M125i 6 cylinder 1 series
Discussion
this car appears appealing, as I understand it is reliable and flash upgradeable to 128i power c. 275bhp with 30-40mpg on open roads.
I want a simple reliable good sounding compact with great mpg.
I understand there may however be various flavours of engine - black top / silver top, 3 stage inlet with double diss etc! - elec or hydro steering etc
I think I want to target the last of the hydro racks, c. 2010? - Do all UK 125is come silver top with triple stage inlet, if not advice plse
The exhaust doesnt sound great on youtube vids, std or modified - I assume the Cats are responsible as my old m125i sounded sweet and detailed.
As it must stay legal, presumably Sport Cat and alternative rear box is as far as u can go..at best - I have heard of M box, 135 etc - whats best? - Dont want loud, do want creamy detailed, NO bang / pop, just mellow burble.
Re inlet - as it has separate intake runners, presumably an airbox would emulate the n/a M3 6 cylinder? - Any affordable options? Dont want to increase cost of car by 30% just for an air filter box! - Happy with something sounding halfway between std and the old M3 (which was excessive in the one i tried)
Testers criticise ride as way too soft - I do want ride comfort, is the 125i M the way to go? - How do tyre specs compare - nothing too low thanks.
Does the 125iM come with the big bolster seats? Better sounding exhaust? -Same triple stage inlet and power?
Lastly, do they really average mid thirties overall and over 40mpg at 70 mph?
Thks
I want a simple reliable good sounding compact with great mpg.
I understand there may however be various flavours of engine - black top / silver top, 3 stage inlet with double diss etc! - elec or hydro steering etc
I think I want to target the last of the hydro racks, c. 2010? - Do all UK 125is come silver top with triple stage inlet, if not advice plse
The exhaust doesnt sound great on youtube vids, std or modified - I assume the Cats are responsible as my old m125i sounded sweet and detailed.
As it must stay legal, presumably Sport Cat and alternative rear box is as far as u can go..at best - I have heard of M box, 135 etc - whats best? - Dont want loud, do want creamy detailed, NO bang / pop, just mellow burble.
Re inlet - as it has separate intake runners, presumably an airbox would emulate the n/a M3 6 cylinder? - Any affordable options? Dont want to increase cost of car by 30% just for an air filter box! - Happy with something sounding halfway between std and the old M3 (which was excessive in the one i tried)
Testers criticise ride as way too soft - I do want ride comfort, is the 125i M the way to go? - How do tyre specs compare - nothing too low thanks.
Does the 125iM come with the big bolster seats? Better sounding exhaust? -Same triple stage inlet and power?
Lastly, do they really average mid thirties overall and over 40mpg at 70 mph?
Thks
Thanks for helpful response - yes, on balance it seems the EPAS isnt heavily criticized over the HPAS
One thing I forgot to ask that is important....
Do they suffer from rusting, particularly underneath where I shall not be checking potential purchases (nrly 70 and dont bend too well lately!)
Also looking for advice from all for favoured rear silencers and inlet mods that arent too intrusive and are old style detailed, soft and melodic rather than modern hard, crack and pop!
Places for the 130i+ style ECU re-flash for over c.280 with silencer and inlet?
If cam changes arent prohibitively expensive, specialists who could provide a more 'cammy' ramp in performance?
DMF / lighter SMF - what sort of costs involved, with and without labour - Cheaper better solution when due?
thks
One thing I forgot to ask that is important....
Do they suffer from rusting, particularly underneath where I shall not be checking potential purchases (nrly 70 and dont bend too well lately!)
Also looking for advice from all for favoured rear silencers and inlet mods that arent too intrusive and are old style detailed, soft and melodic rather than modern hard, crack and pop!
Places for the 130i+ style ECU re-flash for over c.280 with silencer and inlet?
If cam changes arent prohibitively expensive, specialists who could provide a more 'cammy' ramp in performance?
DMF / lighter SMF - what sort of costs involved, with and without labour - Cheaper better solution when due?
thks
thks for reply, yes I too have now discovered that:
all UK 125i have Triple Inlets with Dissas, same CR and build as 130i, requiring only a simple 130i map upload to get 275bhp
VANOS solenoids need replacing @ c.100k and are easy and inexpensive
The oil filter gasket needs replacing @ c.100k and are easy and inexpensive
The Water pump and thermostat are an ongoing concern as elec. or mechanical failure results in overheating / breakdown / engine shutdown at best - not straightforward to replace due to design burying it deep down under inlet etc - Replacement Cost Unknown **
MPG reports vary enormously. Some people claiming 50 mpg on light throttle cruise (seems unlikely / inaccurate readings) - Am hoping for c 40 mpg cruising around motorway limit and 35 mpg min Overall average, incl backroad blasts - These would be both surprising and reasonable for a daily driver, covering 12k pa
I have yet to hear an aftermarket exhaust better than the 128i / 130i original
The inlet must be able to release an early M3 type guttural inspired howl with some 3D printed parts?
