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Hello, Thought id start a thread to keep track of the progress on my 2008 bmw 135i. A bit of background, before this car, I had a 2004 e46 330ci m sport that I bought for $1000 with a crash damaged front end. That was my first project car and taught me most of what I know about cars, I fixed the front end, stripped and restored the entire interior after finding water ingress, rebuilt the cooling system and replaced a few gaskets. Once finished, I felt that it was time to sell it as it wasn't a car I felt like should be modified being somewhat of a classic, I sold it to an e46 collector and began the search for my next project, it had to be small, fun and fast, preferably n54 powered for easy performance gains, decided on a 135i. I bought my sapphire black metallic, black leather interior, 135i in late October, 127,000km bone stock leaking oil, overdue a service, cracked 3rd brake light and broken LED in RHS taillight and a dirty interior, and on the drive home it went into limp mode. Great introduction to N54 life. Not really a surprise when you got it at price that makes it the cheapest low(ish) km 135i for sale. However it wasn't all bad, it had extensive service history, used to be under auto sure mechanical insurance, had the water pump and thermostat replaced, and a transmission service done as well as regular oil changes at 10k intervals, that is until the owner I bought it from got it, who only owned it for a few months. Catching up on things ive done so far: First thing I did was address the issues, scanned codes, limp mode was for exhaust Vanos mechanism, most likely just needed a clean from the old oil. Did an oil change, cleaned the Vanos solenoids and that fixed the limp mode. However I found the following issues; leaking sump, valve cover gasket, OFHG, oil cooler gasket, wrong coolant. Time for an FCP euro order, added PCV valve, top radiator hose, expansion tank hose, coolant flange and also a new drive belt to the list. I worked my way through all of the hoses, gaskets one by one, learning as I went and eventually had everything except for sump done. Valve cover took 2 attempts because I couldn't find a tool for the ground lead studs anywhere, eventually I contacted Ray from HellBM who ended up giving me one for free o massive thanks to him. Filled the cooling system with correct bmw coolant and bled it, so easy with the electric water pump. No more leaks. Gave the car a good clean, cleaned the interior, rewired the paddle-shifters for left down right up, and installed silver interior trim in the place of the woodgrain. Now the sump wasn't a job I wanted to do myself, I don't have access to a garage, nor a car lift so dropping the subframe didn't seem like a fun task, decided to let Michael from Euromotive handle this and got him to install catless downpipes and larger high flowing silicone turbo inlets too while he had the subframe out of the way. Next was coils and plugs as it had started to misfire on the way to the workshop, one of the coils in the car was a Chinese one and ripped in half, leaving rubber stuck on the spark plug after removing it, spent an hour in the car park with needle nose pliers puling bits of rubber out. Eventually got the new coils and plugs in and car ran smooth. Next step after fixing all the oil leaks and misfire was replacing the drive belt that had oil all over it from the OFHG leak. Did that, easier than I thought with the inlet in the way. Also installed pcv valve and oil catch can. At this point car was running smooth and no issues, decided it was time to make some more power, bought a bigger intercooler, metal charge pipe and installed them. Angle grinder came in very useful in making room for the intercooler. Flashed MHD stage 2+ and car felt ridiculously quick. And sounded good with the hatless downpipe and inlets. Then installed some dual cone intakes and blanked off inlets so that DV vent to atmosphere for more noise. Decided exhaust wasn't loud enough to match intake noise, so cut off muffler and welded in 2.5inch steel pipe with thin stainless exhaust tips, sounds better now but will go back and change this slightly. Decided that power was more than enough (for now) and time to move on to some handling and aesthetic changes. Bought a set of 18x8 et38 CSL style wheels (in white which is a unique look) from an e46 and they fit rather well. A little bit of rub on the front guards, but nothing a wheel alignment shouldn't fix. Also bought a set of second hand aragosta coilovers with adjustable front camber plates so that I can fit some wider tires and dial in the ride height as well as firm up the suspension. Got 6 well used dunlop direzza 03g 245/40/18 semi slick tires for free so will see if I can get them to fit to gain some traction. White wheels and a nice clean engine bay: That is where the project currently is at, waiting for a new 3rd brake light as it cracked again so I can take it for a WOF and then install my coilovers and try fit the 245 tires and hopefully get the wheels repainted soon, thinking either shadow chrome, gunmetal, or gloss black... More things coming soon

I have a few questions about the e82 135i, specifically the N54 version What are some of the most common problems with the car What are some key upgrades to make in terms of performance and reliability to when the car is driven hard And there is no doubt it will be driven hard! Are they expensive or hard to do maintenance on yourself Are they still alright with over 150,000km on the clock

Hey, I’m looking to buy a black 135i in manual (N54) if anyone is thinking of selling one please hit me up. I’m located in Akl but will travel anywhere for the right car.

