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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

Starting to get my car dialed in. Ran 11.479 as best time for the day last weekend. In car dragy video.

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.

Hey Guys, As I am relatively new to modding and tuning I thought I'd better ask and see what sort of stage maps people are running with what mods. Currently waiting on parts that i've bought online which are not the highest of quality but meet my budget. Order list - Dual Cone Intakes 6" Intercooler from NZKW VRSF Style Catless Downpipes BMS BOV Kit/Charge pipe Oil Catch Can My questions are basically what MHD and xHP maps are people running on similar set ups? What maps do you think I should be running with this sort of set up? Also on a side note, what insurance companies are people with? All opinions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Hi all, Looking for any recomenations on water/methanol kits. In particular something suited for a 335i n54. Any experiance on what has worked in the past for this platform (or in general) and what kits/brands to avoid would be much appriciated. Cheers Jordan

Hey, from what I’ve read lifter tick is pretty normal on the N54 engine, but I was wondering if there is a way to reduce the noise? As it’s pretty loud.

Hi guys, first time poster My 335i (N54) is FBO and I’m going to be flashing MHD stage 2 in the next few weeks. Despite looking at videos and trawling forums I’m still confused as to what fuel map I should choose. My understanding is that if I run 95 or 98 pump gas, I should select the 93RON map. Could anyone with some experience please help? Attached a picture of the car cause I’m new lol. Currently running a custom tune from Peter at Superchips/Alientech Cheers!

Hi all, About 6 months ago I bought a 2006 e92 335i Auto with 165,000km. Been driving it with no issues, albeit with a misfire every now and then at idle - suspect an intake valve clean is needed. I drove it from Wellington to Auckland with no issues. The issue is that I've noticed it drops a bit of oil which I'm trying to fix. It leaks about a drop or 2 every time it's parked. I've taken all the covers off (multiple times now ?) and given everything a good clean. With everything mostly cleaned, I left it running (idling) for a couple of minutes while on jack stands to see if I could spot any visible sources of the leak. Judging from what I've seen (photos) it looks like it's leaking between the engine and the transmission, which could point to the rear main seal? Doesn't look like the oil pan gasket as I can't see any oil travelling along the pan towards the transmission. The oil pan gasket as well as the valve cover gasket (including the valve cover) was replaced at 150,000km. Oil filter housing gasket was done at 157,000km. All work was done at a BMW dealership. I'll add that to my knowledge, the PCV hasn't been upgraded either. Can't see any oil around the valve cover nor the oil filter housing either Any thoughts? I was hoping it would be something easy to DIY but if it is indeed the RMS, I would have to get someone else to do it Cheers

Hi, I have recently sold my E92 as I need more space for growing family. I'm looking for an E91 335i 2009 or newer. I have found one on TradeMe but the current owner says it does have some Waste Gate rattle. Should I avoid this or do nearly all N54 have this issue? I would like to run this as is for the next year or two before going single turbo so don't really want to spend the money rebuilding the turbos etc.

I'm currently looking a buying a E91 335i which has some Wastegate rattle. I've watched all the videos on YouTube and this may be a little out of my depth to fix, having to completely remove the turbos to install new flapper kit. Does Anybody have any idea on cost for having the Waste gate actuators replaced? The turbo's themselves are fine. I see you can buy upgraded flapper rebuild kits to prevent this from happening again. https://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-BMW-335I-135I-535I-N54-TD03-Wastegate-Turbo-Rattle-Flapper-Rebuild-Kit-/322815189521?mkevt=1&siteid=1&mkcid=2&mkrid=711-153320-877651-5&source_name=google&mktype=pla&campaignid=10692529378&groupid=112350339024&targeted=pla-293946777986&MT_ID=&adpos=&device=c&googleloc=9051269&itemid=322815189521&merchantid=116792603&geo_id=149&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6p3Oo7qy7AIVQXZgCh0GmAc0EAYYASABEgLe8PD_BwE