I dont like the saloon type steering wheel - My Zoe wheel was infinitely nicer - Is there a smaller, more sports orientated wheel that is affordable and replicates controls / interfaces ok?
Presumably the OE rims take non run-flats without difficulty?
I see some people put same width tyres front and back instead of staggered - if u r of an age where snap oversteer is no longer fun on a bumpy backroad with surprise corners, does car settle down if u stay staggered and fit more grippy tyres on rear only?
all UK 125i have Triple Inlets with Dissas, same CR and build as 130i, requiring only a simple 130i map upload to get 275bhp
VANOS solenoids need replacing @ c.100k and are easy and inexpensive
The oil filter gasket needs replacing @ c.100k and are easy and inexpensive
The Water pump and thermostat are an ongoing concern as elec. or mechanical failure results in overheating / breakdown / engine shutdown at best - not straightforward to replace due to design burying it deep down under inlet etc - Replacement Cost Unknown **
MPG reports vary enormously. Some people claiming 50 mpg on light throttle cruise (seems unlikely / inaccurate readings) - Am hoping for c 40 mpg cruising around motorway limit and 35 mpg min Overall average, incl backroad blasts - These would be both surprising and reasonable for a daily driver, covering 12k pa
I have yet to hear an aftermarket exhaust better than the 128i / 130i original
The inlet must be able to release an early M3 type guttural inspired howl with some 3D printed parts?
==========
I dont like the saloon type steering wheel - My Zoe wheel was infinitely nicer - Is there a smaller, more sports orientated wheel that is affordable and replicates controls / interfaces ok?
Presumably the OE rims take non run-flats without difficulty?
I see some people put same width tyres front and back instead of staggered - if u r of an age where snap oversteer is no longer fun on a bumpy backroad with surprise corners, does car settle down if u stay staggered and fit more grippy tyres on rear only?
thanks
I shall, hopefully be upgrading to around 280bhp, hence worry re rear breakaway - some alarming youtube completely sideways driving demonstrations - fun with a safe run off, alarming on public roads.
I see u have recently had the water pump done - How did the failure show itself? - Dash warning of pump failure? Complete shutdown? - I see BMW chose to hide the engine temp from customers, which May be ok in normal operation, however crazy if offered limp mode / no warning.
What is the cost of parts - cost of labour please - any specialists up to looking after N52 in Northants area?
Your mileage is very encouraging - amazing that an engine capable of nr 100bhp / litre and 7k redline apparently survives 200k miles
I shall, hopefully be upgrading to around 280bhp, hence worry re rear breakaway - some alarming youtube completely sideways driving demonstrations - fun with a safe run off, alarming on public roads.
I see u have recently had the water pump done - How did the failure show itself? - Dash warning of pump failure? Complete shutdown? - I see BMW chose to hide the engine temp from customers, which May be ok in normal operation, however crazy if offered limp mode / no warning.
What is the cost of parts - cost of labour please - any specialists up to looking after N52 in Northants area?
Your mileage is very encouraging - amazing that an engine capable of nr 100bhp / litre and 7k redline apparently survives 200k miles
thanks guys for feedback
Presumably, when re mapping 125i they can concentrate less on emissions, tweak timing and fuelling beyond 130i OE too - That coupled to better flowing inlet and exhaust has to be good for 20bhp over 130i OE?
Wonder if VANOS can be s/w tweaked for better fuel / emissions too?
Would ideally like it hi torque and approaching 300bhp with a significant on cam feeling ramping up in the low 4k region.
The power figures should then replicate my Griff....just be 0.7 tons heavier! ..Reducing power from 300 to 211bhp / ton ..ouch!
- That explains why they struggle to crack 6secs I guess. - Incidentally, the new MG4 X has same bhp/ton (425/ 2 ton) but is 3 secs to 60.... Torque however is 443 lb ft (c 212lb ft/ton) - 130i is c 230 (135ftlbs/ton) Griff c. 290ftlbs / ton again explaining difference in acceleration I guess - Streuth, that means the Griff has 37% more torque & BHP/ ton than mega MG4 X awd twin motor... So how come X is not slower to 60? X is c 3 secs and Griff c. 4.1...all down to awd?!
BM Waterpump cost is irksome at £500+ fitted, however if that is the biggest likely main mechanical component cost and is only once every 5 or 6 yrs, cant be bad
Dare I ask about timing chains and VANOS longevity?
Presumably, when re mapping 125i they can concentrate less on emissions, tweak timing and fuelling beyond 130i OE too - That coupled to better flowing inlet and exhaust has to be good for 20bhp over 130i OE?
