2010+ 135i?

The water pump and coils are known issues that can be dealt with preemptively (I did the water pump in my 128i at ~107k miles just because it seemed like a good idea, while others have failed much earlier, especially in the N54/55). There have been a couple recalls that, if not attended to, could cause real problems (bolts holding the cam gear on backing out was one, IIRC, and something with the direct injection on the turbo engines). But really, if you're used to BMW old-school maintenance routines, it's not terrible.

I suspect this will fall on deaf ears, but if I were the OP, I'd take a good hard look at the 128i in the classifieds. Nowhere near the power of the 135i, but easier maintenance, similar handling, and still a very entertaining car to drive.

02Pilot said:

The water pump and coils are known issues that can be dealt with preemptively (I did the water pump in my 128i at ~107k miles just because it seemed like a good idea, while others have failed much earlier, especially in the N54/55). There have been a couple recalls that, if not attended to, could cause real problems (bolts holding the cam gear on backing out was one, IIRC, and something with the direct injection on the turbo engines). But really, if you're used to BMW old-school maintenance routines, it's not terrible.

I suspect this will fall on deaf ears, but if I were the OP, I'd take a good hard look at the 128i in the classifieds. Nowhere near the power of the 135i, but easier maintenance, similar handling, and still a very entertaining car to drive.

And I am, this would be my 4th BMW.......although the previous 3 were E30s, but I know how much more maintenance intensive the E36/E46 are. 

As for the 128i, it fits the "nicer" requirement, but it's not really any quicker than the BRZ with both hovering around 6sec 0-60 depending on the test, it's a few tenths either way.

Snrub said:

Someone I know has a 335i with a N55.  He had the waterpump failure, transmission failure and metal shavings in the oil (root cause undiagnosed) all <60k miles.  Another guy I know had ignition coils go and a few of other medium-ish level problems which I cannot recall at the moment.

Yeah, and there are BRZs that have lunched themselves with 5k miles, bone stock and never been to the track. 

A case study doesn't make for a good generalization.

^ I was just trying to add additional experiences to the collection others you've received so you could have a semi-legitimate sample size.  I get the sense they're not the most reliable vehicles, but with the driving habits/use you've mentioned in other threads, I don't think it's the end of the world.  If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't let it dissuade me.

Snrub said:

^ I was just trying to add additional experiences to the collection others you've received so you could have a semi-legitimate sample size.  I get the sense they're not the most reliable vehicles, but with the driving habits/use you've mentioned in other threads, I don't think it's the end of the world.  If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't let it dissuade me.

Yeah, I'm pretty good about over-maintaining vehicles and addressing weak spots before they go bad. Talking to the indie guy yesterday made me feel alot better about it.

There are 9 of these in the Dallas/FW area...............

759NRNG said:

There are 9 of these in the Dallas/FW area...............

To make life easy, I need it at a lot of I can just trade in the BRZ. I'm OK giving up $1000-1500 vs private party to not have to deal with selling it to the types of people who would want to buy it. 

And the particular car I found is the EXACT color combo I would order + Tech and Sport package and DCT. Sent me pics this morning and the transmission is bone dry (no leaks). 

Gave him the info for financing, I may go pick it up this weekend.

Financing done, deposit placed. 

Now just need to hope the weather between St. Louis and Indy ends up being not as bad as they are predicting.

You get this thing yet?  So much vacillation and buildup... It's what goes on in all our heads but you committed it to posterity by posting here. Pics!!

I like the idea of these things but never drove one.  I'd be curious how similar it would feel to my F80.  Probably not very, F80 is huge.

So this is the twin turbo  ????? with PDK???....