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      07-22-2014, 10:39 PM   #1
Cheungs
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New Melbourne Member! - Help Me Buy a 130i

Hi everyone,

Just wanting to introduce myself a bit, my name is Michael and I have been in love with 1 series cars ever since I first saw my Uncle's 120i when I was 11.
Must have been that hatchback look.
Clearly that was purely based on the aesthetics, but lately from months of casual forum crawling, I've come to see how great these cars really are.

Anyhow, the time has come for me to move on from driving around the girlfriends Suzuki Alto and venture out into the world on my own 4 wheels.

TL;DR at the end!

So as the title says, help me buy a 130i. This will be my first car.

The things I want/know:
- Relatively low k's. (Under 100k)
- Manual transmission
- Alpine White/Crimson Red preferred. (But really i'd be happy with any colour)
- Mods/Aftermarket and Upgrades (Counted as a bonus, but not necessary, I've got a few in mind that I want to do already)
- Doesn't have to be local, I can travel.
- I've got a rough idea of the maintenance required, over and on top of the BMW regular.

The things I need to know:
- Is there anything I should look out for when buying a second hand car/130i?
- Maintenance issues?
- Inclusions? (I know the M Sport is fitted standard for Aus)
- Is iDrive really worth it?
- What is the process like when going in for a private sale?
- Is it recommended to bring a mechanic/BMW specialist or RAC bloke to assess the car beforehand?
- Flexibility in advertised price?

I've had a search of the forums on this question and came across evolution42's post, and that was a good read, but the questions I wanted answered where on the last post.

I've been watching carsales.com.au for a couple of months now and I can see i'll probably be spending around ~ $21k.

Any help or advice would be appreciated!

TL;DR

Hi, my names Michael. Happy to be a part of this forum!
Any tips on purchasing a 130i?
Any help or advice would be appreciated!

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      07-23-2014, 12:16 AM   #2
1q2w3e4r
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Kenny (MrBlonde) had the first 130i in Australia when they were first launched which was a manual. Might be worth shooting him a PM.
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      07-23-2014, 12:32 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1q2w3e4r View Post
Kenny (MrBlonde) had the first 130i in Australia when they were first launched which was a manual. Might be worth shooting him a PM.
+1 Not sure if Kenny is around here these days.

Also recommend speaking to 'flinchy' aka Sir Flinch-a-lot.
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      07-23-2014, 02:12 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMW86 View Post
aka Sir Flinch-a-lot.
well that's a new one to me hah

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheungs View Post
The things I need to know:
- Is there anything I should look out for when buying a second hand car/130i?
nothing really major other than the normal car things (rust/damage/all electric stuff working). I've made my share of terrible car purchases over the years, seriously be careful, and try to keep a level head/don't 'emotion' buy as much as you can (i know, it's impossible hah)

if PDC is fitted (rear parking beeping), make sure the driver side tail light is sealed properly, or water gets in and makes the module corrode.

the motor can have an annoying LOUD ticking noise if you let it idle. seriously don't let it idle. it's the lifters in the head getting some air in them or something. it doesn't usually mean much, but if it never goes away:

a) it's annoying

b) could mean a little bit of bad wear is present

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheungs View Post
- Maintenance issues?
don't listen to BMW's 'lifetime fill' transmission+diff fluids. It's not super expensive to drain+refill with some high quality stuff, and even 50,000km would be plenty often enough

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheungs View Post
- Inclusions? (I know the M Sport is fitted standard for Aus)
sunroof? park assist (front and or rear)? leather colours? - someone else could probably answer this better than me, mine only has sunroof+ rear PDC.

130i has the xenon's standard, which is really the most important thing haha

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheungs View Post
- Is iDrive really worth it?
for you? maybe, inbuilt nav etc. can be cool. Personally i've never lived with it, someone else can answer this better.

Personal choice though really. just test one that has it and see if you like what it does.