Wonder if VANOS can be s/w tweaked for better fuel / emissions too?
Would ideally like it hi torque and approaching 300bhp with a significant on cam feeling ramping up in the low 4k region.
The power figures should then replicate my Griff....just be 0.7 tons heavier! ..Reducing power from 300 to 211bhp / ton ..ouch!
- That explains why they struggle to crack 6secs I guess. - Incidentally, the new MG4 X has same bhp/ton (425/ 2 ton) but is 3 secs to 60.... Torque however is 443 lb ft (c 212lb ft/ton) - 130i is c 230 (135ftlbs/ton) Griff c. 290ftlbs / ton again explaining difference in acceleration I guess - Streuth, that means the Griff has 37% more torque & BHP/ ton than mega MG4 X awd twin motor... So how come X is not slower to 60? X is c 3 secs and Griff c. 4.1...all down to awd?!BM Waterpump cost is irksome at £500+ fitted, however if that is the biggest likely main mechanical component cost and is only once every 5 or 6 yrs, cant be bad
Dare I ask about timing chains and VANOS longevity?
anyone come across a Z4 type induction sound pipe to cabin mod for 125i?
Some Z4 notes here
Not sure how practical it is for 125i engine bay - was considering doing it electronically through a mixer amplifier into cabin speakers
I would emphasize that I havent even road tested a 125 to 130 spec yet, so induction sound may be good enough standard - the old M3 I tested was too much (suspect there wasnt an air filter, that invasive - cheapened car, as does, for me, a brash exhaust)
Creamy and melodious for my ancient ears is preferable - The Griff is going to be quite a shock after being laid up 16 yrs and driving electric last few yrs!!
Some Z4 notes here
Not sure how practical it is for 125i engine bay - was considering doing it electronically through a mixer amplifier into cabin speakers
I would emphasize that I havent even road tested a 125 to 130 spec yet, so induction sound may be good enough standard - the old M3 I tested was too much (suspect there wasnt an air filter, that invasive - cheapened car, as does, for me, a brash exhaust)
Creamy and melodious for my ancient ears is preferable - The Griff is going to be quite a shock after being laid up 16 yrs and driving electric last few yrs!!
anyone come across a Z4 type induction sound pipe to cabin mod for 125i?
Some Z4 notes here: https://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?s=58ce...
Not sure how practical it is for 125i engine bay - was considering doing it electronically through a mixer amplifier into cabin speakers
I would emphasize that I havent even road tested a 125 to 130 spec yet (so, going by many Youtube clips), induction sound may be good enough standard - the old M3 I tested was too much (suspect there wasnt an air filter, that invasive - cheapened car, as does, for me, a brash exhaust)
Creamy and melodious for my ancient ears is preferable - The Griff is going to be quite a shock after being laid up 16 yrs and driving electric last few yrs!! - One of the few exceptions of a loud exhaust I love - most V8s can sound great
Some Z4 notes here: https://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?s=58ce...
Not sure how practical it is for 125i engine bay - was considering doing it electronically through a mixer amplifier into cabin speakers
I would emphasize that I havent even road tested a 125 to 130 spec yet (so, going by many Youtube clips), induction sound may be good enough standard - the old M3 I tested was too much (suspect there wasnt an air filter, that invasive - cheapened car, as does, for me, a brash exhaust)
Creamy and melodious for my ancient ears is preferable - The Griff is going to be quite a shock after being laid up 16 yrs and driving electric last few yrs!! - One of the few exceptions of a loud exhaust I love - most V8s can sound great
Swervin_Mervin said:
Not sure where you're getting that VANOS solenoids need changing at 100k, or the oil filter gasket. They need doing when they need doing. And in terms of gaskets expect that at any point - sump, oil filter housing, cam cover, valvetronic actuator seals will all start to weep at some point. My E91 has had all gaskets done. But it hasn't had the VANOS solenoids changed (now on 136k).
Water pump isn't that costly to sort. OEM pumps can be had for under £300. I think my total bill was c£800.
MPG - I've seen 34mpg at best, on a long cruise. Around town I average low 20s though.
.................in what realm is £800 for a waterpump change (allegedly best done every 50k..) not costly?!Water pump isn't that costly to sort. OEM pumps can be had for under £300. I think my total bill was c£800.
MPG - I've seen 34mpg at best, on a long cruise. Around town I average low 20s though.
The 100k is the general consensus on BMW forums as max mileage for all / most of above, with prevention being better than cure
getting paranoid now.... is this an issue on the 125i?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yLtSoIARaY
I have narrowed down my car choices to include the 125i believing that it is exceptionally unlikely to suffer a £1k+ engine or trans failure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yLtSoIARaY
I have narrowed down my car choices to include the 125i believing that it is exceptionally unlikely to suffer a £1k+ engine or trans failure
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