Looking to Buy a BMW 135i! - Please help

Ljustinvu on 16/11/2016 - 08:53
Last edited 28/11/2016 - 13:24 by 2 other users

Hi guys, hope you can help me out of this dilemma!

I'm contemplating to buy a 2011 n55 135i from a friend of mine. He bought it new with PPK stage 2, genuine carbon lip spoiler, carbon mirror and carbon diffuser. It's alpine white with terra brown interior and it's mostly not driven at all. After nearly 5 years the clock is only 15k kms. It does not come with idrive but does come with front and rear sensor. Service is always spot on from BMW dealer.

Honestly, u cant fault the car from any aspect. However, he's asking $50k, while car valuations show the value of the car should be around $33k-$38k (with 70k km and 40k km on the clock respectively).

Do u guys think it's worth the money? For what it is, I think i would only pay $42k at most, knowing that the car is so good. But can't convince myself buying a 5 year old car with that much of $$$.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks guys

** EDIT: his car is no longer an option. I've opted for a much cheaper option, not much of a changeover cost from my Golf GTi with similar km. Can't wait to pickup my new 135i

*** EDIT 2: just purchased a 135i 2011 model with mods + quite clean. a bit high km (100k) but all services have been done and it's a lot cheaper ($28k). less headache though. Thank you all for your input and time to share your thoughts. I truly appreciate it.

Poll Options

  • 201
    How much should I pay for the car?
  • 61
    $36,000 - $39,000
  • 27
    $39,000 - $42,000
  • 2
    $42,000 - $45,000
  • 4
    $45,000+
Automotive BMW

Comments

      • dogboy on 18/11/2016 - 09:25

        lol :) I am looking at Audis. I am a simple man :)

        • wog_ta on 18/11/2016 - 14:33
          +1

          A1,A3,A4,A5,A6,A8 + the S and RS variants not mention the Q line…

        • ThadtheChad on 18/11/2016 - 15:33
          +1

          @wog_ta:

          … not to mention the different trims for each; the sportback vs sedan options; the e-tron versions, the engine capacities…

          Yup. Also complex. :)

    • Tech and cars on 18/11/2016 - 11:53
      +1

      I think a good sales rep should be able to point you in the right direction. It shouldn't be overwhelming.

      Think of it this way: You come up with your custom requirements and they will have something most suitable for you.

      I've noticed there are too many options on cars today. Try keep it simple. You'll find with these premium brand cars, they already have everything standard - so don't spend money on anything unless you see the value(example sunroof, nicer wheels etc - You can easily spend on weird options that I personally think you don't need[ eg adaptive radar cruise control..]) .

      What you will notice is the 'options' list can be a killer. You can buy a 3 series from $45k-155k (depending on engine) and you can buy a 5 series from $70-180k.. Now this is where it gets a bit tricky, deciding if you want the $70k 5 series or the $70k 3 series.. It is all about priorities and things that are important to you. Size, engine power, sporty wheels, etc…

      Feel free to throw a question out to OzB - ask Example: I have 4 people in my family, I like sedans, I need a lot of space inside my car. I need a lot of power, or I want fuel efficieny, etc.. Have a budget and stick to it. It can be very easy to get carried away. Whether you're shopping at BMW, Audi or Mercedes.

      • dogboy on 20/11/2016 - 18:29

        Thanks, that is good advice mate.

  • prinsenhof on 16/11/2016 - 18:52
    +2

    We should start some sort of movement to teach wives how to drive a manual. Im in the same boat where my next car will need to be an auto just because she refuses to learn/drive a manual.

    • justinvu on 16/11/2016 - 18:59
      +1

      Work harder to be able to afford a car for our own…they said !!!

    • jenkemjunkie on 16/11/2016 - 19:28

      and to think my sisters taught me how to drive manual back in the day. They must seem like real catches to their husbands now!

    • Hiroko on 17/11/2016 - 08:09
      +1

      i purposely park her car in with my manual car.
      and when she asks me to move it i just hand her my keys XD
      she can now drive stick better than all 3 of her brothers.

      • justinvu on 17/11/2016 - 08:52

        Damn that is smart!!!

    • Buyme on 17/11/2016 - 09:12

      I pulled into the drive way, home from an interstate work trip, in a 2 year old Mazda 3 MPS for the wife. She was wrapped! Her smile dropped a little when she noticed it was manual, but the incentive was there for her to learn, and she did!

      Now she loves it!

  • sourdawg on 16/11/2016 - 19:11
    +2

    I would never buy or sell cars between friends unless they are some kind of classic that you're expecting to pour money into anyway, or alternatively a bomb that is really cheap. Any problems with it down the track can sour the relationship even if it's not his or your fault.