Hi all, Bit of a story before I dive into the issue at present. 6 months of working on my E82 135i project! Everything has been reassembled and it's ready to go! Had everything you can think of wrong with it. Water pump failure, gaskets leaking ect. Many thanks to Brent at BMWorld for supplying about 80% of the parts I needed. Did every single preventative maintenance thing on the car. New brake pads, gaskets, coolant flange, water pump, thermo, vacuum lines ect ect. Now she's been parked up in my garage now for almost a month without being started, she's been sitting on a trickle charger on her new battery. Went to start it in the weekend to take it for a WOF and found that now it just cranks and cranks about 3 or 4 times before giving up... Ran codes on it and it popped up with the codes in the image attached. Went to go change the relay but my car doesn't have a relay in the DME box, only the fan relay. After a search, everyone suggests that the fuse is now build into the fuse box (in the Gove box) and that either the JBE or fuse box is faulty or the DME is toast! Now I've done the following to try isolate the issue, I've swapped the Fuse box and JBE to a used one from a wrecked car. No avail and same codes. So fuse and JBE are not the issue... I've pulled DME out to inspect for water damage, corrosion and burnt wiring. Couldn't find any damage. Engine wiring is fine and nothing I can see is damaged, checked all ground points ect So I've basically isolated it down to the DME being the issue which is a shame because it's a MSD81 DME Are these known to just fail? Is there anything else I can check and test? If not, is there anywhere is New Zealand I can send my DME too for repair? Can I use a used DME if I can find one? Cheers J

During cold starts I get slight missing and rough idle. If I don't leave the car to idle for a minute or two before driving the car it will seriously misfire as soon as I load the engine, throwing multiple misfire codes, cylinder shutoff etc, limp home mode. Even if I let off the throttle and reduce load it will just continue to misfire. If I pull over and restart the car its usually fine immediately after. It blows a little smoke cold and I notice the exhaust tips are getting really black like its running too rich or something? Comes good when warm. Twice I have instances too where the car is up to temperature. I go to plant it from a standstill (high load, low rpm) and again it sends it shuddering into multiple cylinder misfires etc). I have recently replaced Plugs, Coils and upgraded to brand new OEM index 12 injectors. Before the injector change I was getting misfire codes, shuddering, spluttering on start ups. There has been a real improvement. But still nagging issues. Vanos solenoids and boost solenoids also changed reasonably recently. I run the car nearly entirely on Gulls E10 98 octane. Colleagues suggest that maybe its shitty fuel? Thoughts on that remark? Car is running jb4 with MHD BEF. Logs for LPFP and HPFP pressures look really good at start up and running so I think it would be clutching at straws to blame them. But nothing is impossible right? Codes are repeated individual cylinder misfires including 29CC (several cylinders) and 29DC (cylinder injection shutoff). But have also had 2x 29F1 (Fuel pressure, Plausibility) and one 29F3 recently (Faulty low fuel pressure sensor) Also had 2B2C come up frequently and im not sure what that is? Car has only 70,000km on the clock. Boosts well (when this isn't happening). Seen in logs it easily reaches 17psi targets. Does have horrendous waste gate rattle though. I feel like walnut blasting might come up as a recommendation. Who does it in or near taranaki? Is hamilton my closest bet? I have bought a catch can to be fitted too. Your thoughts are appreciated!

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

I've got a 1999 BMW 528i manual which I'm looking at getting some work done to. I've had an what I've been calling a phantom overheating issue which has been caused by air getting into the cooling system and building up behind the sensor, fooling it into thinking the car is overheating. I'm taking it to BM workshop to get a full scan and find out how the air is getting in and from what I've read two of the most likely places are through a busted gasket or through cracks in a cylinder head. I had been planning over the last few months to get this sorted and then sell my car to get something newer but given that any repairs could be expensive enough to negate any profit I'd receive from selling it, I'm thinking I'll look into putting a new engine in it. My preferred choice (dependent entirely on costs of course) would be to source the twin turbo N54 engine (from the 335i) and put this in. I know this will incur all sorts of complications in making things matchup etc and I'll probably need a new clutch too. My question to anyone who might have an idea is, would this engine fit in the car? I'm asking because my car has the rack and piñon steering set-up which was not used in the v8 e39s due to the engines being too big to fit this steering system. From what I've found online the n54 is a similar size to the m52 (what my car has) but it'll also have extra bulk from the turbos and associated parts. Any other ideas or recommendations are appreciated. ps: If I am going through with an engine swap I'd like to get a decent power hike and the aforementioned e39 era v8s present too many complications. My other reason apart from wanting a newer car is wanting something faster and I love the idea of a "sleeper" 528i.

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 $$

Hey team, I'm a bit new to the forums and have had my e82 135i for about 4 months now. I was wondering if anyone within the Wellington region has the MHD wireless adapter I could borrow to get my car back up and running? I stupidly couldn't wait and tuned my car with a shitty ebay cable. Managed to get it to stage 1 but I wanted to change to stage 1+ with 98Ron but in the process have failed a write. Now the cable wont work as well and fails to send a packet through close to finishing. Battery charger is fine/running an idling car while tuning. Thanks in advance!

