Keep or Upgrade?
Discussion
I have finally come to the end of the Finance Agreement on my trusty 125i Coupé, so the car is all paid up after 4 years and is now officially mine. It's been a fantastic little car, have taken it from 56k to 122k and all it's needed are a battery and couple of brake calipers in addition to the usual service items. I had an (alleged) 280bhp remap put on it, and whilst I haven't had that verified on a rolling road, it's definitely amusingly fast now, and if I'm honest I'm in no hurry to replace it.
However, grumbles from the OH that it isn't very practical (but she also grumbles when I talk about replacing it), and the usual urge for new shiny is making me look at M140i's. Ideally I'd like to go new this time so I can pick a particularly strange spec (Manual box and Alacantra seats, but Pro Nav, Harmon Kardon and a couple of other bits), but obviously the 1 Series is getting replaced early next year, so time to do this is running out. I'm not interested in a 4 Cylinder FWD/4WD BMW, so it would be the current shape.
Work pay me a Car Allowance but have made no indication that my 10 year old 1 series is unsuitable - generally as long as it gets me to where I need to be there are no issues.
So I guess my question would be this - keep the 125i for a while longer and enjoy the N/A goodness, or jump into an M140i? Is an M140i worth the extra £400 a month over a well sorted 125i Coupé? If I kept the 125i I'd be looking at doing a couple of jobs on it - new water pump, refurbished wheels and maybe the Birds Suspension kit.
However, grumbles from the OH that it isn't very practical (but she also grumbles when I talk about replacing it), and the usual urge for new shiny is making me look at M140i's. Ideally I'd like to go new this time so I can pick a particularly strange spec (Manual box and Alacantra seats, but Pro Nav, Harmon Kardon and a couple of other bits), but obviously the 1 Series is getting replaced early next year, so time to do this is running out. I'm not interested in a 4 Cylinder FWD/4WD BMW, so it would be the current shape.
Work pay me a Car Allowance but have made no indication that my 10 year old 1 series is unsuitable - generally as long as it gets me to where I need to be there are no issues.
So I guess my question would be this - keep the 125i for a while longer and enjoy the N/A goodness, or jump into an M140i? Is an M140i worth the extra £400 a month over a well sorted 125i Coupé? If I kept the 125i I'd be looking at doing a couple of jobs on it - new water pump, refurbished wheels and maybe the Birds Suspension kit.
The cheapest car is the one you own, and if you are comfortable with the service history of your car why change? You could get another (used) car but inherit all sorts of problems, when wyou were only changing "just because".
Of course, if you want somehting different, then go for it!
Of course, if you want somehting different, then go for it!
With the upcoming replacement I can see the dilemma, if you are planning on keeping the new car for say 10 years it is probably worth it. However, if you are likely to want something different a few years down the line, you are probably best off keeping what you have and saving the money towards something else.
bodhi said:
I have finally come to the end of the Finance Agreement on my trusty 125i Coupé, so the car is all paid up after 4 years and is now officially mine. It's been a fantastic little car, have taken it from 56k to 122k and all it's needed are a battery and couple of brake calipers in addition to the usual service items. I had an (alleged) 280bhp remap put on it, and whilst I haven't had that verified on a rolling road, it's definitely amusingly fast now, and if I'm honest I'm in no hurry to replace it.
However, grumbles from the OH that it isn't very practical (but she also grumbles when I talk about replacing it), and the usual urge for new shiny is making me look at M140i's. Ideally I'd like to go new this time so I can pick a particularly strange spec (Manual box and Alacantra seats, but Pro Nav, Harmon Kardon and a couple of other bits), but obviously the 1 Series is getting replaced early next year, so time to do this is running out. I'm not interested in a 4 Cylinder FWD/4WD BMW, so it would be the current shape.
Work pay me a Car Allowance but have made no indication that my 10 year old 1 series is unsuitable - generally as long as it gets me to where I need to be there are no issues.
So I guess my question would be this - keep the 125i for a while longer and enjoy the N/A goodness, or jump into an M140i? Is an M140i worth the extra £400 a month over a well sorted 125i Coupé? If I kept the 125i I'd be looking at doing a couple of jobs on it - new water pump, refurbished wheels and maybe the Birds Suspension kit.
