discussion Seeking advice on buying a BMW M135i

[BigWes]

Hi All.

I am once again in need of some advice for purchasing a vehicle.

I have stumbled across a 2014 BMW M135i with 78k KM.

BMW 1 Series M135i 5-Door Auto for sale in Boksburg - ID: 27533421

Used 2014 BMW 1 Series M135i 5-Door Auto For Sale - R 379 995 - ID: 27533421

www.autotrader.co.za

The car has a full franchise service history. It was serviced regularly until 2021. From there it has no service and on the 1 May 2024 they sent it into BMW for a service, which was a simple oil change. I will drop the pics below.

Not sure why it doesn’t reflect on the I drive system.

The car is being sold at Mulsons.

The seller says there are some chips on the front and back bumper.

Notes from the seller is
“Full cash price R379995 we will respray the front and back bumper, Dekra inspection.

License and registration will be an additional R3000 if you would like us to do the paperwork as well.”

All advice and comments is appreciated.

I am still yet to go and inspect the car this weekend.


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[Riaad]

Hi bud,
At the current price point, its a hefty premium for a car with questionable service history. the ad states "Full Comprehensive BMW service history" - but nothing done between 2021 and 2024 ? fair that it hasn't covered much miles in that time, but it should have still be serviced accordingly.
The service done in 2021 was late - the "OK" is orange.

Also the front bumper is currently misaligned.

Piece of advice, best to neg the price down, than let the dealer spray the bumpers at an establishment of their choice.

 

[AshG108]

So to add to what Riaad has pointed out, besides the front bumper being is misaligned, the right front fender is a different colour and sticking out like a sore thumb. Left front fender gap is larger at the front than the rest of the car as well...use these and think of it as you may. Not sure if angle but looks like rear bumper is not the same colour as well and the left looks like it has been pressed a bit out of shape as well.

I would not touch a car with missing history, i seen an absolutely mint RSQ3 when I was in the market, beautiful car but missing service history and it had a few niggle with prop etc that i picked up and it all is too much of a gamble at the end of the day but also depends what you appetite for risk is.
As always with every car but more so with the M135i, you would want to get it read by someone with OBD program to check for mileage tampering, check for any and all errors that the car had and currently has... check the undercarriage for any damage (low vehicle and bad roads we have) and then check the bolts at the front on the downpipe (tell tale for mods) and the engine bay is most important check for oil leaks all over the tappet cover, the oil filter housing, the sump...and the undertray normally houses a lot of the trailed oil.

 

[cos_mo]

walk away, I viewed a car there a couple years ago. Most, if not all cars at their premises are accident repaired...

 

[BigWes]

Thank you for all your input.

I think I will continue the search for a better vehicle having assessed the comments.

[mention]Riaad [/mention]
I appreciate your input, you have responded to all my posts on the forum for seeking buying advice. Could you kindly send me a WhatsApp 0781337901


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[maleven-GP]

Hi bud,
At the current price point, its a hefty premium for a car with questionable service history. the ad states "Full Comprehensive BMW service history" - but nothing done between 2021 and 2024 ? fair that it hasn't covered much miles in that time, but it should have still be serviced accordingly.
The service done in 2021 was late - the "OK" is orange.

Also the front bumper is currently misaligned.

Piece of advice, best to neg the price down, than let the dealer spray the bumpers at an establishment of their choice.

There a grey area opportunity of driving and self-servicing or not at all, for that "21 to "24 period to create mileage reversals without questioning..

Sometimes it's because of accident damage that it was off the road for extended period of time.. 🛑🚩Red flags
That's where Cois comes in..

 

[Riaad]

Thank you for all your input.

I think I will continue the search for a better vehicle having assessed the comments.

[mention]Riaad [/mention]
I appreciate your input, you have responded to all my posts on the forum for seeking buying advice. Could you kindly send me a WhatsApp 0781337901


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I try and do my bit for the bmw community 😀...feel free to drop me a PM if needed.

 

[sAnDmAn_]

The eye for detail you gents have is freakin impressive!

