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      03-21-2019, 04:51 AM   #1
furtado4
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120i LCI2 or 125i LCI

Hi folks,

I'm really undecided between a 120i LCI2 (2018 - 20k kms) and a 125i LCI (2015 - 60k kms). The 125i costs around 4k euros less and has even more extras (sport seats, upgraded HK sound system and some more).

In your opinion is the LC2/being from last year/a lot less kilometers worth the difference in power and extras? Its engine is the same as the 125i and 130i in this last version, for what I seen a little remap would put it with the same power as the 125i.
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      03-21-2019, 10:17 AM   #2
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The fresher car is better in my opinion. I would definitely choose better condition over better configuration. With that said, if I wouldn't tell which one is newer unless I knew (while one is quite newer than the other) I'd choose the older one.
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      03-21-2019, 11:47 AM   #3
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I concur. Also, the 2018 car has a more modern B48 engine versus (most likely) N20 in the 2015.
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      03-21-2019, 12:24 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Weiman View Post
the 2018 car has a more modern B48 engine versus (most likely) N20 in the 2015.
"Modern" is not always "better" (in every aspect). Pre-LCI 125i (N20?) had an official Performance/power upgrade/remap available (dismissed for "political" reasons, I would guess). As well as some reliability issues, I recall. ovekvam complained his current 118i felt weaker than his previous 116i. Yet the "B" engine in M140i had some praises sung around like it was "every time" better than M135i's.
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      03-21-2019, 01:58 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by No one View Post
"Modern" is not always "better" (in every aspect). Pre-LCI 125i (N20?) had an official Performance/power upgrade/remap available (dismissed for "political" reasons, I would guess). As well as some reliability issues, I recall. ovekvam complained his current 118i felt weaker than his previous 116i.
I guess the B38 was not showing the full potential until it got run in. Now it has the same performance (also showing on a dyno) as the N13. It has the same consumption as well, even though it is supposed to be less thirsty.
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      03-22-2019, 08:14 AM   #6
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for performance alone 125i N20, mure tuning potential (+310hp easy)

ddriver 120i b48, great road economy/performance balance

It depends if you plan to rune and track the car a lot or not
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      03-22-2019, 08:36 AM   #7
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But do you really need more power for track use? In my experience with track driving, more power doesn't really add to the fun. It is more about using the power you have as well as possible, and that is easier with less power. Tuning the car will typically cause new issues, like braking problems or overheating tyres.

I would keep the engine as it came from the factory.
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      03-22-2019, 02:21 PM   #8
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It depends on how you track as well. In my experience in spain, with N13 tuned but w/o brake upgrade, I enjoy but feels akward to be always one of the slowest cars, always mirror looking and letting pass.

So I wouldn't even dare to get inside jarama with a smaller engine under 200hp, and for sure +300hp would be appreciated. Of course with proper brake upgrades to be able to push, but that you should do anyway.

In norway under snow, is a completely different story of couse, power is much less relevant, and it's much better to enjoy the lighter car and more balanced dynamics given a smaller engine.
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      03-22-2019, 02:45 PM   #9
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I prefer my 136 hp over more powerful engines on the Nürburgring as well. When pushing the car to the limit, the speed can get quite scary in some sections.

Most track days in Norway are on tarmac in the summer season! :-)
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      03-22-2019, 04:02 PM   #10
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I get your point ovekvam, a smaller engine is safer to push and enjoy fully, and fitted with 140i brakes makes a big difference too

In the case stated above, I would prefer the B48 because I do a lot of ddriving, and few track. But If I had a track addiction and my plan were upgrading (brakes, coiover, etc), I would prefer N20 125i.
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      03-22-2019, 04:17 PM   #11
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In my opinion, extra power is most useful on Autobahn, if you are the type that likes to drive fast. The F20 has very boxy aerodynamics, and lots of power is needed to keep up with the quick cars in the left lane.
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      03-27-2019, 01:21 AM   #12
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I know you have asked between a 120 and a 125 but just to throw a spanner in the works, why not consider a golf 7 GTI (in my market they in the same price point) brilliant car. In the long run they have much better resale value then the 1 series (well here in South Africa at least)
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      03-27-2019, 04:17 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChristosD View Post
I know you have asked between a 120 and a 125 but just to throw a spanner in the works, why not consider a golf 7 GTI (in my market they in the same price point) brilliant car. In the long run they have much better resale value then the 1 series (well here in South Africa at least)
Thanks for the suggestion. I checked it before but I can't make myself like the horrible GTI cloth seats (even the 7.5 version), I'm not sure if the resale value will be better and I've to say that I'm really attracted to the idea of getting an 1-series, it being RWD helps too.

Also checked other cars like an Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce, Audi S1 and A3, amongst others, but the BMW seems to be the better choice for my likings


By the way, only going to make a final decision next month but for now the top contender is the 120i (actually increased my budget to include other extras, like sports seats and HIFI soundsystem).
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      03-27-2019, 09:20 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by furtado4 View Post
I'm really attracted to the idea of getting an 1-series, it being RWD helps too.
RWD makes a hell of a difference if you can feel how the car goes/handles.

Quote:
Originally Posted by furtado4 View Post
actually increased my budget to include other extras, like sports seats and HIFI soundsystem
Sport seats are very much better than the basic ones (unless you are too wide to fit, they say). Tilting the whole seat is invaluable to me, in particular.

Hi-Fi sound system is a subject for a careful consideration. Unless they've improved it, it is enhancing the bass only in fact. If you need balanced frequencies your OEM choice appears between Harman Kardon factory and Alpine retrofit. You can search around here, it was discussed quite long ago, I recall.
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      03-27-2019, 11:20 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by No one View Post
Hi-Fi sound system is a subject for a careful consideration.
I'm keeping an eye for Harman Kardon factory actually, meant to say that. Although I read that the HIFI is better for upgrades, as it allows a much easier install than the HK, but I'm not planning to do any change to the stock system, at least for now.
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      03-28-2019, 03:56 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by furtado4 View Post
Thanks for the suggestion. I checked it before but I can't make myself like the horrible GTI cloth seats (even the 7.5 version), I'm not sure if the resale value will be better and I've to say that I'm really attracted to the idea of getting an 1-series, it being RWD helps too.

Also checked other cars like an Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce, Audi S1 and A3, amongst others, but the BMW seems to be the better choice for my likings


By the way, only going to make a final decision next month but for now the top contender is the 120i (actually increased my budget to include other extras, like sports seats and HIFI soundsystem).
Good idea sports seats are a must, but if you can get the full msport package that would be ideal. I'm not too sure on the lci spec of the 120i but the digital dash is also a lovely thing to look at feels very modern, and definitely HK sound system, the standard one is shocking.

The b48 is a great engine i have a friend here in south Africa with a 320i lci (b48 engine) making just shy of 200wkw with jb4 BEF(dp full exhaust) golf 7.5R owners get very annoyed when a 320i walks them haha
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      03-28-2019, 03:19 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ovekvam View Post
In my opinion, extra power is most useful on Autobahn, if you are the type that likes to drive fast. The F20 has very boxy aerodynamics, and lots of power is needed to keep up with the quick cars in the left lane.
On an uphill section of a motorway the 118 B38 lacks power and torque. My car is straggling to accelerate. In my opinion it def needs more power. Every day use it is more than ok though.
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