BMW 125i Coupe. Any good?
Discussion
Had a bit of bad luck recently, as my "unicorn" spec 2016 Golf GT Estate that has been my faithful daily for the last 5 years and 75,000 miles got written off by a deer 3 weeks ago. Frustrating, as it's a great car that I just finished paying off in the summer and still drivable but it ran into the side of it whilst I was travelling at some pace so needs new bonnet, front wing, 2 doors, light units etc, which they estimated at 7,000 pounds to repair!
We haven't agreed a payout figure yet but I'm not optimistic. It was a pre-facelift 1.4 TSI DSG with very high spec, leather, nav, pan roof, 18 inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, upgraded audio and active cruise etc. Not that there are many around but I can't find one for less than 10 grand, albeit they're all significantly less than the 125,000 miles on mine. I don't much like diesel and the 1.4 TSI has been really reliable, very economical and suprisingly quick on my 70 mile daily commute. I can of course get a similar one of lesser spec (SE?) for less and it should be a good car but I know that I won't like it as much.
Bearing in mind I'm probably not going to get 10k for it, I've been looking at potential replacements in the 5-9k range. Something comparable of similar age/spec would be great but would also consider something a bit older and more "premium".
Hence why I found myself test driving a 2012 125i Coupe at a local dealership yesterday on 60,000 miles priced at 9k. Always quite liked the look of these and on-paper it's right up my street. 3 litre NA straight six, RWD and a 6 speed manual in a fairly compact car, what's not to like? I had an E30 325i 20 years ago when they were cheap and loved that car. Perfect size, sounded fantastic and felt quick to me at the time but it was actually the comfort/refinement that impressed the most. I would say it wasn't as darty and didn't handle as well as the 205 GTi that I had before it but the comfort/refinement were in a different league. The need for something more practical/newer/cheaper to run made me switch to Volkswagens plus I couldn't afford a newer BMW at the time but I always fancied getting another straight six BMW one day.
I had high hopes for the 125i then. They look a little quirky but I personally like the look of them better than the hatch and the rather bulbous-looking 2-Series that replaced it and the 1M (in Valencia Orange) is a bit of a dream car for me, so there's that. So the proportions are very E30, which is a good thing and it feels like a small car compared to a Golf. I had an R56 MINI Cooper before the Golf and I would say interior space is fairly similar but the BMW does have a bigger boot. It felt a generation older than the Golf inside (which I guess it is) and kind of reminded me of my MINI but smelled like my E30 used to!
On the test drive, the engine was very smooth and sounded lovely but it didn't feel that quick (I think modern turbos might have spoilt that aspect for me a bit) and the gearchange was a bit notchy but good. I guess the ride/handling were the most disappointing aspect. Comparing it to my last 2 cars, the MINI was very firm but the damping actually quite good and the handling very darty and confidence inspiring, the Golf a bit more comfort-oriented and less feelsome but still very composed and you can still chuck it around and it feels pretty good. The BMW wasn't as firm as the MINI but felt quite "brittle" and unsettled over bumps, especially under power and yet not as darty or feelsome as the MINI, so not such a great compromise.
By my understanding, this is the same engine as the 130i, which I drove when new and remember being properly quick, so 130i power is just a cheap remap away? Car was also on original spec (but not original) Pirelli runflats. Would ditching the runflats help the ride/handling (it's only on 17s)? The dealer told me that the previous owner was a bit of an "enthusiast" and it appears that the car has been looked after well mechanically and is pretty good cosmetically for a 12 year old car but not perfect. Headlamp lenses a bit cloudy, could do with some new centre caps and it has the single spoke 5-spoke wheels, which don't look as good as the twin spokes IMHO.
So a small and quite rare BMW, RWD, a 6 speed manual and one of the last of the NA BMW straight sixes is still very appealing but it looks like it might take a bit more investment to get it where I want it (unleash full power, ditch the runflats and upgrade the suspension possibly) and I need it to be reliable as I do lots of miles and don't have much downtime for repairs. My MINI was reliable for the first 3 years and then as soon as it hit 80k, it was a nightmare. I chucked around 2k on it trying to get it run right but failed and ultimately gave up on it and traded it in for the Golf. Seems like 9k is all the money too?
Or go for something that's a bit more how I want it out of the "box" such as a W204 C350 Coupe? Probably a bit more reliable, more spacious inside (I do have a 12 and a 10 year old) and more comfort oriented out the box.
