Tired of the Ford Fiesta ST? Try The E82 BMW 125i Coupe!

In today's video we are looking at what I think could be your perfect first BMW. A great car to educate you about the joys of BMWs, and rear wheel drive semi-performance cars. Is the 125i a worthy alternative to a Fiesta ST, or just a soggy old German?

#BMW #125i #Coupe

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[spainter]

Noooo don't tell everyone, these are massively overlooked 😂

[connor]

I have much admiration for those who don’t follow the crowd when it comes to performance cars and choose something different or unique. It’s refreshing.

[jmvfrva]

My 09 128i 6MT. Best car that I've ever owned for absolute fun driving. i'm 62 and I have owned 26 cars.

[aah]

I’ve had my fair share of BMW’s (E46 M3, E92 M3, E92 N54 335i, E92 N53 330i and E90 N55 335i) and now own a 125i. My only advice is if you want to experience the last of the NA engines ever made by BMW, grab yourself a 125i, install some M3 lower control arms, 135i backbox and remap and now you have a very well balanced, sounding and reliable 270BHP NA BMW with more than enough power for the road and track.

[DrivenByLJ]

Watched this video about 18 months ago, and about 17 months ago, I bought my E88 125i. In that time, the starter motor is all that’s let me down within the last month but nothing a bump wouldn’t fix until I had time to get to the garage! I’ve serviced it, and done the rear shock absorbers and that is it. Now I’m thinking in the new year, more power, an exhaust, some nice wheels and just an all round spruce up is what she deserves. I’ve had an Audi S5 4.2 V8 manual which I loved, but not as much as this little 1 series. Currently have my 335i sat beside it now and well, the 335i is broken. I’ll say no more other than the love I have for my 125i, is that of wanting to keep it forever. Best car I’ve ever owned so far!

[markpatterson]

Anyone else sit on autotrader looking at every car James gives a positive review of or is it just me? 😂 was close to buying an old Jag now I want a 125i convertible 😂

[oliverodonoghue]

I’m 20, last week I brought a 2006 325i manual. One owner 72, 000 miles, full service history. 2.5k. Absolutely love it

[rb]

I had a 135 coupe for 5 years. Best car I’ve ever had

[SteezyG]

One of these remapped in convertible form was always a hidden gem, straight 6, top down and 130i power unlocked very easily.

[klasseact]

There is NO alternative to that shirt James☺

[arrancooke]

Owned one for over 3 years now. The stock power leaves a little to be admired but there are maps out there that will bring you up to the 280hp that the hatchback 130i produces which makes it a joy to drive. A very fun car indeed and the noise is exceptional. Not had a single issue since I bought it.. solid car especially for its price tag.

[magnusdrives]

The N52 is an absolute gem. When with this over the 135i. No regrets. Previous owner was a bit cheap on maintenance, but we got everything up to speed. Runs perfect with no faults now. It's such a joyful daily. All it needs is a remap to get the DISA to work better.

[alexandrestarinsky]

I have had a convertible 125iA for 12 years now and I will probably keep it for many more years. Perfect all around car.

[dougrobinson]

Nice overview of the one series coupe. Anyone interested in one must remember that there is no such thing as a cheap used BMW! You will pay through the nose for the maintenance the previous owner deferred. If the car was well maintained, the owner will know they have a better than average example, and ask for recompense in their price. It is worth holding out for a car with a manual transmission and the M-Sport package. The seats alone are worth it. They are very supportive, yet comfortable for long drives. An M-Sport will also have a rear sway bar and slightly stiffer suspension, with staggered wheels.
I beg to differ on JayEmm's recommendation of staggered wheel fitments. The car as delivered from the factory has a tendency to understeer, and wider rear tires only exacerbate this. A 135i with it's higher torque needs a bit more tire in back, but the 128i (as it is named in the USA) does well with a square setup, unless you are only after acceleration, in which case you'd need a limited slip differential anyway.
One of the coolest things about this car is the ability to easily install suspension parts from the E90 M3. The stock rear subframe bushings are a joke, which is why the car is dicey when pushed hard. A set of M3 bushings are worth the considerable effort of installation. You will have to drop that subframe to get them in, though.
The 125i/128i have a rabid following. They are the last of BMW's legendary N/A straight sixes. The size of the car is perfect, the driving experience is excellent, and the reliability is quite good if you commit to regular if not frequent maintenance. Expect oil leaks and coil pack failures. The electric coolant pumps should be regularly replaced, as well. Other than that, they are quite solid.

[Msalaspotja]

I’ve been waiting for you to review this car. Thanks James

[cameronanderson]

Just bought myself a 125i convertible (E88), best decision I’ve ever made

[MetalHead]

I like these in coupe form. Reminded me of older beemers!

[yankeeyankee]

I feel the same about my 128i... which has the 6, a buttery smooth 6-speed and good reliability. Which is to say, I love it.

[yugeno]

I own a 2008 128i and it's still great fun without drawing any unwanted attention. Manual, M-Sport, leather. No iDrive, no exploding turbos, no electric steering, no car payments, cheap to insure, plenty of room in the backseat for the kids, a nicely sized trunk and these now sell for more than what I paid for it used ~eight years ago.

[coastalrider]

I have a big soft spot for the e46 platform there still very good looking car even to this day