Nothing. Just learning the control electronics takes some time and persistence; but isn't that the case with most luxury cars.
I couldn't wait to write this review because I feel I have an obligation to let the secret out. The 125 makes the Honda Integra (which I traded), seem very ordinary.
I cannot fault this car. It is so well designed and so well made that it just shines in every aspect (BMW take a bow - I wish all cars were made to this high standard).
Pickup and power are great (can't use much more in our crowded city traffic), fuel economy is good, handling is superb, comfort is OK (with 18" runflats) and cabin and external styling is the best around. I cannot say enough glowing words about the great styling. I am waiting for the avalanche of Japanese and Korean copy cats.
Clearly the car is still running in and feels a bit tight, but that is not noticed on the road. Now I drive to the other side of the city to pickup the Saturday morning newspaper. It is a drivers car and it makes you want to drive and drive. Corners are straightened and hills flattened with ridiculous ease. This car is destined to become one of the all time classics.
BMW has my patronage captured for many, many years.
E82 125 Coupe.
I'm taking delivery of my new 125 (black) in two weeks time... now I can't wait :)
I guarantee you it will be the best car you have owned. Mine has not missed a beat. My wife has taken possession of it so I have to drive the 320 (E46). The 125 makes my 320 seem outdated and it only has 90,000 klm on the clock. Runs superbly also. Such a problem!
Jeremy Clarkson (Top Gear), and other journalists possessed a number of other complaints about the 1-series (E87) which were or are aesthetic, and have influenced sales demographics. At varying times, the 1-series has been described as having 'Bread-van' looks, or as a 'Shameless attempt by BMW to sell a badge rather than a car'. Clarkson in particular had described the average BMW 1-series owner as receiving the following assessment from his next door neighbours (on BBC's Top Gear) as 'hmm, he's bought an expensive car - he must be absolutely bonkers!' Clarkson went so far as to end his review for the Sunday Times with 'The 1-Series (E87) is Crap.'
Critical response has dramatically changed in recent years - the 1-series coupe (E82) and convertible (E88) have been described as 'returning BMW to its roots', and the 135i has been described as the spiritual successor of the original E30 M3 of the 1980s. Clarkson himself awarded the 2008 model five stars, and had the following to say: 'The 135 coupé is the best car BMW makes.' Generally, the 1 Series coupé is more popular with critics and fans than the hatchback model.
Summary - buy E82 and E88 (NOT E87)
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