New (Used) car

[XavierMace]

Hey ATG,

Looking for some advice here. Getting rid of my BRZ (long story on that), and looking for something else small, nice, and sporty. Found a 2011 (N55) 135i with 67k miles on it for $18,500 that caught my eye. Based on the MVD office it was registered at, the owner lived way out on the outskirts so that would explain the higher mileage. My research shows the primary issue on those was the fuel pump and BMW eventually ended up recalling them and fixing that. I'm not seeing much else on on the N55 135i's, just the older N54's.

Carfax shows one owner, brought in to the dealer for maintenance at 20k, 40k, and 65k. What's ATG's thought on that?

 

[SithSolo1]

I don't know much about BMWs but if you were to ask Jalopnik the answer would always be Miata.

 

[satyajitmenon]

Sounds like a pretty good deal. Have a thorough PPI done by a BMW specialist Indy mech. Not heard of too many issues on the 135s besides the usual fuel pump foibles. And I'm not entirely convinced that BMW has found a proper solution for it. Then again, if they're willing to extend the warranty on the pump, might be worth it.

Are you looking at other cars too? I've been looking at new/used Focus STs recently. There are some gently used ones at around that price range.

 

[Wuzup101]

Do you plan to keep it stock or modify it? I've heard (never owned one) that the N54 had a bit more headroom than the N55 as the TT setup was able to flow a bit more air when tuned past the factory settings. If you don't plan to modify it, I'd probably stick with the N55.

They are nice little cars. Personally I'd probably just go for a used 335i instead because the extra room is nice to have and you don't lose a lot of the sportiness.

I'd love to hear about the long story on why you are getting rid of your BRZ...

 

[monkeydelmagico]

That's seems like a really good deal. KBB has trade in for "good" condition only
$500.- more. That's a no options car with auto.

I'd get that car inspected ASAP and if it's legit grab it.

 

[XavierMace]

Do you plan to keep it stock or modify it? I've heard (never owned one) that the N54 had a bit more headroom than the N55 as the TT setup was able to flow a bit more air when tuned past the factory settings. If you don't plan to modify it, I'd probably stick with the N55.

I'd love to hear about the long story on why you are getting rid of your BRZ...

Doubt I'd do much to it beyond JB4. Most everyone does agree the N54 has more headroom but is also less reliable. JB4, exhaust, and E85 (which would be an option for me) would put it at 380hp/470tq which is substantially more than anything else I've owned.

BRZ got flooded in a big rain we had last year and the engine got hydrolocked. 4 months, 1 engine, 2 ECU's, and 2 Subaru engineers later they still haven't been able to get it running again. It's throwing error codes for cam sensors (which I had it in for twice prior to the flood) and they can't get them to go away. Currently the dealer says as soon as it gets up to running temps, it just dies. So, Subaru is buying back the car.

Are you looking at other cars too? I've been looking at new/used Focus STs recently. There are some gently used ones at around that price range.

I'm looking at a handful of other ones, but the Focus ST personally doesn't do anything for me.