 

[AceRally]

The eye for detail you gents have is freakin impressive!

Tell me about it!

 

[Hootro]

Hi All.

I am once again in need of some advice for purchasing a vehicle.

I have stumbled across a 2014 BMW M135i with 78k KM.

BMW 1 Series M135i 5-Door Auto for sale in Boksburg - ID: 27533421

Used 2014 BMW 1 Series M135i 5-Door Auto For Sale - R 379 995 - ID: 27533421

www.autotrader.co.za

The car has a full franchise service history. It was serviced regularly until 2021. From there it has no service and on the 1 May 2024 they sent it into BMW for a service, which was a simple oil change. I will drop the pics below.

Not sure why it doesn’t reflect on the I drive system.

The car is being sold at Mulsons.

The seller says there are some chips on the front and back bumper.

Notes from the seller is
“Full cash price R379995 we will respray the front and back bumper, Dekra inspection.

License and registration will be an additional R3000 if you would like us to do the paperwork as well.”

All advice and comments is appreciated.

I am still yet to go and inspect the car this weekend.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hello there I bought this car on the day of this post, I have since then found this thread and enquired about the vehicles service history with 2 questions to BMW Sandston, There was a service this year in February as well as 2022 and 2023 and I also enquired about the service jump between 2015 and 2017 which it was also serviced, The vehicle was sent in for a Dekra report and it came in nearly perfect, the vehicle has no mods or mod history and I plan on keeping it that way. The fender problem has been sorted out, it was a 1.2mil gap which was a great spot by you guys. The vehicle was in really perfect condition for what it is but at a later stage I only learned that it has the Business IDrive system and not the advanced which means it couldn't play media but apart from that and the right wheel's scratches it was fine. By the looks of it the vehicle was not really driven a whole lot and not used as a performance car as well.

 

[BigWes]

Hello there I bought this car on the day of this post, I have since then found this thread and enquired about the vehicles service history with 2 questions to BMW Sandston, There was a service this year in February as well as 2022 and 2023 and I also enquired about the service jump between 2015 and 2017 which it was also serviced, The vehicle was sent in for a Dekra report and it came in nearly perfect, the vehicle has no mods or mod history and I plan on keeping it that way. The fender problem has been sorted out, it was a 1.2mil gap which was a great spot by you guys. The vehicle was in really perfect condition for what it is but at a later stage I only learned that it has the Business IDrive system and not the advanced which means it couldn't play media but apart from that and the right wheel's scratches it was fine. By the looks of it the vehicle was not really driven a whole lot and not used as a performance car as well.

Congratulations Man
Wishing you a happy ownership and tons of thrilling joy rides


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[Teezoh]

Hello there I bought this car on the day of this post, I have since then found this thread and enquired about the vehicles service history with 2 questions to BMW Sandston, There was a service this year in February as well as 2022 and 2023 and I also enquired about the service jump between 2015 and 2017 which it was also serviced, The vehicle was sent in for a Dekra report and it came in nearly perfect, the vehicle has no mods or mod history and I plan on keeping it that way. The fender problem has been sorted out, it was a 1.2mil gap which was a great spot by you guys. The vehicle was in really perfect condition for what it is but at a later stage I only learned that it has the Business IDrive system and not the advanced which means it couldn't play media but apart from that and the right wheel's scratches it was fine. By the looks of it the vehicle was not really driven a whole lot and not used as a performance car as well.

Congrats, hope you have miles of smiles!

Regarding the media though, you should have a USB and AUX port in the armrest from where you can play using a stick or iPad etc.

 

[Hootro]

Congrats, hope you have miles of smiles!

Regarding the media though, you should have a USB and AUX port in the armrest from where you can play using a stick or iPad etc.

Thanks brother, miles of smiles and not good range but its been fun!
I bought a USB device yeah been working perfectly but it would of been nice to have the media side of the Bluetooth, Also a question for you Teezoh about your M135I, have you done any preventive maintenance on your car and is there anything you can recommend as well as your boot spoiler and side skirts and diffusers, Do you mind telling me where'd you get them and if you can recommend it?

