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Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
R.I.P 120i Convertible 2009/07/21
- Thread starter @ri
- Start date
@ri
Dude thats so weird!! haha.
I picked the 330 up 2 days ago. It was a black one parked on the right hand side of the entrance. Was really dusty ;\ Its a black one with tinted windows + sports pack
I went down to have a look at my dads car with my gf and guess what i see in the parking lot?
Your car It looked good man! my gf says your car is hot btw It looks really good man! that tii stripe is awesome
Glad you got it back man! hope u enjoying it
Dude thats so weird!! haha.
I picked the 330 up 2 days ago. It was a black one parked on the right hand side of the entrance. Was really dusty ;\ Its a black one with tinted windows + sports pack
I went down to have a look at my dads car with my gf and guess what i see in the parking lot?Your car
It looked good man! my gf says your car is hot btw It looks really good man! that tii stripe is awesome Glad you got it back man! hope u enjoying it
@ri
///Member
Haha cool man! Yeah my car was parked first on the right
Went to pick it up at about 5ish, what time were you there?
Thanks man appreciate it tell your gf she got good taste!
Can't remember if I saw your car to be honest but will do on the next breakfast run
But yeah glad I got my baby back! Treating her reaaal good for now haha.
I still say you should keep your 125i!!:hammerhead:
Went to pick it up at about 5ish, what time were you there?
Thanks man appreciate it
tell your gf she got good taste!Can't remember if I saw your car to be honest but will do on the next breakfast run
But yeah glad I got my baby back! Treating her reaaal good for now haha.
I still say you should keep your 125i!!:hammerhead:
Major
Active member
So, cliffnotes:
1) You buy a 120i, a car that's marketed and designed to be an economical daily runner, not a performance-orientated vehicle.
2) You drive the balls off the car from the get go. I don't think you'll convince anyone here that you behaved for the first 2000km, seeing as your Potenza's are shredded at 2995km. And if you did behave for 2000km, how did you destroy Potenza's in 995km?
3) You admit to constantly lighting up the rear tires and breaking it loose, saying "Man there's almost not a time I drive where I don't kick out the back or hit some wheelspin... To me, the drive feels incomplete when I reach my destination if I haven't done so... Dunno just a mental thing..."
4) Your diff gives up on your driving habits at 2995km, and the first thing you blame is a defect at BMW.
@ri, I don't know you personally, so please take this with a grain of salt. I'm not looking to embarrass or antagonize you, but perhaps bring you down to earth. You can't expect a 120i to handle a thrashing like that, and refuse to accept responsibility when the diff clearly broke as a result of your driving habits. I haven't seen you drive, and will avoid doing so, but I wouldn't be surprised if your diff shredded itself as a result of a few handbrake pulls with the clutch out. That, and any non-LSD diff will suffer during burnouts or whatever it is you were doing. On a brand new car, the chances of your diff oil being low unless you smashed it with a rock or drove over something nasty is highly unlikely, and you would've noticed a nasty vibration and noise long before any of this happened.
And, no, the 135i doesn't have a mechanical LSD, and instead uses an electronically controlled brake within the diff instead of clutch plates. It's lame, and doesn't do the job nearly as well as a mechanical LSD. It's called E-LSD, and it's the same one that's in your car, just a lower ratio. Basically, as I understand it, what it does is it applies the brakes (that are inside the diff) to the wheel that's spinning faster than the opposite wheel in a slip. You've probably noticed a slight to moderate shudder when you break the wheels loose. So this isn't actually an LSD, it doesn't distribute power to each wheel equally, it simply removes energy from the 'excitable' wheel by means of an electronically-controlled brake. I'm sure that this constant braking happening within the diff during full-throttle burnouts/slides would more than account for your diff ripping itself apart.
Again, I'm not looking to cause an argument, but you really have yourself to blame here. Drive it normally for 2000km, and only then should you even consider messing around. Break-in periods are for everyone including you, and for a very good reason. Otherwise this diff will also last 2995km. As I've pointed out, if you want to do burnouts/slides on a regular basis, get a proper mechanical LSD. Unfortunately for you, BMW don't make mechanical LSD's for any 1-series. You'll only find them in the M cars, and I'm not sure which one would fit if at all in your car.