Or just something a bit more humble that I can pass onto my kids when they reach driving age (which was my plan with the Golf) and then get something nicer for myself when the budget is a bit bigger?
Another mk7 Golf/equivalent SEAT Leon/Audi A3 would be fine (doesn't have to be an estate) and accept that it won't be quite as nice as the one that I had or a mk3 Focus. Focus has always been a close runner up to a Golf for me, just that the VW tends to be a bit nicer inside. Anything with the 1 litre Ecoboost and Powershift transmission is probably best avoided but a 1.6 Ecoboost with a manual transmission should be fairly reliable?
We haven't agreed a payout figure yet but I'm not optimistic. It was a pre-facelift 1.4 TSI DSG with very high spec, leather, nav, pan roof, 18 inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, upgraded audio and active cruise etc. Not that there are many around but I can't find one for less than 10 grand, albeit they're all significantly less than the 125,000 miles on mine. I don't much like diesel and the 1.4 TSI has been really reliable, very economical and suprisingly quick on my 70 mile daily commute. I can of course get a similar one of lesser spec (SE?) for less and it should be a good car but I know that I won't like it as much.
Bearing in mind I'm probably not going to get 10k for it, I've been looking at potential replacements in the 5-9k range. Something comparable of similar age/spec would be great but would also consider something a bit older and more "premium".
Hence why I found myself test driving a 2012 125i Coupe at a local dealership yesterday on 60,000 miles priced at 9k. Always quite liked the look of these and on-paper it's right up my street. 3 litre NA straight six, RWD and a 6 speed manual in a fairly compact car, what's not to like? I had an E30 325i 20 years ago when they were cheap and loved that car. Perfect size, sounded fantastic and felt quick to me at the time but it was actually the comfort/refinement that impressed the most. I would say it wasn't as darty and didn't handle as well as the 205 GTi that I had before it but the comfort/refinement were in a different league. The need for something more practical/newer/cheaper to run made me switch to Volkswagens plus I couldn't afford a newer BMW at the time but I always fancied getting another straight six BMW one day.
I had high hopes for the 125i then. They look a little quirky but I personally like the look of them better than the hatch and the rather bulbous-looking 2-Series that replaced it and the 1M (in Valencia Orange) is a bit of a dream car for me, so there's that. So the proportions are very E30, which is a good thing and it feels like a small car compared to a Golf. I had an R56 MINI Cooper before the Golf and I would say interior space is fairly similar but the BMW does have a bigger boot. It felt a generation older than the Golf inside (which I guess it is) and kind of reminded me of my MINI but smelled like my E30 used to!
On the test drive, the engine was very smooth and sounded lovely but it didn't feel that quick (I think modern turbos might have spoilt that aspect for me a bit) and the gearchange was a bit notchy but good. I guess the ride/handling were the most disappointing aspect. Comparing it to my last 2 cars, the MINI was very firm but the damping actually quite good and the handling very darty and confidence inspiring, the Golf a bit more comfort-oriented and less feelsome but still very composed and you can still chuck it around and it feels pretty good. The BMW wasn't as firm as the MINI but felt quite "brittle" and unsettled over bumps, especially under power and yet not as darty or feelsome as the MINI, so not such a great compromise.
By my understanding, this is the same engine as the 130i, which I drove when new and remember being properly quick, so 130i power is just a cheap remap away? Car was also on original spec (but not original) Pirelli runflats. Would ditching the runflats help the ride/handling (it's only on 17s)? The dealer told me that the previous owner was a bit of an "enthusiast" and it appears that the car has been looked after well mechanically and is pretty good cosmetically for a 12 year old car but not perfect. Headlamp lenses a bit cloudy, could do with some new centre caps and it has the single spoke 5-spoke wheels, which don't look as good as the twin spokes IMHO.
So a small and quite rare BMW, RWD, a 6 speed manual and one of the last of the NA BMW straight sixes is still very appealing but it looks like it might take a bit more investment to get it where I want it (unleash full power, ditch the runflats and upgrade the suspension possibly) and I need it to be reliable as I do lots of miles and don't have much downtime for repairs. My MINI was reliable for the first 3 years and then as soon as it hit 80k, it was a nightmare. I chucked around 2k on it trying to get it run right but failed and ultimately gave up on it and traded it in for the Golf. Seems like 9k is all the money too?
