2013 BMW 125i 6 on the floor (N52)

[B'stard Child]

Introduction

I don't normally do "Readers Cars" threads on my cars - I tend to do a "tell me about" thread in a relevant section then an ownership thread after it in the same section.

I don't change cars very often and the last time I part ex'd a car was back in 1994 - I tend to buy a car and keep it and if I need or want something different I buy another car - current fleet is 7 cars right now (I won't mention the 4 motorcycles)

So back to topic

The story started back in January "her" SLK230 decided to develop a fault where it braked one of the wheels in a corner without driver intervention - it was no longer "fun" to drive. The thread on the SLK is Here - Clicky

I needed something quickly as a daily driver and cutting a long story short I ended up with a Skoda Rapid 1.2 TSi in a great spec (from my perspective) thread Here - Clicky

The idea around the Skoda was to buy something sensible - low VED - good on fuel to offset my fuel, tyre and maintenance costs on the classic car - and it wasn't a diesel (I don't like them - sorry - I just don't) - you could say it was a "mid life crisis" car for someone who already had a classic car, a V8 barge, a 2 seat convertible and various silly track/restoration project cars in the garage.

I think this a classic right?



The Skoda was a fantastic little car - great on fuel - comfy for me - well equipped and I really liked it, best of all it was white and didn't look dirty unless you used it for rallycross - I've too many black or dark coloured cars and to be back in a self cleaning white one was wonderful.............

Downside was Mrs BC hated it - when I say hate I mean really really hated it - to her it seemed like the person she'd been living with for 28 years had suddenly turned into someone else - I honestly thought for a while that our relationship had broken down over a car. Aside from the fact it was white, a Skoda and sounded pants she apparently could not get comfortable in it - the seat squab cut off the circulation in her legs - the head rest was fixed and in the wrong place and she fidgeted every 30 secs on every journey and the whining from that side of the car was dreadful. She then complained for days after that her back hurt and it was the bloody cars fault.

The number of emails she sent me (in the 6 mths I had the skoda) with links to alternative cars that she liked was horrific - I actually marked her email address as spam to stop her clogging up my inbox.

We had a lot of long chats around the "skoda issue" and after 6 mths I finally cracked under the pressure and started looking for a replacement.

Mrs BC was absolutely clear on her requirements - It had to be black with black leather - it had to be "not a Skoda" - it had to have a nice sound (so needs to be a six pot) and not be sensible - apparently I can have a "sensible" car when I'm retired.

So what to look for - I have always liked the "hot wash" 1 series coupe so I started looking for a 135i in coupe flavour - I'm not scared of miles and I do all my own maintenance so running costs are kept low compared to dealer servicing - I prefer a 1 owner car and I'd like no sunroof, factory nav if possible and it must be manual but I can compromise on what I want but it has to meet Mrs BC's requirements.

After a month or so of looking and travelling round to view various 135i's I got very frustrated - lots of 4,5 & 6 owner cars with seats that have been chewed by a dog and patchy service history - I did find one that was really nice and had 3 owners but the dealership wasn't interested in the Skoda as a part ex and suggested WBAC - that gave me a shock - I was gonna lose a few grand on this change.......

So 135i coupes were hard to find in condition that meets my requirements - I cast my net a little wider and started looking at 125i coupes and here it actually became harder - most of the 125i's didn't come with full leather.

Finally a couple of weekends ago I found one that seemed to fit the criteria and after speaking to the dealership on the Saturday (Mrs BC was working) I arranged to go and see it on the Sunday

Got down quite late on Sunday afternoon there it was



Interior



So late 2012 build, registered 2013, black with black leather, no sunroof, Factory Nav - PDC on the rear, 1 Owner and 58K miles with Full BMW service history.

I looked round it whilst Mrs BC sat in the passenger seat - 20 mins of inspection and I was happy it was a straight clean and nice example - Mrs BC declared the seats to be comfortable and I should buy it

The decision was confirmed after a test drive where Mrs BC stayed at the dealers (she wanted to hear what it sounded like as I drove it out on the test drive) It got approval for "sound"

So having agreed a price for the Skoda that hurt (a lot) and agreed a date to exchange on the 2nd Aug all I needed to do was Bank transfer the balance - sort out insurance cover and VED during last week.

And her she is parked on the drive



The journey home was bliss - the passenger side occupant didn't move at all and the silence was wonderful

So what next

I need to get a bit of paint done as getting it out of the forecourt position the garage driver managed to scrape the front on a white Audi and paint transfer was the wrong way - rather than drive back to get it repaired we came to a compromise on the prices and I'll get it done locally - there is one tiny dent on the drivers side rear wheel arch so I'll get that done at the same time.

