Discussion
Hi everyone,
I am saving up for my 2nd car. And I want something nippy with a good interior. Decided I want a BMW 125.
It will be a minimum 2015 model, but looking to preferably get the 2018-2019 model. I will want to do a stage 1 remap on it. I know that the 125d is a torque monster, and generally, on paper, the 125d seems like a better car, same power, more torque and better fuel efficiency, however, I'm not too keen on diesel cars and I'm leaning towards the 125i.
What is your input on this? Any specific extras I should definitely have etc.
I am open to other suggestions too as I will most likely purchase said car in about 6-8 months.
I am saving up for my 2nd car. And I want something nippy with a good interior. Decided I want a BMW 125.
It will be a minimum 2015 model, but looking to preferably get the 2018-2019 model. I will want to do a stage 1 remap on it. I know that the 125d is a torque monster, and generally, on paper, the 125d seems like a better car, same power, more torque and better fuel efficiency, however, I'm not too keen on diesel cars and I'm leaning towards the 125i.
What is your input on this? Any specific extras I should definitely have etc.
I am open to other suggestions too as I will most likely purchase said car in about 6-8 months.
I bought my '16 1 series new, wanted a 125i, but by the time I had specced it the way I wanted, there was little difference between that and an M135i which came with most of the "extras" as standard.
Looking on AT there's very little difference in the starting price between the petrol options, but there's 23 15 plate on 125i's for sale vs 313 M135i's and 785 M140i's so there's far more of the bigger engine models available, and I guess I'm not the only one that said "sod it, gimme the extra cylinders!"
The diesels are obviously a good bit cheaper to run around town, but I've found the M135i quite reasonable on fuel around town, and very reasonable on a run. More to the point, if you're looking at tuning, get the bigger engine to start with!
Looking on AT there's very little difference in the starting price between the petrol options, but there's 23 15 plate on 125i's for sale vs 313 M135i's and 785 M140i's so there's far more of the bigger engine models available, and I guess I'm not the only one that said "sod it, gimme the extra cylinders!"
The diesels are obviously a good bit cheaper to run around town, but I've found the M135i quite reasonable on fuel around town, and very reasonable on a run. More to the point, if you're looking at tuning, get the bigger engine to start with!
Jag_NE said:
Out of interest why are you not keen on diesel? Your OP shows that you favour it quite strongly over the petrol equivalent.
As long as it’s a euro6 you don’t need to worry about ULEZ matters.
Never owned a diesel, the engine is noisier, which I don't like. And when it comes to modifying it, the petrol will sound a lot better after induction kit, exhaust and remap, which is what I'm looking to do. As long as it’s a euro6 you don’t need to worry about ULEZ matters.
hiccy18 said:
I bought my '16 1 series new, wanted a 125i, but by the time I had specced it the way I wanted, there was little difference between that and an M135i which came with most of the "extras" as standard.
Looking on AT there's very little difference in the starting price between the petrol options, but there's 23 15 plate on 125i's for sale vs 313 M135i's and 785 M140i's so there's far more of the bigger engine models available, and I guess I'm not the only one that said "sod it, gimme the extra cylinders!"
The diesels are obviously a good bit cheaper to run around town, but I've found the M135i quite reasonable on fuel around town, and very reasonable on a run. More to the point, if you're looking at tuning, get the bigger engine to start with!
I found the 125i to be a sweet spot, I am only 20 and insurance is still at crazy prices, hence why I want to buy in 6+ months time, by then I would have gained another 1-year ncb which will bring the price down. I did consider the 135i but the insurance on that will be ridiculous. Looking on AT there's very little difference in the starting price between the petrol options, but there's 23 15 plate on 125i's for sale vs 313 M135i's and 785 M140i's so there's far more of the bigger engine models available, and I guess I'm not the only one that said "sod it, gimme the extra cylinders!"
The diesels are obviously a good bit cheaper to run around town, but I've found the M135i quite reasonable on fuel around town, and very reasonable on a run. More to the point, if you're looking at tuning, get the bigger engine to start with!
klaudmjj said:
I found the 125i to be a sweet spot, I am only 20 and insurance is still at crazy prices, hence why I want to buy in 6+ months time, by then I would have gained another 1-year ncb which will bring the price down. I did consider the 135i but the insurance on that will be ridiculous.
I did wonder about age 
Go for the 125i then, around town it's another 10MPG, so uses a third less fuel, and will be a similar amount cheaper on a run. Not sure on the performance side, 2 litre turbos will not be slow, especially when chipped, but will also not be easy on fuel when leaning on the loud pedal. Extras are a matter of personal taste but I like:
Heated seats n wheel
Lumbar support
Cruise & satnag
MSport brakes
Adaptive suspension
The HK sound was probably worth the extra, but I've had better. The mainbeam assist has been great on the few times I've used it... I think I'm on about £20 a use so far!
They are comfy, with the sports seats they are genuinely all day comfortable and I've driven some very long distances in ours, longest being a 15 hour day.
Canon_Fodder said:
klaudmjj said:
the petrol will sound a lot better after induction kit, exhaust and remap, which is what I'm looking to do.
OP have you investigated the insurance implications of that? I only ask as you mention that insurance costs are an issue for you.hiccy18 said:
klaudmjj said:
I found the 125i to be a sweet spot, I am only 20 and insurance is still at crazy prices, hence why I want to buy in 6+ months time, by then I would have gained another 1-year ncb which will bring the price down. I did consider the 135i but the insurance on that will be ridiculous.
I did wonder about age Go for the 125i then, around town it's another 10MPG, so uses a third less fuel, and will be a similar amount cheaper on a run. Not sure on the performance side, 2 litre turbos will not be slow, especially when chipped, but will also not be easy on fuel when leaning on the loud pedal. Extras are a matter of personal taste but I like:
Heated seats n wheel
Lumbar support
Cruise & satnag
MSport brakes
Adaptive suspension
The HK sound was probably worth the extra, but I've had better. The mainbeam assist has been great on the few times I've used it... I think I'm on about £20 a use so far!
They are comfy, with the sports seats they are genuinely all day comfortable and I've driven some very long distances in ours, longest being a 15 hour day.
Can’t comment on the engine as I went from a 120d to an M140i, but because of how customisable the cars are, you might struggle with “must have” options.
Fwiw, I wasn’t fussed by the pro nav or HK that everyone told me was needed, but did go a bit mad on the other options. High beam assist, cruise, heated electrically adjustable memory seats, park assist, etc. I’d get the best spec you can afford :-)
Chris
Fwiw, I wasn’t fussed by the pro nav or HK that everyone told me was needed, but did go a bit mad on the other options. High beam assist, cruise, heated electrically adjustable memory seats, park assist, etc. I’d get the best spec you can afford :-)
Chris
ScoobyChris said:
Can’t comment on the engine as I went from a 120d to an M140i, but because of how customisable the cars are, you might struggle with “must have” options.
Fwiw, I wasn’t fussed by the pro nav or HK that everyone told me was needed, but did go a bit mad on the other options. High beam assist, cruise, heated electrically adjustable memory seats, park assist, etc. I’d get the best spec you can afford :-)
Chris
Just wondering about the high beam assist, you can go to a bmw dealer to add it on if it didn’t come with one from factory?Fwiw, I wasn’t fussed by the pro nav or HK that everyone told me was needed, but did go a bit mad on the other options. High beam assist, cruise, heated electrically adjustable memory seats, park assist, etc. I’d get the best spec you can afford :-)
Chris
klaudmjj said:
Just wondering about the high beam assist, you can go to a bmw dealer to add it on if it didn’t come with one from factory?
Not sure - it requires a camera under the rear view mirror … if that’s installed guess you can get high beam assist software enabled, but worth asking the question of the dealer.Chris
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