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RJW's LMB 135i

19K views 128 replies 23 participants last post by  rjwojcik 
#1 ·
Most of you will probably know that I've been loitering for a while, actually I've checked and I joined Nov 2010! Since about that time I've also been stalking Auto Trader, Piston Heads, eBay and the BMW AUC site daily, looking for a suitable victim. It's been an interesting process, watching cars appear on one site, then disappear only to appear on another site.

One advert caught my eye late August on Piston Heads, only because it had one thumbnail photo and the description was brief to say the least.

A month later it appeared on eBay, same price, a few more pictures and a slightly revised description. There were no successful bids.

It then reappeared on eBay again, this time at a slightly lower price so I thought I'd give it a go, intending on making an offer if everything checked out. I made some an initial enquiries via email to the seller, even asking for some additional photos to be taken in areas that were lacking (like the interior).

Having obtained the registration number I then called the BMW Customer Information Department (UK) on 09062090001 to confirm that the details on the advert were correct. For those that do not know, BMW are able to confirm the following details from a registration number:

• The model, colour and optional extras that were ordered, including the code numbers. So I got:
Le Mans Blue 381
Black Leather LWSW
Sun Protection Glass 420
Heated Seats 494
Park Distance Control 508
Xenon Headlamps 522
Cruise Control 540
USB Audio Interface 6FL
Bluetooth Phone Prep 644
BMW Profession al Radio 663

• The price when new
• A history of dealer visits with dates

Having obtained the details from BMW it became apparent that some of the information on the advert did not tally. Things like advertising the car with Bluetooth and Telematics rather than Bluetooth Phone Prep or Electric Memory Seats rather than just Electric Lumbar Support. When asked, the seller explained that they had merely copied what they thought the description ought to be from another advert and had not understood what the options actually were. Uhmmm… but after a bit of questioning I was happy with the outcome.

I was also able to carry out an HPI check, which picked up:

• VRM currently recorded as having outstanding finance, with BMW FINANCIAL SERVICES (GB) LTD.

On this I made an offer on the car, which included the following terms:

• It would need to pass a prearranged inspection by an independent BMW specialist
• We would then visit my bank and arrange payment straight to BMW FINANCIAL SERVICES (GB) LTD to pay off the finance
• The balance would then be paid to the sellers bank account

My offer was rejected. O well, there's plenty more fish in the sea.

The eBay advert subsequently expired.

A couple of weeks later the car was advertised on Auto Trader. After what seemed like an eternity, I thought I'd make a revised offer, which after a bit of haggling was eventually accepted. So I applied for a loan, waited for the funds to arrive and arranged to pick the car up.

So, I arranged for a train and overnight stay last night, to make the early start this morning (8am) of the prearranged inspection by the independent BMW specialist. The seller would pick me up from the hotel and this would also allow me to visual inspect and test drive the car for the first time.

The inspection uncovered a few issues (but I decided to get these fixed under the BMW warranty), BMW were paid off and I had a great 250 mile drive home this afternoon, with my new 1'er, a 2009 Le Mans Blue 135i. I've attached a few photos.

Before I had driven the car home, I had made an extensive list of possible enhancements I'd like to make to the car. But, while driving it home I thought about the items I was going to upgrade and have decided not to, everything about the car is fine. I like my tiny mirrors, they are a work of art. Even the run flats, ok they're firm but it's a sport car. I may go the non RFT route, but only due to the cost.

Dead chuffed to say the least :) :) :) :) :) :) :)





Everybody have a nice weekend.
 
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#3 ·
:lol2: Thanks, just remebered, I can change my sig now

Oooo, CSL style wheels, uhmmmm...
 
#4 ·
rjwojcik said:
:lol2: Thanks, just remebered, I can change my sig now

Oooo, CSL style wheels, uhmmmm...
Well done that man. You finally gone and done it :celebrate: :spotman: :band: :band: :thumbs: :woohoo: :beerchug: :grouphug:

Welcome to the 135i club!!!! I'll keep my eyes peeled for you now.
 
