Otto the 125i - E82 Coupe
Discussion
A little addition to the fleet this weekend in the shape of a 2010 E82 125i. I've got a couple of cars that are at extremes, a Clio that is great for track days but terrible on the road and another BMW that is lovely for road trips but I'm too precious over it to use on track days and it's not really that kind of car for me anyway.
I've done a fair few trips in my mates Cayman GT4 over the last 18 months and as you'd expect it does a great job at covering both bases. We've done 5 hour drives in relative comfort and then enjoyed it round a track for 10 hours before driving home again (not all on the same day!). Now I can't justify the outlay of a lovely GT4 but I did start looking at options for creating something similarly useful, I also wanted something that was that balance of pokey enough to hold it's own on a track but also not so fast that it's no fun on the road.
The brief was RWD, manual and a coupe. Being a BMW fan I looked to the E46 M3s but I'd be looking at SMG 'verts, along side them being of an age where they're going to need a few quid spending on them I decided to rule them out. I considered a few other options but ended up back at BMW when I remembered the E82 1er. I've always liked the shape, a bit quirky but they've aged well imo and available with the N52 motor, albeit detuned compared to the 130i. I started looking about and I soon realised I was in the same position as I was when I searched for my M3. Not too many made and very few for sale so I couldn't be too picky.
Found this example on Facebook marketplace, seller seemed genuine and after a few quick checks I decided it was worth a drive to look at. M Sport, in the Silver, I think 3 previous owners, full service history and in the last year it's had a few quid spent on it, brakes, suspension, tyres and a little map to bring it up to speed. It looked a bit poverty specced but for what I wanted the car for that wasn't too much of an issue and as I said, I couldn't be too picky. The seller warned me a neighbour had scuffed it in the time it had been put up for sale which again I wasn't too worried about. Chucking it down with rain meant that I was never going to go over it with a fine tooth comb but I could see the scuff on the front and damage on the rear bumper the bit in the middle looked tidy enough. We jumped in and took it for a spin, within a few minutes I knew it was a tidy car, drove really well, smooth, rode well and quicker than I expected too. A deal was done and I was driving off into the storm with my new car. I love driving home after buying a new car, getting to know the car etc. It turns out it's got a few more options that I expected, folding mirrors, heated seats and cruise control. A half decent aftermarket radio is not just fitted but also working with the wheel controls and has bluetooth etc too. Bonus.
Got up and gave it a quick wash this morning and I'm pretty chuffed with it. Silver is a good colour for hiding blemishes but it doesn't have that many to hide tbh, aside from the front and back bits, inside there are a few bits that are showing some wear, all easily replaced. Another quick spin, gearbox feels nice and tight, the car reminds me of my old 325ti Compact tbh!
Whats the plan then? Well, for the next few months I'm just going to use it a bit when time allows, the M3 is going into hibernation next week so it'll be good to have something fun to use over winter that I'm not too obsessively precious over. I might get a local track day booked just to see how it performs as it is, maybe get the bumpers painted, then in the spring I'll start with some modifications.
I'm thinking a little half cage, buckets and harnesses for the inside but keep the OEM steering wheel (probably a spacer to bring it a bit closer) and the nice bits in the front. Performance wise, get some decent suspension on, sticky tyres and a LSD eventually. I'm not fussed about more power, just make it turn as stop as well as possible. I quite like the wheels and the arches seem quite tight so I'm not sure theres much room to start going for wide, low offset wheels. Get some decent tyres on those with a chunkier fitting perhaps and a refurb and see how they go. Might look into short shifter options too!
I'll update as and when!
I've done a fair few trips in my mates Cayman GT4 over the last 18 months and as you'd expect it does a great job at covering both bases. We've done 5 hour drives in relative comfort and then enjoyed it round a track for 10 hours before driving home again (not all on the same day!). Now I can't justify the outlay of a lovely GT4 but I did start looking at options for creating something similarly useful, I also wanted something that was that balance of pokey enough to hold it's own on a track but also not so fast that it's no fun on the road.