I didn't want it, as i wanted to be able to more easily do a full aftermarket stereo... i never ended up doing so for reasons (all going in our other car), but still don't desire it really.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheungs View Post
- What is the process like when going in for a private sale?
TEST DRIVE MULTIPLE OTHER CARS

have you tested cars OTHER than the 130i? if not, just do it. IMO there's not really many better cars for the age/money/p-plate legal without getting an exemption.

otherwise..

find car you like

get inspected

if all good, leave deposit usually happens if you have to sort out finance/get money together [this is usually when the seller sorts out RWC/fixing anything if needed, if not already roadworthied, if it's agreed to come with one.. which is much easier]

get money together

get paperwork together (department of transport has it all, or available online) - transfer of registration.

get buyer to sign form with all details needed, you sign with all details needed

pay for car, collect keys etc.

go to department of transport with paperwork, pay stamp duty (percentage value of car, it sucks yes), car is officially yours!

oh and don't forget to sign up for the toll-road tag service whatever it's called

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheungs View Post
- Is it recommended to bring a mechanic/BMW specialist or RAC bloke to
assess the car beforehand?
yes, always is, just in case.

the 130i doesn't really have any major unique issues to be aware of

but it's still a car, so can have any normal car issues with any component.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheungs View Post
- Flexibility in advertised price?
offer something inoffensive.. a couple thousand lower usually.. It's always worth a try.

Also, even over 6-12 months ago i've seen some 130i's come up with excellent tasteful modifications for <$25,000 (coilovers and such) if that's to your taste.. no holding your breath, but it's a possibility if willing to wait around.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheungs View Post
I've had a search of the forums on this question and came across evolution42's post, and that was a good read, but the questions I wanted answered where on the last post.

I've been watching carsales.com.au for a couple of months now and I can see i'll probably be spending around ~ $21k.

Any help or advice would be appreciated!

TL;DR

Hi, my names Michael. Happy to be a part of this forum!
Any tips on purchasing a 130i?
Any help or advice would be appreciated!

welcome!

there's a facebook 130i owners group with a few melbourne owners, friendly folk.

130i is a great car, fits a good ikea lounge setup/a 50" TV in the back, with all the fun of RWD haha.

no spare tire/room beneath the floor of the boot though. bit of a downer for me lol.
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      07-23-2014, 06:04 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flinchy View Post
Also, even over 6-12 months ago i've seen some 130i's come up with excellent tasteful modifications for <$25,000 (coilovers and such) if that's to your taste.. no holding your breath, but it's a possibility if willing to wait around
Hmmm, maybe a little out of my price range. Although if they have what im looking for, i'd rethink it, the value would have to be there. Any of the below would be awesome!

1. Blackline LCIs
2. BMWP Exhaust
3. BMWP Intake
4. SSK
- BMWP Strut (Not a priority, but damn do they look good! )


Quote:
Originally Posted by flinchy View Post

welcome!

there's a facebook 130i owners group with a few melbourne owners, friendly folk.

130i is a great car, fits a good ikea lounge setup/a 50" TV in the back, with all the fun of RWD haha.

no spare tire/room beneath the floor of the boot though. bit of a downer for me lol.
Thanks everyone, and thanks Flinchy!

Do you have the link to that 130i Facebook group?

Came across the link a while ago, but didn't join.


Also, can anyone recommend any good garages around Melbourne?
Highly likely that i''ll have to fetch the car from interstate. NSW proximity seems to have the most 130's for sale. So any in NSW would be good too!

So far I know of:
- BMR Autowerkes NSW
- Active Autowerke VIC
- Advan Performance NSW
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      07-25-2014, 03:12 AM   #6
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Try this- http://facebook.com/groups/130iOwners/

I got to SouthernBM for the important stuff; they're out of my way. They're the master distributor for ESS Tuning and also a Quaife distributor.

I went to Active Autowerke when I was working near them, competent, more expensive, less history. Helpful guys, good attention to detail- likely I'll continue to use them for servicing and maintenance out of laziness.

I haven't tried BMTech.


My buying plan is simple:
- research (includes test driving of other cars)
- Ensure finances are in order
- Inspect car in person. If it's good, a stateroads or equiv. inspection is done
- Get an insurance cover note
- Sign up for toll stuff and roadside assist
- Pick up car
- Fill with decent petrol


As a rule, I don't buy modified unless it's exceptional circumstances- I don't like cleaning up after other people. Also, redbook.com.au will give you an idea of pricing.

PreLCI has better steering, post-LCI has a way better interior.

