technical E82 125i used car advice

[MR_Y]

So an update:

- The 125i E82 will not fulfill my needs of a proper toy.
- The MX5 is more akin to what I want.
I decided to wait a bit for the ND gen MX5 manual models to drop a bit in price before pulling the trigger. The NC models are good but feel a bit cramped. The ND is not all that more spacious, but has a better seating position (at least for my frame).
- The Z4 is a decent option, esp 30i models, but good ones are hard to find and they are not going to be as cheap to maintain as the MX5.

Thanks all for the advice and feedback.

This thread can help others look for an E82 125i.

 

[VinceM]

There’s a 3.0si Z4 for sale…..

Same power as Cayman 987.2 for half the price. Plus its a manual.

 

[Spanky]

Not the most reliable thing on earth, but in supercharged form I think this will be pretty close to what you are looking for

https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-fo...26986755?vf=6&db=1&s360=0&so=0&pl=0&pr=5&po=1

 

[CA_130]

The MX5 is more akin to what I want.

ever thought of an S2000 ?

 

[MR_Y]

ever thought of an S2000 ?

Too expensive.......

 

[Phat01]

What about the old slk55

 

[TBP88]

Also worth considering where on the depreciation curve what you buy is, I'd guess ND/NC miata's aren't quite at the bottom of theirs yet, a Z4 Coupe, SLK55, S2000 are all either at the bottom or already swinging back up.

If back seats are a must it's pretty hard to find something genuinely interesting, probably an older V8 S5 can be had around the R250kish mark but mileage and age mean it'll be pricey to maintain (did come in manual, rare though).

 

[FILV]

im so glad the 125i E82 was taken from the list. I just know after a week the decision would be regretted, due to the requirments of a fun and sporty not fulfilled.

Keen to see what you end up finding.

I rate a Z4 E89 2.0i that gets inspected by Tuentech if possible to check those N20 woes, then a remap and you have what you looking for.
Or a clean MX5, not as fast but will be fun as hell.

 

[modocrat]

BMW Z4 sDrive23i for sale in Durban - ID: 26972226

Used 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive23i For Sale - R 249 990 - ID: 26972226

www.autotrader.co.za

Use my name for a discount

 

[FILV]

Im sure mileage is higher than you would like, but why not just go test drive it to see if the driving experience is what you are looking for?

BMW Z4 sDrive28i M Sport Auto for sale in Sandton - ID: 26962295

Used 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i M Sport Auto For Sale - R 239 000 - ID: 26962295

www.autotrader.co.za

Maybe price will be negotiable to within your budget?

Mazda MX-5 2.0 Roadster-Coupe for sale in Randburg - ID: 27007109

Used 2016 Mazda MX-5 2.0 Roadster-Coupe For Sale - R 250 000 - ID: 27007109

www.autotrader.co.za

 

[MR_Y]

So, I decided to wait a bit and upgrade my Macan to something hotter (300kw+) instead of getting a 3rd car (which is what my Cayman ended up being before it was sold).

A weekend car is good in theory, but having reevaluated my priorities and needs, a hot daily (with some practicality) will make sense.

Details to follow in another thread, though not this year...

 

[Eust]

Makes much more sense especially with the R250k budget for the toy.

 

[VinceM]

So, I decided to wait a bit and upgrade my Macan to something hotter (300kw+) instead of getting a 3rd car (which is what my Cayman ended up being before it was sold).

A weekend car is good in theory, but having reevaluated my priorities and needs, a hot daily (with some practicality) will make sense.

Details to follow in another thread, though not this year...

All the best, though I think the Macan value is immense (handles like a car, has ground clearance not to worry about road conditions)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[modocrat]

X3MC 🤤

 

[FILV]

Look forward to the final decision

 

[Gordvisr]

X3MC 🤤

or X5///M

 

[Joshbarrett]

I have a 125i. auto. Happy chappy.
Bit of history:
I was initially looking at a Z4 Coupe. The issue with the coupe, is you fall in, not as much as getting in. Great car if its a 2nd car and they hold value. get a manual. sports seats. the dream would be an M-coupe.
I wanted to use the Z4 as a daily, but after a test drive, i said no.
I needed a car that if my folks wanted to use, get in and go, and needed some level of practicality.
the 125 i got was by luck. guy was moving to holland, i wasn't really keen, but it had all the specs i wanted and the engine.
i am happy with the auto, it could be a bit faster to gear up or down but its still a good box. i have the steptronnic paddles, and i kinder enjoy that you can use one hand to change up or down.
also, i have done the bimmerlabs tune, which was free to download, and now my car has the 130i tune. i am planning to update the gearbox to the 130i auto file when i have time.

Hey @golfer23 - I own an E82 125i and also based in Cape Town. I’m interested in getting the software tune as well, but not entirely sure where to start. Do you recommend a workshop that could help me?
Thanks!

 

[golfer23]

Hey @golfer23 - I own an E82 125i and also based in Cape Town. I’m interested in getting the software tune as well, but not entirely sure where to start. Do you recommend a workshop that could help me?
Thanks!

you could try the forum sponsor, my mate asked me to tune his car. if i get it right on his 125i then i might be able to help you.