BMW 135 Yes or No ?

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craigdoepie

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I am looking at getting myself a 135, always wanted a 1 series sedan. I saw 1 in Van Der Beijl Park for R299 99 with 46k on the clock.

1stly, is it worth it. I know car prices have sky rocketed recently.

2ndly, any opinions and what should I be looking out for. A friend of mine told that they have petrol pump issues.

R299 not a little money, so really doing my homework on this 1
 
Do you have money for tyres every 10 000km's?
Can you afford the petrol (10-12l/100km)
Can you afford the insurance?
Maintenance should be workable as the E series is a bit long in the tooth now.

If yes to all the above, go banana's. Heard something about a waste-gate issue but think that was the earlier models.
 
N54 or N55 motor?
One was twin turbo while the other is twin scroll single (not sure which one is which).
 
the x35 BMW motors are really cool, tons of fun to drive... Would really recommend it.
 
I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't mind a 135 coupe myself. I never used to like that specific shape, until this one day at Zwartkops, one was standing in the parking lot. It was a bike day, so the car was just standing there, not on track or anything, and I had a good long look at it (was actually a 120d coupe) and from that day on I wanted one.
 
1. Get the VIN, and then get the motorplan printout from BMW.
2. The seller/dealer should assist you with this, if they are reluctant, walk away.
3. Study the motorplan printout and everything that was done to the car (maintenance, services etc) under a microscope. If it has any large comments (accidents), walk away. Also ask about outstanding campaigns.
4. Being a 2012, I presume the car is still under motorplan? Before the MP can be transferred to the new owner, it needs to go through a quality check at BMW. Has this check been completed as yet? (meaning, is the MP in tact?). Get the dealer to do this PRIOR to taking delivery, also get them to foot the bill (costs about R1500).
5. Verify if the car has had any performance modifications done (JB4, DP, etc), as this will void the motorplan. Obviously if, the quality check was done, you in the green.

Great car. Save up for tires, and petrol.
 
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Based on the visual mods I would not be surprised if this vehicle had performance mods like chip tuning or ECU. There is also an aftermarket exhaust on it.

Better be very very careful on this one. Get it checked out fully by BMW - pay the R2 grand for the inspection and get it in writing from BMW that they will service/maintain the vehicle despite the obvious mods.

That said, you do have 6 months after purchase according to the CPA where the dealer MUST see to any and all defects or problems for free.
 
I've got the N54 and its awesome. Compare the price with similar models on autotrader or cars.co.za
 
craigdoepie said:
Just an addition, has anybody had experience with Fouche motors. Was it good or bad ?
Click to expand...

I used to work at a very reputable/luxury car brand- the guys at Fouche are absolute skelms and the industry knows it- they'll do anything to sell you a car, including putting on manufacturer look a like rims that are absolute fakes.
Often, they pick up cars for dirt cheap and add huge markups. I wouldn't buy a model car from those guys, rather go to a BM dealer.

Also, once you drive it, you've basically made up your mind and may not consider other factors- it becomes a very emotional experience and the salesman will play this card big time.

Also, coming from the auto industry, I saw just how much money people loose on cars, just for the sake of the bragging rights/image. It's beyond frightening!
Don't get me wrong, I'm an absolute petrol head and also wanna drive an awesome car but the losses outweigh the gains so imo only go for it if you can afford to take the knock.
I'm gonna drive my Polo till the wheels fall off or until I'm in a financial position to actually be able to afford something epic and not have to worry about the re-sale price down the line.

Edit: In addition to this, the VIN Numbers which they put on their website are not always correct so watch out.
 
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Only thing to consider, Fouche Motors over price their cars, so you really need to bargain with them or check around for corroborating prices.
 
The only thing I have to add, is that extending the MP on mileage is DAMN expensive, so don't buy a high mileage car and think you're going to extend the MP.

The car you are looking at seems to be very safe in that regard.
 
Pho3nix said:
Do you have money for tyres every 10 000km's?
Can you afford the petrol (10-12l/100km)
Can you afford the insurance?
Maintenance should be workable as the E series is a bit long in the tooth now.
Click to expand...
Would you say this applies to the hatchback F20 135i as well?
 
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