    • justinvu on 16/11/2016 - 19:19

      I will never blame him. That's for sure. Particularly when he hasnt driven the car much. if ur theory stands true, then u will never go to a friend's restaurant or even eat ur friend's food simply ur scared of being food poisoned.

      If the problem wasnt his intentions and he does not deliberately try to deceive me then why worry?

      • JimB on 17/11/2016 - 10:23

        I understand what sourdawg is saying.

        There's a difference with food because you can guarantee that fresh food is safe to eat if handled properly.

        With cars, they may be perfectly reliable one day and then without warning a part or sensor will fail.

        • justinvu on 17/11/2016 - 10:54

          Yep, i'm with him too. Although, if we have that mindset for not blaming the previous seller as it's obviously out of his hand, then it is ok to buy from friend/family…AS LONG AS…they don't have the intention to deliberately deceive you.

  • ccrap on 16/11/2016 - 19:36
    +3

    Mate first up great choice - I had this exact car and absolutely loved it. Price wise, for the car you have described I think upto $42k is right. $40k is great. $50k is definitely a no go. Happy negotiating :)

    • justinvu on 16/11/2016 - 21:47

      Thanks Buddy. $40k is the aim, although this friend of mine is in no rush to sell so I'm afraid if he can't sell at the price he wants, he will keep it. Well, that's out of my luck then. Sure there will always be another one :)

  • Danger on 16/11/2016 - 23:04
    +2

    Reading the title, i thought you are asking for money

    • justinvu on 16/11/2016 - 23:53

      haha gud point :)

  • Deviner on 17/11/2016 - 00:07

    Never buy a car off friends or family… ever!

    • justinvu on 17/11/2016 - 08:52
      +1

      Friend is not my preference. The car is!! If it was from someone else i would buy it, haggle the shit out of it and not even bother to make a poll here :d

  • Donaldhump on 17/11/2016 - 00:15
    -1

    Big Money Wasted

    • justinvu on 17/11/2016 - 08:51
      +2

      A house will be wasted if you don't use it. Food will be wasted if you don't eat it. Collectible items will be wasted if you don't appreciate it. Different strokes for different blokes buddy ;)

  • Kranbone on 17/11/2016 - 01:49

    So your friend is wanting to charge you well over the market price because he's modified the car to his liking????? Is he going to ask you to pay for the fuel and servicing too????

    Tell him to hit the bricks and find a clean example from another seller.

    • justinvu on 17/11/2016 - 08:50

      Honestly i hope he can here all those words from you

  • Marcsie on 17/11/2016 - 06:07

    Why most Asian like to drive BMW ? What's wrong with the Japanese cars ?

    • justinvu on 17/11/2016 - 08:49

      Nothing's wrong actually. I've driving japanese all my life, matter of fact my ultimate car is a japanese too (gtr).

      I wanted smth different this time, no offence to all subbies and evo out there ;)

      • Marcsie on 17/11/2016 - 09:22

        Just remember, talking about quality and reliability, nothing comes close to Japanese cars :)

        • justinvu on 17/11/2016 - 10:52

          well said :)

  • lieb on 17/11/2016 - 08:00

    Here's something relevant.. http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/bmw-135i-used-review…

    Keep in mind that modifications will typically devalue the car, at most you should be paying market value on carsales or less.

    Great car though, I want one myself!

    • justinvu on 17/11/2016 - 08:28

      Actually this car has no aftermarket modifications. All the mods are factory optioned and that's why its quite unique.

      Honestly can't wait to rock it on a long way road trip :)

      • itbargainhunter on 17/11/2016 - 10:32

        Unique doesnt equal higher reseller value as it only attract certain smaller group of buyer.

        • justinvu on 17/11/2016 - 10:52

          That is why I'm prepared to pay the premium for what I perceive to be good value. However, in saying that, I don't want to be a brainless buyer and pay anything more than 42k :D

  • Onbacardi501 on 17/11/2016 - 08:34

    I made an account only to write and help if i can..

    I bought a bmw 135i after looking and deciding what to buy for 6 months, i did not have 40k to spend so i settled with the 135i great car.
    BUT if i had the choice or even a slight chance of affording a M235i i wouldnt even consider or look at a 135i. The 2series is just that much better. I feel as the 135i is rough around the edges not refined like it kinda was slapt together quickly comparing to the 335i or other bmw i have driven in. Iv owned my car for 6 months now and take it from me if i had the chance or even a slight chance go for the M235i. In about 2 years the 135i will look sooo old compared to other cars because it never changed its shape since initial release in 2006 i believe they only changed head lights n tail lights. And 50k for a 135i that is way to much yes its got hardly any Ks on it but come onnnn its a 135i and 50k gives you other choices and puts you in M235i territory and hey i dont need to discuss why the 2 series is better in every single way possible.