I get so much from this forum, that I wanted to give a little something back. So with my 're' introduction due to an extended absence elsewhere in the world, I would like to share a story, a good read, for that's what we do on this forum so I thought it fitting to share a little energy back. I hope you enjoy something a bit different and maybe have a laugh. It’s hard to pin point when my BMW fanatic craze began. Looking back, it feels like it has always been there. Somehow through a sea of other manufactures options, especially other appealing European alternatives, the twin grills with a Bavarian blue and white roundel shone through like a star. I know many on this forum feel the same way. I was already taken by the obsession long before I had one to call my own. Apart from the various video and images I consumed, the first to truly enter my life was when my Father had his company vehicle lease come up for renewal. Traditionally he could only choose from a small range of select manufacturers, namely Holden, Ford or Nissan. This time however, the deal had changed. In place of a choice now stood a wad full of cash and a ‘sort it out yourself’ directive. Despite the obvious increase in admin duties, this new deal was a blessing in disguise where he was now free to pick and choose, tailor and dress himself up in the automotive ‘suit’ that was his fitting of him. Little did he know that I had already contacted the tailor I wanted and had requested a dress rehearsal. I knew the budget wouldn’t stretch to ‘M’ territory, but we could definitely pick up the latest series with M-Sport options. He had already been introduced to the latest Commodore and Falcon of the time, no need to be re-acquainted again. So, with all my teenage persuasiveness, I pleaded my case, presented the numbers and before long we were heading to the dealer for a test drive. On the drive I proceeded to read out the list of options that would be making their way onto the vehicle. I had picked up a brochure from the dealer after school one day and had spent the rest of the week circling, marking and making lists of all the combinations of series and extras that could go together within the budget. I was always torn between a lower powered base model that we could trick out with all the bells and whistles and the option of a huge powerhouse waiting to be unleashed. After careful deliberation with myself, I came to the obvious choice that I was sure my Father would plainly see, a beast of a machine with whirring twin turbos and enough displacement to make him erase any thoughts of the other unsophisticated options - it had to be a 335i. I had now placed my order during the car ride over and with my Father providing a simple nod and grunt, that was all the reassurance I needed that he recognised my meticulous evaluation and it wouldn’t be long until we were getting pushed by three hundred ponies back home. After arriving and what seemed like an eternal discussion with the sales representative my Father and he nodded – finally it was done. The sales representative said I’ll bring the vehicle around for your test drive, my Father turned to me and said, “This is the only one I’m trying”, I was thinking, “this is the only one you’ll need to try…”. The sales representative eventually pulled around in a shiny, white 3-series. But oh-no, he had definitely got something wrong, this was a 320d. I looked earnestly at my Father waiting for him to royally wave off this imposter in place of our rightful chariot. But much to my dismay my Father greeted the man, took the keys and got in. He wound down the window and beckoned me to get in. My dreams. Crushed. Learning later that he had chosen to go with the 2-litre diesel with M-Sport options galore was a smart move (says my now adult with a mortgage brain). He knowingly pocketed the unused cash too. As many of you that have driven a brand-new base line 3-series out of the box know, they are amazing machines, with more than enough get-go for almost all types of daily driving and with the added extras for comfort and tech for play, they can be luxury on wheels. Needless to say, that despite first disappointment, this was the beginning of my infatuation with BMW, especially the 3-series. I enjoyed every moment in that car as a passenger but also when the opportunity of a business trip and therefore vacant home presented itself, an unnecessary trip to the takeaway store and back. I have now owned four 3-series BMW’s, one in each chassis from the E30 through to the E90. After a brief fling with a family Japanese hand-me-down used throughout my last days of schooling and getting me to classes during university, I swiftly moved onto my first, an E36 318i in green. Unfortunately, like all first relationships, it did not last long with it being abused throughout its life by friend’s cousins and others, it was lucky that they had practically given it away as it spent the remainder of its days helping others in the form of parts. Next came my first love, an E30 318i coupe in glorious gun metal grey. Though it may be seen by many as a step backwards, especially in linear age and technology, this was not the case for me. It was the retro poster child, the grandfather of cool and you need to respect your elders. Still in relatively good shape overall, nothing that I couldn’t DIY, I set upon making it my own and it when the mod bug took hold for the first time. New wheels were quickly followed by smoked lenses all around to remove the traces of amber. Rubber was replaced, as were floor mats, then finally wing mirrors prepped, primed and painted black, cured and enamel baked in the oven to guarantee longevity. I had