1) You buy a 120i, a car that's marketed and designed to be an economical daily runner, not a performance-orientated vehicle.
2) You drive the balls off the car from the get go. I don't think you'll convince anyone here that you behaved for the first 2000km, seeing as your Potenza's are shredded at 2995km. And if you did behave for 2000km, how did you destroy Potenza's in 995km?
3) You admit to constantly lighting up the rear tires and breaking it loose, saying "Man there's almost not a time I drive where I don't kick out the back or hit some wheelspin... To me, the drive feels incomplete when I reach my destination if I haven't done so... Dunno just a mental thing..."
4) Your diff gives up on your driving habits at 2995km, and the first thing you blame is a defect at BMW.
@ri, I don't know you personally, so please take this with a grain of salt. I'm not looking to embarrass or antagonize you, but perhaps bring you down to earth. You can't expect a 120i to handle a thrashing like that, and refuse to accept responsibility when the diff clearly broke as a result of your driving habits. I haven't seen you drive, and will avoid doing so, but I wouldn't be surprised if your diff shredded itself as a result of a few handbrake pulls with the clutch out. That, and any non-LSD diff will suffer during burnouts or whatever it is you were doing. On a brand new car, the chances of your diff oil being low unless you smashed it with a rock or drove over something nasty is highly unlikely, and you would've noticed a nasty vibration and noise long before any of this happened.
And, no, the 135i doesn't have a mechanical LSD, and instead uses an electronically controlled brake within the diff instead of clutch plates. It's lame, and doesn't do the job nearly as well as a mechanical LSD. It's called E-LSD, and it's the same one that's in your car, just a lower ratio. Basically, as I understand it, what it does is it applies the brakes (that are inside the diff) to the wheel that's spinning faster than the opposite wheel in a slip. You've probably noticed a slight to moderate shudder when you break the wheels loose. So this isn't actually an LSD, it doesn't distribute power to each wheel equally, it simply removes energy from the 'excitable' wheel by means of an electronically-controlled brake. I'm sure that this constant braking happening within the diff during full-throttle burnouts/slides would more than account for your diff ripping itself apart.
Again, I'm not looking to cause an argument, but you really have yourself to blame here. Drive it normally for 2000km, and only then should you even consider messing around. Break-in periods are for everyone including you, and for a very good reason. Otherwise this diff will also last 2995km. As I've pointed out, if you want to do burnouts/slides on a regular basis, get a proper mechanical LSD. Unfortunately for you, BMW don't make mechanical LSD's for any 1-series. You'll only find them in the M cars, and I'm not sure which one would fit if at all in your car.
Nic_s
///Member
Yes... @ri has been thrashing it, but I seriously can't understand how his 2.0L S-4 (125KW) is capable of breaking the diff like it did. It means that a 135i would turn it's diff to pudding as soon as the wheels are screeched for the first time seeing that the two cars use more or less the same diff.
I can understand if the diff started to whine or make noises because it was thrashed while being run in, but it locked up completely.
The simple fact is this. Diffs aren't being made like they used to and I'm pretty sure this was a selected case.
Edit: @ri - Don't you have a steptronic gearbox?
I can understand if the diff started to whine or make noises because it was thrashed while being run in, but it locked up completely.
The simple fact is this. Diffs aren't being made like they used to and I'm pretty sure this was a selected case.
Edit: @ri - Don't you have a steptronic gearbox?
Major said:
Major
Active member
The thing is, Nicholas, although they might both use the same diff technology (don't hold me to it), this one in particular was abused. We don't know exactly (and probably won't get the truth) as to whether or not the first 2000km were driven normally, and without breaking the tires loose. I'm sure the 135i's diff would survive just as long as a 120i's diff if they are both run-in properly and not abused daily. To me this is a simple case of a young guy getting a BMW and driving it like a supercar. It's just not going to last.
