E82 125i Coupe
Discussion
E82 125i Coupe - are these a sought after or desirable car?
Asking as whilst browsing fr a new car (sold my E36 at the weekend) I've spotted one for sale 30 miles from me. Its below avg mileage, 2012 Msport car.
Asking price is £10k which is on par with a M135i, which I think is a bit juicy - does this seem a bit high or do these 1 series coupes command good money?
I have been looking for E92 330i, E60 530i, M135i / M140i type cars etc I have been searching for, but anything local doesnt meet my criteria or a non-Cat car & not remapped.
The E82 125i is a bit left field compared to the above, but I've just read B'stard Child's RR thread for inspiration https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... and like the idea of OEM+ type mods and a remap to wake up the motor.
Anything I should consider before viewing?
thanks!
Asking as whilst browsing fr a new car (sold my E36 at the weekend) I've spotted one for sale 30 miles from me. Its below avg mileage, 2012 Msport car.
Asking price is £10k which is on par with a M135i, which I think is a bit juicy - does this seem a bit high or do these 1 series coupes command good money?
I have been looking for E92 330i, E60 530i, M135i / M140i type cars etc I have been searching for, but anything local doesnt meet my criteria or a non-Cat car & not remapped.
The E82 125i is a bit left field compared to the above, but I've just read B'stard Child's RR thread for inspiration https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... and like the idea of OEM+ type mods and a remap to wake up the motor.
Anything I should consider before viewing?
thanks!
Seems to be afew dogs about unlike this... 25k miler
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502108...
My brother has one with PBMW brake kit, PBMW Exhaust and carbon intake. Must mods for me, specially remap. I had a 130i LE and the 125 felt like it was being strangled pre-mods! I would also find one with xenons which make it look better and help at night!
For the price maybe the M135i is better option, but depends if you want turbos bolted on and snap, crackle and exhaust note (no thanks!) lol
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502108...
My brother has one with PBMW brake kit, PBMW Exhaust and carbon intake. Must mods for me, specially remap. I had a 130i LE and the 125 felt like it was being strangled pre-mods! I would also find one with xenons which make it look better and help at night!
For the price maybe the M135i is better option, but depends if you want turbos bolted on and snap, crackle and exhaust note (no thanks!) lol
Edited by VeeTenM on Thursday 27th February 19:23
Mabozza said:
<snip>
The E82 125i is a bit left field compared to the above, but I've just read B'stard Child's RR thread for inspiration https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... and like the idea of OEM+ type mods and a remap to wake up the motor.
Anything I should consider before viewing?
thanks!
I'm flattered that my occasional scribbles provide inspiration for a purchase but they are a really good little car The E82 125i is a bit left field compared to the above, but I've just read B'stard Child's RR thread for inspiration https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... and like the idea of OEM+ type mods and a remap to wake up the motor.
Anything I should consider before viewing?
thanks!
If M Sport suspension they are a better (more comfortable) ride with run flats removed and decent tyres
Re-map is best thing ever for them - they really are flat as a witches tit in terms of power delivery in the upper rev ranges
The fold down rear seats mean the boot capacity can be extended - from a seating perspective they are very usable (just a little awkward to get in and out of) - the 130i Hatch in 3 door is similar
Very practical too I threw 10 595 x 2440 mm sheets of 18mm OSB on the roof rack but I'd got them almost inside the car on the previous week (just had to tie the boot lid down)
Pretty good on fuel for a 3.0 24V engine that likes to rev I'm at 27 mpg for the whole period of ownership and I have a short daily commute but on a run it'll happily return mid to high 30's depending on your cruising speed
AFAIK they were the last BMW sold in the UK with the wonderful N52 engine, and the one in that advert is probably one of the newest around. Although it does seem pricey to me despite the low mileage.
From what I have read a map will get them to around 130i power, but the 130i (and 123d) had bigger front brakes if that matters to you.
I'm guessing the other models you have mentioned you'd want the N52 engine rather than the later N53 which seems to have some fairly common issues. I'm on my 4th N52 now in a 330i and after 6 years it still impresses me every time I drive it with how well it goes, and I've averaged just over 33mog (but I don't commute).