    Hopefuly this helps you out mate. Good luck with your purchase.

    • justinvu on 17/11/2016 - 08:48

      Very much indeed.

      Gotta say ur post may actually be a deal breaker. Time to look at some 335i or the like now. I know the m235i has the same engine and everything, better interior. But somehow the 135i has grown in me so much because of its raw , wild stance.

      I agree $50k is way too much, and only prepare to pay 40 for that 5 year old car.

      To be fair, a full spec m235i with low km will set me back around 65k+ though.

      And I do appreciate your effort and ur time to help a bloke out.

      • resisting the urge on 17/11/2016 - 09:25

        Never buy the first, as they say.

        And the F series have the looks, so the older ones, everything pre F series, will drop like stones soon (many already are).

        Also, N engines have little plastic valves in the head that need to be changed, or else the plastic cracks up because it spends it's entire life in the hot-cold-hot synth oil and distributes itself all around the engine… let alone all the plastic PCV and cooling system parts they inherit from the previous models.

        After 7 years, this just happens- plastic just doesn't last inside engines. Replacing these things is not that simple (let alone cheap, the valves are stainless otherwise and complex little suckers).

        Better to buy a faster old one in my book, or a better VW, since you are already up there on VAG tech.

        EDIT: There is no option below $36k or other in your poll, so the results are void!

    • SevenSmurfs on 18/11/2016 - 12:05

      I agree with M235i if you're spending 50k but disagree with 135i looking old.

      Why? Because the 135i is a bloody unique/odd body shape!
      The e92 335i has aged far worse than the 135i coupe in my opinion.

      The M235i and 135i run the same N55 engine.

      If you are looking to modify/tune the car, I would be looking at MY09 135i coupe that has the N54 engine. The N54 platform has true twin turbos rather than twin scroll and have so much tuning potential.

      Example mods for 265-300rwkw
      - MHD tune ~$300
      - Downpipes ~$1000
      - Intercooler ~$1000
      - Charge pipe/BOV ~$600
      - Dual cone intakes ~$100

  • bluesix on 17/11/2016 - 09:33

    I'm selling mine at the moment. It's a 2010 convertible. Mint condition. N55. 28,000km on the clock. Fully optioned up, including iDrive (you really need it). $50K is way too much.

    http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/BMW-135i-2010/SSE… - make me an offer.

    • justinvu on 17/11/2016 - 09:41
      +1

      I actually commented on your 1addict post. If it wasn't convertible, I would've bought it already :(

      • bluesix on 17/11/2016 - 09:54

        haha, damn it! Just leave the roof on! ;)

        • [Deactivated] on 17/11/2016 - 10:34

          And feel the wobble

        • justinvu on 17/11/2016 - 10:51

          Yea, just not my thing. 335i e93 with hard-top is actually a nice choice though at 45-50k range :D

  • punk000 on 17/11/2016 - 10:16

    Hi.

    If he's a close friend, you can ask him to advertise the car, and just match the best price that genuine buyer was prepared to pay for it ? In that way, you are paying "market price" for the car and he not any worse off?

    • [Deactivated] on 17/11/2016 - 10:22

      That can go pear shaped. Lots of fake "buyers" on car sales that will enquire with offers.

    • justinvu on 17/11/2016 - 10:50
      +2

      I actually wanted him to officially advertise it so that other buyers will slap the reality in his face. Being a friend, it's a bit hard to tell the ugly truth. I will however, eventually.

      • [Deactivated] on 17/11/2016 - 18:12
        +1

        It's actually a problem I faced when prospecting the vintage market. Sometimes, it is easier to buy from a specialist dealer than to deal with private sellers.

        Private sellers confuse emotional value with resale value.