I'd like to know if BMW get back to you on what caused the seize, and post it here. Whether something got dislodged or it simply broke a whole bunch of teeth off the gears and it ground to a halt. You're right, a 125kW engine isn't likely to shred a diff, but I don't think a diff made for a 120i was intended to be abused quite like this. A couple of handbrake pulls or bad clutch/braking decisions while messing around would destroy any diff.
And everyone, I'm not being high and mighty. I'll happily admit here that I managed to stuff up the LSD on my E30 323i, which has less power than your 120i, because I would draw my name in the tarmac and do drifts around the Monte Casino circles. Although the previous owner had the LSD serviced before I bought the car, no doubt due to some of his own abuse.
I'd like to know if BMW get back to you on what caused the seize, and post it here. Whether something got dislodged or it simply broke a whole bunch of teeth off the gears and it ground to a halt. You're right, a 125kW engine isn't likely to shred a diff, but I don't think a diff made for a 120i was intended to be abused quite like this. A couple of handbrake pulls or bad clutch/braking decisions while messing around would destroy any diff.
And everyone, I'm not being high and mighty. I'll happily admit here that I managed to stuff up the LSD on my E30 323i, which has less power than your 120i, because I would draw my name in the tarmac and do drifts around the Monte Casino circles. Although the previous owner had the LSD serviced before I bought the car, no doubt due to some of his own abuse.
Nic_s
///Member
Major said:The thing is, Nicholas, although they might both use the same diff technology (don't hold me to it), this one in particular was abused. We don't know exactly (and probably won't get the truth) as to whether or not the first 2000km were driven normally, and without breaking the tires loose. I'm sure the 135i's diff would survive just as long as a 120i's diff if they are both run-in properly and not abused daily. To me this is a simple case of a young guy getting a BMW and driving it like a supercar. It's just not going to last.
I'd like to know if BMW get back to you on what caused the seize, and post it here. Whether something got dislodged or it simply broke a whole bunch of teeth off the gears and it ground to a halt. You're right, a 125kW engine isn't likely to shred a diff, but I don't think a diff made for a 120i was intended to be abused quite like this. A couple of handbrake pulls or bad clutch/braking decisions while messing around would destroy any diff.
And everyone, I'm not being high and mighty. I'll happily admit here that I managed to stuff up the LSD on my E30 323i, which has less power than your 120i, because I would draw my name in the tarmac and do drifts around the Monte Casino circles. Although the previous owner had the LSD serviced before I bought the car, no doubt due to some of his own abuse.
I completely understand what your saying and agree that any new car should be run in properly. I'm pretty sure he has a steptronic gearbox though (which is just a fancy auto as far as I'm concerned), so there is no clutch dropping nonsense. If the diff can't handle a fancy auto then just imagine what will happen in a 120i with a proper manual...
Kinda think of... a 116i manual will then also be able to destroy it's diff with clutch dropping ect. if a 2.0L with a fancy auto gearbox can do it.
The diff shouldn't failed the way it did whether it was thrashed or not.
Major: I get the point your trying to make. Lets rather wait and see if BMW can give a reason why the diff went instead of speculating...
@ri
///Member
Ok that really wasn't the point of this thread..
Just a few answers:
Thanks for the clarification. After my post where I was wondering if the 135i had a LSD or not I did some research and it's actually referred to as an e-Diff btw.
Me neither, but I just felt I had to answer some of your assumptions. As you said, you don't know me personally, so you wouldn't know (or would if you believed me) that I did in fact drive it "normally" for 2000km before doing the odd wheelspin or slide. I appreciate you trying to advise me on this, but most of your post is in fact false.
@Nicholas - Got a 6MT. Thanks..Glad someone sees some sense around here..
Will let you guys know when/if I hear anything from BMW.
Oh and I really do not wish create a bitter atmosphere around here.. Hope my post doesn't come across that way.