Depending on schedule, there should be someone from the FB group who will look be willing to sanity check a car with you. (i.e.: you're excited to buy it and want to make sure you aren't overlooking anything)

-R
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      07-25-2014, 03:55 AM   #7
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Flinchy. I sent you a message about the BMS power box. Saw a post of yours several years ago about you fitting it then nothing. I'm after it to get rid of the throttle delay possibly instead of the Sprint Booster. I just went through all the same about buying a used 130i and picking up a 6MT for my daughter tomorrow.
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      07-25-2014, 03:59 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by loco View Post
Flinchy. I sent you a message about the BMS power box. Saw a post of yours several years ago about you fitting it then nothing. I'm after it to get rid of the throttle delay possibly instead of the Sprint Booster. I just went through all the same about buying a used 130i and picking up a 6MT for my daughter tomorrow.
Just out of curiosity, is your daughter called Sarah?
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      07-25-2014, 04:07 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kmli5 View Post
Just out of curiosity, is your daughter called Sarah?
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      07-25-2014, 04:17 AM   #10
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Yes. She's 22 and when she gets this car I'll get my car back. First up we're looking for wheels for her to take it out to Lakeside.
We'll be looking for lots of info on what parts to replace along the line of suspension mods for better handling rather than go fast bits.
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      07-25-2014, 04:40 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by loco View Post
Yes. She's 22 and when she gets this car I'll get my car back. First up we're looking for wheels for her to take it out to Lakeside.
We'll be looking for lots of info on what parts to replace along the line of suspension mods for better handling rather than go fast bits.
Bet you'll have the best fathers day this year.

TRW/M3 arms, whiteline subframe inserts- best value for money for alignment and feel. Wheels I'm going through with a few suspension people at the moment, ARC-8s seems to be best VFM, size is the remaining challenge.
LSD needs to be done (imo)
Bilstein PSS/B14 are good VFM from the EU; there are other options such as KW, koni+kings etc.

Few of us run the BMWP BBK, it's the stuff from a 135i- also street legal

P3 make a vent gauge, looking at how I can get an oil temp feed into that at the moment... I should probably just share my OneNote!

A seat and harness will help, a lot. in my opinion.

Anthony tracks his as do a few the Syd guys- I just live on a mountain.
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      07-25-2014, 05:07 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by _Ryan_
Try this- http://facebook.com/groups/130iOwners/

I got to SouthernBM for the important stuff; they're out of my way. They're the master distributor for ESS Tuning and also a Quaife distributor.

I went to Active Autowerke when I was working near them, competent, more expensive, less history. Helpful guys, good attention to detail- likely I'll continue to use them for servicing and maintenance out of laziness.

I haven't tried BMTech.


My buying plan is simple:
- research (includes test driving of other cars)
- Ensure finances are in order
- Inspect car in person. If it's good, a stateroads or equiv. inspection is done
- Get an insurance cover note
- Sign up for toll stuff and roadside assist
- Pick up car
- Fill with decent petrol


As a rule, I don't buy modified unless it's exceptional circumstances- I don't like cleaning up after other people. Also, redbook.com.au will give you an idea of pricing.

PreLCI has better steering, post-LCI has a way better interior.

Depending on schedule, there should be someone from the FB group who will look be willing to sanity check a car with you. (i.e.: you're excited to buy it and want to make sure you aren't overlooking anything)

-R
What changed in the steering post lci?

I thought it was the same rack?
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      07-25-2014, 05:10 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by loco
Flinchy. I sent you a message about the BMS power box. Saw a post of yours several years ago about you fitting it then nothing. I'm after it to get rid of the throttle delay possibly instead of the Sprint Booster. I just went through all the same about buying a used 130i and picking up a 6MT for my daughter tomorrow.
Will reply now just gotta clear space out

Also, are you bmwcq members? Should come along to something if not
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      07-25-2014, 05:31 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flinchy View Post
What changed in the steering post lci?

I thought it was the same rack?
electric post-facelift. Which is a shame, as the newer electric steering is meant to be great; and the later interior were so much nicer!

The source is at this link- http://www.babybmw.net/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=33056
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      07-26-2014, 07:20 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by _Ryan_
Quote:
Originally Posted by flinchy View Post
What changed in the steering post lci?

I thought it was the same rack?
electric post-facelift. Which is a shame, as the newer electric steering is meant to be great; and the later interior were so much nicer!

The source is at this link- http://www.babybmw.net/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=33056" rel="" target="_blank">http://<a href="http://www.babybmw.n...11&t=33056</a>" rel="" target="_blank">http://<a href="http://<a href="http...=33056</a></a>
Really? I had no idea

Wonder why the 135 kept hydraulic if the 130 didn't

That really does suck though, the lci interior, as you say, is better in SO many ways - dash has the pocket, the blank heated seat panel gives so much room, door trim, binnacle is soft etc.

