Considering a Manual 2009 128i

[idrivea911]

Hi everyone, I just sold my older WRX and I'm setting up a test drive for a 2009 128i Manual on Saturday. I did a quick search for things to look out for, and the only thread I found had 1700 views and 0 responses with common problem areas. Are the 128s bulletproof? I'm pretty proficient at running around a Subaru and spotting issues, but this would be my first foray in GmbH territory. The car in question has 112k miles, a clean car fax, but no service records, and 3 owners.

Thanks all!

[MarcoZandrini]

First, it’s BMW AG. Run away from the car as there are no service records. I don’t care what carfax says. Run.

[hoki06]

I had a 128i manual sport package as my DD for 6 years, owned it from 50k to 145k miles. Probably the best DD I've ever owned and I'm starting to regret selling it last year. I've always considered it a modern day E36 M3. Very similar in size, power, and weight. You can easily modify it with headers, intake manifold, and a tune to make 240-250hp at the rear wheels. Add a LSD and a decent suspension and you'll have a killer track car for under 15k including the purchase price of the car.

They're reliable but like any modern BMW you need to stay on top of preventative maintenance to keep it reliable as it ages. Failure points are well known and shared across other platforms such as E9x, E6x, etc.

If the price is right, buy it and be prepared to start knocking our maintenance items. Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket, drive belt, water pump are the most common for the N52.

[idrivea911]

First, it’s BMW AG. Run away from the car as there are no service records. I don’t care what carfax says. Run.

I sort of know that, but this car is 6k vs 9-12 for a well documented one. Service records are great indicators, but they aren't a warranty. So if the motor goes kablooey, I'm on the hook either way, and at least I've got $3k of it covered. I am notionally aware of the risk associated. If anyone knows, what's a nominal cost for a low mileage used engine?

I had a 128i manual sport package as my DD for 6 years, owned it from 50k to 145k miles. Probably the best DD I've ever owned and I'm starting to regret selling it last year. I've always considered it a modern day E36 M3. Very similar in size, power, and weight. You can easily modify it with headers, intake manifold, and a tune to make 240-250hp at the rear wheels. Add a LSD and a decent suspension and you'll have a killer track car for under 15k including the purchase price of the car.

They're reliable but like any modern BMW you need to stay on top of preventative maintenance to keep it reliable as it ages. Failure points are well known and shared across other platforms such as E9x, E6x, etc.

If the price is right, buy it and be prepared to start knocking our maintenance items. Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket, drive belt, water pump are the most common for the N52.

Thanks. That'll give me some focus for when I check the car out.