The brief was RWD, manual and a coupe. Being a BMW fan I looked to the E46 M3s but I'd be looking at SMG 'verts, along side them being of an age where they're going to need a few quid spending on them I decided to rule them out. I considered a few other options but ended up back at BMW when I remembered the E82 1er. I've always liked the shape, a bit quirky but they've aged well imo and available with the N52 motor, albeit detuned compared to the 130i. I started looking about and I soon realised I was in the same position as I was when I searched for my M3. Not too many made and very few for sale so I couldn't be too picky.
Found this example on Facebook marketplace, seller seemed genuine and after a few quick checks I decided it was worth a drive to look at. M Sport, in the Silver, I think 3 previous owners, full service history and in the last year it's had a few quid spent on it, brakes, suspension, tyres and a little map to bring it up to speed. It looked a bit poverty specced but for what I wanted the car for that wasn't too much of an issue and as I said, I couldn't be too picky. The seller warned me a neighbour had scuffed it in the time it had been put up for sale which again I wasn't too worried about. Chucking it down with rain meant that I was never going to go over it with a fine tooth comb but I could see the scuff on the front and damage on the rear bumper the bit in the middle looked tidy enough. We jumped in and took it for a spin, within a few minutes I knew it was a tidy car, drove really well, smooth, rode well and quicker than I expected too. A deal was done and I was driving off into the storm with my new car. I love driving home after buying a new car, getting to know the car etc. It turns out it's got a few more options that I expected, folding mirrors, heated seats and cruise control. A half decent aftermarket radio is not just fitted but also working with the wheel controls and has bluetooth etc too. Bonus.
Got up and gave it a quick wash this morning and I'm pretty chuffed with it. Silver is a good colour for hiding blemishes but it doesn't have that many to hide tbh, aside from the front and back bits, inside there are a few bits that are showing some wear, all easily replaced. Another quick spin, gearbox feels nice and tight, the car reminds me of my old 325ti Compact tbh!
Whats the plan then? Well, for the next few months I'm just going to use it a bit when time allows, the M3 is going into hibernation next week so it'll be good to have something fun to use over winter that I'm not too obsessively precious over. I might get a local track day booked just to see how it performs as it is, maybe get the bumpers painted, then in the spring I'll start with some modifications.
I'm thinking a little half cage, buckets and harnesses for the inside but keep the OEM steering wheel (probably a spacer to bring it a bit closer) and the nice bits in the front. Performance wise, get some decent suspension on, sticky tyres and a LSD eventually. I'm not fussed about more power, just make it turn as stop as well as possible. I quite like the wheels and the arches seem quite tight so I'm not sure theres much room to start going for wide, low offset wheels. Get some decent tyres on those with a chunkier fitting perhaps and a refurb and see how they go. Might look into short shifter options too!
I'll update as and when!
Mr Tidy said:
That sounds like a fun project!
I still miss my 325ti, but I also love an N52 engine so my current daily is an E90 2005 330i. It wouldn't make much of a track car though.
I almost went to look at another 325ti but I thought the newer and slightly more powerful car would be worth hunting out. I still miss my 325ti, but I also love an N52 engine so my current daily is an E90 2005 330i. It wouldn't make much of a track car though.
You say that about the 330i but whenever we go to the ring there are still loads as either track cars or even race cars flying about in the NLS/VLN races. They have a big following in Germany.
Pizzaeatingking said:
Mark-BMW-E30-318is said:
Yeah, certainly size wise it s closer than anything 3 series now! 
Mr Tidy said:
That sounds like a fun project!
I still miss my 325ti, but I also love an N52 engine so my current daily is an E90 2005 330i. It wouldn't make much of a track car though.
Maybe fit M3 lower control arms and to improve things. I still miss my 325ti, but I also love an N52 engine so my current daily is an E90 2005 330i. It wouldn't make much of a track car though.