put my stamp on it and enjoyed a couple of summers in what I still believe is one of the best vehicles ever produced. They are balanced, nimble and a blast to drive, while the lack of today’s tech allows for a focus on the experience at hand. Impending long-term international travel was the basis for the E30 be moved on, at times I still wish I kept it. Soon after my return another vehicle was needed. Trawling through the classifieds the options were endless – and boring, that was until I came across a well maintained E46 320i, original sale in the country, with one respectful owner. For the rest of the week still searching it was nagging at me. Nothing else compared with those body lines, nothing else presented my nature, or compelled me the same way I have been since the beginning. It had to be a BMW. The purchase was made and another couple of years passed with utmost enjoyment. Because the condition was so good, with a comfortable leather interior, I was not persuaded so heavily to add excessive modifications. A blacked-out grill created a meaner front end, tinted windows for privacy and an additional AUX audio port created the ideal conditions for long term use. Life and finances changed, and although the E46 was delightful most days, my original crush returned to my thoughts. After a brief consultation with myself, there was no obvious reason holding me back. She had to come home. Her name was Three-three Five and she is now mine. Fin. …continued below. I have acquired a 2007 e90 335i in Alpine White as a direct import from Japan, with 70K on the odometer. Although I probably would prefer an LCI for a couple of niceties, the price coupled with the exact specs were far too good to pass on. Upon typing the VIN into the search engine during my search, I was very happy to see that literally ever single option was ticked. Full M-tech trimmings (body kit, steering wheel, door sills, suspension etc), full black leather interior in exceptional condition, black interior headliner, heated seats etc plus many other appointments that are well known so I will avoid a list. But that is to say I was very happy with the aesthetics and condition. Almost immaculate. I really enjoyed the car for what it was, but I knew all along that the mod bug was already in full swing. I am doing one thing at a time, enjoying the journey and the DIY aspect that many here I know do. I plan on keeping her for a long while, with lowish km’s she’s got plenty of legs left. Along with the already instated mods below that I have completed over the past year, I plan to tune to at least stage 1+ MHD, but maintenance first, choosing to get the best result. I also want to improve the suspension with the increase in power. Here’s a final sign off with a list of mods and a couple of questions below, hope to be part of some events esp. in Auckland and chat with you all more here on the forum. Mod list (so far…) – I’ll be adding some of my experiences to the appropriate channels on the forum in more detail with pics etc. 1. Black kidney grills 2. Plasti-dip 335i emblem 3. DIY painted shadowline trim 4. CF spoiler 5. 3D Studie rep lip 6. LED angel eyes 7. LED licence plate lights 8. Replaced M-tech door sills with new ones 9. BMS 15mm spacers rear, 12mm front 10. AFE Magnum Force DCI 11. Forge Motorsport DV’s 12. Secondary oil cooler 13. New battery To must do list includes, coils and plugs, interior LEDs, MHD + xHP. Then a long list of nice to haves. *First main bug bear is squeaky front brakes at low speed braking. Rotors definitely not OEM, pads new from dealer but are rubbish semi metallics with no chamfer or rubber backing. Because the pads were new, I decided to take apart the callipers, super clean and sand them, silicone the guide pins, copper lube the callipers, clip and back of pads. Sanded the rotors and pads, then bedded them in. Quieter for a month, then back to bad again. Read lots of forums, should I just replace the rotors and pads with quality? *The biggest annoyance I have is that the front left channel cover clip broke (near where the door opens. This holds the trim and rubber channel down and is now popping up on that side. A new complete gloss black channel cover is $400+, which even for OEM parts is very expensive for a thin piece of rubber and plastic. If anyone has a clip spare or old channel cover (even chrome) I’d be interested.

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.

Just in 2008 335i e91 62ks msport package bkack leather sport seats idrive 20" wheels one needs repairs or replacement Miltek cat back exhaust system cts catless down pipes and filters etc all only 2 months old bare engine is sold all other parts available 021433600 [email protected]

Hi all, I am looking for a n54 Crankshaft as mine has spun a bearing and cannot be repaired. I am looking for one which is 01/2009+ production date. Thanks.

Hi all Looking for a trustworthy engine repairer in the Tauranga region that can take a look at my n54 crankshaft. It has spun a bearing and I would like to know if it can be repaired or if I need to source a new one. Plan is to rebuild the engine with Rods and lower compression pistons Thanks

Looking for some basic upgrades for my 2008 E92 335i. Are the NZKW intercoolers/oil coolers any good? Cheers

Hi team, I'm a new member, Based in Putaruru. Just purchased my first BMW and have lots of questions, hopefully the forum has the answers. The car is stock, purchased with brand new turbos as I took it for a test drive it had a turbo rattle. running 307 hp factory and wanting to put all the bolt on mods I can in the future to try hit the 400 hp mark. So hopefully you guys have some inside knowledge.