135i

catalin-ch · 07-12-2011, 04:21 AM

Hi guys, my first post on here.

I live in Switzerland and I am looking to buy a 135i directly from Germany. Most likely a used 2010 model with the N54 engine and low mileage, although I am a little worried about the fuel pump failure I keep reading about. The price is right and the exchange rate is in my favor.

I absolutely want the the 7-speed DSG gear box (i know it's not called exactly that, but you know what I mean), problem is that there are very few 135s with that on sale so choice is very limited. There is much more choice in the 6MT segment and they are sensibly cheaper so I was wondering if it's feasible to buy a MT then swap the transmission with a DSG. How does that look in terms of effort and money? Would it make any sense?

RaihaX · 07-12-2011, 04:37 AM

probably more money then its worth...

IDBMW · 07-12-2011, 06:49 AM

I am sure it would cost less in the end to find a 135i with DSG than to install a DSG in a MT car.

You should go ask your local BMW dealer what it would cost and that would be worst case since you might find an independent auto shop to do it cheaper.

Good luck!

KinoBoom · 07-12-2011, 07:22 AM

I will swap all parts with you.

catalin-ch · 07-12-2011, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KinoBoom

I will swap all parts with you.

Kino, do you have the 7-speed DCT? I see your car is an '09 and from what I know the 7-speed DCT was not available in 09.

jsublime · 07-12-2011, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IDBMW

I am sure it would cost less in the end to find a 135i with DSG than to install a DSG in a MT car.

+1

You could probably buy a brand new one for cheaper than converting an MT.

228iconvert · 07-12-2011, 07:48 AM

Its a DCT not DSG correct? And as far as I know the 2011's and up are the only cars with DCT availible unless that is only in the states.

catalin-ch · 07-12-2011, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSB135i

Its a DCT not DSG correct? And as far as I know the 2011's and up are the only cars with DCT availible unless that is only in the states.

Correct. In Europe it was available earlier probably, the 2010s have it.

BMW86 · 07-12-2011, 08:21 AM

The DCT are all N55. N54 only came in step and Mt

KinoBoom · 07-12-2011, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catalin-ch

Kino, do you have the 7-speed DCT? I see your car is an '09 and from what I know the 7-speed DCT was not available in 09.

true, I thought he wanted regular AT with paddle shift... sorry

catalin-ch · 07-12-2011, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW86

The DCT are all N55. N54 only came in step and Mt

Aaaaah, so disappointed! I just confirmed that on the phone with BM. However I did get rather exciting news from them. Are you guys ready for this:

In Europe we have now available the 135is, with the N54 engine tuned at 326 HP, same as for the 335is (which by the way is not available in Europe). I'm getting excited!!!

Stay tuned.

Edit: this information was given tome over the phone by a BMW dealer. I then called BMW Switzerland and they didn't know anything about a 135is?! They did confirm that there will be a replacement model for the 135 next year sold as a 2013 model and it will have around 320 HP, although the final engine output and prices will not be known until April next year.

ND40oz · 07-12-2011, 11:39 AM

Only the Z4 35is and 335is had the N54 DCT combo AFAIK.

GeeRam · 07-12-2011, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catalin-ch

Aaaaah, so disappointed! I just confirmed that on the phone with BM. However I did get rather exciting news from them. Are you guys ready for this:

In Europe we have now available the 135is, with the N54 engine tuned at 326 HP, same as for the 335is (which by the way is not available in Europe). I'm getting excited!!!

That's just a N54 135i with the BMWP power kit fitted. You can have that fitted by any BMW dealer to any N54 135i.

x97Melbourne · 07-12-2011, 09:00 PM

Is this a joke or something?

catalin-ch · 07-13-2011, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeeRam

That's just a N54 135i with the BMWP power kit fitted. You can have that fitted by any BMW dealer to any N54 135i.

Spot on mate. The guy from the dealership called to tell me that he was wrong and that when he looked up the homologation number, the different power was due to an add-on kit and not a different model. It's good to know it's out there though.

In the meantime I'm gonna go test drive their stock 135i with the 6MT and keep you updated. By the way, what would you guys choose between second hand N54 with the 6MT and a new N55 with the DCT? Some mild modding in perspective, no racing.

catalin-ch · 07-13-2011, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by x97Melbourne

Is this a joke or something?

No joke, this is what I've been told originally. See clarification above.

Diver · 07-13-2011, 10:01 AM

Forget transmission swaps. Just buy what you want and drive the piss out of it.

Jeef Beef · 07-13-2011, 06:54 PM

A fully tranny swap on a car this new? Unless you're also willing to give up your kidney it's not feasible.

MikeinAlexandria · 07-13-2011, 08:31 PM

Curious you mention the transmission swap. I was talking about this and interior swaps with some folks at BMW. Their opinions were basically sell the car and buy one with what you want on it. Ie, do not buy a manual if you want DSG, and vice versa. I was asking about the BMW Performance seats and swapping an automatic to manual (future car, not my current one). Since you are in Switzerland, you can build what you want. Do that, or just keep watching for a used 135 with DSG. It will turn up. But do wait, and get the car you want vs. trying to build it.