The only downside is the heated seat gap means the plastic trim is less joined and the passenger side part clicks and creaks quite a lot.
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      07-26-2014, 08:09 AM   #16
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Yeh I've tried the LCI 130i steering, and it's as light as the pre-LCI is heavy. You can steer it quite easily with your little finger...glad I've got the hydraulic setup
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      07-26-2014, 11:54 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flinchy View Post
Also, are you bmwcq members? Should come along to something if not
Yes. We expect her to have the 130 on Lakeside August 15 with the club if we can get some suitable wheels and tyres. Too hard on the road tyres.
Me, i'll be there in my MINI ( showing the odd BMW what tailpipes look like).
(insert laughter and smiley face here)
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      07-31-2014, 09:16 AM   #18
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Hi Cheung, welcome,

- Is there anything I should look out for when buying a second hand car/130i?
Not really, n52's are pretty reliable, some annoying things ppl have reported are power deadzones and throttles not that responsive in some areas. Apparently BMS powerbox helps, but personally I believe its the VANOS solenoids gumming up. After replacing those it felt a lot more urgent.

Check the Bluetooth.. they are nearly all guaranteed to die and not cheap to fix. I've changed mine over twice, and the latest to a newer model (mulf2) that shouldn't die now. I got pedantic because I wanted the steering wheel button to work!

Electric waterpumps are a common issue

Vanos solenoids as i've mentioned before.
(i think that's it from the top of my head)

- Maintenance issues?
Do the oil around 10k kms. Otherwise VANOS solenoids gum up.

- Inclusions? (I know the M Sport is fitted standard for Aus)
Standard:
M sport
Rear park standard
Xenons
BT
Voice control
Sunroof
CD Changer!
17" wheels

I believe the only options were upgraded Hifi Audio/iDrive/Auto/USB/front park assist/heated seats/heated steering wheel/18" wheels, those double spoked ones were an option.

As a note normal audio is pretty bad, the OEM alpine upgrade is great upgrade. (you can buy and install this at a later stage if the car has normal audio)

That's the good thing about buying top of the line beemers, they pretty much include all the options in Aus.

- Is iDrive really worth it?
Personally, Nope. You get a cleaner dash, and 2x cupholder lol. (That said one of them is useless unless you dont want an armrest)

In the end Google Maps is so much better, and pre-lci its not great, pretty slow, and takes ages to put in directions (i have it in the 335i).
Post LCI gets cic which is a much better system, but still, you cant really go past google maps.

- What is the process like when going in for a private sale?
Have a chat over the phone, take a look, test drive. Personally I like test-driving various cars at dealers first. Then go to private to not waste the guys time.

- Is it recommended to bring a mechanic/BMW specialist or RAC bloke to assess the car beforehand?

Kinda depends, see how you go with the "interview" if it's private you get a better feel of the person and how well its maintained..

If from dealer i'd generally get it checked out as you wont know the history.

- Flexibility in advertised price?
Probably, doesn't hurt to ask, but be polite, no super low balls. you'll generally know the price after looking at a few.

- I've had a search of the forums on this question and came across evolution42's post, and that was a good read, but the questions I wanted answered where on the last post.

tee hee i wrote that last post.. I now have all the answers
Anyway I've sent you a PM.

mods you want:
bmwp intake - expensive, but you can go the cheap option and just get the K&N airfilter (which i did) as a note.. there's a sound port from the bmwp intake that makes it sound better, but it goes out the left side, so I assume it isn't as loud for RHD ppl as it is for LHD german cars.

bmwp exhaust - i've been contemplating this for a long time but the stock sound is pretty dam good already.

Quaife LSD - changes the driving feel! the push and traction coming out of a corner is great!

BMW performance brakes - probably not necessary but looks so nice

SSK i probably wouldn't bother, the shift is already very sharp and short.

suspension - M Sport is pretty low already (but maybe i'm just getting old)

For the more hardcore:
some members have changed to m3 suspension bits and swear by it.

Workshops:
i like
bm central for general stuff (good bunch of guys)
southernbm for performance orientated stuff (but they aren't cheap)
active autowerk (good bunch of guys)

Last edited by quasio; 07-31-2014 at 09:23 AM..
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      07-31-2014, 09:28 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by quasio View Post
Hi Cheung, welcome,

- Is there anything I should look out for when buying a second hand car/130i?
Not really, n52's are pretty reliable, some annoying things ppl have reported are power deadzones and throttles not that responsive in some areas. Apparently BMS powerbox helps, but personally I believe its the VANOS solenoids gumming up. After replacing those it felt a lot more urgent.

Check the Bluetooth.. they are nearly all guaranteed to die and not cheap to fix. I've changed mine over twice, and the latest to a newer model (mulf2) that shouldn't die now. I got pedantic because I wanted the steering wheel button to work!