Edited by Mark-BMW-E30-318is on Monday 26th October 08:46
Excellent choice! I've had this one for 12 and a half years now - it sitting on 191k miles (56k when I bought it) so fair to say I've spent a bit of time in it :-)
Spec looks very similar to mine - I've got no cruise but have heated seats instead, and the previous owner of mine upgraded the speakers rather than the stereo - but otherwise all looks very familiar...
Tyre wise I've gone for 225 fronts and 255 rears on the same alloys as you - no rubbing issues and a touch more grip than the standard 215/245 it came with. It's spent most of it's time with me on Michelin Pilot Sports, currently PS5s which suit it well. Still comfortable but the back end stays planted in all weathers unless you're a bit silly.
Mine's at the point of it's life it will need some spending to refresh certain bits - mostly the interior which is getting a bit tired - and it's still on its original DISA Valves and VANOS solenoids so will replace those at some point.
Looking forward to seeing what you do with it!
Spec looks very similar to mine - I've got no cruise but have heated seats instead, and the previous owner of mine upgraded the speakers rather than the stereo - but otherwise all looks very familiar...
Tyre wise I've gone for 225 fronts and 255 rears on the same alloys as you - no rubbing issues and a touch more grip than the standard 215/245 it came with. It's spent most of it's time with me on Michelin Pilot Sports, currently PS5s which suit it well. Still comfortable but the back end stays planted in all weathers unless you're a bit silly.
Mine's at the point of it's life it will need some spending to refresh certain bits - mostly the interior which is getting a bit tired - and it's still on its original DISA Valves and VANOS solenoids so will replace those at some point.
Looking forward to seeing what you do with it!
As said on General; that looks a bonny motor 
These will take the F3x front 340mm Brembo brakes as a bolt on, a well worthy upgrade IMO; along with braided lines and discs/pads of your choosing
Get the CDV deleted if it s still got it and get a clutch stop; makes a big difference to the gear changes
No need for M3 arms unless you want aggressive camber; remove the location pins on the top mounts and fit decent arms. Both previous owner and current owner of my 130i have said how well it handles now after the full suspension overhaul and having it properly dialled in on the Bilstein B14s
Looking forward to seeing what you do with this
These will take the F3x front 340mm Brembo brakes as a bolt on, a well worthy upgrade IMO; along with braided lines and discs/pads of your choosing
Get the CDV deleted if it s still got it and get a clutch stop; makes a big difference to the gear changes
No need for M3 arms unless you want aggressive camber; remove the location pins on the top mounts and fit decent arms. Both previous owner and current owner of my 130i have said how well it handles now after the full suspension overhaul and having it properly dialled in on the Bilstein B14s
Looking forward to seeing what you do with this
Edited by danb79 on Monday 26th October 15:56
Mr Tidy said:
That sounds like a fun project!
I still miss my 325ti, but I also love an N52 engine so my current daily is an E90 2005 330i. It wouldn't make much of a track car though.
I dunno, my usual track hack was out of action so I took my 330i SE manual around Silverstone GP. I still miss my 325ti, but I also love an N52 engine so my current daily is an E90 2005 330i. It wouldn't make much of a track car though.
It was christened the flying taxi on the day. Just like a big MX5, you could back in on the brakes and then balance it as you like. It had the M Sport suspension option and hotter front pads, that's it.
Fantastic!
Great taste OP, although I would say that as a former 125i owner and fellow E9x M3 owner. 
Unfortunately unlike you I wasn't able to have both, but mine did go off to a PHer who I think was planning a few 'fast road' sort of mods including an LSD and some suspension upgrades; no idea how far he's got with that though. If the want for a V8 hadn't been so strong I probably would've kept my 125i and gone down that route too as there's not a lot that I find as appealing (and still 'dailyable') for anywhere near what these are worth at the moment.
Looks like yours might already be on spacers comparing how mine sat with yours, and possibly has Eibach (or other) springs too? I had the same wheels with Michelin PS5's, 225/245 instead of the standard 215/245 fitment, although be warned 225's will apparently rub with spacers and lowering springs.. These have the usual BMW oil leaks (valve cover, oil filter housing, oil cooler, and I think slightly more unique to the N52 is the sump gasket) and I think there's a recall out on them for the driver's airbag? Worth checking if it's subject to the VANOS screw recall too if it hasn't already been done, that'll get you the valve cover gasket done by BMW for free!
