[jackson2005]

As title says I am looking at purchasing a new BMW and have come to a stand still and so have come to ask for advice from previous/current owners as to which path they recommend me to go down.

EDIT: plan on keeping vehicle for only 2-3 years

Currently looking at a 2011 135i (9.6k USD) that has been stage2+ and has 106,000KMs details below:
Modifications:
-Stage 2+ tune (420hp/650nm)
-VRSF 3-inch catless downpipe
-1m front bumper
-High-pressure fuel pump-ready for E85
-Stepped intercooler
-BMS intake
-BMW charge pipe
-Volk racing wheels
-Eibach suspension springs
-Carbon fibre rear diffuser
-side skirts

Maintenance:
Waterpump + thermostat replaced at 105 500 km
Serviced at 105 000 km (have the invoice)
Regular coolant top-up
Monthly tyre pressure check
Regular engine oil check

The other option I have is a 2015 M135i (10.2k USD) that is bone stock and has 88,000 KMs

The issue I'm having is being a 19 year old with minimal income is it too much of a risk buying the 135i that has been fully upgraded? I know the N55 is a reliable engine I'm just a bit worried there might be issues down the line.

[Brandoch]

Originally Posted by jackson2005

As title says I am looking at purchasing a new BMW and have come to a stand still and so have come to ask for advice from previous/current owners as to which path they recommend me to go down.

Currently looking at a 2011 135i (9.6k USD) that has been stage2+ and has 106,000KMs details below:
Modifications:
-Stage 2+ tune (420hp/650nm)
-VRSF 3-inch catless downpipe
-1m front bumper
-High-pressure fuel pump-ready for E85
-Stepped intercooler
-BMS intake
-BMW charge pipe
-Volk racing wheels
-Eibach suspension springs
-Carbon fibre rear diffuser
-side skirts

Maintenance:
Waterpump + thermostat replaced at 105 500 km
Serviced at 105 000 km (have the invoice)
Regular coolant top-up
Monthly tyre pressure check
Regular engine oil check

The other option I have is a 2015 M135i (10.2k USD) that is bone stock and has 88,000 KMs

The issue I'm having is being a 19 year old with minimal income is it too much of a risk buying the 135i that has been fully upgraded? I know the N55 is a reliable engine I'm just a bit worried there might be issues down the line.

19 year old with minimal income; run away. Even DIY these cars can cost quite a bit.
And in my opinion (I'll be flamed for this) 135 or a 335 is way too much power for a 19 year old. Get a 128 or a 328, they still have 250 ish HP. Plenty quick.

[jackson2005]

Originally Posted by Brandoch

19 year old with minimal income; run away. Even DIY these cars can cost quite a bit.
And in my opinion (I'll be flamed for this) 135 or a 335 is way too much power for a 19 year old. Get a 128 or a 328, they still have 250 ish HP. Plenty quick.

This is great information thank you, unfortunately I am am quite stubborn and am set on a 135i or 335i and more or less wanting to know in the long run if the stock option is better and then get upgrades done myself so I know the car hasn't been thrashed by previous owners. Another option could also be looking at a stock F30 and getting that done up.

Also I would like to add that I would call myself a pretty capable driver for my age as since I was 17 I have been racing my fathers '79 911 on track once or twice a month and am used to higher HP cars.

[Brandoch]

Originally Posted by jackson2005

This is great information thank you, unfortunately I am am quite stubborn and am set on a 135i or 335i and more or less wanting to know in the long run if the stock option is better and then get upgrades done myself so I know the car hasn't been thrashed by previous owners. Another option could also be looking at a stock F30 and getting that done up.

Also I would like to add that I would call myself a pretty capable driver for my age as since I was 17 I have been racing my fathers '79 911 on track once or twice a month and am used to higher HP cars.

A modded car has a higher chance of more problems then a stock car.
Good luck, please drive responsible.

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by jackson2005

As title says I am looking at purchasing a new BMW and have come to a stand still and so have come to ask for advice from previous/current owners as to which path they recommend me to go down.

EDIT: plan on keeping vehicle for only 2-3 years

Currently looking at a 2011 135i (9.6k USD) that has been stage2+ and has 106,000KMs details below:
Modifications:
-Stage 2+ tune (420hp/650nm)
-VRSF 3-inch catless downpipe
-1m front bumper
-High-pressure fuel pump-ready for E85
-Stepped intercooler
-BMS intake
-BMW charge pipe
-Volk racing wheels
-Eibach suspension springs
-Carbon fibre rear diffuser
-side skirts

Maintenance:
Waterpump + thermostat replaced at 105 500 km
Serviced at 105 000 km (have the invoice)
Regular coolant top-up
Monthly tyre pressure check
Regular engine oil check

The other option I have is a 2015 M135i (10.2k USD) that is bone stock and has 88,000 KMs

The issue I'm having is being a 19 year old with minimal income is it too much of a risk buying the 135i that has been fully upgraded? I know the N55 is a reliable engine I'm just a bit worried there might be issues down the line.