        • justinvu on 18/11/2016 - 10:09

          always do, always will

  • WT on 17/11/2016 - 11:51

    open diff, lol

  • branners on 17/11/2016 - 12:20

    I have owned several Beemers over the years, and my wife currently has a 3-series in the garage, alongside my BMW bike.
    My $0.02c worth…
    It sounds to me like your mate has priced this car based on how much he has spent on it, and with the extras that he wanted — which are different to what others might want, and that may include you.
    Problem is, with cars like BMWs and Benzes, unless they are factory add-ons (like Alpina or M for BMWs, and AMG for Benzes) these things do not add one cent of resale to the cars.
    Also, while a 135i is a nice car, it is not an M, and there is no point your mate pretending that it is.
    I have always bought German cars used, because of the fact that they usually depreciate a LOT, which is why I can afford them.
    When Mrs B bought her 3-series, she particularly liked the first one she looked at, whose first owner was a BMW ambassador, a nationally-known chef. His name was in the Owner's Manual and because of that the [private] seller wanted to rip us off. I had to talk her out of it — and a week later, we found a similar car, lower Ks, in perfect condition, for $3K less. People tend to look after their BMs and Benzes.
    Moral of the story; there is always another one out there, somewhere…

    • nomoneynoproblems on 17/11/2016 - 12:22
      +3

      Your BMW bike is the only Beemer :P

    • Randxyz123 on 19/11/2016 - 07:28

      FYI

      Bimmer is for the cars

      Beemers is for the bikes

      Problem is, with cars like BMWs and Benzes, unless they are factory add-ons (like Alpina or M for BMWs, and AMG for Benzes) these things do not add one cent of resale to the cars.

      Agreed.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/11/2016 - 13:56

    there are other ways of getting laid my asian brother

    • justinvu on 17/11/2016 - 14:04

      I'm married, thank you ^^

  • Onbacardi501 on 17/11/2016 - 14:37

    Okay well when i chose my bmw 135i i did weeks of research and i bought it because all i care about is performance hence why i chose the 135i because it is lighter and nibble (amazing handling btw with KW coilovers) also i chose the n54 engine just because it handles more power than the n55. If you do not have performance in mind everyday you drive go for a 335i try get a 2010 model thats the one that has the upgraded idrive system and DCT is a musttttt dont settle for the normal automatic option my friend had the normal auto it was reallyyyy crap. And the 335i e92 can look just as good and sporty and stealthy but with a much more refind interior and more cabin room. Dont rush you have the money there are 100 cars for sale but only 5 buyers dont give in and wait till you find the one your happy with .. 335i, 2010 n up, and DCT if i had to do it all over again :)

    • justinvu on 17/11/2016 - 17:10

      Actually looking at e92 e93 335i, it's actually not that bad, and much from the e82 135i and with much better interior. will give it a try :)

  • kaotickelly on 17/11/2016 - 16:56

    Why not go 2009-2010 e90/2 M3?

    natural V8, hydraulic steering, DCT, driver engagement. Will definitely hold it's value as it's the last of the BMW natural v8s

    • justinvu on 18/11/2016 - 10:08

      That's actually not a bad choice at all, will look into it. Although the car shape is quite similar to my last car, Nissan skyline 350gt, and rear wheel drive too

  • vinster55 on 18/11/2016 - 08:18

    Get a demo Renault 265 or 275 over this and thank me later

    The 135i might only have 15,000kms on it, but hey it's a 5 year old car

    My thinking anyway

    • justinvu on 18/11/2016 - 10:09

      Yes, you're right. I wasn't prepared to pay more than $40k for it, so now that he confirms no 'sell' for less than $48k, I'm off to another target :)

  • [Deactivated] on 18/11/2016 - 09:15

    Low km?? Has it been in the shop most of its life?

    N55 still has issues with Vanos failing. With no warranty mean your wallet will be much lighter.

    Oh and once the VANOS bolts breaks off its goodbye old and hello new motor. Make sure you budget for this added expense.

    • justinvu on 18/11/2016 - 10:07

      It's been garaged its whole life. All mods were carried before the dealer handing the keys over, eg: factory fitted options.

      that VANOS is pretty scary indeed.

  • axlfan on 18/11/2016 - 10:03
    +2

    Is he asking 50k. In that case stop deluding yourself mate. He aint your friend.

    • justinvu on 18/11/2016 - 10:06

      Hahaha. Look, I get his point. Paid for a car over $80k 4 years ago, never actually driven it and all of a sudden selling for half of the value. That's a hefty price - $40k for 15,000km driven.

      Plus he does not need to sell, so I reckon he can keep it to himself. Actually have a confirmation that he's not selling for anything under 48, so yea, i'm off to another target now.

      • [Deactivated] on 18/11/2016 - 10:36
        +1

        Thats the cost of buying a depreciating liability!! Ha you should see how savage the lost on a 5 year old M5, or the lemon of an E60 V10 M5.

      • [Deactivated] on 19/11/2016 - 23:30

        I don't know why your friend has so much money to burn but its not like the selling price is going to increase the longer he waits for it. He is just going to cop more depreciation just to feel that nobody has gotten the better end of the deal. What more it has already been established (for 5 years no less) that he does not need/use that car.