Ash83 · 07-14-2011, 09:35 AM

DSG

catalin-ch · 07-14-2011, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ash83

DSG

What's in a name, that which we call a rose..."

07-12-2011, 04:21 AM	#1
catalin-ch New Member 3 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 2010 Mazdaspeed3 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Switzerland iTrader: (0)	135i - Manual to DSG gearbox swap? Hi guys, my first post on here. I live in Switzerland and I am looking to buy a 135i directly from Germany. Most likely a used 2010 model with the N54 engine and low mileage, although I am a little worried about the fuel pump failure I keep reading about. The price is right and the exchange rate is in my favor. I absolutely want the the 7-speed DSG gear box (i know it's not called exactly that, but you know what I mean), problem is that there are very few 135s with that on sale so choice is very limited. There is much more choice in the 6MT segment and they are sensibly cheaper so I was wondering if it's feasible to buy a MT then swap the transmission with a DSG. How does that look in terms of effort and money? Would it make any sense?
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07-12-2011, 04:37 AM	#2
RaihaX Major General 156 Rep 4,995 Posts Drives: 08' 135i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Australia, Perth iTrader: (2)	probably more money then its worth...
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07-12-2011, 06:49 AM	#3
IDBMW Captain 41 Rep 825 Posts Drives: 2019 X3 M40i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Boise, ID iTrader: (0)	I am sure it would cost less in the end to find a 135i with DSG than to install a DSG in a MT car. You should go ask your local BMW dealer what it would cost and that would be worst case since you might find an independent auto shop to do it cheaper. Good luck! __________________ 2019 X3 M40i - Black Sapphire Metallic - Mocha Lather - 21" 718M wheels - Every option except Sun Shade
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07-12-2011, 07:22 AM	#4
KinoBoom Lieutenant 38 Rep 468 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Austin, Texas iTrader: (0)	I will swap all parts with you. __________________ 2018 M2
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07-12-2011, 07:48 AM	#7
228iconvert Private First Class 10 Rep 136 Posts Drives: 2015 228i x drive convert Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Its a DCT not DSG correct? And as far as I know the 2011's and up are the only cars with DCT availible unless that is only in the states. __________________ 2011 BMW 135i Coupe Deep Sea Blue \ Savanna Beige DCT 7spd dual clutch, Premium Package, Sport Package, satellite Radio
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07-12-2011, 08:21 AM	#9
BMW86 Major General 398 Rep 9,156 Posts Drives: RS3 Sedan / Macan S Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	The DCT are all N55. N54 only came in step and Mt
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07-12-2011, 11:39 AM	#12
ND40oz Major 409 Rep 1,349 Posts Drives: M2 CS Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Denver/Frankfurt iTrader: (0)	Only the Z4 35is and 335is had the N54 DCT combo AFAIK. __________________ 21 BMW X5 xDrive40i 20 BMW M2 CS 19 Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4 6MT
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07-12-2011, 09:00 PM	#14
x97Melbourne Molar World 47 Rep 916 Posts Drives: 2016 435i Coupe Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Is this a joke or something? __________________ Current: 2016 435i Coupe Previous: 2014 335i Sedan; 2013 328i Cv, 2011 335i Sedan Gone But Not Forgotten: 2008 135i Convertible (my favorite)
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07-13-2011, 10:01 AM	#17
Diver Brigadier General 504 Rep 3,446 Posts Drives: Black '12 135i - Sold Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Forget transmission swaps. Just buy what you want and drive the piss out of it. __________________ See my photography at http://ronscubadiver.wordpress.com
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07-13-2011, 06:54 PM	#18
Jeef Beef Lord Captain Commander 110 Rep 3,093 Posts Drives: a sleeper Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	A fully tranny swap on a car this new? Unless you're also willing to give up your kidney it's not feasible. __________________ E82 135i M-sport: SGM/6MT/Black
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07-13-2011, 08:31 PM	#19
MikeinAlexandria Lieutenant 47 Rep 567 Posts Drives: 128i M Sport Convertible Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (0)	Curious you mention the transmission swap. I was talking about this and interior swaps with some folks at BMW. Their opinions were basically sell the car and buy one with what you want on it. Ie, do not buy a manual if you want DSG, and vice versa. I was asking about the BMW Performance seats and swapping an automatic to manual (future car, not my current one). Since you are in Switzerland, you can build what you want. Do that, or just keep watching for a used 135 with DSG. It will turn up. But do wait, and get the car you want vs. trying to build it.
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07-14-2011, 09:35 AM	#20
Ash83 Major 42 Rep 1,177 Posts Drives: 135i & RS5 (SOLD)/ 18 CTS-V Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (1)	DSG __________________ Alpine White, Coral RED , Glacier Silver Aluminum trim, M sport, 6MT, NAV, HiFi, USB-iPod, Bluetooth Performance: JB4\|BMW PE\|DP Cosmetics: BMW Sport Pedals\|Black Kidney Grill
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