Unfortunately unlike you I wasn't able to have both, but mine did go off to a PHer who I think was planning a few 'fast road' sort of mods including an LSD and some suspension upgrades; no idea how far he's got with that though. If the want for a V8 hadn't been so strong I probably would've kept my 125i and gone down that route too as there's not a lot that I find as appealing (and still 'dailyable') for anywhere near what these are worth at the moment.Looks like yours might already be on spacers comparing how mine sat with yours, and possibly has Eibach (or other) springs too? I had the same wheels with Michelin PS5's, 225/245 instead of the standard 215/245 fitment, although be warned 225's will apparently rub with spacers and lowering springs.. These have the usual BMW oil leaks (valve cover, oil filter housing, oil cooler, and I think slightly more unique to the N52 is the sump gasket) and I think there's a recall out on them for the driver's airbag? Worth checking if it's subject to the VANOS screw recall too if it hasn't already been done, that'll get you the valve cover gasket done by BMW for free!
Edited by Sofa on Monday 26th October 13:41
Great little cars - the N52 is a honey.
Had mine for 7 years - so far it's had drive shaft reluctor rings and all the ABS sensors replaced, Steering wheel angle sensor, oil cooler gasket and just regular servicing (did the rear brake calipers, discs and pads this year - next year I'll do the fronts)
CDV valve makes the clutch "feel" horrible so that went in the bin very shortly after I got the car
Camber pins removal helps dial a bit more camber in the front and as a result more even tyre wear
130i has bigger discs than a 125i so SH discs and caliper carriers were sourced and fitted.
Sump gasket is fine on mine but the steel sump has gone rusty around the oil level sensor (due to no oil leaks and thin paint) so it leaks even with a new gasket - trying to find an alloy sump second hand is proving fun!!
Ditching the run flats massively improves the ride quality.
Golf tee mod to the rear silencer flap didn't give me the sound I wanted so I've chopped a second hand rear silencer to make it a little more vocal (Still easily passes noise regs for local track 91 db static)
Thread on mine is Here - clicky could be useful to you
Had mine for 7 years - so far it's had drive shaft reluctor rings and all the ABS sensors replaced, Steering wheel angle sensor, oil cooler gasket and just regular servicing (did the rear brake calipers, discs and pads this year - next year I'll do the fronts)
CDV valve makes the clutch "feel" horrible so that went in the bin very shortly after I got the car
Camber pins removal helps dial a bit more camber in the front and as a result more even tyre wear
130i has bigger discs than a 125i so SH discs and caliper carriers were sourced and fitted.
Sump gasket is fine on mine but the steel sump has gone rusty around the oil level sensor (due to no oil leaks and thin paint) so it leaks even with a new gasket - trying to find an alloy sump second hand is proving fun!!
Ditching the run flats massively improves the ride quality.
Golf tee mod to the rear silencer flap didn't give me the sound I wanted so I've chopped a second hand rear silencer to make it a little more vocal (Still easily passes noise regs for local track 91 db static)
Thread on mine is Here - clicky could be useful to you
bodhi said:
Excellent choice! I've had this one for 12 and a half years now - it sitting on 191k miles (56k when I bought it) so fair to say I've spent a bit of time in it :-)
Spec looks very similar to mine - I've got no cruise but have heated seats instead, and the previous owner of mine upgraded the speakers rather than the stereo - but otherwise all looks very familiar...
Tyre wise I've gone for 225 fronts and 255 rears on the same alloys as you - no rubbing issues and a touch more grip than the standard 215/245 it came with. It's spent most of it's time with me on Michelin Pilot Sports, currently PS5s which suit it well. Still comfortable but the back end stays planted in all weathers unless you're a bit silly.
Mine's at the point of it's life it will need some spending to refresh certain bits - mostly the interior which is getting a bit tired - and it's still on its original DISA Valves and VANOS solenoids so will replace those at some point.