 

[Teezoh]

Thanks brother, miles of smiles and not good range but its been fun!
I bought a USB device yeah been working perfectly but it would of been nice to have the media side of the Bluetooth, Also a question for you Teezoh about your M135I, have you done any preventive maintenance on your car and is there anything you can recommend as well as your boot spoiler and side skirts and diffusers, Do you mind telling me where'd you get them and if you can recommend it?

Yeah, the range is non-existent with the small tank and heavy foot.

For my Bluetooth problem, I opted to go for an aftermarket 10" Android screen, also giving you access to Android auto etc.

Preventive maintenance if I should collect:

1. Oil + oil filter change - I don't trust dealerships saying it's been done on collection, even if they show me the Invoice, it could be one of their mates helping them save money from their side. Don't use cheap oil and also don't mix your oils going forward when you top up.
2. Spark plugs - Even though they said mine was done the stock Bosch plugs was still in there, clearly not new. Consider installing new coils at the same time for peace of mind.
3. Charge pipe upgrade - The stock one blows up faster than a Tiktok trend and the upgrade will help you for doing software (I'll get to that)
4. Wheel alignment - mostly peace of mind on my checklist
5. Fluids: transmission fluid service with ZF since you're at the 75K mark, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid. Keep all the fluids fresh and full.

The guys here will add if I might have missed something but overall it's nice to get the car on a lift in order to see what's happening out of sight: control arms, oil leaks you might not notice or damage.

The PCV valve failing is a common problem, but you'll know when it fails, the car will "whistle" at you...

For all your aesthetics needs, @FiRi@Rennzport will sort you. They're a must-have btw

Two other things I would recommend getting done soon since it will change the car into what it should be:

Software - At least Stage 1 although Stage 2 is the sweet spot, you can always have the tuner load your base map before you send it in and if you're worried about MP (That's if you have a MP?).
XHP - Very big change just by getting this done, will feel like a totally different car when driving.

The above can be done by @Xcede Performance

 

[Hootro]

Yeah, the range is non-existent with the small tank and heavy foot.

For my Bluetooth problem, I opted to go for an aftermarket 10" Android screen, also giving you access to Android auto etc.

Preventive maintenance if I should collect:

1. Oil + oil filter change - I don't trust dealerships saying it's been done on collection, even if they show me the Invoice, it could be one of their mates helping them save money from their side. Don't use cheap oil and also don't mix your oils going forward when you top up.
2. Spark plugs - Even though they said mine was done the stock Bosch plugs was still in there, clearly not new. Consider installing new coils at the same time for peace of mind.
3. Charge pipe upgrade - The stock one blows up faster than a Tiktok trend and the upgrade will help you for doing software (I'll get to that)
4. Wheel alignment - mostly peace of mind on my checklist
5. Fluids: transmission fluid service with ZF since you're at the 75K mark, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid. Keep all the fluids fresh and full.

The guys here will add if I might have missed something but overall it's nice to get the car on a lift in order to see what's happening out of sight: control arms, oil leaks you might not notice or damage.

The PCV valve failing is a common problem, but you'll know when it fails, the car will "whistle" at you...

For all your aesthetics needs, @FiRi@Rennzport will sort you. They're a must-have btw

Two other things I would recommend getting done soon since it will change the car into what it should be:

Software - At least Stage 1 although Stage 2 is the sweet spot, you can always have the tuner load your base map before you send it in and if you're worried about MP (That's if you have a MP?).
XHP - Very big change just by getting this done, will feel like a totally different car when driving.

The above can be done by @Xcede Performance

Amazing thank you so much if I have any further questions I will let you know, really appreciate it and I will make sure to follow and look into everything. You have a beautiful car by the way!

 

[Teezoh]

Amazing thank you so much if I have any further questions I will let you know, really appreciate it and I will make sure to follow and look into everything. You have a beautiful car by the way!

Thanks 👊

With @Rennzport and @Xcede Performance on here at your fingertips, you can get the look etc done easy peasy.

