BMW 125i (E82)
BMW 1 series 2011 3.0 petrol description
Coupe BMW 125i has been produced from January, 2011 to January, 2013. It has six-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 3.0 litres, which produces power of 218 horsepower on 6100 rpm and torque 270 Nm (Newton metres) on 2500 revolutions per minute.
This 6-cylinder 24-valve engine camshaft is driven by chain (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has fuel injection system without turbocharger. Engine versions compliant with Euro 4 and Euro 5 emission standards available. Average engine life expectancy (mileage before serious repairs are needed) is from 240 000 to 410 000 kilometres. Remember that engine life depends on regular maintenance and the quality of the materials used (oils, fuels, etc.).
More engine specs
The BMW N52 engine was the first water-cooled engine to feature a composite cylinder block made from a magnesium and aluminum alloy. It was included in Ward’s AutoWorld’s list of the top 10 engines in ...
This BMW 1 series 3.0 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 6.5 litres.
BMW 125i has classical rear wheel drive (RWD) and manual gearbox with 6 gears.
BMW 125i accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 6.4 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 245 km/h.
The fuel consumption of this BMW 125i in combined mode (combining urban and highway driving) is 8.1 litres per 100km (12.3 km/l), city fuel economy - 11.8 l/100km, fuel consumption on highway - 5.9 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 53 litres or 14 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 640 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 880 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this BMW real everyday fuel consumption is 9.3 litres per 100 km, which is 15% more than the manufacturer's stated. More - Real BMW 1 series fuel consumption.

BMW 125i technical data
Model: | BMW 125i | ||
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Body style: | Coupe | ||
Production period: | 2011. January ... 2013. January | ||
Engine: | 2996 cm3 Petrol, 6 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | 189 g/km |
Power: | 218 HP ON 6100 RPM | Torque: | 270 NM ON 2500 RPM |
Gearbox: | Manual gearbox (6 gears) | Drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
Maximum speed: | 245 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 6.4 seconds |
Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 8.1 (combined) 11.8 (urban) 5.9 (highway) | ||
Real fuel consumption: | 9.3 l/100km (25.3 MPG) by user reviews from various sources | ||
Fuel tank capacity: | 53 litres (14 gallons) | ||
Car dimensions: | 4.36m (length) 1.75m (width) 1.42m (height) | ||
Turning diameter: | 10.7 meters | ||
Ground clearance: | 147 mm (approximate, with standard suspension, unladen vehicle) | ||
Trunk capacity: | 370 litres | ||
Gross weight: | 1845 kg |
BMW 125i engine N52B30
Engine reliability and common problems:
The BMW N52 engine was the first water-cooled engine to feature a composite cylinder block made from a magnesium and aluminum alloy. It was included in Ward’s AutoWorld’s list of the top 10 engines in 2006 and 2007. While it offers many advantages, the engine is known to face several recurring issues.The smaller 2.5-liter version often suffers from oil consumption problems due to its thin piston rings, which quickly coke up and seize. Additionally, after 100,000 km, valve stem seals tend to harden, further exacerbating oil consumption. This issue was largely resolved in engines produced after 2007, but for earlier models, the solution is to replace the valve stem seals and piston rings.
Idle fluctuations are commonly caused by issues in the Valvetronic or Vanos systems, or by a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor. Proper diagnostics are required to identify the fault and replace the defective component. Another frequent issue is the failure of the crankcase ventilation valve (CCV) membrane, which can destabilize engine operation and requires timely diagnostics and replacement.
Engines produced between 2004 and 2009 often exhibit ticking sounds from the hydraulic lifters when cold. This noise is not a sign of failure but a characteristic of the design. Additionally, the engine is prone to overheating, necessitating careful monitoring of the cooling system, including the water pump, thermostat, and radiator, along with regular maintenance.
Valve cover gasket wear is another common issue, leading to oil leaks that require replacement. Despite its weaknesses, regular maintenance and timely resolution of problems can ensure stable and reliable performance from the N52 engine.
Overall, this engine can last around 240,000 to 410,000 km if properly maintained, using the correct quality oil and fuel, and carrying out regular checks and maintenance.
The engine has hydraulic valve tappets (lifters), which provide quieter operation and do not require periodic adjustment, but are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in the event of failure.
Engine displacement | 2996 cm3 |
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Number of cylinders | 6 |
Bore (cylinder diameter) | 85 mm |
Stroke length (piston move) | 88 mm |
Compression ratio | 10.7 : 1 |
Camshaft drive | Timing chain Chain motors are considered more reliable, chain replacement usually is required less often than a timing belt, but they are often louder and vibrate more. More service info |
Timing chain change interval | 120,000 km (recommended) Sometimes manufacturers do not specify timing chain replacement intervals and design chains for engine life. However, once the recommended change interval has been reached, it is recommended to periodically check the condition of the chain and to change the chain if excessive stretching is detected or if unusual noises from the engine or other symptoms occur. |
Fuel system | Injection |
BMW 125i oil type | 5W-30 |
Oil capacity | 6.5 litres (6.9 quarts) More service info |
Coolant capacity | 8.2 litres (8.7 quarts) |
Power | 218 - 272 HP ON 6100 RPM |
Torque | 270 - 315 NM ON 2500 RPM |
Start of production (year) | 2004 |
Duration of production | 7 years |
Engine also used on | BMW 5 sērija BMW 3 sērija BMW X5 BMW 7 sērija and 5 other models |
Generally, the use of an engine in several models and its long production run is an indication of the quality of the engine and the success of its design. |
All BMW 1 series coupe [2011 - 2013] modifications
Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox |
---|---|---|---|---|
BMW 120i
Jan 2011 — Jan 2013 Most fuel efficient petrol version |
2.0 Petrol | 170 HP | 6.5 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW 120i Jan 2011 — Jan 2013 | 2.0 Petrol | 170 HP | 6.6 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
BMW 118d
Most fuel efficient diesel version |
2.0 Diesel | 143 HP | 4.5 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW 118d Jan 2011 — Jan 2013 | 2.0 Diesel | 143 HP | 5.3 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
BMW 120d Jan 2011 — Jan 2013 | 2.0 Diesel | 177 HP | 4.7 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW 120d Jan 2011 — Jan 2013 | 2.0 Diesel | 177 HP | 5.3 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
BMW 123d
Jan 2011 — Jan 2013 Most powerfull diesel version (204 HP) |
2.0 Diesel | 204 HP | 5.1 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW 123d
Jan 2011 — Jan 2013 Most powerfull diesel version (204 HP) |
2.0 Diesel | 204 HP | 5.5 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
BMW 125i Jan 2011 — Jan 2013 | 3.0 Petrol | 218 HP | 8.1 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW 125i Jan 2011 — Jan 2013 | 3.0 Petrol | 218 HP | 8.1 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
BMW 135i
Jan 2011 — Jan 2013 Most powerfull petrol version (306 HP) |
3.0 Petrol | 306 HP | 8.5 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW 135i
Jan 2011 — Jan 2013 Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds |
3.0 Petrol | 306 HP | 8.5 l/100km | Automatic (7) |