Update on changeover to 125i
 

Just a quick note on my changeover experiences to the BMW 125i. We took it on a 2000km round trip cruise from Brisbane to the Hunter Valley. I think I am in love. It. is a great car. The first thing I noticed was the extra urge at lower speeds. The second was the engine note. I call it aural sex. The third thing is the quietness, even with skinny profile run flat Bridgestone rubber on 18"rims. From my flat perception, in grip, general road-holding and turn in it is at least the equal of the RX-8. Did I mention the manual gear box? Slick is the word, although getting reverse gear takes some practice.

Considering how new the car is, the fuel economy on the round trip (including a few days winery to winery tootling) was a respectable 7.5L/100km. Back in the city for a week or so, the aggregate consumption is still at 7.8L/100km, close to BMW's claimed 7.9 city/highway combined cycle. Admittedly, due to the huge number of police highway patrol cars around, driving much over the speed limit was a risk to the bank account, so the cruise control got a hammering. The extra torque of the six also showed in cruise control, with virtually no surging.

In terms of fit, finish and quality of materials, the 125i is way ahead of my 2003 RX-8. Those nifty little BMW bits and pieces are nice, too. I haven't seen the latest model RX-8, so I can't judge if there have been improvements.

The other surprise is insurance. AAMI has actually sent me a refund cheque for the changeover. I am paying less for an insured value of $67.5k on the BMW than for $23.5k on the RX-8. AAMI mentioned something about a different driver profile for the RX-8 being at least partly responsible.

Sounds like you made the right choice then Labby. Good for you mate. Enjoy. :smoker:

Mind you, I still love the way the RX8 looks. Just last night a new friend exclaimed "wow, nice car!" on first sighting the Revolvermobile. I reckon that's not bad for a 6 year old design...

I still get a twinge when I see the RX-8. It does look the part, except when people glue unseemly bits and pieces on them. In it's native form, it didn't look, well, Japanese. There is no mistaking where a 350-370Z comes from, nor for that matter the putative new Celica.

However, I am growing to like the look of my BMW - it looks like someone carved it out of a solid lump of steel.

The BMW is a car that looks better on the road than in photos.
I like the colour of yours as well.
I guess the BMW is one of very few price comparable alternatives to the RX8 although when you tick a couple of boxes the price climbs very quickly.


Insurance takes a bit of work but I found Suncorp at $880 on the new price ($800 if I name only 2 drivers) much cheaper than AAMI.
On the other hand AAMI had the best price I could find on my Holden.

I hope you have many good years with that car.

I always felt if I buy a BM it has to be a six potter. The engine note is just erotic. Enjoy it.

The BM is an excellent car, but I just love driving my RX-8 now and then.

My 135i is very comfy, luxury and cool to look at. I think it is a pretty cool small car.

RX-8 has a different style. I think RX-8 makes me look more sophisticated. 135 makes me look like a playboy haha.

Geschmacksache, as the Germans say. It's a matter of taste. Friends of ours described the 125i as being "more elegant". I'm not sure I'm ready for elegance yet. Does that mean I just looked like an old lair in my red RX-8?

My opinion is BMW's are over priced, over rated and nothing but a hassle after your warranty runs out. It seems like they've designed the most expensive parts on their cars to break between 50k & 100k. Just traded my 05 545i in on a 09 R3. I have four friends who also have BMW's and they are looking to get rid of them. One owns a 745i, one a 335i, one a X3 and the other has an X5. All of us have had nothing bad luck with BMW's....what are the chances. I do admit they drive nice until something goes wrong.

BTW good luck with your car.

I dunno. I love being seen in the 1 rather than the 8 during weekdays, but I love driving the 8 rather than the 1 on the weekends. I am not sure it make sense.

As far as insurance goes there are only two companies in Australia, one is QBE the other Suncorp own all the rest including AAMI, SGIO, SGIC, CGU, API, Shannons..

Why I went QBE was because they have a 4 year new car replacement...Just renewed mine $892..(60K)