Looking forward to seeing what you do with it!
I was going to look at if I could fit slightly wider tyres, the PS5s on it feel decent but they look slightly stretched on there, I do like a chunky tyre. I've become a bit obsessive with cars so I'll add those bits to my list of preventative maintenance for it too. Spec looks very similar to mine - I've got no cruise but have heated seats instead, and the previous owner of mine upgraded the speakers rather than the stereo - but otherwise all looks very familiar...
Tyre wise I've gone for 225 fronts and 255 rears on the same alloys as you - no rubbing issues and a touch more grip than the standard 215/245 it came with. It's spent most of it's time with me on Michelin Pilot Sports, currently PS5s which suit it well. Still comfortable but the back end stays planted in all weathers unless you're a bit silly.
Mine's at the point of it's life it will need some spending to refresh certain bits - mostly the interior which is getting a bit tired - and it's still on its original DISA Valves and VANOS solenoids so will replace those at some point.
Looking forward to seeing what you do with it!
danb79 said:
As said on General; that looks a bonny motor
These will take the F3x front 340mm Brembo brakes as a bolt on, a well worthy upgrade IMO; along with braided lines and discs/pads of your choosing
Get the CDV deleted if it s still got it and get a clutch stop; makes a big difference to the gear changes
No need for M3 arms unless you want aggressive camber; remove the location pins on the top mounts and fit decent arms. Both previous owner and current owner of my 130i have said how well it handles now after the full suspension overhaul and having it properly dialled in on the Bilstein B14s
Looking forward to seeing what you do with this
Yeah, I saw the Brembo setup fits, deffo added to the mods list! CDV is another mod I forgot too. These will take the F3x front 340mm Brembo brakes as a bolt on, a well worthy upgrade IMO; along with braided lines and discs/pads of your choosing
Get the CDV deleted if it s still got it and get a clutch stop; makes a big difference to the gear changes
No need for M3 arms unless you want aggressive camber; remove the location pins on the top mounts and fit decent arms. Both previous owner and current owner of my 130i have said how well it handles now after the full suspension overhaul and having it properly dialled in on the Bilstein B14s
Looking forward to seeing what you do with this
Edited by danb79 on Monday 26th October 15:56
Sofa said:
Great taste OP, although I would say that as a former 125i owner and fellow E9x M3 owner. Unfortunately unlike you I wasn't able to have both, but mine did go off to a PHer who I think was planning a few 'fast road' sort of mods including an LSD and some suspension upgrades; no idea how far he's got with that though. If the want for a V8 hadn't been so strong I probably would've kept my 125i and gone down that route too as there's not a lot that I find as appealing (and still 'dailyable') for anywhere near what these are worth at the moment.
Looks like yours might already be on spacers comparing how mine sat with yours, and possibly has Eibach (or other) springs too? I had the same wheels with Michelin PS5's, 225/245 instead of the standard 215/245 fitment, although be warned 225's will apparently rub with spacers and lowering springs.. These have the usual BMW oil leaks (valve cover, oil filter housing, oil cooler, and I think slightly more unique to the N52 is the sump gasket) and I think there's a recall out on them for the driver's airbag? Worth checking if it's subject to the VANOS screw recall too if it hasn't already been done, that'll get you the valve cover gasket done by BMW for free!