Electric waterpumps are a common issue

Vanos solenoids as i've mentioned before.
(i think that's it from the top of my head)

- Maintenance issues?
Do the oil around 10k kms. Otherwise VANOS solenoids gum up.

- Inclusions? (I know the M Sport is fitted standard for Aus)
Standard:
M sport
Rear park standard
Xenons
BT
Voice control
Sunroof
CD Changer!
17" wheels

I believe the only options were upgraded Hifi Audio/iDrive/Auto/USB/front park assist/heated seats/heated steering wheel/18" wheels, those double spoked ones were an option.

As a note normal audio is pretty bad, the OEM alpine upgrade is great upgrade. (you can buy and install this at a later stage if the car has normal audio)

That's the good thing about buying top of the line beemers, they pretty much include all the options in Aus.

- Is iDrive really worth it?
Personally, Nope. You get a cleaner dash, and 2x cupholder lol. (That said one of them is useless unless you dont want an armrest)

In the end Google Maps is so much better, and pre-lci its not great, pretty slow, and takes ages to put in directions (i have it in the 335i).
Post LCI gets cic which is a much better system, but still, you cant really go past google maps.

- What is the process like when going in for a private sale?
Have a chat over the phone, take a look, test drive. Personally I like test-driving various cars at dealers first. Then go to private to not waste the guys time.

- Is it recommended to bring a mechanic/BMW specialist or RAC bloke to assess the car beforehand?

Kinda depends, see how you go with the "interview" if it's private you get a better feel of the person and how well its maintained..

If from dealer i'd generally get it checked out as you wont know the history.

- Flexibility in advertised price?
Probably, doesn't hurt to ask, but be polite, no super low balls. you'll generally know the price after looking at a few.

- I've had a search of the forums on this question and came across evolution42's post, and that was a good read, but the questions I wanted answered where on the last post.

tee hee i wrote that last post.. I now have all the answers
Anyway I've sent you a PM.

mods you want:
bmwp intake - expensive, but you can go the cheap option and just get the K&N airfilter (which i did) as a note.. there's a sound port from the bmwp intake that makes it sound better, but it goes out the left side, so I assume it isn't as loud for RHD ppl as it is for LHD german cars.

bmwp exhaust - i've been contemplating this for a long time but the stock sound is pretty dam good already.

Quaife LSD - changes the driving feel! the push and traction coming out of a corner is great!

BMW performance brakes - probably not necessary but looks so nice

SSK i probably wouldn't bother, the shift is already very sharp and short.

suspension - M Sport is pretty low already (but maybe i'm just getting old)

For the more hardcore:
some members have changed to m3 suspension bits and swear by it.

Workshops:
i like
bm central for general stuff (good bunch of guys)
southernbm for performance orientated stuff (but they aren't cheap)
active autowerk (good bunch of guys)
Thanks mate for all your info, great read and very imformative!

I've replied to your PM as well!
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      08-01-2014, 01:31 AM   #20
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Did you see that silver 130i with performance parts for ~$25k.. ? edit: just had a look.. seems it has a deposit placed on it..

umm, why are there so many in the 16-19k bracket? lol, this used car market is quite bizarre

Last edited by woosh; 08-01-2014 at 01:40 AM..
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      08-01-2014, 04:10 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by quasio View Post
but personally I believe its the VANOS solenoids gumming up. After replacing those it felt a lot more urgent.

Check the Bluetooth.. they are nearly all guaranteed to die and not cheap to fix. I've changed mine over twice, and the latest to a newer model (mulf2) that shouldn't die now. I got pedantic because I wanted the steering wheel button to work!
How many solenoids are there? Get OEM or aftermarket? Is it better to buy locally or what is the best overseas company?

The bluetooth (mulf2) is that BMW or aftermarket? Of course it is still working fine.

For suspension bits, local or os. Again what supplier.

Is our E87 suspension the same as the E82 or the US 128i?

Great info by the way.
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      08-01-2014, 05:19 AM   #22
Cheungs
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Drives: SG BMW 130i
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Quote:
Originally Posted by woosh View Post
Did you see that silver 130i with performance parts for ~$25k.. ? edit: just had a look.. seems it has a deposit placed on it..

umm, why are there so many in the 16-19k bracket? lol, this used car market is quite bizarre
Yep, was that the one with the carbon package? Don't recall any BMWP bits on it?

Only one i've come across is one for 27k that had BMWP carbon strut /diffuser and some other big $$$ mods.
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