Jake's Epic BMW 135i Build Thread! (5+ Years of Ownership)

alexw

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!

suspenceful

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

RamRod E28

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!

suspenceful

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!

ClassE

Nice shots!

B C

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

suspenceful

ClassE said:

Nice shots!

Snap said:

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.

suspenceful

New wheels came in today!

To see the full specs, unboxing, and more pics... check out my blog post:

www.my1series.com/2014/04/08/finally-no-more-snow

jc43089

Wowza!

B C

Imagine someone driving through with their realtor looking for houses and seeing what looks like a car on blocks with its tires stolen.

Nice STR replicas though!

Narcosis

Congrats on the purchase, and sweet, sweet car. The 1 series was on my short list, but I needed more interior room due to being and old fart.

What's on the mod menu?

ClassE

Looks good!!!

328ci

Love the blogpost and the wheels look great!

Are you using the kit lens?

suspenceful

Thanks everyone! I'll get some pictures up on Wednesday once I get the tires mounted. Then it's fender rolling time...

Snap said:

Imagine someone driving through with their realtor looking for houses and seeing what looks like a car on blocks with its tires stolen.

Nice STR replicas though!

I thought you were going to make a comment about the Christmas lights still being up... lol.

They're ESM replicas... a little different than STR replicas. My friend Eric got the STR replicas, as seen here.

My ESM's have stepped lips, where the STR's have a flush lip. The outer barrel is also silver and not black.

Either way, thanks!

Narcosis said:

Congrats on the purchase, and sweet, sweet car. The 1 series was on my short list, but I needed more interior room due to being and old fart.

What's on the mod menu?

Thank you! The front has plenty of room, but the back seat is lacking. Still a large trunk tho.

First I gotta get this thing walnut blasted. It already has an OCC, but no walnut blasting at 83,000 miles now.

After that, JB4 so I can run E85, DCI, downpipes, coilovers.