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

[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.

[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!