Ahhhh, excellent taste in cars! I feel like the late 2000s/early 2010s is peak BMW for me, aged so well and still feel decent to drive too. My mrs commented on how well it sat when she was following me home, I didn't event think to check but I just popped out for a look and you are spot on, it has some small spacers on! Stock springs apparently but it has got Bilstien dampers. I need to work out what size track tyres I can get I suppose, AD09s on my M3 are great but I don't think they do them in these sizes. Unfortunately unlike you I wasn't able to have both, but mine did go off to a PHer who I think was planning a few 'fast road' sort of mods including an LSD and some suspension upgrades; no idea how far he's got with that though. If the want for a V8 hadn't been so strong I probably would've kept my 125i and gone down that route too as there's not a lot that I find as appealing (and still 'dailyable') for anywhere near what these are worth at the moment.Looks like yours might already be on spacers comparing how mine sat with yours, and possibly has Eibach (or other) springs too? I had the same wheels with Michelin PS5's, 225/245 instead of the standard 215/245 fitment, although be warned 225's will apparently rub with spacers and lowering springs.. These have the usual BMW oil leaks (valve cover, oil filter housing, oil cooler, and I think slightly more unique to the N52 is the sump gasket) and I think there's a recall out on them for the driver's airbag? Worth checking if it's subject to the VANOS screw recall too if it hasn't already been done, that'll get you the valve cover gasket done by BMW for free!
Edited by Sofa on Monday 26th October 13:41
B'stard Child said:
Great little cars - the N52 is a honey.
Had mine for 7 years - so far it's had drive shaft reluctor rings and all the ABS sensors replaced, Steering wheel angle sensor, oil cooler gasket and just regular servicing (did the rear brake calipers, discs and pads this year - next year I'll do the fronts)
CDV valve makes the clutch "feel" horrible so that went in the bin very shortly after I got the car
Camber pins removal helps dial a bit more camber in the front and as a result more even tyre wear
130i has bigger discs than a 125i so SH discs and caliper carriers were sourced and fitted.
Sump gasket is fine on mine but the steel sump has gone rusty around the oil level sensor (due to no oil leaks and thin paint) so it leaks even with a new gasket - trying to find an alloy sump second hand is proving fun!!
Ditching the run flats massively improves the ride quality.
Golf tee mod to the rear silencer flap didn't give me the sound I wanted so I've chopped a second hand rear silencer to make it a little more vocal (Still easily passes noise regs for local track 91 db static)
Thread on mine is Here - clicky could be useful to you
I read a fair bit of your thread in prep for buying one! Had mine for 7 years - so far it's had drive shaft reluctor rings and all the ABS sensors replaced, Steering wheel angle sensor, oil cooler gasket and just regular servicing (did the rear brake calipers, discs and pads this year - next year I'll do the fronts)
CDV valve makes the clutch "feel" horrible so that went in the bin very shortly after I got the car
Camber pins removal helps dial a bit more camber in the front and as a result more even tyre wear
130i has bigger discs than a 125i so SH discs and caliper carriers were sourced and fitted.
Sump gasket is fine on mine but the steel sump has gone rusty around the oil level sensor (due to no oil leaks and thin paint) so it leaks even with a new gasket - trying to find an alloy sump second hand is proving fun!!
Ditching the run flats massively improves the ride quality.
Golf tee mod to the rear silencer flap didn't give me the sound I wanted so I've chopped a second hand rear silencer to make it a little more vocal (Still easily passes noise regs for local track 91 db static)
Thread on mine is Here - clicky could be useful to you
Thats a good list of bits to work through though, it's just had the ABS sensors and rings done (every E series BMW I've owned has needed them!). All great areas to look at, I think I'll get the back box modded, seems the same as what people do to the E9x M3s so my mechanic will be prepared for that! Cheers all, I'll update as and when. First job has ended up being finding reasonable insurance. Prices are currently close to the M3!
My 330i is an SE so it has 225 tyres all round and never seems to run out of grip. I'm sure I've read somewhere that a square set up on BMWs seems a bit less prone to understeer, but in any case if you track it you don't want anything too expensive fitted!
Got to agree that 2000s seems to be peak BMW. I'm currently on numbers 7 and 8 from between 2002 and 2007.
I'm surprised insurance is proving tricky - it's not like it's an M135i/M140i. Anyway good luck getting that sorted.
Got to agree that 2000s seems to be peak BMW. I'm currently on numbers 7 and 8 from between 2002 and 2007.
I'm surprised insurance is proving tricky - it's not like it's an M135i/M140i. Anyway good luck getting that sorted.
Great choice! As everyone has said these are little gems - I loved mine but it did have its issues.