Or go for something that's a bit more how I want it out of the "box" such as a W204 C350 Coupe? Probably a bit more reliable, more spacious inside (I do have a 12 and a 10 year old) and more comfort oriented out the box.
Or just something a bit more humble that I can pass onto my kids when they reach driving age (which was my plan with the Golf) and then get something nicer for myself when the budget is a bit bigger?
Another mk7 Golf/equivalent SEAT Leon/Audi A3 would be fine (doesn't have to be an estate) and accept that it won't be quite as nice as the one that I had or a mk3 Focus. Focus has always been a close runner up to a Golf for me, just that the VW tends to be a bit nicer inside. Anything with the 1 litre Ecoboost and Powershift transmission is probably best avoided but a 1.6 Ecoboost with a manual transmission should be fairly reliable?
Edited by white_goodman on Sunday 27th October 23:41
Edited by white_goodman on Sunday 27th October 23:43
Edited by white_goodman on Sunday 27th October 23:46
white_goodman said:
I'm on my 4th BMW with the same N52 engine that the 125i has, two in Z4s, a 325i and a 330i and they seem pretty bulletproof. My current 330i has done 126K miles and drives like new, although at that sort of mileage ancillaries like alternators, starters and the notorious electric water pump can fail.
No idea why but the 125i got the 3 litre with just 218bhp (same as my 325i with a 2.5 litre) but it's only a remap (£300/400) away from 130i power like my 330i and Z4s but that's why I only kept the 325i a year!
If you want comfort a Mercedes might be a better choice, but if you want fun a manual BMW seems a better choice. And if you need more space an early E92 330i might fit the bill. C350s registered after 23 March 2006 are expensive to tax!
Fresh gearbox fluid and removing the Clutch Delay Valve work wonders on manual BMWs - despite what BMW claim!
This 125i seemed like a decent deal to me.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410215...
I own one. An SE spec manual. So with the same alloys as the one you test drove. I agree, the M Sport alloys look better.
I've had the map done, and I can't recommend the car enough. Mine has had the run flats binned by a previous owner, and I've no gripes with the way it handles or rides.
Only issue you may have, dependant on your annual mileage, is whether you can live with the fuel economy compared to the golf. I get mid/high 20s real calculated mpg, urban driving, albeit with a reasonably heavy foot. If you can live with that, I recommend it. Once mapped, and run flats are ditched, I think you'll be swayed and won't look back. The N52 is a great engine by all accounts. You'll find yourself holding on to gears a little longer, and driving with the windows down more often, just to appreciate the sound.
Happy to answer any questions.
I've had the map done, and I can't recommend the car enough. Mine has had the run flats binned by a previous owner, and I've no gripes with the way it handles or rides.
Only issue you may have, dependant on your annual mileage, is whether you can live with the fuel economy compared to the golf. I get mid/high 20s real calculated mpg, urban driving, albeit with a reasonably heavy foot. If you can live with that, I recommend it. Once mapped, and run flats are ditched, I think you'll be swayed and won't look back. The N52 is a great engine by all accounts. You'll find yourself holding on to gears a little longer, and driving with the windows down more often, just to appreciate the sound.
Happy to answer any questions.
Edited by Shiklio on Monday 28th October 01:00
I've had mine for 9 years and it's 16 years old now, nothing expensive has needed fixed and what has needed done I've done myself. They're quite easy to work on.
Its got the 130i remap(essential), non run-flat tyres and a bilstein/ eibach suspension kit. Handling can be "interesting" on less than ideal roads, it's a little bit crashy which can put you off giving it 10/tenths.
I love it for many of the reasons you've mentioned: small coupe body, rwd 6 cylinder N/A and a manual gearbox, traditional BMW powertrain in other words which they'll never make again.
I see it as an updated and faster E46 330i coupe. If you don't want to join the 135i/140i pops and bangs brigade or fork out for an M car it's one of the best BMW engines you can get.
Average mpg is around 32 but on a run I've seen 40
Its got the 130i remap(essential), non run-flat tyres and a bilstein/ eibach suspension kit. Handling can be "interesting" on less than ideal roads, it's a little bit crashy which can put you off giving it 10/tenths.
I love it for many of the reasons you've mentioned: small coupe body, rwd 6 cylinder N/A and a manual gearbox, traditional BMW powertrain in other words which they'll never make again.
I see it as an updated and faster E46 330i coupe. If you don't want to join the 135i/140i pops and bangs brigade or fork out for an M car it's one of the best BMW engines you can get.