Yes, the risk is way too high. Get the stock car with lower kms and enjoy it for what it is, which is 100% all you truly need, until you can afford to assume the risk that comes with doing mods.

[BMWbiker]

Originally Posted by jackson2005

The issue I'm having is being a 19 year old with minimal income is it too much of a risk buying the 135i that has been fully upgraded? I know the N55 is a reliable engine I'm just a bit worried there might be issues down the line.

Honestly? Neither.

A nineteen year old with minimal income should avoid buying a car if possible. Use mass transit. Put the money in the bank.

If you live somewhere without mass transit, then buy a used Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, or whatever the equivalents are in NZ. Put as much money as possible in the bank.

Cars are depreciating assets and money pits. I assume that one of those cars will be expensive to insure. It will be expensive to maintain and repair.

You want to minimize your costs and maximize your savings. The more you save and invest now, the less you need to save when you’re older, and the more fun you can have when you can afford it.

If you insist on making a purchase between those two cars, buy the stock one. Don’t buy someone else’s mods and possible abuse of the car.

[soldes]

Older Car with mods, the question is simple:

Do the buyer (any age), has the financial resources to fund the repairs that this vehicles will surely need, over and over again?
The answer to this question my give you the response/signal that you have been looking for.
Best of luck with your decision.

[X5MnM3comp]

Sounds like you are buying something irrationally that you cannot afford in reality. Even though your budget covers the prices, you are leaving yourself no room for certain expected and unexpected expenses that comes with a car that the repair costs are not cheap especially at the mileages they had been driven. $10k can barely get you a bmw almost at its end of life, but that same money can probably get you a newer similar performance Japanese car in much better shape plus some change back in your pocket. You also need to think about when time comes to upgrade, the bmw will be worthless from the 10k you spent now. But the alternative brand will still get you a portion of down pay, along with money you’re able to save from not wasting on repairs (if chose high mileage bmw) for a more reliable perhaps a newer bmw that you can enjoy for years without worries.

[jackson2005]

Thank you everyone for the information you've all helped out a lot and I've decided to only look for something stock now. I would like to add that my current 2016 118i would fetch me about 7-8k USD on the market here so I do also have that money to play with. I understand the idea of looking at something Japanese for the reliability and future value but after owning my BMW for almost 3 years now its hard for me to make the switch as I am just in love with BMWs in general and have decided I want something a bit more powerful and nice sounding. (I know its a very typical thing to want 135/335i + pop bang lol).

If I'm allowed to drop links I'd love to show you guys what I'm actually looking at.

[ppointer]

If you absolutely, positively have to buy one of these, go with bone stock. Set aside a few hundred NZD per month for future maintenance. You'll need it.

[DocL]

Originally Posted by jackson2005

This is great information thank you, unfortunately I am am quite stubborn and am set on a 135i or 335i and more or less wanting to know in the long run if the stock option is better and then get upgrades done myself so I know the car hasn't been thrashed by previous owners. Another option could also be looking at a stock F30 and getting that done up.

Also I would like to add that I would call myself a pretty capable driver for my age as since I was 17 I have been racing my fathers '79 911 on track once or twice a month and am used to higher HP cars.

Since you are stubborn and drive your daddy's car on the track, why are you wasting our time. Buy the BMW or get off the toilet.

And we're all glad you call yourself a capable driver with only two years under your belt.

Good luck and let us know how it works out for you.

-Cheers.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by jackson2005

This is great information thank you, unfortunately I am am quite stubborn and am set on a 135i or 335i and more or less wanting to know in the long run if the stock option is better and then get upgrades done myself so I know the car hasn't been thrashed by previous owners. Another option could also be looking at a stock F30 and getting that done up.

Also I would like to add that I would call myself a pretty capable driver for my age as since I was 17 I have been racing my fathers '79 911 on track once or twice a month and am used to higher HP cars.

On a track, all the cars are going the same direction.

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by jackson2005

As title says I am looking at purchasing a new BMW and have come to a stand still and so have come to ask for advice from previous/current owners as to which path they recommend me to go down.