The rear subframes rot like nothing else - they are a straight swap for the E90 subframe though so easy to source. When/if you do that, grab some inserts from whiteline to stop that weird back end movement under power.
The camber pin mod is essential! So is an easy remap to remove that artificial power limit they added. The N52 is such a beautiful engine.
Enjoy!
The rear subframes rot like nothing else - they are a straight swap for the E90 subframe though so easy to source. When/if you do that, grab some inserts from whiteline to stop that weird back end movement under power.
The camber pin mod is essential! So is an easy remap to remove that artificial power limit they added. The N52 is such a beautiful engine.
Enjoy!
Mr Tidy said:
My 330i is an SE so it has 225 tyres all round and never seems to run out of grip. I'm sure I've read somewhere that a square set up on BMWs seems a bit less prone to understeer, but in any case if you track it you don't want anything too expensive fitted!
Got to agree that 2000s seems to be peak BMW. I'm currently on numbers 7 and 8 from between 2002 and 2007.
I'm surprised insurance is proving tricky - it's not like it's an M135i/M140i. Anyway good luck getting that sorted.
225s all round and an LSD is what's needed when the weather is cold and wet.Got to agree that 2000s seems to be peak BMW. I'm currently on numbers 7 and 8 from between 2002 and 2007.
I'm surprised insurance is proving tricky - it's not like it's an M135i/M140i. Anyway good luck getting that sorted.
I also binned the M Sport steering wheel. A hard thin rimmed E90 SE wheel is a cheap upgrade to feel.
danb79 said:
As said on General; that looks a bonny motor
These will take the F3x front 340mm Brembo brakes as a bolt on, a well worthy upgrade IMO; along with braided lines and discs/pads of your choosing
Get the CDV deleted if it s still got it and get a clutch stop; makes a big difference to the gear changes
No need for M3 arms unless you want aggressive camber; remove the location pins on the top mounts and fit decent arms. Both previous owner and current owner of my 130i have said how well it handles now after the full suspension overhaul and having it properly dialled in on the Bilstein B14s
Looking forward to seeing what you do with this
Totally disagree re the arms Dan having fitted them to both our E8x cars and the E91. They’re a really good upgrade and popular for a reason.These will take the F3x front 340mm Brembo brakes as a bolt on, a well worthy upgrade IMO; along with braided lines and discs/pads of your choosing
Get the CDV deleted if it s still got it and get a clutch stop; makes a big difference to the gear changes
No need for M3 arms unless you want aggressive camber; remove the location pins on the top mounts and fit decent arms. Both previous owner and current owner of my 130i have said how well it handles now after the full suspension overhaul and having it properly dialled in on the Bilstein B14s
Looking forward to seeing what you do with this
Edited by danb79 on Monday 26th October 15:56
Sofa said:
Great taste OP, although I would say that as a former 125i owner and fellow E9x M3 owner. Unfortunately unlike you I wasn't able to have both, but mine did go off to a PHer who I think was planning a few 'fast road' sort of mods including an LSD and some suspension upgrades; no idea how far he's got with that though. If the want for a V8 hadn't been so strong I probably would've kept my 125i and gone down that route too as there's not a lot that I find as appealing (and still 'dailyable') for anywhere near what these are worth at the moment.
Looks like yours might already be on spacers comparing how mine sat with yours, and possibly has Eibach (or other) springs too? I had the same wheels with Michelin PS5's, 225/245 instead of the standard 215/245 fitment, although be warned 225's will apparently rub with spacers and lowering springs.. These have the usual BMW oil leaks (valve cover, oil filter housing, oil cooler, and I think slightly more unique to the N52 is the sump gasket) and I think there's a recall out on them for the driver's airbag? Worth checking if it's subject to the VANOS screw recall too if it hasn't already been done, that'll get you the valve cover gasket done by BMW for free!