Average mpg is around 32 but on a run I've seen 40
Here’s mine
I think I dd the normal stuff every one does in this order
Sports gear knob (the std square thing just feels horrid)
Runflats delete (the ride is awful esp M sports)
Remap (say goodbye to the post 5000rpm wheezy asthmatic progress and say hello to the rev limiter)
CDV delete
Camber pin removal
I think I dd the normal stuff every one does in this order
Sports gear knob (the std square thing just feels horrid)
Runflats delete (the ride is awful esp M sports)
Remap (say goodbye to the post 5000rpm wheezy asthmatic progress and say hello to the rev limiter)
CDV delete
Camber pin removal
B'stard Child said:
Here’s mine
I think I dd the normal stuff every one does in this order
Sports gear knob (the std square thing just feels horrid)
Runflats delete (the ride is awful esp M sports)
Remap (say goodbye to the post 5000rpm wheezy asthmatic progress and say hello to the rev limiter)
CDV delete
Camber pin removal
Love the steelies I think I dd the normal stuff every one does in this order
Sports gear knob (the std square thing just feels horrid)
Runflats delete (the ride is awful esp M sports)
Remap (say goodbye to the post 5000rpm wheezy asthmatic progress and say hello to the rev limiter)
CDV delete
Camber pin removal
nikaiyo2 said:
B'stard Child said:
Here’s mine
I think I dd the normal stuff every one does in this order
Sports gear knob (the std square thing just feels horrid)
Runflats delete (the ride is awful esp M sports)
Remap (say goodbye to the post 5000rpm wheezy asthmatic progress and say hello to the rev limiter)
CDV delete
Camber pin removal
Love the steelies I think I dd the normal stuff every one does in this order
Sports gear knob (the std square thing just feels horrid)
Runflats delete (the ride is awful esp M sports)
Remap (say goodbye to the post 5000rpm wheezy asthmatic progress and say hello to the rev limiter)
CDV delete
Camber pin removal
Original 18's I did in a dark metallic gray (shod with Uniroyal Rainsports)
Look much better to me against the carbon black paint
nikaiyo2 said:
B'stard Child said:
Here’s mine
I think I dd the normal stuff every one does in this order
Sports gear knob (the std square thing just feels horrid)
Runflats delete (the ride is awful esp M sports)
Remap (say goodbye to the post 5000rpm wheezy asthmatic progress and say hello to the rev limiter)
CDV delete
Camber pin removal
Love the steelies I think I dd the normal stuff every one does in this order
Sports gear knob (the std square thing just feels horrid)
Runflats delete (the ride is awful esp M sports)
Remap (say goodbye to the post 5000rpm wheezy asthmatic progress and say hello to the rev limiter)
CDV delete
Camber pin removal
J4CKO said:
Ditto, perfect example of how good steel wheels can look, what are they off ?
Oh they are Std BMW 1 Series Winter Wheels in 17' Square set upHowever they come std in "missing wheel trim black" previous owner was a PH'r who rattle canned them silver to match the wheel centres (which he sourced from a Mini Countryman as it shares the same 5 x 120 PCD) He only used them for a winter skiing trip (he had a 135i Hatch) I jumped on them as soon as I saw them advertised on BBMW forum and picked them up a few years back.
The rattle can finish wasn't great it lasted a year before it started to come off in places - he gave me some extra paint to touch up as needed but my rattle can skills are probably worse than the PO.
I loved the look too so invested in a better finish They got the shot blast and powder coat treatment coated in a bright "sparkle" silver to match the wheel centres
I hit a massive pothole last winter and flattened one of the rims - beat it back out again but as a result that wheel needs refurbing - when the winters are worn out I'll probably just get them all re-done.
The engine is a peach the gearchange has never been great as you say they need a bit of work to get the best out of them.
The 325i will need similar mods but benefits from a better (imo) suspension setup out of the box:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408273...
M Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410175...
If you're considering the C350 then I'd say go for the E350 coupe it's the nicer place to be:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409093...
Hatchback wise there are some great options.
Megane GT Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409184...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401135...
Kia Ceed/ProCeed GT:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409093...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401275...
Audi TTS:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408253...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406180...
Leon Cupra 280:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409244...
If you don't mind a smaller car the Peugeot Sport 208 GTI is imo the pick:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404178...
If you'd like thing like a pan roof etc, the the Prestige spec is the pick:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409214...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410024...
