think a FBO 135 might be the best bang for the buck. Now if I can find a slick top

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by rexlex

I could hold out for an M3. I’ve been wearing the wife down and she’s almost to the point of just telling me to get whatever M3 I want lol.

If I was going to track the car on a more regular basis I would go the 128 route and just kit it out. But for just the after work spirited drive I think a FBO 135 might be the best bang for the buck. Now if I can find a slick top

https://www.bmwcca.org/ads/292271

[infinitekidM2C]

THe 135 does not age well
water pumps
oil leaks

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by infinitekidM2C

THe 135 does not age well
water pumps
oil leaks

There are not yet any 15 year old M235i to compare, but the N55 in the M235i is a little simpler than the N54 in the 135i since it is single turbo rather than twin. The same water pump is used for both motors but maybe accessibility is better on the N55 in the M235i? I doubt there is much difference in gaskets and seals that fail over time and cause oil leaks. That may be more of an age factor, unless maybe the single turbo design reduces under hood heat significantly.

Generally, though, the N55 is viewed as being more reliable. I think a lot of N54 problems are due to deferred maintenance or neglect. In the hands of a DIYer who stays on top of maintenance, they are fine. If you need to pay a shop to maintain your 15 year old turbo BMW, you will be spending a lot.

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by infinitekidM2C

THe 135 does not age well

I am not specifically disagreeing with you but might simply add that - BMW's do not seem to age well.

That said, any '15 might be a better option than any '08, as far as that's concerned. I wouldn't necessarily stick it as 135i specific. Those engines and water pumps were put into tons of cars.