125i Coupe

[mikeyscott]

How do these compare to the 130i re power and feel. Struggling to find any decent 130i and mulling the 125i

[ady702]

A decent remap will give you 130i power. I have a 130i LE and my brother has a 125i Coupe. You do feel abit of low end torque in the 130 but both decent cars.

Check out babybmw.net forum

[aeropilot]

mikeyscott said:

How do these compare to the 130i re power and feel. Struggling to find any decent 130i and mulling the 125i

500 quid remap from Evolve or P-Torque will bring a 125i to within 5hp or so of a 130i.

130i brakes are a straight swap as well, and can be picked up cheap.


Coupe shell is a lot stiffer than hatch shell of the 130i so has a bonus there in terms of handling.

[mikeyscott]

Looking at one Friday, but auto! My last thought re auto wasn't great.

I'd prob fit BMWP brake kit if I landed a suitable one. Keep looking at Audi S3/4 again. Just starting to think I won't land what I'd ideally like. Year vs spec vs price

http://www.hendy.co.uk/usedcars/vehicle/1-Series/8...

Over priced I rec and into 08/58 135i money

[aeropilot]

mikeyscott said:

Looking at one Friday, but auto! My last thought re auto wasn't great.

Hmmmmmm...........an auto 130i felt sluggish to me when I drove one, an auto 125i isn't gonna set your pants on fire at all.

[mikeyscott]

I'll have a look Friday afternoon as it's v local and if still interested test drive Saturday.

TBH I'm looking at a S3 too, just got to drive one to say yay or nay.

[Smuler]

Looks horrible in white, and seems expensive.

There are 135i's on the AU database for that money. sure, you "pay the price," by getting older and / or higher mileage but you'd get plenty of power. Plus a good warranty.


http://www.approved.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/bmwauc/details...

[nickfrog]

I couldn't find a low enough mileage 130i so went for a 125i a year ago. Fitted Michelin Supersport, had the Evolve remap back to very close to 130i with an even better throttle map/response too. Fitted the 130i discs (calipers are the same) but needed caliper carriers at £50/pair (ebay). Yellow stuff pads. Front M3 control arms for a bit more camber to balance tyre wear.
135i is also an option of course, particularly with the warranty. The simplicity, lower weight (70kgs), throttle response, rev range and noise of the N52 cars are their main assets though.

[Swervin_Mervin]

What's the difference between the 25i and 30i lumps then? Is it all in the head?

Wife's always liked the idea of a coupe (has a 120d hatch at the mo) and I nearly went for a 130i, but got an E91 330i in the end. Always liked the idea of a 30i unit in the coupe though.

[aeropilot]

Swervin_Mervin said:

What's the difference between the 25i and 30i lumps then? Is it all in the head?

ECU mapping only, no difference in engine otherwise.
Only mechanical difference IIRC is the 130i does have a very slightly different exhaust header, hence a mapped 125i is about 5hp shy of a 130i.

[mikeyscott]

That 135i has gone as I was due to view this weekend.

http://www.birdsgarage.co.uk/used-cars/bmw-1-serie... Birds just contacted me re this 2006 plate 130i but too old

Test driving a S3 Saturday, at least I'll know what to compare and think about if I like it.

[mikeyscott]

http://secure.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/bmwauc/details?ch=WB...

[Smuler]

I would certainly see the silver 135i over the white 125i any day ; seems a competitive price, I had a brief look @ a 335i with similar spec and mileage at that price and it was 14 months older.

[nickfrog]

mickey, I know you've been looking for a while. I would test drive a 135i indeed, even if it's to rule it out. They're brilliant but only of you're happy with a turbo engine of course. If you don't mind using the box, a remapped 125i is pretty spectacular as an affordable 4-seater drivers' car if you don't crave for the last ounce of straight line performance (they're road cars after all) to the benefit of more driveable power delivery and far better soundtrack. You're welcome to a ride ijn mine if you're in Sussex

Edited by nickfrog on Thursday 19th June 20:13

[mikeyscott]

Will look at a few options. Nick I'm in Locks Heath , so would be interested in checking out tour 125i, time permitting.

[nickfrog]

No probs. If you're ever in the Worthing area, let me know. Alternatively I work at Shoreham airport most days.

[DAmiJO]

I was down at birds on Saturday, theve just taken in a 1 owner ( older gentleman) grey e87 130i manual 45k miles very clean has bmwp exhaust etc

http://www.birdsgarage.co.uk/used-cars/bmw-1-serie...

Ok it's pre lci (06) but we buy these cars based on condition not age,this must be one of if not the cleanest iv seen.

If your after a 130i only a 130i will do except no imitations.

[nickfrog]

Well, that 130i looks very good VFM, good find. Pre-LCI also means proper steering. Worth a look! It even has leather and xenons.

As for imitations, a derestricted 125i is a LCI 130i in a Coupe body. It will also be a little sharper in terms of throttle response and handling on the limit. In my experience of both cars of course.

Edited by nickfrog on Saturday 21st June 07:45