The 325i will need similar mods but benefits from a better (imo) suspension setup out of the box:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408273...
M Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410175...
If you're considering the C350 then I'd say go for the E350 coupe it's the nicer place to be:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409093...
Hatchback wise there are some great options.
Megane GT Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409184...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401135...
Kia Ceed/ProCeed GT:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409093...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401275...
Audi TTS:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408253...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406180...
Leon Cupra 280:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409244...
If you don't mind a smaller car the Peugeot Sport 208 GTI is imo the pick:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404178...
If you'd like thing like a pan roof etc, the the Prestige spec is the pick:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409214...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410024...
CB 987 said:
If you really like the Golf, have you considered buying it back and repairing it yourself with good used parts?
I expect it could be done for substantially less than the initial £7k estimate.
You're probably right. How does that work exactly? They pay me and then I buy it back at a lower price? I'm a bit time and cash poor at the moment and need the use of the car every day, so I'm not sure if that's an option and to be honest, it might be a job that's beyond my skill level (changing wheels and brakes is about my limit)!I expect it could be done for substantially less than the initial £7k estimate.
white_goodman said:
You're probably right. How does that work exactly? They pay me and then I buy it back at a lower price? I'm a bit time and cash poor at the moment and need the use of the car every day, so I'm not sure if that's an option and to be honest, it might be a job that's beyond my skill level (changing wheels and brakes is about my limit)!
You agree a price & then buy it back off them at around 10% of the agreed price, you should be able to get a copy of the quote.You can then price up the cost of used parts & also get a quote from a decent bodyshop, it's not easy & will also be time (remember you won't have a courtesy car) consuming.
Any of the options above work for you OP?
Mr Tidy said:
white_goodman said:
I'm on my 4th BMW with the same N52 engine that the 125i has, two in Z4s, a 325i and a 330i and they seem pretty bulletproof. My current 330i has done 126K miles and drives like new, although at that sort of mileage ancillaries like alternators, starters and the notorious electric water pump can fail.
No idea why but the 125i got the 3 litre with just 218bhp (same as my 325i with a 2.5 litre) but it's only a remap (£300/400) away from 130i power like my 330i and Z4s but that's why I only kept the 325i a year!
If you want comfort a Mercedes might be a better choice, but if you want fun a manual BMW seems a better choice. And if you need more space an early E92 330i might fit the bill. C350s registered after 23 March 2006 are expensive to tax!
Fresh gearbox fluid and removing the Clutch Delay Valve work wonders on manual BMWs - despite what BMW claim!
This 125i seemed like a decent deal to me.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410215...
I hadn't even looked into RFL, so thanks for the heads up on the C350, I guess that post 2006 is all of them, so that probably explains why most are diesel! Is the RFL on the straight six BMWs similarly high?
Might be worth a roll on the 1-Series if ditching the runflats fixes most of my issues with the ride. The size isn't a dealbreaker, smaller than I expected but still ample. I test drove a GT86 a few years ago before I got the Golf and fell in love with the chassis. I see people's issues with the engine, it was probably the weakest part of the driving experience but it wouldn't have been a dealbreaker for me but the token rear seats definitely were. Now the GT86 chassis with the BMW's powertrain and usable rear seats would be quite a thing!
ZX10R NIN said:
The engine is a peach the gearchange has never been great as you say they need a bit of work to get the best out of them.
The 325i will need similar mods but benefits from a better (imo) suspension setup out of the box:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408273...
M Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410175...
If you're considering the C350 then I'd say go for the E350 coupe it's the nicer place to be:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409093...
Hatchback wise there are some great options.
Megane GT Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409184...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401135...
Kia Ceed/ProCeed GT:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409093...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401275...
Audi TTS:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408253...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406180...
Leon Cupra 280:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409244...
If you don't mind a smaller car the Peugeot Sport 208 GTI is imo the pick:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404178...
If you'd like thing like a pan roof etc, the the Prestige spec is the pick:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409214...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410024...
Thanks some good suggestions there as always and perhaps the situation isn't quite as bleak as it appears currently. Hadn't thought of a "supermini" sized car. I've owned a few and they can be fun but my usage is mostly fast A-road/motorway, so I do appreciate the extra comfort/refinement/space of a slightly larger Golf-sized car on a daily basis.The 325i will need similar mods but benefits from a better (imo) suspension setup out of the box:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408273...
M Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410175...
If you're considering the C350 then I'd say go for the E350 coupe it's the nicer place to be:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409093...