It needs a good claybar and polish followed by a decent coat of wax

It has a mixture of 3 different tyres on 4 wheels - all runflats at various states of wear so they are getting removed and a set of non run flats will go on

The wheels aren't kerbed but there is some paint bubbling around the centre caps so they might get a refurb while the tyres are off - not keen on the silver - might go for a gun metal colour.

And lastly at 218 bhp from a 3000 cc 24V N52 engine - the performance is flat as a witches tit after 5000 rpm so that "issue" needs to be corrected

[B'stard Child]

RS Grant said:

Looks good.

Given these have an N52 it will sound good and the MPerformance exhaust and intake will really open the sound up further.

Given they’re detuned as standard, I’m sure I read that these remap extremely well too. Might have been Ecotune who I saw post about it, I’ll have a look.

• Edit*

https://flic.kr/p/2gPDkYe

Before: 204.5bhp and 205.7lbft
After: 265.9bhp and 243lbft

It was posted by Ecotune and that was from just a remap.

Thank You - N52 was carried right up to 2013 on the coupe - wanted to avoid direct injection N53

The picture - That's what I like to see a before and after on the same dyno - the before and after don't really matter - it's the difference that matters

[B'stard Child]

Paul S4 said:

Very nice car....is that a cool 7 series lurking in the background....

Yep - "The Tug" (it's a fantastic tow car) 1999 4.4 V8 E38 in SWB non sport flavour 5 speed auto and black with black leather - owned it since 2006 when it replaced the last Senator 3.0 24V I'd owned.



Thread on it Here - Clicky

I don't tend to chop and change cars - just buy what I need for whatever purpose and keep them for what seems like forever

The LC I've owned since 2000

Edited by B'stard Child on Sunday 4th August 13:15

[B'stard Child]

rm163603 said:

Congrats!

Thanks

rm163603 said:

I'm a serial 1 series owner having had a 130i and now in a 135i coupe.

Yeah the 135i was the preferred choice but it was bloody hard to find a nice one

I'm not keen on the looks of the hatch - so a 130i was out straight away but it will be nice if I can have 130i performance in a 125i Coupe

rm163603 said:

In some ways the n52 is nicer than the N54 twin turbo.

The throttle response is really nice.

It's seems really nice on initial impressions - I heard a lot of criticism of the steering but so far I can't fault it

rm163603 said:

Definitely get those tyres swapped for non run flats, the ride will be much nicer.

Just researching replacement tyres now

[B'stard Child]

GregK2 said:

Good read, and great choice!

Thanks - I write as I think sometimes it comes out OK

[B'stard Child]

rm163603 said:

B'stard Child said:

Just researching replacement tyres now

I'm on Michelin pilot super sports (same wheels you have)

I run 225 front and 245 rear. I believe they are the same as fitted to the m135i. I got the star rated BMW version but I don't think it matters much.

Front is a tad wider than standard as I couldn't find 215 fronts but they are within the range for the rim size and are still a little stretched looking just not quite as much as the 215s

When I had my 130 I ran 225 all round and I loved the way it handled. Seems odd but it worked really well.

I think the rear rims on the coupe are slightly wider than the 130 though so my tyre guy wouldn't fit 225s to the 135.

Not sure if you planning any mods but I'd definitely recommend the m3 front control arms and tension struts (basically the front wishbones but they are in 2 pieces)

You can buy the TRW versions much cheaper and they are literally the OEM parts with the BMW logo ground off.

The only downside to non run flats is that the steering can loose some sharpness as the bushes on the front are tuned to take into account the stiff sidewall that the rft's have.

You also gain some negative camber.

Also rear subframe bush inserts are worth doing and are cheap and easy.

I'm jealous carbon black looks amazing!

Great info thank you

I've never left a car I've owned as std (with the exception of the Skoda) but they tend to evolve as time goes on

[B'stard Child]

rm163603 said:

B'stard Child said:

Great info thank you

I've never left a car I've owned as std (with the exception of the Skoda) but they tend to evolve as time goes on

Same here! I really like these cars as there is plenty you can do with OEM parts (M3 mainly).

Like you I keep things for a long time and much of the fun is tinkering and making it work to my taste.

Agreed - BMW has a great big parts pool for subtle changes that look OE

rm163603 said:

The one thing I really dislike on these cars is the 'square' gear knob. I swapped mine for an E46 sport version with the chrome ring around the base. Not expensive and feels much nicer.

Sorry I am a bad influence!

You are a bad influence - I couldn't put my finger on what I didn't like about the gear change - I'd put it down to going back to a proper RWD box rather than a linkage/cable FWD - it seems more likely it's probably gear knob shape

[B'stard Child]

Anyway back to topic - got the full spec out of BMW

Model Code E82
Colour Carbon-schwarz
Engine N52K
production date 30-0ct-2012

Extras/OE Equipment
PDC Rear
Voice Control
Prep Mobile Phone Business
Music Interface smart phone
USB/audio interface
M Sports Suspension
M Leather Wheel
M Sports Package
Sports Seats
Fog Lights
Rain Sensor
Rear headrests folding
Smoker Package
M Aerodynamics Package
High gloss shadowline
Headlining Anthacite
Navigation package business

[B'stard Child]

aka_kerrly said:

Thats a spot on purchase. The 1 series coupe is by far the best looking 1 series with a marginally smaller footprint than the older e46 3 series coupe.