In your position I'd plan to keep for a while but would not invest in a Birds kit as whilst the car's wholly reliable at 122k miles, if this changes as miles increase you may have to sell as reliability is key for your work and thus you risk not getting your money's worth on mods. However, grumbles from the OH that it isn't very practical (but she also grumbles when I talk about replacing it), and the usual urge for new shiny is making me look at M140i's. Ideally I'd like to go new this time so I can pick a particularly strange spec (Manual box and Alacantra seats, but Pro Nav, Harmon Kardon and a couple of other bits), but obviously the 1 Series is getting replaced early next year, so time to do this is running out. I'm not interested in a 4 Cylinder FWD/4WD BMW, so it would be the current shape.
Work pay me a Car Allowance but have made no indication that my 10 year old 1 series is unsuitable - generally as long as it gets me to where I need to be there are no issues.
So I guess my question would be this - keep the 125i for a while longer and enjoy the N/A goodness, or jump into an M140i? Is an M140i worth the extra £400 a month over a well sorted 125i Coupé? If I kept the 125i I'd be looking at doing a couple of jobs on it - new water pump, refurbished wheels and maybe the Birds Suspension kit.
In the meantime, I'd have several drives of a M140i manual to make sure you like, maybe try and see one with a birds kit too. If you're happy, then get ready to change. Run-out is usually the best time to get a bargain but as it's the last six cylinder baby beamer, whether that keeps prices high I don't know. I'd certainly be following prices now and if it's the car for you be ready to grab a good deal.
Exactly the dilemma I keep arguing with myself over. I have a f10 530i and its plenty quick enough for me, for the roads, and is a great family car. Its worth little now. I keep looking at auto trader and I keep looking at m5s and I keep thinking yeah do it... but... fact is, I'm pretty happy with this car (warts n all) but perhaps the grass is greener, but I suspect the buyers remorse would be very strong indeed.
Head heart.. head says stick. Heart just likes looking on auto trader.
Head heart.. head says stick. Heart just likes looking on auto trader.
My 335i is 10 years old now and I've been having the same conversation with myself for at least the last 4 years!
Most recently been looking at the latest M3 and trying to convince myself I need it... ultimately it always come down to the fact my car has low mileage (70k), a full SH, BMW warranty and is plenty enough for my 5-6k miles per year.
Yes a nice new M3 would be lovely, but I sense the occasion would soon wear off so I console myself in the knowledge of the money I'm saving and investing rather than throwing at a car I don't really need.
Think I'm getting grumpy in my old age - definitely a case of head over heart!
Most recently been looking at the latest M3 and trying to convince myself I need it... ultimately it always come down to the fact my car has low mileage (70k), a full SH, BMW warranty and is plenty enough for my 5-6k miles per year.
Yes a nice new M3 would be lovely, but I sense the occasion would soon wear off so I console myself in the knowledge of the money I'm saving and investing rather than throwing at a car I don't really need.
Think I'm getting grumpy in my old age - definitely a case of head over heart!
My 335i is 10 years old now and I've been having the same conversation with myself for at least the last 4 years!
Most recently been looking at the latest M3 and trying to convince myself I need it... ultimately it always come down to the fact my car has low mileage (70k), a full SH, BMW warranty and is plenty enough for my 5-6k miles per year.
Yes a nice new M3 would be lovely, but I sense the occasion would soon wear off so I console myself in the knowledge of the money I'm saving and investing rather than throwing at a car I don't really need.
Think I'm getting grumpy in my old age - definitely a case of head over heart!
Most recently been looking at the latest M3 and trying to convince myself I need it... ultimately it always come down to the fact my car has low mileage (70k), a full SH, BMW warranty and is plenty enough for my 5-6k miles per year.
Yes a nice new M3 would be lovely, but I sense the occasion would soon wear off so I console myself in the knowledge of the money I'm saving and investing rather than throwing at a car I don't really need.