#5 ·
Excellent..... about time too :lol2:

Mind you, I was lurking here for over 18 months before I finally got my 135i.

rjwojcik said:
• The model, colour and optional extras that were ordered, including the code numbers. So I got:
Le Mans Blue 381
Black Leather LWSW
Sun Protection Glass 420
Heated Seats 494
Park Distance Control 508
Xenon Headlamps 522
Cruise Control 540
USB Audio Interface 6FL
Bluetooth Phone Prep 644
BMW Professional Radio 663

Things like advertising the car with Bluetooth and Telematics rather than Bluetooth Phone Prep or Electric Memory Seats rather than just Electric Lumbar Support.
Bit confused about that last sentance though, as electric lumbar support isn't listed as an option on that list....??
 
#6 ·
Great story and I admire your patients! I get too excited when I think I have found the right car and often jump in too quickly. I think you did it exactly the right way and have managed to bag what looks to be a really nice example with a lot of nice options.

Anyways, welcome to the club, enjoy your new motor and I look forward to seeing some more pics in the future!
 
#9 ·
VeeSix said:
Welcome to the 135i M club... although now you're here, you have to bear in mind that there is the 'N54' and 'N55' divergence clubs :lol2:
Is that like the big mirror, little mirror thing as well. :lol2:

Actually, how can I tell whether I've got a passenger mirror that will drop and display the kerb when I engage reverse gear? I tried reverse with the nob selected towards left and then right afterwards but nothing happened. Do I need to set them? I don't have electric folding mirrors.
 
#13 ·
Mike Roberts said:
I like the fact mine burns the polar icecap faster than newer versions... :D
Good point. We all want warmer summers so perhaps we all ought to swap into N54's? Alternatively I might just drive everywhere in 2 gears lower than I need to to create the same effect :wink: :lol2:
 
#14 ·
VeeSix said:
I'm still loving the noise of the 135, sounds better than my Elise SC with upgraded exhaust and decat on full chat :D
I must admit I've had to drop the window at traffic lights for some audible entertainment during take off, very addictive :cool2:
 
#15 ·
VeeSix said:
Speaking of 'take-off' i've found that first gear runs out of steam very quickly, seems the turbo/s don't have much effect in 1st (if any effect at all!). The real magic and noise happens when 2nd gear is engaged :spotman:
Yes, the car has torque limiters in first that reduce the amount of 'mumbo' the engine produces to try and preserve the transmission. You'll find it should be even more responsive in 3rd for this reason?
 
#16 ·
VeeSix said:
pimpinyourmum said:
Mike Roberts said:
I like the fact mine burns the polar icecap faster than newer versions... :D
Good point. We all want warmer summers so perhaps we all ought to swap into N54's? Alternatively I might just drive everywhere in 2 gears lower than I need to to create the same effect :wink: :lol2:
I'm still loving the noise of the 135, sounds better than my Elise SC with upgraded exhaust and decat on full chat :D
They do sound good dont they :D Even better with the BMW Performance exhaust :wink:
 
#19 ·
The stock sound of the N55 is way better than the N54 - aside from that, I don't really care for this 'who has the best engine' tosh. They both produce the same-ish power in the same-ish way, and they're both a great lump.

3rd really is the daddy, it's just a shame by the time you're hitting 3rd, you're pretty much breaking the speed limit. I can confirm that it'll smash 140 up Kemmel into Les Combes with absolute ease.
 
#21 ·
Iggu said:
GeeRam said:
rjwojcik said:
I don't have electric folding mirrors.
That's why you don't have the reverse tilt function.
Hey up. I have folding mirrors on mine but have not noticed this reverse tilt feature. What's the story - how do I make it do it ?
As long as you have the mirror adjustment switch set to the drivers side position, the nearside mirror should tilt when reverse gear is selected.
 
#22 ·
Mike Roberts said:
The stock sound of the N55 is way better than the N54 - aside from that, I don't really care for this 'who has the best engine' tosh. They both produce the same-ish power in the same-ish way, and they're both a great lump.

3rd really is the daddy, it's just a shame by the time you're hitting 3rd, you're pretty much breaking the speed limit. I can confirm that it'll smash 140 up Kemmel into Les Combes with absolute ease.
I agree on t he noise thing. Both engines sound amazing although the N55 is better.

Nice comment on the run up to Les Combes :wink: :D
 
#24 ·
pimpinyourmum said:
They do sound good dont they :D Even better with the BMW Performance exhaust :wink:
Don't I know it... :wavey: :wavey: :wavey:
 
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