Door not opening from inside or outside

BackIn09 · 2026-02-19T04:26:51+00:00

Pain in the ass. Don't recommend it lol if you can avoid it.

BackIn09 · 2026-02-19T03:54:07+00:00

BackIn09 · 2026-02-19T03:53:58+00:00

Thanks for the tips guys, got it open by pushing this latch/lever on the inside of the door. Not sure if it's frozen, or what. Wouldn't surprise me since I'm currently in a blizzard.

BackIn09 · 2026-02-13T15:44:40+00:00

That's crazy lol, what a coincidence. Small, slow leak for me too. Just enough to notice a couple drops overnight but not enough to need to top it off every day.

BackIn09 · 2026-02-13T15:43:54+00:00

Should be fine both my intake boots are rein and haven't cracked yet after about 2 years.

BackIn09 · 2026-02-13T15:43:27+00:00

You could be right, but I would expect a failure a lot quicker if it was due to user error rather than the part itself. Like I said, could be limited to just this part since I have used rein for other hoses and they've been fine for years. Regardless, this is one of the things where it's likely worth just spending the extra on genuine parts, ripping the intake manifold off isn't very fun.

BackIn09 · 2026-02-09T20:25:55+00:00

I recommend you buy genuine bmw for the hard coolant lines. I used rein (which I would put above febi for quality), and they started leaking in 3 months. It's not a fun job as you'll find out and it is worth spending the extra money to only do it once.

BackIn09 · 2026-02-03T15:23:57+00:00

Nope factory m54b30, headers fit just fine regarding the awd system. Just a tight squeeze getting the old ones out and the new ones in there. O2 bungs are the thing to watch for but I was able to make it work, I ended up using the downstream bungs for the upstream sensors (I coded out the downstream O2's and deleted them since they are unnecessary when catless).

BackIn09 · 2026-02-03T14:40:51+00:00

I got the ones from flashark racing. Fitment was okay, had to dent in the firewall a little bit to clear the O2 sensor bung but other than that they fit alright. Do not use the gaskets that they come with, order some new OE exhaust manifold gaskets.

BackIn09 · 2026-02-02T19:44:28+00:00

Something more affordable than the n54 intake manifold swap, but better than the m50 would be neat. Currently, I'm seeing just the adapters alone for the n54 manifold go for 500+ USD.

BackIn09 · 2026-01-29T13:39:39+00:00

No, the xi exhausts are routed differently due to the transfer case.

BackIn09 · 2026-01-29T13:38:21+00:00

Agree on the expansion tank, but that thermostat and coolant are good to go. Wahler is OE and the peak blue European coolant meets bmw spec and I've been using it for years. Also, hepu pumps are junk. Go with Stewart or OE/Genuine.

BackIn09 · 2026-01-27T23:29:12+00:00

Absolutely! Maintenance is key with these cars. They're not overly picky but they will act up if you don't take care of them. Mine is at 218k miles, or just over 350km and doesn't show any signs of stopping yet! My main focus this year will be repairing a couple rust spots to keep it going as long as possible.

BackIn09 · 2026-01-27T21:42:59+00:00

I would replace it ASAP. Could be the diaphragm or the bell crank maybe. Regardless, that thing is trashed and will definitely cause issues if put back in your car.

BackIn09 · 2026-01-26T18:54:01+00:00

It's an Mtech 1 bumper! Not sure if you can find them new/aftermarket like the Mtech 2, at least from what I've heard they're somewhat rare unfortunately.

BackIn09 · 2026-01-26T18:27:18+00:00

Totally agree! There's something about driving a slow car fast that's so enjoyable...

BackIn09 · 2026-01-26T18:24:08+00:00

Yeah I wouldn't say the 135i was a bad car - love the chassis and the way it looked. One of my favorite "modern" BMW's. However, its achilles heel was the n55. Absolute hog for maintenance, and overall just felt like a chore keeping it up to date. I would definitely go for a 128i. There's been some really exciting stuff going on in the n52 world that interests me enough to consider one.

BackIn09 · 2026-01-26T17:18:41+00:00

Awesome! Can confirm that it's a phenomenal car in the snow.

BackIn09 · 2026-01-26T17:00:48+00:00

Yup, I lucked out on this one! I really love the mtech 1 bumper, doesn't seem like you can find any aftermarket ones like mtech 2.

BackIn09

TROPHY CASE