Think I'm getting grumpy in my old age - definitely a case of head over heart!
oop north said:
I might be wrong but (1) I don’t think you can specify an alcantara interior on the m140i - I don’t think it was ever possible (2) and you can longer order a manual one (or they are in runout). See babybmw.net for advice on this
Not sure if it's Alacantra, however they definitely now offer a non-leather option - however the fact that manuals are NLA, pretty much kills the idea stone dead for me. I'm sure the Autos are lovely, but I'd rather stick with Manual whilst I can, as I get a bit bored if I can't change gear 
Lots to think about, but now the compelling reason to change now has gone, I think I will stick with the 125i for another 6 - 12 months and see what is available then. Must admit I'm very intrigued by the 2 Series Gran Coupé that's been spotted testing, if that turns out to be RWD, then an M240i GC will definitely be the way forwards.
Or wait and see what happens to M3 prices
OP I think keeping your 125i a bit longer may be a good plan, especially as you still seem to be enjoying driving it! The 125i must be one of the last BMWs offered with a naturally-aspirated straight 6 petrol - while I can't understand why they detuned it, you've solved that problem getting yours re-mapped!
Then maybe see what happens to manual M135i and M140i values, or as you say M3 values.
I'm on my 2nd Z4 Coupe with the same 3 litre N52 engine as your 125i but in 265 bhp form, and it's such a great engine that I bought an E91 325i as a daily (with the 2.5 litre N52) which is about to hit 135K miles and still drives really well.
Then maybe see what happens to manual M135i and M140i values, or as you say M3 values.
I'm on my 2nd Z4 Coupe with the same 3 litre N52 engine as your 125i but in 265 bhp form, and it's such a great engine that I bought an E91 325i as a daily (with the 2.5 litre N52) which is about to hit 135K miles and still drives really well.
I had a similar dilemma a couple of years ago but was looking at changing my 130i for an M135i.
Several decent drives in the newer car left me pretty cold, yes they are quick but have nothing like the character of the N52. Even ignoring the extra cost I prefered the older car.
So instead of changing I refreshed the suspension, replaced all discs/pads/fluids etc on the 130i and am still happy to this day. It’s at 158k miles now, has been brilliantly reliable and will be with me until it dies. Don’t stress too much about the water pump, I only did mine as a precaution when it had reached 150k miles.
Unless you want all the new fangled interior tech tat like touchscreens etc then I’d stick with the 125i and keep saving the £’s for something really special later down the line.
Several decent drives in the newer car left me pretty cold, yes they are quick but have nothing like the character of the N52. Even ignoring the extra cost I prefered the older car.
So instead of changing I refreshed the suspension, replaced all discs/pads/fluids etc on the 130i and am still happy to this day. It’s at 158k miles now, has been brilliantly reliable and will be with me until it dies. Don’t stress too much about the water pump, I only did mine as a precaution when it had reached 150k miles.
Unless you want all the new fangled interior tech tat like touchscreens etc then I’d stick with the 125i and keep saving the £’s for something really special later down the line.
Isn't there a third option here, buy a low mileage used example of a m140/240, or even a 135/235. The manual isn't especially loved and it seems that residuals take a bigger hit as a result. I say this as someone who bought a new manual m240, I don't regret the manual choice for a minute, but I might have considered used in hindsight. Not just because of the value, I sort of expected that, but because these cars have some weaknesses and require modifications and money to make them better. Primarily the suspension, it's just not very good. It needs much better dampers and less roll. I've been in a bird's demo, but think I will go with the cheaper B12 kit. It could also benefit from an LSD, but I'll decide on that after the suspension, and then a more fruity exhaust.
I think that would make a really decent daily, which is what I got mine for, but its never going to special it interesting enough as a weekend car, but then I doubt an M2 or M3 would be either.
I think that would make a really decent daily, which is what I got mine for, but its never going to special it interesting enough as a weekend car, but then I doubt an M2 or M3 would be either.
thatdude said:
The cheapest car is the one you own, and if you are comfortable with the service history of your car why change? You could get another (used) car but inherit all sorts of problems, when wyou were only changing "just because".
Of course, if you want somehting different, then go for it!
‘The cheapest car is the car you own’...Of course, if you want somehting different, then go for it!
Oh! That’s my line!
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