2011 135i cabrio - YES/NO?

[py0413]

I have been offered a very good deal on a 2011 135i Con. with DCT, comfort access, usb/aux, performance brake, 18" wheel, black-tip exhaust.

what are somethings I should be aware of when buying a little fun convertible like this?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After doing all the research and comparing, I decide to stay w/ BMW Family and soon my M3 will have a baby brother - the 135i cab.

Before tonight I was still not sure if I should be buying the IS350c or the 135i Cab. The Bimmer dealer set me up with an over-night test drive and I just find myself having no reason to say no to this great little fun car. The more you drive it, the more you love it. It handles amazingly good and the DCT makes it even better. It makes me regret not buy my M3 with DCT.

[oman135]

if u want a conv then go for it !
its an amazing little car !

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by py0413

what are somethings I should be aware of when buying a little fun convertible like this?

The need for frequent applications of sunblock - and the difficulty of wiping the broad grin off your face.

Go for it!

Tom

[BrokenVert]

Keep a hairbrush handy in the glovebox!

And some ski goggles if you're crazy like me

[3liter1]

see the girly car thread a few items down

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by AudiS4

see the girly car thread a few items down

But only if you like wasting time on some real nonsense!

Tom

[GO135i007]

Originally Posted by AudiS4

see the girly car thread a few items down

[amancuso]

Originally Posted by Tom K.

But only if you like wasting time on some real nonsense!

Tom

[MarkR171]

Convertible won't feel as solid, expect more rattles and noise. I would never buy a 4 seat convertible personally but it's your car.

[smithtravel]

As Tom K. noted above, you need to be prepared for the grin plastered on your face. The combination of the 135 bottle rocket and the open view (night and day) can't be beat. It is a better driver's car than the 335 vert I used to have. The roof is amazingly tight, not a quiet as a coupe, but not all that noisy either. Surprisingly it makes a pretty good bad daily driver, even in a PA winter (with winter tires on).

[BrokenVert]

The weight helps ^in the winter but this car isn't bad ^in the snow especially considering the lack of an LSD and the 300 instant lbft

[py0413]

wow! thanks for all the quick replies. you guys rock!

I just went back to the dealership to look at the car closely this afternoon and found out it actually doesn't have comfort access as I thought from my first visit. Anyways, it's a basic model w/ only the DCT(I like this thing) nothing else. I would go for it immediately if it was equipped with the executive package with offers those little things I like. They are willing to sell this car at their cost because very soon they are having a huge load of inventories coming in.

My thought for now,

Power is good (more than enough)
Handling is a lot better than my expectation
because it's a basic model so I am missing a few things I like eg. leather seats, parking sensor, comfort access......other than those it's pretty much a no-brainer....

the car i test drove is has every little mileage (appx 1200kms), so i have not notice any rattle or whatsoever common problems for convertibles

anybody here has 09, 10 model that ever have anything went wrong?(rattle, leaking,....so on)

[shodanusmc]

We have an 09 135 Vert with just about every option. No real problems, 10 year on the HPFP, very quiet, not a rattle or a squeek. Runs great, averages 22 mpg, decent power, and has a nifty indentation on the pass side dash....gives it style and class. Basically my wifes car, and it is now put away and sleeping for the winer. Will wake it up in March. We have several other snow cars.

[py0413]

I am surprised how they did not equip the alarm system as standard feature. Not sure if it can be added on after purchasing the vehicle and even if they can, it probably cost quite a bit(especially in canada where they sell a pair of regular H8 light bulbs for $129)

the "-"s are

no memory power leather seats
no auto dimming rear view mirror
no auto folding side mirrors (they are super useful for street parking)
no parking sensor ( I have been relying on this feature quite a lot lol)
no comfort access

the "+"s are
DCT
bigger trunk space compare to other convertible
BMW performance/handling
free scheduled service

as of now, I am 40% towards this 135i and 60% towards an IS350C since both of them are offered with amazing discount...

hard to choose.....damn it!

[BrokenVert]

If you value driving you won't get the lexus

[MikeinAlexandria]

I find it hard to believe the Lexus handles like the BMW. I love my 128 cabrio, with a little effort and research, it has become the best driving BMW I have ever owned. It is not that small either, plenty big enough for three tall people and their weekend bags. I thunk all the gizmos are a waste of money, try to get the BMW Performance seats, maybe a nice exhaust, and enjoy the car. Comfort access costs $500 or so, I had it on my MINI, but it was generally a waste of money. Electric seats are totally a waste, i would have rather had manual sport seats. FYI, if younwant BMW sport seats, you can always watch hear on the forums for someone whomhasnthem and wants standard seats. You might even be able to do a no cost trade. Good luck whatever you decide!

[bbbradley]

Originally Posted by maxnix

Most of us would not buy a non ZSP or ZMP car. The stock seats don't cut it.

The stock seats are terrible, but the base suspension leaves a lot to be desired too. Find a sport pack equipped car and leave this one for someone else.

[Tom K.]

While the stock seats on my E91 are quite comfortable, I agree that the sport suspension is necessary on the 1 series - but the 135i has that with or without the ZSP.

My 128i 'vert now has 33,000 miles with no rattles and no problems.

Tom

[py0413]

Thanks guys! this is really an active forum and everyone are being helpful.

I will soon be making my decision, either the 135i or IS350C, I will post update no later than end of this month. Gotta drop my deposit before Saturday this week because I am taking off for my Vegas trip on Sunday. LOL!

[NewYearsBoy]

Originally Posted by maxnix

IS350 is a boulevardier, not really a driver's car. Look at a 335i folding hardtop if you want that style of car. More expensive, but worth it.

We won't mention the M3 Folding Top to maintain clarity.

HAHA.. But the lexus works every day...

Wait there is no alarm system on the car??? WHAT THE HELL... I had no clue I had to ask for something like that...

I would not even buy another BMW unless it said M3 on the back the 1 has way to many problems...

But I wish I has a vert in FL...

[NewYearsBoy]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

If you value driving you won't get the lexus

HAHA^^^ I can't even get to work sometimes because of my car.... HAHA..

[py0413]

Originally Posted by maxnix

IS350 is a boulevardier, not really a driver's car. Look at a 335i folding hardtop if you want that style of car. More expensive, but worth it.

We won't mention the M3 Folding Top to maintain clarity.

I am not considering any 3 series since I am driving a 08 M3 sedan already and I am keeping the M for sure.

At the beginning I only wanted a reliable and comfortable convertible so I went to lexus first and took a SC430 out for a while then I realized it's too much less of the driving I am looking for; although, there is no doubt that SC is one of the most comfortable hard-top cruisers. Then the dealer told me they have a killer deal on a 2010 brand new IS350C, so I took it out for a short drive, it was nice and decent, but I found a center console rattle which really bothered me. After the test drive I pointed it out to the salesperson and he promised to get the service tech figure it out asap.

The same night the engine check light came on on my M, so the next day I took it back to local dealership for a service appointment. That's where I found that 135i cab which seems like a better deal than the lexus. I still don't know which one will be coming home with me.

The IS350C has more of the things I can play with but I can't stand that rattling noise, so they gotta make sure it's fixed in order to earn my business.
The 135i, on the other hand, is sporty and easy even though it doesn't have all the bells and whistles. It's just that I am not sure If i want 2 bimmers at the same time. There are whole lot of similarities.

Anyways, both dealerships are handling business professionally and I really appreciate how they value their customers.