BMW 1 Series 125i or 120i

[Baij-k8aq2]

I'm considering a 1 series coupe, hopefully later this year planning to purchase.

I've driven a 118d hatch and loved the way it handled, the coupe fits my needs in terms of space and I love the way it looks.

I can't seem to decide between the 120i 4 cylinder or 125i straight 6, the 120i seems like a good balance of power and economy on paper.

I only drive around 5k miles a year so really don't see the need to buy a diesel, but would like reasonable economy.

Are both engines reliable? I keep reading stories on other forums about coil pack issues.

Unfortunately it will have to be an auto because of a bad knee, is there anything else I should be looking out for?

Budget will be 10k.

Thanks

[jayemm89]

I can't speak of the particular motors you're referring to, but historically BMW's 6-pots have always been far superior to their 4-pot counterparts.

If you can get the six, I would.

[nickfrog]

The 4 pot in the E82 doesn't have a great reputation. It's not particularly more economical either. The N52 on the other hand is the best and last non-M I6. It's a gem. Main issue is a slightly fragile and rather pricey water pump. For a car over 60k miles I would budget for one but apart from that, all good.
You can even derestrict the 125i to 130i power for little money...

[Craikeybaby]

I've got a 120i hatch, but would have had a 6 cylinder if I could find one in budget.

Is you 5k miles going to be lots of short journies? If so, my 120i seems to hate that mixed driving gets me 30mpg, but recently I've been doing lots of short (<5 mile) journies and the trip computer is at 20mpg.

[Baij-k8aq2]

Thanks for all your comments, the 6 cylinder is the one to go for then. Hopefully I'll find a low mileage example, but will allow for a potential water pump replacement.

My 5k miles is quite a lot of stop start town driving, so I guess there won't be much difference in economy.

The road tax is slightly more, but I've also noticed that the 6 cylinder cars demand a small premium when comparing to their 4 cylinder equivalents with same age/spec.

[s m]

Baij-k8aq2 said:

The road tax is slightly more, but I've also noticed that the 6 cylinder cars demand a small premium when comparing to their 4 cylinder equivalents with same age/spec.

Tunnels?

[Mr Tidy]

Baij-k8aq2 said:

The road tax is slightly more, but I've also noticed that the 6 cylinder cars demand a small premium when comparing to their 4 cylinder equivalents with same age/spec.

Try to drive both and you will hopefully see the difference.

My local independent seemed to be of the view that newer is not necessarily better but recommended always getting a 6 cylinder variant! He drives an E39 530i which may be a hint!

Mind you he had just relieved me of nearly £800 for a new electric water-pump and thermostat plus fitting for my Z4Coupe (full-fat N52 engine)! But each time I drive it I get nearer to forgiving it - the N52 engine is just so good! Then again my 325ti with an M54 engine got a complete cooling system refresh for not much more than half of that!

Still as you seem to be set upon a 1 series Coupe for your intended use I would go for a 125i (probably chipped to nearer 130i hatch spec) rather than a 120i - just don't consider a diesel! Just Google N47 cam-chain issues............

Oh, and I think with the right spec the 1 Series Coupe looks great!

Good luck!

[AB]

Mr Tidy said:

Try to drive both and you will hopefully see the difference.

[Baij]

Mr Tidy said:

Baij-k8aq2 said:

The road tax is slightly more, but I've also noticed that the 6 cylinder cars demand a small premium when comparing to their 4 cylinder equivalents with same age/spec.

Try to drive both and you will hopefully see the difference.

My local independent seemed to be of the view that newer is not necessarily better but recommended always getting a 6 cylinder variant! He drives an E39 530i which may be a hint!

Mind you he had just relieved me of nearly £800 for a new electric water-pump and thermostat plus fitting for my Z4Coupe (full-fat N52 engine)! But each time I drive it I get nearer to forgiving it - the N52 engine is just so good! Then again my 325ti with an M54 engine got a complete cooling system refresh for not much more than half of that!

Still as you seem to be set upon a 1 series Coupe for your intended use I would go for a 125i (probably chipped to nearer 130i hatch spec) rather than a 120i - just don't consider a diesel! Just Google N47 cam-chain issues............

Oh, and I think with the right spec the 1 Series Coupe looks great!

Good luck!

Cheers for that. Interesting point about the age, as my budget will get me an older car and I won't be too put off now.

However, I guess I'll have to allow a bit more for potential water pump replacement!

[Mr Tidy]

As you say maybe best to budget for a new water pump, or given that early 125is are getting towards that age you could always look for one that has already had a new one.

Whichever, good luck finding what you want.