What are collectables?
These are cars of particular interest, therefore deserving of preservation. Not necessarily old, they nevertheless exist in defined quantities, either because the manufacturer has decided so, or because their production is stopped. Then, they take advantage of features that make them especially desirable: an engine, a chassis, a design, or a concept. Finally, they are likely to see their rating increase. An additional argument to collect them before everyone else!
Why is the BMW 125i collectable?
Returning to compact coupes and convertibles, BMW has not forgotten its roots: the 6-cylinder atmosphere is in the game! It will be the last of the Bavarian firm which, on its next generation models will only offer supercharged blocks. Developing 218 hp, the 125i sticks to a reasonable power while distilling a mechanical approval infinitely superior to that of the 4-legged turbo that will equip the Series 2 of equivalent power later. This perfect concentrate of BMW tradition embodied by the 125i coupé and cabriolet deserves to be preserved more than ever.
The Series 1 E87 made a lot of noise when it was released in 2004. Why? Because it inaugurated the “flame surfacing” design dear to Chris Bangle, the decried head of design of the Bavarian brand. Nevertheless, it has nothing of a sub-BMW, because it is a propulsion sharing a lot of platform elements with the Series 3 E90: the cars were developed simultaneously. From 2005, the 1 Series benefits from the remarkable 6-in-line N52, a 3.0 l atmo of 265 hp in its version 130i. An ultramodern block benefiting from Double Vanos (two continuous camshaft phase shifters), Valvetronic (system increasing valve lift), dynamic admission, a controlled water pump, even magnesium components. It only lacks direct injection: so much the better for reliability!
In July 2007, when it had just benefited from a restyling improving the finish, the Series 1 was available as an E82 coupe. Longer by 13 cm than the hatchback version, it reaches 4.36 m, which benefits the volume of the trunk (370 l in total, a gain of 20 l). The more classic body reassures conservative enthusiasts of the brand, while under the bonnet slip specific engines.
We have already talked regarding the 3.0 l biturbo of the 135i, but not 3.0 l atmo. Very different, this block is in fact that of the 130i but reduced to 218 hp by a different distribution. We might have found the 2.5 l of the 325i (same power), but no, at BMW, we like a certain complexity. In reality, this 3.0 l is worked more flexibly (torque of 270 Nm from 2,500 rpm) for more relaxed driving, but not slow for all that. The performance of this 125i variant is indeed high: 245 km/h peak, for a 0 to 100 km/h announced in 6.4 s.
In the passenger compartment, the 125i offers dual-zone auto air conditioning, radio-CD, rain and light sensors and even cruise control as standard. Four finishes are available: Comfort (€34,150), Excellis (€34,950, with reversing radar and different decoration), Luxury (€36,500, which includes leather and wood decoration) and Sport Design (36 400 €, a Comfort with Sport decoration and seats, as well as a firmer suspension accompanied by 17 rims). At the very end of 2007, the Coupe 1 Series was available as a convertible, the marketing of both occurring in any case in 2008 (+ 4,450 € for the convertible).
Unlike the 3 Series which benefits from a folding hard roof, the 1 retains an electric soft top, which benefits the habitability and limits the weight gain (+ 105 kg). Subsequently, the 125i coupé and cabriolet hardly evolved until 2010, adopting new headlights and rear lights, having nevertheless received a CIC-type DVD GPS (fixed screen) in 2008. They ended their career in 2013 .
How much does it cost ?
The rating has finished falling, and would even tend to go up. Count a minimum of €12,000 for a convertible with nearly 200,000 km but in good condition. At 14,000 €, we offer a car with 150,000 km, while at 17,000 €, we find copies of 100,000 km. By pushing up to 20,000 €, we offer ourselves a 125i with 50,000 km. Coupes, rarer, cost around €2,000 extra. These amounts vary according to the equipment, the BMW catalog being stuffed with options.
Which version to choose?
Between coupe and convertible, it’s a matter of choice, but elements can make a copy more desirable, such as the sunroof on the coupe, the very comfortable Sport seats, or even the excellent sound system.
Les versions collector
These are especially the low-mileage units (less than 50,000 km from new), in perfect original condition and widely optioned. But these 125i are already in themselves collectors.
What to monitor?
These Series 1s are better made than their disappointing finish would suggest. The engine is very solid, but, following changing the coils at 100,000 km, from 130,000 km we will monitor the variable timing (cleaning the filters), and at 150,000 km we will think regarding inspecting the Disa valves from the dynamic admission as well as the water pump.
The first outdated DVD GPS system was prone to bugs and sometimes even needed to be replaced. Apart from this, there are no major and recurring problems to report, these cars passing very easily the 200,000 km without signs of aging, provided they are well maintained. On this subject, shortening the oil change intervals indicated by the somewhat optimistic on-board computer can only do good!
Driving
As in other 1 Series and BMWs in general, the 125i Cabriolet has an excellent driving position. The Sport seats contribute to this and, surprisingly, the rear seats are usable. On start-up, the engine delights with its sound. Then, it is its exceptional flexibility that surprises. Combined with a smoothness typical of 6-in-line, it makes driving extremely pleasant even when driving quietly.
The box is also a pleasure to handle, while the steering offers good consistency. When you type a little more in the engine, you realize that if the performances are lower than those of a 130i, they are already sporty, especially since the engine takes its 7000 rpm without blinking. His music is so intoxicating, especially when you go through a tunnel with the hood down!
The swirls can interfere past 100 km / h, but the windproof net (optional) removes them effectively, to the detriment, of course, of the rear seats. And in place, the soft top insulates outside noise very well. The chassis? It is very rigid, but not sporty. Clearly, the car is balanced, very safe, precise and quite efficient, but it shows body movements indicating that it is not a sports car. But we’re already having fun!
As for the consumption of a very versatile convertible, at ease on winding roads as well as on the highway, it remains easily under 10 l/100 km.
L’alternative youngtimer
BMW 325/328i E36 Coupé/Cabriolet
Just like the Series 1, the Series 3 E36 caused a lot of talk with its design when it was released in 1991. BMW had dared to reverse the inclination of its grille and place the headlights under a glass roof! In addition, and for the first time, the finish showed a sharp drop compared to that of the Series 3 E30. On the other hand, technically, with the multi-link rear axle and the 24-valve in-line 6, there is no reason to complain!
With a displacement of 2.5 l, it develops 192 hp and allows very good performance. In 1992, the 3 Series E36 came in a very elegant coupe, followed in 1993 by a no less attractive convertible. A 2.8 l of 193 hp replaced the 2.5 l in 1995, then in 1996, a restyling intervened clearly benefiting the quality of manufacture. The last convertibles left the factory in 1999. From €11,000 in good condition.
BMW 125i convertible (2008), the technical sheet
- Engine: 6-cylinder in-line, 2,996 cc
- Alimentation : injection
- Suspension: McPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar (AV); multi-link axle, coil springs anti-roll bar (rear)
- Transmission: manual or automatic 6-speed gearbox, rear-wheel drive
- Power: 218 hp at 6,100 rpm
- Torque: 270 Nm at 2,500 rpm
- Poids : 1 510 kg
- Maximum speed: 238 km/h (manufacturer data)
- 0 to 100 km/h: 6.8 s (manufacturer data)
To find adverts for BMW 125i, go to the website of The Central.