The 125i or 130i are probably the most chuckable choices, my 330i doesn't really lend itself to being driven like that so every now and again I wonder if I should have upped my budget and got a 130i as it would also be a bit more versatile than my E90.
Anyway good luck.
From what I have read a map will get them to around 130i power, but the 130i (and 123d) had bigger front brakes if that matters to you.
I'm guessing the other models you have mentioned you'd want the N52 engine rather than the later N53 which seems to have some fairly common issues. I'm on my 4th N52 now in a 330i and after 6 years it still impresses me every time I drive it with how well it goes, and I've averaged just over 33mog (but I don't commute).
The 125i or 130i are probably the most chuckable choices, my 330i doesn't really lend itself to being driven like that so every now and again I wonder if I should have upped my budget and got a 130i as it would also be a bit more versatile than my E90.
Anyway good luck.
thanks for the replies - some great info there.
The ad linked is the same one I'd seen. Its causing much procrastination, the E82 seems to be hidden gem after derestriction etc, and a bit of an unsung hero compared to M135i, and 2 series coupes, its also the most expensive E82 125i for sale on Autotrader, gumtree, FB marketplace etc that I can find.
ideal if I was a youtuber and could make a "oh no! my wife is gonna kill me for buying the most expensive E82 125i in the uk!!!" with shock horror thumb.... I'm not, so wont!
for me, it would be a 4th car and "my" car for me to tinker with, which the E82 seems to fit the bill there. I dont really need a 4th car for most days I wfh and can use one of the other cars most of the time, but for the rare times I cant use one of the other cars, a 4th car is very handy! Drive space is also a challenge.
The ad linked is the same one I'd seen. Its causing much procrastination, the E82 seems to be hidden gem after derestriction etc, and a bit of an unsung hero compared to M135i, and 2 series coupes, its also the most expensive E82 125i for sale on Autotrader, gumtree, FB marketplace etc that I can find.
ideal if I was a youtuber and could make a "oh no! my wife is gonna kill me for buying the most expensive E82 125i in the uk!!!" with shock horror thumb.... I'm not, so wont!
for me, it would be a 4th car and "my" car for me to tinker with, which the E82 seems to fit the bill there. I dont really need a 4th car for most days I wfh and can use one of the other cars most of the time, but for the rare times I cant use one of the other cars, a 4th car is very handy! Drive space is also a challenge.
Well it's probably the dearest because it's the newest, and may well be the lowest mileage example too!
It isn't on your list, but if you don't need back seats in your 4th car a Z4 3.0Si has the same N52 engine. I've had two of those and they are so much more fun to chuck around than my 330i, as well as being the quickest of the cars with the N52.
It isn't on your list, but if you don't need back seats in your 4th car a Z4 3.0Si has the same N52 engine. I've had two of those and they are so much more fun to chuck around than my 330i, as well as being the quickest of the cars with the N52.
I've had one for coming up 11 years now, and it has been a brilliant little thing as you can probably tell from how long I've had it. Mines had the remap, I've taken the run flats off and fitted Pilot Sport 5, it also had some slightly upgraded Sachs dampers with new top mounts etc and the ride is fine. Grips well and is great fun to chuck around.
I took it out for a quick hoon earlier, and despite having 180k on the clock it was still brilliant, grips well and sounds fantastic with the window open.
I did the 3rd gear trick a couple of times as well - cruising at 40 coming up to the NSL sign, drop it to 3rd and plant your foot, it picks up and doesn't stop til not far off license losing speeds (allegedly, not that I've kept my foot down that long, officer).
I've done over 120k in it now and it's been perfectly reliable, only time it failed to proceed involved a hidden pothole at 50mph and two buckled wheels and a knackered shock absorber.
Only niggle it's had it with ABS Sensors, think I've replaced all 4 now, and the two on the back have been done twice. Not expensive to replace unless the driveshaft has rusted.
Mine was 10k when I bought it in 2014, so I'd say that's definitely a tippy example you've found, however I'd count mine as the best 10k I've ever spent. We are looking at a new car later in the year, but it will sit alongside the 125i, not instead of it.
Obligatory picture:
Any other questions fire away.
I took it out for a quick hoon earlier, and despite having 180k on the clock it was still brilliant, grips well and sounds fantastic with the window open.
