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2013 BMW 135is

Introduction:

The 2013 BMW 135is is a high-performance variant of the 1 Series coupe. It features a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine that produces 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 135is is praised for its thrilling driving dynamics, powerful engine, and comfortable interior. However, it also has its share of problems.

Engine

3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6

  • High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure: The high-pressure fuel pump can fail, causing the engine to run rough or stall. The pump must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves: Carbon can build up on the intake valves, reducing airflow and power. The valves must be manually cleaned. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Turbocharger Wastegate Issues: The turbocharger wastegates can become stuck or fail, leading to decreased boost pressure and reduced power. The wastegates must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip or snap. This can lead to catastrophic engine damage. The engine must be rebuilt or replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
  • Valve Cover Gasket Leak: The valve cover gasket can leak oil. The gasket must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500

Transmission

6-Speed Manual Transmission

  • Grinding or Difficulty Shifting: The transmission can experience grinding or difficulty shifting gears. The transmission may need to be rebuilt or replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Clutch Failure: The clutch can wear out or fail prematurely. The clutch must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500

Electrical

  • Battery Drain: The battery can drain prematurely. The electrical system must be inspected for parasitic drains. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
  • Alternator Failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to discharge and the electrical system to stop working. The alternator must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • CAN Bus Communication Errors: The Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, which connects the electronic modules in the car, can experience communication errors. This can lead to a variety of electrical problems. The faulty modules must be diagnosed and replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+

Suspension

  • Strut Mount Bearing Failure: The strut mount bearings can wear out prematurely, causing a knocking or clunking sound from the front of the car. The strut mounts must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Control Arm Bushings Failure: The control arm bushings can wear out, causing a rattling or clunking sound from the front of the car. The control arms must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700
  • Rear Sway Bar Links Failure: The rear sway bar links can fail, causing a clunking sound from the rear of the car. The sway bar links must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Exterior

  • Headlight Condensation: The headlights can accumulate condensation inside the housing. The headlights must be resealed. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Front Bumper Fascia Sagging: The front bumper fascia can sag over time. The fascia must be adjusted or replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Windshield Washer Fluid Tank Cracking: The windshield washer fluid tank can crack, causing the fluid to leak out. The tank must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Interior

  • Dashboard Creaking: The dashboard can creak or rattle over rough roads. The dashboard must be removed and re-secured. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Steering Wheel Buttons Sticking: The steering wheel buttons can stick or become difficult to press. The buttons must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Center Console Trim Scratches: The center console trim can scratch easily. The trim must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Seatbelt Tensioner Malfunction: The seatbelt tensioner can malfunction, causing the seatbelt to not retract properly. The tensioner must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500

Summary:

The 2013 BMW 135is is a powerful and fun-to-drive coupe, but it has its fair share of problems. The engine can suffer from a variety of issues, including fuel pump failure, carbon buildup, turbocharger problems, and timing chain tensioner failure. The transmission can experience grinding or difficulty shifting, and the clutch can fail prematurely. The electrical system can have battery drain and alternator problems, and the CAN bus can experience communication errors. The suspension can suffer from strut mount bearing failure, control arm bushing failure, and rear sway bar link failure. The exterior can have headlight condensation, front bumper fascia sagging, and a cracked windshield washer fluid tank. The interior can creak, have sticking steering wheel buttons, scratched center console trim, and seatbelt tensioner malfunctions.

The severity of the issues varies from minor annoyances to major repairs. Some issues, such as the timing chain tensioner failure, can lead to catastrophic engine damage. The cost to fix the issues can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Overall, the 2013 BMW 135is is a risky purchase due to its numerous potential problems.

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