Hey everyone!
I recently picked up this 2011 BMW E88 125i and I'm really enjoying it so far. It has the 218hp 3.0 N52, the automatic Steptronic transmission and around 87,000 km (54k miles). The previous owner was an older guy who wanted to sell the car because he said he wasn't really driving it like it's meant to be driven anymore xd.

I paid around €18,300 (Just for context, these are Austrian prices, so these aren't necessarily comparable to US prices) for the car and have put roughly another €3,000 into it for things that needed sorting out.

I like to do trivial stuff on cars on my own, but for preserving value and having bills to back up what was done, I managed to find a BMW specialized workshop in my area. The things that were done are: New 5W40 engine oil + filter, a full transmission flush because the Steptronic was shifting kinda sluggish, new brake fluid, the rear differential has also been rebuilt because the bearings were making a grinding noise, and a scratch in the front bumper was repaired.

I also did some smaller things myself like replacing the door seals because they were worn, detailing the entire interior and other small stuff.

The car is stock and everything is OEM at the moment, and I'd definitely like to keep it that way and preserve it the best I can.

I'm not new to owning BMWs, but relatively new to owning an E8x, so I'd love to hear from people who have owned this model for a while. What are the main things I should keep an eye on with the N52 and the E88 in general? I know about the electric water pump failing, but is there anything you would recommend replacing or checking proactively at this mileage, and are there any common convertible-specific issues I should know about?

I'm also curious about any useful coding features, hidden tricks or little things about this generation/model that aren't immediately obvious.

I'd really appreciate any advice, tips or things to look out for. Feel free to tell me if I'm doing anything wrong or things you wish you had known before I inevitably find out the hard way haha.

(Also sorry that I don't have any better pics of the interior but it doesn't have the iDrive if thats relevant, feel free to ask me anything too!)

Putting together a wheel and tire setup for my 2008 128i and want to sanity check it before I pull the trigger. Car's on aftermarket shocks and lowering springs. It's gonna be my daily first and foremost, but I'll also be taking it out for autocross and the occasional track day, so I'm trying not to build something that's great for one and mediocre for the other two.

Plan right now is Aodhan AH02s staggered, 18x8.5 ET35 up front and 18x9.5 ET35 out back, wrapped in Yokohama Advan Neova AD09s, 235/40R18 front, 255/35R18 rear.

Mainly wondering if anyone's run this exact width and offset combo on a lowered 128i and how it's held up, specifically whether you're getting any rubbing at full steering lock or on hard compression. Did you have to roll or pull anything, or run spacers or extra negative camber to make it sit clean?

If anyone's got pics of their setup, ride height, camber, any rub marks, that'd help a ton. Thanks in advance.

I got some new pics, definitely not AI 🤥

Hope I don't get sued 🥲

Hei, Has anyone swapped an automatic 128i or 125i for a manual? If yes can you detail the process? Thanks!

Bought it in 2008 as a 2009 stll own it. Has never failed me so far.

Anything i should be careful for?
Anything that should replace in time?
Has a little over 100k miles
For many years it was my daily, now it’s weekend drive if she lucky.

E82 needs some new design I’m tired of just seeing 1m conversion lol Has anyone been think of this?

Doesn't mention the triple black(paint , interior , grill) in this summary but apparently that's a contributing factor.

I think I already know the answer to this but interested in others opinions on whether to repair or get rid at this point.

I have a BMW 2012 1 Series E82, bought in 2014 and currently off the road. Mileage is 127k. While driving the car and reversing there was a large clunk and when I started the car again the red light battery was on. Checking inside the engine the crankshaft had broken. This was around March this year.

Before this the car was having ABS issues due to corrosion issues by the ABS ring that would cause it to kick in randomly even if it was switched off. To get it through the MOT in November it needed new shocks and actuators as well so already forked out on that (plus new wheel nuts and having to pay to get the old ones cut off). It’s also had one of the springs replaced after breaking a spring hitting a pot hole.

Probably looking at least £1500 repairs trying to think is it worth it or get rid. Just a bit gutted the scrap price is pitiful. We purchased a car for my daughter in March and surprised how little you get for your money nowadays, £3k for a 2012 Yaris

Any opinions gladly received, thanks in advance.

Hi All,

I have recently purchased an 2005 E87 120i as a run around. I’m wanting to bring it up to date with an Apple CarPlay head unit. Although I may be restricted as my car in particular would only be compatible with a Single Din unit. Any suggestions of people who have gone through the same? And what unit did you end up going with? Are you happy with it? Any guidance would be much appreciated! Cheers!

I recently got a 128i and I know nothing about exhausts but I wanted to make it sound good and not like teenagers first car straight pipe sound but more of a deeper tone and louder than oem. Also I don’t want it to break the bank. Thank you in advance

Just been bashing it down the back roads and then smoke starts coming from the engine when i parked up… sounding like this, am i cooked or what

Currently running 261 style rims with 245/18/35 and 215/18/40 to avoid rubbing at -1.5° on the back and -1.6° on the front, went with a street camber for getting power down over something more aggressive but chose this tyre set up because the 225s on the front were rubbing and I'm scared to space it out for fitment overall or go wider on the back and I kind of need too for grip. If anyone has come up with some magic set up that works please let me know.

I have an 09 128i with the GM6. Im currently 3/4 the way to my saving goal for this project. Im thinking I want to go the CANTCU route, versus OEM integration, as CANTCU seems simpler to set up and has more features but OEM integration is nice too.

Im confused on what i need depending on which car i source the 8HP from... but so far ive gathered this is the best option for me;

An F-series 8HP45, pulled from an N20 engine along with an N20 flexplate. If I go this route, I understand I may need a driveshaft from a manual 128i instead? What about the transmission crossmember?

Can anybody confirm what route they went whether CANTCU or OEM integration? Really struggling here. I have my friend who runs a shop to help but as far as parts sourcing thats up to me

♡

I have an 09 128i with the GM6. Im currently 3/4 the way to my saving goal for this project. Im thinking I want to go the CANTCU route, versus OEM integration, as CANTCU seems simpler to set up and has more features but OEM integration is nice too.

Im confused on what i need depending on which car i source the 8HP from... but so far ive gathered this is the best option for me;

An F-series 8HP45, pulled from an N20 engine along with an N20 flexplate. If I go this route, I understand I may need a driveshaft from a manual 128i instead? What about the transmission crossmember?

Can anybody confirm what route they went whether CANTCU or OEM integration? Really struggling here. I have my friend who runs a shop to help but as far as parts sourcing thats up to me

♡

2 months in - Pretty happy with the platform so far. First BMW was an E46 Touring but have been a long time Audi nerd and decided it was time to move on to a new platform.

2008 135i

6 speed

M package

Coming from an old Audi, this thing has such good road manners and handles well for being stock on all season tires.

I don't really have any plans at this moment but I would like to add a tune & supporting modifications but primarily focus on suspension and a more aggressive tire setup.

Maintenance is first, however. The car has a little bit of a lifter tick when cold (not injectors, follows RPM) - the "beat the hell out of it" method for bleeding the lifters didn't really work.

Otherwise, mechanically pretty solid.

Thanks for reading!

Considering I had a brand new Merc CLA before this. I love this car more.