 

[Teezoh]

Btw @Hootro don't forget to introduce yourself and some photos of your ride in the Introduction Area

 

[AshG108]

Congrats bud,
As said above, you need to follow maintenance before ANY mods at all and at minimum lookout for:
1. Oil filter housing gasket leaks
2. sump gaskets sweats
3. tappet cover gasket sweat/leaks.
4. rough idle meaning you should check any boost leaks.
5. air filter change - I did K&N immediately and tons worth it, more audible turbo sounds
6. pollen filter change + get the OBD dongle like Carly or Bimmercode and there is a ton of fun things to code in or out on the car.
7. check for any HVAC leaks under the dashboard (aircon stinks or car stinks after keeping it locked for a while or you will get a foul smell which can indicate the start of a leak.
8. PCV on these models are easier to get done by replacing the entire tappet cover
9. Charge-pipe then must be changed from the original plastic one to the upgraded aluminum one (Xcede& XFlow can do all of the above and more)
10. Get a DP first and then Software Stage 2 (xHP do it afterwards...one mod and enjoyment at a time )
11. Consider doing a backbox mod (XFlow) then change to MPerf if you prefer HOWEVER the backbox mod on mine was more potent than an MPerf box.
12. mid-pipe is then on the cards...
13. do more frequent oil changes (every 7500 - 10000km) + consider changing oil to Liqui-Moly brand (Xcede can give yo uthe range and explain the differences)
14. Upgrade plugs to 1 Step colder for now, go 2 step colder + flex fule if you go Big turbo/Hybrid
15. Lower it...it is not an x1 m35i ha ha ha
16. Enjoy the pocket rocket, it will surprise many other bigger cars.

 

[Teezoh]

Congrats bud,
As said above, you need to follow maintenance before ANY mods at all and at minimum lookout for:
1. Oil filter housing gasket leaks
2. sump gaskets sweats
3. tappet cover gasket sweat/leaks.
4. rough idle meaning you should check any boost leaks.
5. air filter change - I did K&N immediately and tons worth it, more audible turbo sounds
6. pollen filter change + get the OBD dongle like Carly or Bimmercode and there is a ton of fun things to code in or out on the car.
7. check for any HVAC leaks under the dashboard (aircon stinks or car stinks after keeping it locked for a while or you will get a foul smell which can indicate the start of a leak.
8. PCV on these models are easier to get done by replacing the entire tappet cover
9. Charge-pipe then must be changed from the original plastic one to the upgraded aluminum one (Xcede& XFlow can do all of the above and more)
10. Get a DP first and then Software Stage 2 (xHP do it afterwards...one mod and enjoyment at a time )
11. Consider doing a backbox mod (XFlow) then change to MPerf if you prefer HOWEVER the backbox mod on mine was more potent than an MPerf box.
12. mid-pipe is then on the cards...
13. do more frequent oil changes (every 7500 - 10000km) + consider changing oil to Liqui-Moly brand (Xcede can give yo uthe range and explain the differences)
14. Upgrade plugs to 1 Step colder for now, go 2 step colder + flex fule if you go Big turbo/Hybrid
15. Lower it...it is not an x1 m35i ha ha ha
16. Enjoy the pocket rocket, it will surprise many other bigger cars.

Great points added by @AshG108 , just to expand my view on some points:

5. Air filter change on a stock filter box is better for cooling, I went with a BMS Intake/filter and although it sounds amazing, after tuning the car to the point it is now the intake temps on it is not worth the turbo sounds since the filter is exposed to the heat. The meth helps it a lot though but I'm heading back to stock filter box soon for added cooling.
11. Agree here, MPerf is overrated on the N55. I have a mid-delete to MPerf (sounds good) but again, these cars love a straight pipe setup and it sounds menacing, just don't add pops and bangs to a straight pipe setup, or any setup for that matter. I'm switching to straight pipe as soon as I get a buyer on the MPerf.
16. Oh it does indeed, mine gets a nice pat on the dash almost every day for running far away from the bullies...

 

[Naruto]

What an interesting post with lots of different views and ending positive.
Gotta love this forum

Congrats on the ride!