Hatchback wise there are some great options.
Megane GT Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409184...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401135...
Kia Ceed/ProCeed GT:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409093...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401275...
Audi TTS:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408253...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406180...
Leon Cupra 280:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409244...
If you don't mind a smaller car the Peugeot Sport 208 GTI is imo the pick:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404178...
If you'd like thing like a pan roof etc, the the Prestige spec is the pick:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409214...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410024...
white_goodman said:
Thanks. I recall you talking about your 3-Series and Z4s very fondly before and the N52 engine seems generally well regarded. The later N55/B58-engined cars are not without appeal but the last of the BMW NA straight sixes seems like a bit of a high point in BMW history. The performance/economy compromise seemed pretty decent at this point (fuel economy not being a strong suit of my E30) and the early turbocharged 6s (N54?) took a bit of a backwards step in terms of reliability. BMW (and to a slightly lesser extent Mercedes) have always been quite aspirational cars for me but to be honest, nothing in their current lineup really grabs me, so this era is probably where that aspiration ended. I never much liked the E9x cars when new and I still find the coupe a little awkward looking but the E90 saloon has actually grown on me. Probably the last generation when it was genuinely a compact car and still class-leading to drive, so yeah, a late E9x 330i might be worth a look but pretty rare as a manual.
I hadn't even looked into RFL, so thanks for the heads up on the C350, I guess that post 2006 is all of them, so that probably explains why most are diesel! Is the RFL on the straight six BMWs similarly high?
Might be worth a roll on the 1-Series if ditching the runflats fixes most of my issues with the ride. The size isn't a dealbreaker, smaller than I expected but still ample. I test drove a GT86 a few years ago before I got the Golf and fell in love with the chassis. I see people's issues with the engine, it was probably the weakest part of the driving experience but it wouldn't have been a dealbreaker for me but the token rear seats definitely were. Now the GT86 chassis with the BMW's powertrain and usable rear seats would be quite a thing!
I think the N/A straight 6 BMWs did mark a high point - I certainly love them! I hadn't even looked into RFL, so thanks for the heads up on the C350, I guess that post 2006 is all of them, so that probably explains why most are diesel! Is the RFL on the straight six BMWs similarly high?
Might be worth a roll on the 1-Series if ditching the runflats fixes most of my issues with the ride. The size isn't a dealbreaker, smaller than I expected but still ample. I test drove a GT86 a few years ago before I got the Golf and fell in love with the chassis. I see people's issues with the engine, it was probably the weakest part of the driving experience but it wouldn't have been a dealbreaker for me but the token rear seats definitely were. Now the GT86 chassis with the BMW's powertrain and usable rear seats would be quite a thing!
I managed to find a manual E90 330i but there were never many around - I suppose by then everyone was buying diesels. I got an early one with the N52 engine because the later Direct Injection N53 can have problems with fuel pumps and injectors, and the N54 was a twin-turbo with the added complications that go with that.
The N52s are Band K for RFL, so £415 a year. The N54s are in a higher band so £700+, but the N53s are a lower band - J IIRC although the potential issues probably outweigh any minimal saving.
I test drove a GT86 too and loved nearly everything about it, but the lacklustre engine was a deal-breaker for me.
This is mine:
Bought it in 2014 with 56k miles on it, it's about to hit 178k and seems to be running just as well - if not slightly better than - than when I bought it. To me it's been a joy to own and still makes me smile when I drive it and look back when I've parked it - the wife already knows it's going to be a battle to get me to part with it. It's also more practical than you think, with a decent boot, split fold seats and is a full 4 seater - it's just getting access to the rear seats that can be challenging.....
It's got:
Front and Read Parking Sensors
Heated Seats
Upgraded Stereo (don't think it's an official BMW Upgrade as it was retrofit - sounds brilliant though)
Remapped to 130+ levels (remapper claimed 280bhp which I haven't verified, cost £300, made a HUGE difference. I burst out laughing first time I planted my foot after having it done)
Run Flats removed (went for Pilot Sport 4 then ultimately 5s)
Suspension refreshed around 125k with new Sachs dampers and top mounts (still original springs)
It did feel a bit brittle as you noticed when I had the original Bridgestone Runflats on, but moving to normal Michelins meant it just felt like a normal M Sport BMW, so not cossetting, still firm but far more comfortable and grip was much improved - the DTC light rarely flashes these days, even in greasy conditions unless you get a bit brutal with it.