Looking specifically for a black 135i based around Auckland, preferably with a sun roof... What’s out there??

Anyone have an Air Condenser available for the N54 for cheap?

Hi guys, Slowly completing the notable 'replace before tuning' list, but have been holding off walnut blasting as I'm not sure what a reasonable quote is for the job? I've seen previous posts suggesting as little as $250, whilst the quotes I've received are nearly $900 GST exclusive! Anyone got a recommendation for a reputable service centre to do the job in Auckland? Thanks

Anyone parting out a E82 or E87 130i? Need the front radiator support 51647193193 $$

Hi forum I'm interested in finding prices for a n54-n55 135i auto model diff. Or small case 335i built after 08/07 Link for info http://www.vacmotorsports.com/news/335i-and-135i-differential-faq-no-lsd-really-1483338466.html Or if any forum members can point me point me in the direction of someone that might have one. Thanks

$23,000 or very near offer, located in Botany, East Auckland. For sale is my 6-speed manual 135i as I'm upgrading, no trades/swaps please. Vehicle is almost completely stock except for a catless downpipe. -Two key fobs -CIC iDrive -Michellin tyres all around (5mm front, 7mm rear) -Brand new 335is/550i heavy duty clutch kit with lightened flywheel supplied (unfitted). Car drives fine with the current clutch, HD clutch was purchased in preparation for MHD Stage 2. Most of the common problems with the n54 engines have been sorted, making this an easy choice over the current ones for sale. Maintenance by approx. kms: 70,500 – Spark plugs + Carbon cleaned intake ports (no receipt- $800 job) 71,000 – ABS Module replaced (Have claim receipt- $1,500 job all brakes had to be bled also) BMS Clutch delay valve done around this time too. 71,200 – Waterpump & Thermostat (Have claim receipt+ coolant flush) 71,300 – Labour job for Downpipes (No Receipt) + New Coil packs & ZHP Shifter knob 72,500 – Oil Thermostat + Double check for Downpipes ok (Have receipt) 72,800 – Changed oil to Penrite 5w40 & new filter 73,300 - Full service by Jtune using Motul Htech Injectors- Rear 3 have been replaced Personalised plates not included.

Hi All, New to the group but I used the page and forums extensively to help me decide on my purchase of my e82 135i. My old man has had an e30 320i Baur edition for some time. It got a full engine, suspension and brake over haul last year and it got me inspired to get my own 6 cylinder bmw. With a work Ute for personal use my bm of choice didnt need to be practicle and my teenage years thrashing my Toyota Levin to and from the family Bach in Whangamata left me wanting to get back into a chuckable 2 door coupe. The reseach and trademe hunting began. It would be nice to find some thing NZ new with a service history but I realized they were pretty few and far between and the jap import stuff was often better specd. Soon I was test driving, 130i hatch with the 6speed auto, a couple of 335i one of which I didn’t even make it off the the dealers lot with engine lights on and only 5 cylinders firing from start up, serveral 135i and the later m135i in manual, auto, dct, n54 and n55. Eventually the hydraulic steering, engine and turbo noises and useabilty of the dct n55 had me focused on finding a good condition later model jap import e82 135i to fit my budget and one did! I wasn’t a big fan of the alloys it had on it but the dealer sorted this out along with Bluetooth, NZ nav and radio unlock, an autosure mechanical warranty and had it ready for me just before Christmas. 3000km of smile inducing trouble free motoring done so far. So thanks to all that post here it was a great help in in leading me to what has been a very happy purchase and I look forward to contributing to the group going forward. Cheers.

Lately ive found myself looking at more and more at 135i's for sale and now im starting to really contemplate selling one/both of my current bmws to help fund getting a 135i. if you have a 135i and open to selling let me know. i have a E46 coupe 2005 (built 04) registered 2005 . Velvet Blue. facelift 330ci "clubsport" with carbon bootlid ( CSL REP) oh still have the factory clubsport boot as well. If would prefer OEM/stock style. carbon kidney grills has 208,000kms currently, auto/tiptronic. have all receipts from fixing issues or maintaining. ask me. E.g. fuel pump, brake discs... also currently has brand new, weeks old bc coilovers installed, no cert currently (still have oem msport suspension also) also have a E36 320i sedan 1995 arctic silver (auto) well looked after stock pretty much has bilsteins with jamex rear springs only 2 owners me and some old guy. owned since 190,000kms has currently 217,000kms front msport bumper also, still have original is a bit scrapped up though. hit me up if keen to trade for a 135i and cash. Or willing to sell. can email me on ashley.slater@live.com or PM me here cheers.