I sold it on Saturday... Unfortunately unlike you I wasn't able to have both, but mine did go off to a PHer who I think was planning a few 'fast road' sort of mods including an LSD and some suspension upgrades; no idea how far he's got with that though. If the want for a V8 hadn't been so strong I probably would've kept my 125i and gone down that route too as there's not a lot that I find as appealing (and still 'dailyable') for anywhere near what these are worth at the moment.Looks like yours might already be on spacers comparing how mine sat with yours, and possibly has Eibach (or other) springs too? I had the same wheels with Michelin PS5's, 225/245 instead of the standard 215/245 fitment, although be warned 225's will apparently rub with spacers and lowering springs.. These have the usual BMW oil leaks (valve cover, oil filter housing, oil cooler, and I think slightly more unique to the N52 is the sump gasket) and I think there's a recall out on them for the driver's airbag? Worth checking if it's subject to the VANOS screw recall too if it hasn't already been done, that'll get you the valve cover gasket done by BMW for free!
Did 4K very enjoyable miles in it through what was a wonderful summer.
I'm normally a jump straight in and damn the consequences type individual. But with the 125i I decided on a different plan :
Just drive it, enjoy it and spend some time assessing what I liked and didn't like about it.
By the time I'd arrived at the answers to those questions, reality had kicked in, and the thought of spending 3-4 times the car's value to build an E46 M3 CSL Lite, had evaporated.
Dislikes :
The B12 Pro kit was horribly over-sprung and the damper rates better suited to Germany's billiard table smooth roads than our increasingly dire blacktop.
The EPAS was hopeless in terms of feel and the way it loaded up as you turned into a corner.
The E82 seating position is awful (but I knew that having previously owned a couple of 1M Coupes, one which I modified the OE drivers seat to get it lower, the other which I fitted a pair of Sparco bucket seats in to)
The headlights (non-xenons) were scarily poor.
The brakes had been upgraded with 130i discs and caliper carriers. It should have been a worthwhile upgrade, but the fitment of ceramic pads may well have kept the front wheels clean, but they did nothing for initial bite or longevity under even the slightest of duress...
Likes :
The engine. A truly stunning piece of normally aspirated engineering. SO smooth, sonorous and typically BMW-like in its character.
The gearbox was how all BMW RWD gearboxes should be.
The looks and size. Quirky, yet somehow has aged brilliantly. In Space grey (with a Coral red interior) the car got numerous admiring glances, and I lost count of the amount of people that wanted to know "What it was".
It size (or lack of it) was a welcome return to sensible sized cars that give you options when it comes to choosing your cornering lines.
Cheap to run. I failed to notice its MOT had expired in July, I put in for an MOT two weeks ago and an overdue (by three months) brake fluid change. It cost the princely sum of £130 and sailed through its MOT with no advisories.
I removed the faded grey (or black) Alcantara that some heathen had covered the interior door pull handles with.
I fully expected to find the trims cracked or scratched, but they were immaculate. So no charge.
Before :
After :
The car had 3 dents in the bonnet, one of which was quite sharp and heavy, two of which were much lighter, and there was a largish dent on the N/S/F wing above the arch swage line.
The largish, deep dent in the bonnet was the trickiest (it's triple skinned in places, no prizes for guessing where the big dent was) ...
All came out perfectly, and my wallet was £180 lighter, but it made the car look far tidier.
I advertised the car a couple of weeks ago on both PH and M3 Cutters.
Got the usual scammers responding to the PH ad, but then the emails dried up ...
Then I got a couple of emails off a 22 year old lad last Friday, wanting to view the car on Saturday.
He and his Dad came up from Crawley on the train, looked over the car, I took them out in it, the Dad drove it, and a deal was struck there and then, and they drove it back to Crawley !!
Its overall condition was a fine testament to Sofa's TLC of it prior to my ownership. It was a very nice, unmolested example, with an exemplary service history, and I suspect a rarity now that their values have dropped sufficiently that they frequently fall into the hands of individuals that can afford to buy them, but can't afford the service and repair bills.
I'll miss it.
And Ryan, you'd have been proud of the engine bay after an afternoon's cleaning ...
Apologies for derailing your thread somewhat OP. It all yours again now !!
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