Jake's Epic BMW 135i Build Thread! (5+ Years of Ownership)
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After lusting over the BMW 1-series for 3 years, I was finally able to get one of my own once I sold my '96 328is.
On March 13th, 2014 I brought home a 2008 135i from Holland, MI. I am the 3rd owner and bought it with 81,000 miles.
She was pretty dirty after the 6 hour trip back.
Also, I keep an up-to-date blog with tons of info:
Knowing that I would be keeping this one for a while, I needed to make sure it had everything I wanted.
Black Sapphire Metallic, 6-speed
Black interior with aluminium glacier-silver trim
Packages:
M-Sport Package
-Sport suspension, electric memory sport seats, multi-function ///M leather steering wheel, shadow line exterior trim, and raised top-speed limiter.
Cold Weather Package
- Heated seats, headlight washers, rear seat armrest, and ski bag.
Options:
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Comfort Access (keyless entry and push-to-start without key)
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iDrive (Navigation/Entertainment/Climate Control)
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HiFi Professional Sound System
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Adaptive Xenon headlights
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Rear parking sensors
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6-piston Brembo Big Brake kit
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Electric glass sunroof/moonroof
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6-disc CD changer & DVD player
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Rain sensing windshield wipers
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Windshield with grey wedge
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Never equipped with 135i badge from factory
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Additional cup holder
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Warning triangle & first aid kit
Modifications it came with:
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BMW Performance short shift kit and knob
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Custom stainless-steel axle-back exhaust
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Riss Racing oil catch can
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K&N drop in air filter
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JB+ 20HP chip
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Powdercoated black Style 264 wheels with 225/40/18 Blizzaks
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Eibach Pro-Kit springs (1″ drop front and rear)
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BMW Performance black front grilles
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Black/white BMW emblem overlays
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Carbon fiber wrapped interior trim
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Tinted rear and side windows
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Tinted side markers
Had my girlfriend drive so I could take a rolling shot:
Next to my Miata:
I plan to slowly build it to my liking and keep up on maintenance. First thing on my list is to get a set of summer wheels so I can get these winter tires off.
Stay tuned!
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Congrats! Where did you pick it up?
Lower Michigan.
Nice buy! One of my favorite BMW's I've ever driven. Too bad you got stuck with the old iDrive though but otherwise a perfect car
Thanks! Old as in the kind that pops up and not the kind that is integrated into the dash?
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suspenceful said:
Thanks! Old as in the kind that pops up and not the kind that is integrated into the dash?
Yeah both, they changed the screen when they updated the iDrive interface. If you've ever used the new version you know the huge difference in the user interface.
Basically what it comes down to is it's a royal pain to navigate the menus on your version and it's not as organized but hey it still does the same thing. Do you have the Bluetooth audio or USB/mini jack connections?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Yeah both, they changed the screen when they updated the iDrive interface. If you've ever used the new version you know the huge difference in the user interface. Basically what it comes down to is it's a royal pain to navigate the menus on your version and it's not as organized but hey it still does the same thing. Do you have the Bluetooth audio or USB/mini jack connections? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
It has the USB/AUX connections. I was trying to figure out if I can connect via Bluetooth but haven't been able to figure it out.
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One of the few, newer BMWs id want to own. Very cool!
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Talk about an upgrade! Nice! I love the color! That n54 is a beast and sounds sick once it gets opened up!
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Nice, have fun with it.
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I love the 1 series. I actually had a deposit on a 135i when I was stationed in Germany. I found my M3 a few days later and pulled the deposit, but I've always had a soft spot for them.
As everyone's said, and I'm sure you know, the N54 engine is awesome and responds very well to tuning! I'm excited to see what you do with this!
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Thanks for the overwhelming responses! Glad everyone seems to like it as much as I do.
Can't wait for the first round of mods... here are a few pictures to hold you over.
Underground by Jake Spence Photography, on Flickr
Rolling by Jake Spence Photography, on Flickr
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It's either one of these or an e46 m3 for me next I love the 1 series this is the modern day 2002i turbo!
1984 BMW 528e - SETA and manual swapped! M50 to come!!!
1988 BMW 528e - Need parts?
1991 Chevy C1500 (mighty 350 with TBI and Wisconsin weight reduction package)
1996 Mazda Miata (SOLD!!!)
1996 BMW 325i (Donor car)
1998 Chevrolet Corvette (BEAST)
2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee (BROKEN)
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I just ordered wheels, tires, and sensors yesterday. Wow these cars are expensive.
Here are some pictures to hold you over until the parts get here!
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Nice shots!
Agreed on the nice shots! You do nice photography work!
I love both those cars. What do you like about your miata vs the 135
Thanks guys!
Miata is much more nimble and "go-kart-like". It's bare bones and makes all sorts of noises compared to the 135i. The BMW is much more refined, but the power is still there.
I have spent so much on the Miata to make it what it is today, and the BMW will never be able to handle like it. The Miata is also quicker than the BMW... but not for long
I will definitely miss the Miata, but its like comparing apples to oranges here. I will probably build another one some day.
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