Hi all As you may have guessed - I have just joined the group. I run a 2008 BMW 135i, N54 twin turbo with Stage 1 tune.I also own a Toyota MR2 Turbo for clubsport purposes, and am a member of the Harbour Capital Car Club. I previously owned a stock-standard 2002 BMW 330i for about 7 years. In between the two BMWs I suffered through an Audi S4 - until I came to my senses and saw that the repair bills were not going to stop. Before those three, I owned a WRX STi v3 - a fantastic car that I managed to dry-sump around an autocross track, with horrendous consequences! I have also owned - among others - two Toyota TownAces, a Commodore wagon, an Austin 1800 Land Crab (really), and a Mark 1 Escort - which was great fun. I'm now back again with a small RWD car that has enough grunt to keep me interested. My purpose in joining this group is to find out more about the forum and about my car, and hopefully to join with others on runs and non-competitive events around the Wellington area. I am also a member of some Facebook groups that focus on 135i/335i vehicles and N54 engines. I look forward to learning more about this forum over the coming months and years. Talk again soon. :-)

Hi people. Im new to this forum but have been reading alot from it. Just hoping to pick your brains. Im looking for a 135i. The one i like is a 2008, 100km. Price is reasonable and it drives fine, no rattles/noises that stood out. 2 warnings : Battery is low, and date hasnt been set. Havn't noticed anything else wrong but it was only a 10min drive. The seller (private) also has a transferable mechanical warranty (autosure essential) for a year. After which i will purchase an additional warranty. The issue is the PPI. I havnt been able to book one in that suits (timeframe, location). While i know ideally a PPI from a specialist would be great, would it be safe to risk it since i have the MW? Look forward to some help..

Hi, hopefully somebody can help. Bought a 135i 2 weeks ago, 2010 N54 Coupe, originally registered in Japan and was imported in 2013 where it had a CIC conversion, not entirely sure what version but has 3D Maps, doesnt appear to have bluetooth although there is a phone button on the wheel, theres a USB port in the glovebox too. My iphone charges when connected but nothing comes up on the iDrive screen, also downloaded the BMW connect app and could not see a connection. Looked in the boot and looks like they installed the harness for the Combox but never bothered fitting one. Do i just need to get a combox and everything will work? Will i need to code anything afterwards, or perform an iDrive update?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/a.aspx?id=1350621157 $24K 62KMs "The PPK option increases the power output to 240kw (up 15kw from standard) and torque to 450Nm (up 50Nm), available from 1,500rpm. 0-100 times are also decreased. It also adds a nice burble to the exhaust on over-run (fantastic sound when in sport or using the paddles). The upgrade includes a software reflash to reduce lag and shift times; a second radiator; new intake; uprated cooling fan; and oil cooler. This vehicle was also optioned with the uprated BMW Performance yellow brembo big-brake kit, suspension, silver decal and badging, carbon fibre spoiler and interior trim - and coolest of all, white LED lighting pack (including halos)." Did wonder if this was John @e30ftw but TradeMe member ref appears different ... Looks like an awesome vehicle - some of the pics are very nicely done too

Noticed this while cleaning my car today. Had been driven about an hour prior. what is it? Should I be worried? IMG_0856.MOV

Just bought my first BMW a couple of weeks ago, best decision I've ever made, So much fun! Had a Diesel TT i brought from the UK, so the 135i is definitely a step up! Was my friend who got me looking at them and so glad he did! Probably won't be doing too many mods, got some gloss black grills on the way, and maybe a remap in the future but the power difference compared to the TT is definitely enough to keep me happy for a long time before I need more!

Hi I am really keen to get a 135i , looking for a 2009-2010 model so would be N54 engine. I have read some stories online about HPFP , water pump and walnut blasting ! What are the things to look out for ? What are peoples experiences of this cars reliability? Would it be best to go for a 2010 Model? Any info would be appreciated, I really want one of these but dont want a dog! Thanks

Cobb Accessport v3 for sale for N54 BMW 135i Selling the car as stock, grab yourself a bargain!! Trademe listing below for anyone who is interested. http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/other-electronics/other/auction-1196711643.htm Cheers Mike

Hi Guys, I am looking at buying a 135i 2008 with 65K on the clock. I am checking if all the recall work has been done but is there anything else i should get checked out? Also can anyone recommend a service agent in the city that does a decent pre-purchase inspection? Thanks Darsh