        • justinvu on 20/11/2016 - 01:22

          His reasoning is that to buy another car of similar performance it's gonna cost hom twice as much so it he can't sell it at the price he wants he just gonna keep it.

          Just like another seller i apoke to today, very nice car but he doesn't even nego one cent. Saying he will keep it as track car if cant sell at his price.

          Well ppl have $$ to waste i guess

  • Randxyz123 on 19/11/2016 - 07:25
    -1

    $50K seems reasonable with low Ks. They are seriously sought after cars.

    Especially in manual.

    There has to be a reduction for no iDrive though. Presumably that means no bluetooth or sat nav.

    I'd meet in the middle and offer $43K.

    • justinvu on 20/11/2016 - 01:20

      Very rare actualy. I dont actually care about idrive but he's pretty stiff with price. Unfortunately, it doesn't belong to me.

      • Randxyz123 on 20/11/2016 - 06:41

        I dont actually care about idrive but he's pretty stiff with price

        Tell him you'll write a cheque for $43K. There's no way he'd sell that car for $50K. Mods don't increase the value of the car.

  • Architectonic on 19/11/2016 - 10:46

    There is a 2011 model that looks fine on carsales with 75k kms for $30,000.

    This is rapidly depreciating asset - you might pay $50k now (or even $42k), but it will be worth less than $30k in a few years. You think that's a good deal? I don't.

    • justinvu on 20/11/2016 - 01:18

      No i don't think thats a good deal, if the only thing u consider is the resale value.

      U buy the car to enjoy, and u will be prepared to pay premium for what u will enjoy. Just like car mods, not only it does not add value to resale, it actually reduces it. Why people still do ?

  • sublemon on 19/11/2016 - 21:00

    Keep us updated on what you go for op. If he won't let it go for less than 48k, good riddance I say. I don't think it's worth near that much, low km or not! If it were myself, I would look into the e92 e93 335i m sport instead, the interior is just much more better!

    • justinvu on 20/11/2016 - 01:14

      Yep i'm looking into those e92,e93 too. Although i used to drive 350gt that has similar body shape. That's why i'm keen with 135i.

      He won't let go for less than $48k so i'm moving on another target. There's a few i the market now so i'm sure i will havesth soon

  • bryce007 on 20/11/2016 - 08:16

    I've got a E92 M3 recently purchased with 70,000ks for $50k and have also driven a few BMW 1Ms (n54 engine). At least comparing the M's the E92 is a easier car to drive fast, the 1M has very twitchy abilities due to its shorter wheelbase. The 1M is a more rewarding car to drive fast though as it requires skill to understand the cars characteristics, whereas the E92 is amazingly stable. The n54 especially with a few bolt ons and tune is a torque monster, however I couldn't deny the glorious sound of the V8 in the E92. Interior wise space is fine in both (im 6ft4) however you do notice a step up in quality in the E92. I would say $48k your friend is dreaming. That is M car territory, and an M car will not depreciate anywhere near a standard BMW. Also super low K's is not always a good thing in these cars. It can cause issues with part wear due to lack of constant lubrication and dried out seals. I found when shopping for E46 M3's the garage queens with lower ks had more issues and drove worse than M3's with double the K's on the clock which were used every day. Also, BMW dealer servicing is not a must to hunt for when looking for cars, BMW typically cater for leased vehicles so the service intervals are long and typically are just oil changes. The ones to find is cars owned by enthusiasts serviced at specialist shops serviced regularly (ie every 5000-7500ks).

    • justinvu on 20/11/2016 - 08:37

      you're lucky to buy it at $50k. what a bargain !!!

  • Mysterious on 20/11/2016 - 08:26

    I'm confused, if it's 33-38k elsewhere why don't you buy it from someone listing it at that price.

    • justinvu on 20/11/2016 - 08:34

      unfortunately, there aren't any available. That's why even though market price is 34-36 or whatever, I am prepared to pay a big premium for it, but what he's asking is just outrageous :D

  • RogueWolf on 21/11/2016 - 23:15

    wouldnt pay more then $35k be patient others will pop up or look interstate only costs around $500 to truck it interstate, you can get a 2014/15 228i for under $50k or a 235i 14/15 mid 50's with a bit or bargaining, your mate wont get anywhere near 50k & will be lucky to even get near $40k, stage 2 just turns off 90% of buyers

  • myusername on 23/03/2019 - 14:58
    -1

    needs 'nobody cares' option in poll

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