I did the 3rd gear trick a couple of times as well - cruising at 40 coming up to the NSL sign, drop it to 3rd and plant your foot, it picks up and doesn't stop til not far off license losing speeds (allegedly, not that I've kept my foot down that long, officer).
I've done over 120k in it now and it's been perfectly reliable, only time it failed to proceed involved a hidden pothole at 50mph and two buckled wheels and a knackered shock absorber.
Only niggle it's had it with ABS Sensors, think I've replaced all 4 now, and the two on the back have been done twice. Not expensive to replace unless the driveshaft has rusted.
Mine was 10k when I bought it in 2014, so I'd say that's definitely a tippy example you've found, however I'd count mine as the best 10k I've ever spent. We are looking at a new car later in the year, but it will sit alongside the 125i, not instead of it.
Obligatory picture:
Any other questions fire away.
They’re great little cars and a bit of a hidden gem; my wife had an E88 125i which was brilliant.
I think they’re a really nice size being big enough to be comfortable and useful but they feel like a nice size on the road. I’m a big N52 fanboy (I’m on number five) but they definitely need a map because they feel massively strangled in stock form which was very noticeable because my wife’s car crossed over with my 130i. Once mapped, the 125i revved more freely than the stock 130i and returned better fuel economy too on a run.
130i brakes are a good idea. You just need 130i carriers and discs. Stuff like the M3 LCA’s are a worthwhile upgrade too.
I had an M140i and I preferred the E8x chassis if I’m honest, the M-Lites have fabulous engines with the awesome ZF8 and better tech but after that the older car wins for me.
I think they’re a really nice size being big enough to be comfortable and useful but they feel like a nice size on the road. I’m a big N52 fanboy (I’m on number five) but they definitely need a map because they feel massively strangled in stock form which was very noticeable because my wife’s car crossed over with my 130i. Once mapped, the 125i revved more freely than the stock 130i and returned better fuel economy too on a run.
130i brakes are a good idea. You just need 130i carriers and discs. Stuff like the M3 LCA’s are a worthwhile upgrade too.
I had an M140i and I preferred the E8x chassis if I’m honest, the M-Lites have fabulous engines with the awesome ZF8 and better tech but after that the older car wins for me.
Agree with others that they're a hidden gem. 130i hatchbacks seem to be gathering a cult following (and good ones are commanding appropriate values) but 125i's haven't yet followed, I think due to a lot of people mistakenly thinking they have the 2.5 N52, unreliable N53, or the US-spec 3.0 N52 which isn't capable of the same power output without a new intake manifold.
I've had mine just over 3 years and about 25,000 miles and still absolutely love it, it's a fantastic package for a daily driver and one that's almost impossible to match at the price point in my opinion. It hasn't exactly been cheap to run so you do have to go in with your eyes open, but that applies to any BMW comfortably into its second decade of service. I've averaged 30mpg since I got it according to the OBC (which seems pretty accurate) and I'd say that's incredibly good for how I drive it and how special the N52 feels.
I unknowingly bought mine already mapped (saved me a few hundred quid!) and is running Michelin PS5's but is otherwise totally standard- although I am upgrading to the 130i front brakes and Bilstein B12 suspension over the next month. Both those upgrades are mainly born out of necessity though, my front discs and pads needed doing anyway and my dampers are totally shot after 98k- the fact it took me 3 years of ownership to do it should demonstrate that I was pretty content with the standard setup.
I've had mine just over 3 years and about 25,000 miles and still absolutely love it, it's a fantastic package for a daily driver and one that's almost impossible to match at the price point in my opinion. It hasn't exactly been cheap to run so you do have to go in with your eyes open, but that applies to any BMW comfortably into its second decade of service. I've averaged 30mpg since I got it according to the OBC (which seems pretty accurate) and I'd say that's incredibly good for how I drive it and how special the N52 feels.
I unknowingly bought mine already mapped (saved me a few hundred quid!) and is running Michelin PS5's but is otherwise totally standard- although I am upgrading to the 130i front brakes and Bilstein B12 suspension over the next month. Both those upgrades are mainly born out of necessity though, my front discs and pads needed doing anyway and my dampers are totally shot after 98k- the fact it took me 3 years of ownership to do it should demonstrate that I was pretty content with the standard setup.
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