BMW 125i (2008-2013), small rarity, big pleasure, from 12,000 euros

What are the holdings?

These are cars of special interest, and therefore worth preserving. It is not necessarily outdated, but it is present in specific quantities, either because the manufacturer decided so, or because its production has been discontinued. Then, they take advantage of the features that make them particularly desirable: an engine, chassis, design or concept. Finally, they are likely to see their rating increase. Additional argument to collect it before everyone else!

Why is the BMW 125i collectible?

Returning to compact coupes and convertibles, BMW hasn’t forgotten its roots: the six-cylinder atmosphere is in the game! And it will be the last Bavarian company to offer, in next-generation models, only the supercharged blocks. Developing 218 horsepower, the 125i sticks to reasonable power while eliciting a mechanical nod that is infinitely superior to the four-stroke turbo that would supply Series 2 equivalent power later. This quintessential center of BMW tradition embodied in the 125i Coupé and Cabriolet deserves to be preserved more than ever.

Series 1 E87 made a lot of noise when it was released in 2004. Why? Because it opened the “flame surface” design dear to Chris Bangle, the design chief of the Bavarian brand. However, it does not have any kind of BMW subcompact, because it is a drivetrain that shares a lot of platform elements with the Series 3 E90: the cars were developed simultaneously. From 2005, the 1 Series benefits from the impressive N52 6-inch, 3.0-liter engine producing 265bhp in its version 130 i. An ultra-modern block that benefits from Double Vanos (continuous camshaft phase shifter), Valvetronic (increased valve lift system), dynamic intake, a controlled water pump, even magnesium components. It only lacks direct injection: that much better in terms of reliability!

In July 2007, when it had just benefited from a redesign to improve the finish, the Series 1 was available as an E82 coupe. It is 13 cm longer than the hatchback version, reaching 4.36 m, which benefits the trunk volume (370 liters in total, an increase of 20 liters). The brand’s conservative enthusiasts are reassured by a more classic chassis, while special engines slip under the hood.

We’ve already talked about the 3.0 liter biturbo 135 i, but not the 3.0 liter atmo. Quite different, this block is actually that of the 130i but reduced to 218 hp with a different distribution. We could have found a 2.5-liter 325i (same power), but no, at BMW we like a little complexity. In fact, this 3.0-liter works more fluidly (270 Nm of torque from 2,500 rpm) for a more relaxed, but not sluggish ride for all that. The performance of this 125i variant is really high: peak 245 km / h, 0 to 100 km / h announced in 6.4 seconds.

In the passenger compartment, the 125i offers dual-zone automatic air conditioning, CD radio, rain and light sensors and even cruise control as standard. Four finishes are available: Comfort (€34,150), Excellse (€34,950, with reverse radar and different decor), Luxury (€36,500, which includes leather and wood trim) and Sport Design (€36,400, Comfort with sporty decor and seats, plus a firmer suspension accompanied by 17 tires). At the end of 2007 the Coupe 1 Series was available as a convertible, marketing of both taking place anyway in 2008 (+€4,450 for the convertible).

Unlike the 3 Series which benefits from a retractable hardtop, the Model 1 retains an electric soft top, which benefits habitability and limits weight gain (+105kg). Later, the 125i coupé and cabriolet did not evolve until 2010, adopting new headlights and taillights, having nevertheless received a CIC (fixed screen) DVD-type GPS in 2008. They ended their career in 2013.

How much is it ?

The rating has finished dropping, and is likely to even go up. Count at least 12,000 euros for a convertible with almost 200,000 km but in good condition. At 14,000 euros we offer a car with a mileage of 150,000 km, while at 17,000 euros we find copies of 100,000 km. By paying up to 20,000 euros, we present ourselves with a 125i with 50,000 km. Coupes, being rare, cost around 2,000 euros extra. These quantities vary according to equipment, as the BMW catalog is crammed with options.

Which version do you choose?

Between the coupe and the convertible, it’s a matter of choice, but elements can make the version more desirable, such as the sunroof in the coupe, the very comfortable sports seats, or even the premium sound system.

Collector’s Editions

These are especially the units with low mileage (less than 50,000 km from new), in perfect original condition and wide options. But these 125i are really collectors in their own right.

What do you monitor?

This Series 1 is better made than the disappointing ending would suggest. The engine is very durable, but after changing the coils at 100,000 km out of 130,000 km we will monitor the variable timing (cleaning the filters) and at 150,000 km we will consider checking the Disa Valves from the Dynamic Intake as well as the Water Pump.

The first old DVD GPS was prone to errors and sometimes needed to be replaced. Apart from this, there are no major and recurring problems to report, these cars very easily pass 200,000km without signs of age, provided they are well maintained. On the subject, shortening the oil change intervals indicated by the rather optimistic on-board computer can only be beneficial!

on the leash

As in the 1 Series and BMWs in general, the 125i Cabriolet has an excellent driving position. The sports seats contribute to this, and surprisingly, the rear seats are usable. When starting, the engine cheers up with its sound. Then, it is her exceptional resilience that surprises us. Combined with the typical smoothness of an in-line 6, it makes driving very pleasant even when driven quietly.

The box is also a pleasure to handle, while the steering provides good consistency. When you write a little more into the engine, you realize that if it’s performance-less than the 130i’s, it’s already sporty, especially since the engine takes 7,000 rpm without blinking. His music is so intoxicating, especially when you go through a tunnel with the hood on!

Swirls can interfere after 100 km / h, but the windproof grille (optional) effectively removes them, which, of course, harms the rear seats. And in its place, the soft top isolates external noise well. the structure? It’s very solid, but not sporty. The car is clearly well-balanced, very safe, precise, and very efficient, but it shows its body movements that indicate it’s not a sports car. But we are really having fun!

As for the consumption of a versatile convertible, it’s handy on winding roads as well as on the motorway, it stays under 10l/100km with ease.

youngtimer alternative

BMW 325 / 328i E36 Coupe / Cabriolet

Just like the Series 1, the Series 3 E36 caused a lot of talk about its design when it was released in 1991. BMW dared to reverse its grille inclination and put the headlights under a glass roof! In addition, for the first time, the finish showed a sharp drop compared to that of the Series 3 E30. On the other hand, from a technical point of view, with the multi-link rear axle and the 24-valve in-line 6, there is no reason to complain!

With a capacity of 2.5 liters, it generates 192 horsepower and enables very good performance. In 1992, the E36 3 Series came in a very elegant coupe, followed in 1993 by an equally attractive convertible. 2.8 liters of 193 horsepower replaced 2.5 liters in 1995, then in 1996 restyling intervened which clearly benefited from build quality. The last convertible left the factory in 1999. From 11,000 euros in good condition.

BMW 125i convertible (2008), technical sheet

• Engine: 6-cylinder in-line, 2996 cc
• Food: injections
• Suspension: McPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar (AV); Multi-link axle, coil springs, anti-roll bar (rear)
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic, rear-wheel drive
• Power: 218 horsepower at 6,100 rpm
• Torque: 270 Nm at 2,500 rpm
• Weight: 1,510 kg
• Maximum speed: 238 km / h (manufacturer’s data)
• 0 to 100 km/h: 6.8 seconds (manufacturer data)

To find ads for the BMW 125i, go to the website of BMW 125i Power plant.