EDIT: plan on keeping vehicle for only 2-3 years

Currently looking at a 2011 135i (9.6k USD) that has been stage2+ and has 106,000KMs details below:
Modifications:
-Stage 2+ tune (420hp/650nm)
-VRSF 3-inch catless downpipe
-1m front bumper
-High-pressure fuel pump-ready for E85
-Stepped intercooler
-BMS intake
-BMW charge pipe
-Volk racing wheels
-Eibach suspension springs
-Carbon fibre rear diffuser
-side skirts

Maintenance:
Waterpump + thermostat replaced at 105 500 km
Serviced at 105 000 km (have the invoice)
Regular coolant top-up
Monthly tyre pressure check
Regular engine oil check

The other option I have is a 2015 M135i (10.2k USD) that is bone stock and has 88,000 KMs

The issue I'm having is being a 19 year old with minimal income is it too much of a risk buying the 135i that has been fully upgraded? I know the N55 is a reliable engine I'm just a bit worried there might be issues down the line.

for your scenario and usage go with M135i

[Rafichicago]

Originally Posted by Mavus

for your scenario and usage go with M135i

Come on guys. OP is “used to” driving high HP cars. He has lots of experience and have been doing so since breakfast. Jokes aside after owning about 30 cars including 8 BMWs I know one thing. I will never own BMW with 35 on its badge.

[jackson2005]

I’m a little confused guys as from what I’ve researched the N55 is a decently reliable engine so why do so many people want to steer clear of them unless they have a larger budget, my 118i with a b38 is considered to also be a “decently reliable engine” and since owning it have not had a single issue. Also I understand how stupid that reply I added about daddys track car and what not was lol

[Brandoch]

Originally Posted by jackson2005

I’m a little confused guys as from what I’ve researched the N55 is a decently reliable engine so why do so many people want to steer clear of them unless they have a larger budget, my 118i with a b38 is considered to also be a “decently reliable engine” and since owning it have not had a single issue. Also I understand how stupid that reply I added about daddys track car and what not was lol

It's slightly more reliable then the N54. Saying that it's still not like a Civic or a Camry. Owning a N54 e90 335i for 5 years, a N52 f25 X3 for 4 years, and a E93 M3 for 2.5. All the platforms require a fair bit of maintenance and can cost alot if taking to the shop. If the turbo blows on an N55 be prepared to spend $3000 or more.
BMW early turbo engines are pay to play.

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by jackson2005

EDIT: plan on keeping vehicle for only 2-3 years.

Originally Posted by jackson2005

... and then get upgrades done myself ...

These things don't belong together by the way, not if you're young and care about finances at all (you should care).

Whatever you buy, leave it as is. Someday down the road, when you have disposable income, go for it. But at 19, save the money on something ESPECIALLY if you're not even planning to keep it.

[jackson2005]

updated car links:
135i: https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/use...5031920427.htm

m135i: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ARkhSg5fN/

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by Rafichicago

Come on guys. OP is “used to” driving high HP cars. He has lots of experience and have been doing so since breakfast. Jokes aside after owning about 30 cars including 8 BMWs I know one thing. I will never own BMW with 35 on its badge.

well I have 2 of them and no issues … you just can’t generalize with blanket statement like that since there were diff engines and improvements installed under that 35i badge including fwd models.

[X5MnM3comp]

Originally Posted by jackson2005

I’m a little confused guys as from what I’ve researched the N55 is a decently reliable engine so why do so many people want to steer clear of them unless they have a larger budget, my 118i with a b38 is considered to also be a “decently reliable engine” and since owning it have not had a single issue. Also I understand how stupid that reply I added about daddys track car and what not was lol

Reliability is irrelevant when you apply it to any car with more than 60k miles owned by who knows what type of owner(s) previously. Every engine is reliable otherwise they wont sell the cars. Reliability heavily depends on how owners maintain and do to the car.

[MaxVO2]

***I personally would stick with stock and lower mileage. This type of car is generally speaking not even remotely a sound financial decision if and when something should break.

It's nice having a cool car at 19 but with minimal income it will stretch you financially even if nothing goes wrong with it. You would be hard pressed to recover financially at 19 if something goes wrong with it.

A modded car is just asking for trouble if you can't afford the big repair bill if and when it breaks something. There is no warranty on either car so if the lower mileage one has been well maintained - get that one and do some mods yourself as budget permits.

Truthfully, you'd be better off in something a bit more practical until you have the marketable skills to land a job or have income to support a nicer car.

Everyone wants nice things. I get it. Whatever you decide, enjoy it.

[Rafichicago]

Originally Posted by Mavus

well I have 2 of them and no issues … you just can’t generalize with blanket statement like that since there were diff engines and improvements installed under that 35i badge including fwd models.

It’s ok. I don’t even want to start on n54/55 issues. One of the. Pat unreliable engine in BMW history but praised for tunability by many. I personally know about many that spun bearing before 100k miles. Let alone fuel delivery issues. The repairs are expensive. 12 revisions of injectors alone kept me from getting anything with that drivetrain.