Just a few answers:
It seems as if the only person i'm not "convincing" here is you? Besides, why do I need to prove it to anyone? The truth of the matter is: yes I did run-in the car on quite a strict basis. Did not drift etc. before I reached 2000k on the dot. Believe me, don't believe me, I really couldn't care less. I don't recall saying that my tires were "destroyed".. Sure I said "evident wear"Major said:
Ok so maybe I made use of a little thing called exaggeration in that post.. Besides, I wouldn't necessarily call it "lighting up the rear tires"Major said:
Yep. And I still blame a defect differential. Or maybe it's like I said. They don't make em like they used toMajor said:
One thing I notice in your post is you like to assume things. I wouldn't call it a thrashing, and my mates who know me personally here (De@nO, 1two5guy and Eternal) would agree.Major said:
As a matter of fact I have never pulled the handbrake during a turn or anything of the sort.Major said:
As a matter of fact I did come off the road at one point, so this may very well have happened. And I have never done a burnout in the car.Major said:
Major said:
Thanks for the clarification. After my post where I was wondering if the 135i had a LSD or not I did some research and it's actually referred to as an e-Diff btw.
Major said:
Me neither, but I just felt I had to answer some of your assumptions. As you said, you don't know me personally, so you wouldn't know (or would if you believed me) that I did in fact drive it "normally" for 2000km before doing the odd wheelspin or slide. I appreciate you trying to advise me on this, but most of your post is in fact false.
@Nicholas - Got a 6MT. Thanks..Glad someone sees some sense around here..
Will let you guys know when/if I hear anything from BMW.
Oh and I really do not wish create a bitter atmosphere around here.. Hope my post doesn't come across that way.
De@nO
///Member
Howzit Major.
lol.... I think it was a bit harsh to say that @ri abused the car. He followed the run-in procedure like clock work!
I was in the car with him when the diff went, and I can definitely say that it was a defect diff in @ri's 120i.
He hasnt abused his car in terms of pulling burnouts and wheelspins. The only wheelspins he pulls are small chirps.
U know the way I drive my 320i E46'r sometimes. - Much, much more 'abusive' than @ri's driving. I havnt had any mechanical failures of the sort caused by 'abusive' driving. except for a clutch... maybe :thinker: lol
lol.... I think it was a bit harsh to say that @ri abused the car. He followed the run-in procedure like clock work!
I was in the car with him when the diff went, and I can definitely say that it was a defect diff in @ri's 120i.
He hasnt abused his car in terms of pulling burnouts and wheelspins. The only wheelspins he pulls are small chirps.
U know the way I drive my 320i E46'r sometimes. - Much, much more 'abusive' than @ri's driving. I havnt had any mechanical failures of the sort caused by 'abusive' driving. except for a clutch... maybe :thinker: lol
Major
Active member
@ri said:
:spit:
Perhaps you should've thought of that before saying "glad someone sees some sense around here", but whatever, I'm not easily offended. :thumbsup:
@ri, understand, I'm basing my assumptions on what I see here.
- Your diff is stuffed after only 2995km.
- Your tires are already showing visible signs of wear, and most Potenza's are rated for upwards of 20'000km, some of them past 30'000km.
- You stated (although exaggerated) that you like to break the tires loose once in a while.
I'm just going with what I know. As you've done here, you've proven me horribly wrong, so it must obviously be a faulty diff, in which case I eagerly await news from BMW. No harm, no foul. A broken diff after so short a time says a lot if it isn't a manufacturing fault, that's all.
And hey! I'm friends with De@nO too, he brought me here. I didn't click that you're the Ari from all the Facebook videos and pictures.
I'm not making enemies here, it just seemed from what I'd seen in your posts that you tend to abuse your car, and when it broke you pointed fingers. If what you say is true, and you don't treat your car like a whore, then I apologise. You see where I'm coming from though, don't you.
@ri
///Member
Major said:
Aah I think I know you now lol!
No worries though, just wanted to set the record straight there!
Yeah if all that was true then I can definitely see where you are coming from, but it's not which was my initial intention in starting this thread (apart from the lols involved as well.
)And apologies for the sarcastic remark.