The E46 3 series coupe was on the initial list as I quite like the shape - I'd like it in M3 flavour but then it would clash with the LC and they are getting on a bit - house rule is daily requires no welding just normal maintenance so it was on the edge of my options

aka_kerrly said:

Has to be said the situation with the Skoda an the Mrs seems madness.

I think I've engineered a badge snob partner over the years - I'm not sure how much of the "comfort" issues was real but having been together 28 years I gave up trying to keep the Skoda - it's like driving with a whining diff or a really noisy exhaust everywhere - initially you can put up with it but eventually it grinds you down with the constant noise

Many years ago she initially did not like the 99 740 as a replacement for the 92 Senator 24V as she felt 7 years newer and it had nothing more than the Senator did - however it was black with black leather so "comfortable"

The 125i hasn't got a number of nice features that the Skoda had - I can see her bite her tongue rather than mention it - it's quite nice that she is having to keep quiet.........

She puts up with my car/motorcycle fleet and as long her SLK gets eventually repaired and brought back into use for spring/summer/autumn usage - She can't drive - she has tried but has confidence issues so gets chauffeured everywhere by me which is fine cos i like driving.

[B'stard Child]

JakeT said:

That's a nice buy. You can do a 130i brake upgrade if you fancy too.

On the list

JakeT said:

I like the pro nav on these cars a lot. I've found the one in my 3er has worked well over fair chunks of Europe so far.

Seems fine so far I don't really use nav much but it's a nice to have as my old tomtom is way past it's best

JakeT said:

The reason I bought an E91 was because my old E46 daily was just getting too rusty. I'd had the sills welded once, and that was enough.

I have a portamig and an old opel fetish - I like welding stuff but not the daily is the rule as i it needs welding it becomes a project car and I have enough of those already

JakeT said:

Strangely I did something similar recently too. I bought a 330d since I thought a diesel would be good for big miles. HATED it. Couldn't stand it, and it went within a month. Oops.

I'd be the same - it's why I bought the Skud - small petrol engine with a snail - silly good mpg and £30 a year VED - I'd have hated a diesel - driven enough over the years to know they just don't mix with my driving style

JakeT said:

N52s don't seem to break either, bar the water pump, so you should be good with this one as a long term owner.

Yeah I know about the electric water pump issues - seems like an 80K mileage replacement essential

[B'stard Child]

Court_S said:

Looks nice that. I think the 1 coupe has aged pretty well.

I do like the "hot wash" look

Court_S said:

The N52 is a lovely engine (had it in my 330) and makes a lovely noise. I had the M Performance Carbon airbox which added a lovely rasp near the redline. I wouldn’t pay full price fir it, but if you can find one for sensible cash. I managed to escape the water pump issue.

Another thing for the shopping list - now I know why I don't normally do these threads

Court_S said:

P Torque are another name that I've come across for remapping these. I’m badgering a mate with one to get his sorted out. His makes a pretty good noise on a stock exhaust, loader than my 330 which I guess is due to a shorter exhaust.

I think it's pretty quiet at the moment - I've read people adapting 135i coupe rear boxes to fit and doing something with a golf tee

Court_S said:

Are you going to remove the CDV?

OK you have me there - so I had a goggle "BMW CDV"

https://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/forum/f91/e46-clutc...

I do love the internet

Adds delete CDV to list of tasks

[B'stard Child]

JakeT said:

B'stard Child said:

I have a portamig and an old opel fetish - I like welding stuff but not the daily is the rule as i it needs welding it becomes a project car and I have enough of those already

Every time I have a Senator wanting moment (usually every six months) I always have a Google and end up seeing your threads. I'd love a 24v model. The 24v straight six is my favourite engine configuration ever.

I have a long history with Senators - I think I've had over 15 of them and a fair few Carltons too - They do like to fizz mind - can't leave one out in the rain anymore if you want to keep it

[B'stard Child]

SidewaysSi said:

Looks a lovely thing - enjoy. I am much like you - can't sell cars but they evolve over time to suit my tastes.

Evolution is never a bad thing

[B'stard Child]

rm163603 said:

I had the performance airbox on my 130. ISTR it being stupidly expensive but like you say it does sound nice.

CDV delete is also a good point. Makes it so much easier to drive smoothly.

OK now you can stop feeding me bad thoughts on upgrades

[B'stard Child]

Mr Tidy said:

I think the N52 engine is great (I'm on Numbers 3 and 4 at present) but in a 125i it definitely needs the re-map!