Reliability wise it's been fine - only time it's failed to get me home is when it was assaulted by a pothole last year resulting in a broken shock and top mount along with a buckled wheel (it was a brute of a hidden pothole I hit at 50 mph...) . It's had 3 ABS Sensors now and I've had the reluctor ring issue (read driveshaft rusts, expands and knocks the ring into the ABS Sensor) but none of them were massive fixes. Other than that from recollection I've had to replace the passenger door lock and the head unit failed randomly, but we got a relacement from a scrappy for £150. I also got the water pump and starter motor replaced as a precaution when it was on 168k.
Oh yeah and the typical old BMW oil leaks - but they all do that sir
For MPG I'd expect 25 round town but can go up to 40+ on the motorway if taking it easy, or closer to 30 if not. Back when I used to travel a lot it was perfect for landing at Heathrow late at night then "making progress" up an empty M40. I won't disclose some of my average speeds for the journey, but they were impressive for a little 1 Series that needed a fuel stop halfway.
Tax is 415, Insurance for me at 44, Full NCD and 6k Business miles a year is £240.
We will need a new car next year, as we have this and a 2008 Civic so the wife wants something on the drive a bit newer - and I will admit I fancy an M135i XDrive - but this will be staying as my car. It's looking a bit tired after 178k miles with most of those being in the outside lane of the motorway, so the M135i will give me a chance to freshen it up a bit.
Bought it in 2014 with 56k miles on it, it's about to hit 178k and seems to be running just as well - if not slightly better than - than when I bought it. To me it's been a joy to own and still makes me smile when I drive it and look back when I've parked it - the wife already knows it's going to be a battle to get me to part with it. It's also more practical than you think, with a decent boot, split fold seats and is a full 4 seater - it's just getting access to the rear seats that can be challenging.....
It's got:
Front and Read Parking Sensors
Heated Seats
Upgraded Stereo (don't think it's an official BMW Upgrade as it was retrofit - sounds brilliant though)
Remapped to 130+ levels (remapper claimed 280bhp which I haven't verified, cost £300, made a HUGE difference. I burst out laughing first time I planted my foot after having it done)
Run Flats removed (went for Pilot Sport 4 then ultimately 5s)
Suspension refreshed around 125k with new Sachs dampers and top mounts (still original springs)
It did feel a bit brittle as you noticed when I had the original Bridgestone Runflats on, but moving to normal Michelins meant it just felt like a normal M Sport BMW, so not cossetting, still firm but far more comfortable and grip was much improved - the DTC light rarely flashes these days, even in greasy conditions unless you get a bit brutal with it.
Reliability wise it's been fine - only time it's failed to get me home is when it was assaulted by a pothole last year resulting in a broken shock and top mount along with a buckled wheel (it was a brute of a hidden pothole I hit at 50 mph...) . It's had 3 ABS Sensors now and I've had the reluctor ring issue (read driveshaft rusts, expands and knocks the ring into the ABS Sensor) but none of them were massive fixes. Other than that from recollection I've had to replace the passenger door lock and the head unit failed randomly, but we got a relacement from a scrappy for £150. I also got the water pump and starter motor replaced as a precaution when it was on 168k.
Oh yeah and the typical old BMW oil leaks - but they all do that sir
For MPG I'd expect 25 round town but can go up to 40+ on the motorway if taking it easy, or closer to 30 if not. Back when I used to travel a lot it was perfect for landing at Heathrow late at night then "making progress" up an empty M40. I won't disclose some of my average speeds for the journey, but they were impressive for a little 1 Series that needed a fuel stop halfway.
Tax is 415, Insurance for me at 44, Full NCD and 6k Business miles a year is £240.
We will need a new car next year, as we have this and a 2008 Civic so the wife wants something on the drive a bit newer - and I will admit I fancy an M135i XDrive - but this will be staying as my car. It's looking a bit tired after 178k miles with most of those being in the outside lane of the motorway, so the M135i will give me a chance to freshen it up a bit.
white_goodman said:
Thanks some good suggestions there as always and perhaps the situation isn't quite as bleak as it appears currently. Hadn't thought of a "supermini" sized car. I've owned a few and they can be fun but my usage is mostly fast A-road/motorway, so I do appreciate the extra comfort/refinement/space of a slightly larger Golf-sized car on a daily basis.
In that case I'd suggest test driving the Megane & Kia options.Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff