BMW 125 question

I recently purchased a BMW 1-25 convertible at an auction in florida, very clean and low miles. My question is for the life of me I can not find that there was ever a 1-25 sold in the US only 1-28. The car has been registered by one owner it's previous life in Dallas TX.

Do I have a 1-25 or a 1-28? I went on the BMW factor site and downloaded a manual and guess what it's a 1-28. I searched for 1-25 road tests and all were European, Australian, British etc but none US. Car and Driver, Road and Track, Motor trend tested only 1-28's in the US but did test 1-25's but again in Europe.

Even the dealer is confused. So I'm here for the first time. and this is my first question

Thanks Rev. Richard

I should have mentioned it's a 2009

this won't have a happy ending

outside US it's called 125i

Inside US it's 128i

Both use 3.0 N52N engine

125i has 160KW

128i has slightly higher horse power .... from the same engine

I would suggest going to realoem.com and enter the last 7 digits of your vin in the field that says "serial number.". It should tell you your actual model.
Alternatively, you can try bmwvin.com and do the same.

Originally Posted by mr29

this won't have a happy ending

What do you think will happen? Was the 125 ever really sold here from dealers or was it imported in a "grey" manner. Do you think there will be service problems, like the BMW computer not being able to read this ECU? Another issue is they gave me only one key and I can get a second one but can BMW USA program a key for a export car?

Where were the 128's made? I did see the car fax on this and it came from Germany. I know BMW makes some cars in South Carolina, are the 128's made in SC?

I'm involved in LAW (FBI) but I really hate litigation unless I am the litigator. I see a mess coming here.

Rev.Richard

Originally Posted by mr_bean

I would suggest going to realoem.com and enter the last 7 digits of your vin in the field that says "serial number.". It should tell you your actual model.
Alternatively, you can try bmwvin.com and do the same.

Both sites show it is in fact a 128 not a 125 in fact the bmwvin shows the exact date of manufacture and every single option the car has and the options are correct.

Why this is badged as a 125 is now beyond me?

Did somebody import it from Mexico/Canada? That's all I can think of, but I am fairly sure you have a 128i.

Originally Posted by nathey6

did somebody import it from mexico/canada? That's all i can think of, but i am fairly sure you have a 128i.

wbaul735x9vj75359

have at it!

Hmm... I checked Realoem, and it is definitely from the U.S. I also did a free car fax lemon check while I was at it, and it looks ok. Well, you definitely have an American 128i. I am almost as confused as you are.

Check the sticker in the door jamb. It should say something to the effect do "this vehicle was manufactured in compliance with. . . . . ." does it reference US EPA, Canadian laws or Mexican laws?

Otherwise, it's possible the previous owner rebadged the car. Why? Who knows.

Somebody rebadged it. Don't know why.

You have a US spec car per the option packages listed for the vin number...most notably the fm band on the radio and the steering.

Originally Posted by mr_bean

Check the sticker in the door jamb. It should say something to the effect do "this vehicle was manufactured in compliance with. . . . . ." does it reference US EPA, Canadian laws or Mexican laws?

Otherwise, it's possible the previous owner rebadged the car. Why? Who knows.

Just checked EPA not mentioned but it says the bumpers, seat belts and alarms and safety meet US standards on 01/09 the date of manufacture.

Sort of looks like someone changed the badge, why? Who the heck knows.

Hey while I'm here when I'm driving at 75-80 there is a lot of noise on the area where the passengers front window meets the rear window, looking closely there is a gap about enough to pass a business card with no problem.

Adjustment of rear window? Replace window gasket with new or thicker gasket? It doesn't look like that would be a problem.

Any place you guys know of to get parts on the cheap? The rear third tail light is broken. On line it looks like a $120 part list?

Thanks again! I was about ready to drive back to palm beach and start yelling my head off. I'm a liberals worst nightmare, Bible, Badge and gun!

Rev. Richard

The rear tail light is a "silent recall". All of us have had that one. I suggest talking with a dealer and seeing if you can get it covered. No harm no foul right? Also it is a common item for the parts dept to have. Do a search for SIB third light 128i and you will rind revised instructions from BMW to fix the mounting bolt. For online parts I like ecstuning, bavauto, and oembimmerparts.

For your window/top, I too had that...but BMW covered it. It ended up being broken mounting tabs for the cloth top.

Good luck!

These little convertibles are a bit on the heavy side for such a small car!

The boxter for instance is 400-500 pounds less. Even the 911 is lighter?

But hey my wife likes the Red BMW so well you know how that goes.

Lol. Sounds like my 08 was similar to yours. Crimson red, black top with Boston beige leather.

Originally Posted by x3brian

The rear tail light is a "silent recall". All of us have had that one. I suggest talking with a dealer and seeing if you can get it covered. No harm no foul right? Also it is a common item for the parts dept to have. Do a search for SIB third light 128i and you will rind revised instructions from BMW to fix the mounting bolt. For online parts I like ecstuning, bavauto, and oembimmerparts.

For your window/top, I too had that...but BMW covered it. It ended up being broken mounting tabs for the cloth top.

Good luck!

My rear window looks like if it were moved 1/4 or even 1/16 of an inch inward everything would be fine. Did I mention I don't like dealers? I mean stealers.

Thanks much for the info from all of you.

Rev. Richard