Yeah top of the list - being old means mods are cheap to declare on insurance - I'm in that 50 - 60 age group where insurance is silly cheap might as well enjoy it while it lasts

Mr Tidy said:

That gear-knob looks a bit weird - I bought a weighted ZHP one for my Z4 Coupe and after fitting that, a CDV delete and new transmission fluid the change quality was much better. It's still not perfect, but then it is a BMW manual box!

A full service of non engine fluids will get done in the next few weeks - I have no idea how old the brake/clutch fluid is so if I can find brake bits easily I'll do that at the same time - obviously CDV delete will be done at same time as clutch fluid

Mr Tidy said:

ISo far as water pumps go, my 1st one died at 60K and 9 years, my next one died at 135K and 12 years - but that was probably it's 2nd pump.

Fingers crossed with my current ones.

Hmm all the 135i's that I looked at had 80 K water pump replacement so I figured I had a little time in hand for that one - full coolant change is on the list of jobs to do short term maybe I should consider preemptive pump replacement at the same time

Mr Tidy said:

II see you plan to do the 130i front brake upgrade - I don't know if it helps, but the 123d also had the bigger brakes.

Ha - that is useful to know - I'll be poring over realOEM site shortly

Mr Tidy said:

IAnyway it looks great, and if the OH likes it that's a bonus.

To be honest solving the OH problem was number one priority - The added bonus is as I bhed about going to a £300 a year VED from a £30 a year VED she's committed to funding the VED for as long as I have the car as she drove the replacement

[B'stard Child]

Mr Tidy said:

B'stard Child said:

To be honest solving the OH problem was number one priority - The added bonus is as I bhed about going to a £300 a year VED from a £30 a year VED she's committed to funding the VED for as long as I have the car as she drove the replacement

Well that's a bonus.

It was - had to work hard for it - took me 6 mths all in all

Mr Tidy said:

Slightly off-topic, but it looks like you may have an LC hiding behind a cloud of smoke!

Yeah owned 20 years - as I've said I don't tend to change cars just gain more of them........

Mr Tidy said:

I was lucky enough to see "Not Normal's" one 4 or 5 years ago.

Pretty much most of the LC's (that haven't been restored to the same level as his) in the Autobahnstormers try and avoid parking next to his car when at car shows - I am no exception mine is a scruffy old thing but it gets maintained to a high std but used hard

Here it is without a cloud of smoke



And here on track



I no longer do static shows as if I keep moving no one can see the stone chips

[B'stard Child]

Nice Alfa - don't see many of them these days

The Green thing I've seen too many of them

Anyway continuing my journey of discovery and trying to set the car up how I like it - it's always nice to get things how you want it or expect and the idrive provides access to a lot - with the 740 I ended up playing with hidden stuff using a BMW kitted laptop.

First night time drive - needed to go into work this evening and sort something out - OMG the dash lights are set to full retina burning setting - bordering on Chenobyl levels

I'm probably not alone in liking very minimal dash lighting as it's what I'm used to when driving at night - I love old saabs that have the facility to kill pretty much everything dash lighting wise leaving just the speedo (more manufacturers should do this IMO)

So when I got home again I sat in the drive and tried to work out how to change it I dug out the manual (yeah I know RTFM) and found the info I needed but what I also found was the PO's home address - brilliant as I know the PO info is no longer on Reg Docs due to data privacy rules so I had planned to try and make contact with Graham via the dealership in MK that has looked after the car from new - bonus means I can just write a letter direct - excellent

Normally I buy cars privately so it's as much about understanding and accessing the PO as it is about the car but dealer sourced cars is a little harder these days

I've only once had a nil response from a PO (one of my Senator 24V's that eventually turned out to have a very iffy history) most of the time it's ended up with something positive - either fuel consumption records or something missing from the car that was forgotten at part ex

The letter to the 1st owner of my 740 resulted in a request to have it back as it had been part exchanged for a Merc that the wife hated (that makes me laugh now I think about it)

[B'stard Child]

rm163603 said:

I was wondering what LC referred to!

Ahh sorry too used to abbreviating it........

PS Mrs BC hates that one too apparently it makes her "womb" move and she doesn't like that - on this one it's tough st, I've owned it 20 years now and if she doesn't want to get in it she can walk instead - that's my compromise

[B'stard Child]

rm163603 said:

Sorry for the O/T but is there a thread about the Lotus Carlton? I'd love to know more.

No probs - there is but not on here as I didn’t want to document my love hate relationship with something built in a shed at Hethel on here

Not sure I can cross post to a thread on another forum on here either - I think?

[B'stard Child]

rm163603 said:

Sorry for the O/T but is there a thread about the Lotus Carlton? I'd love to know more.

I've sent you a message with a link to the thread elsewhere - I've tried not to make it look like a spammy spam email