F20 116i or 120i ? post by a Bimmersport Noob

[Choo 16]

Hi ya'll,

I was almost set on a 2012 F20 120i for around $13700.

Then I did some reading including on an older post here that the ECU on the 116i can be remapped to around 120i levels of performance. 

What does it matter then which F20 I decide to buy since the 2012 to 2015 cars use the same engine?

Or would it be more important to look for a F20 that's specced to how I want it for example with the M-sport trim?

Any advice is much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[qube 3570]

It is true, you can remap the 116 to 120 levels but in doing so you probably need to upgrade the intercooler at least to properly cool down the car due to the power gain.

After you factor in the costs of the tune and some parts upgrades, its probably worthwhile to just get a 120i in the spec you want if you can find it for a reasonable price.

(have owned a couple of F20 116i and currently have an F20 M135i)

a 125i is a nice step up if you can find one but not if its way more expensive. The merit of these 116/118/120 is the price point being around 10-14k. 

[Choo 16]

Thanks so much for the info. How silly of me I didn't even think about the extra work involved with the remap. 

Looks like my best bet is the 120i as I don't recall finding any 125i. 

Let's see whether I can get what I want before the WOF & service on my current car is due in mid /late January. 

[Choo 16]

On 12/5/2021 at 12:59 PM, qube said:

It is true, you can remap the 116 to 120 levels but in doing so you probably need to upgrade the intercooler at least to properly cool down the car due to the power gain.

After you factor in the costs of the tune and some parts upgrades, its probably worthwhile to just get a 120i in the spec you want if you can find it for a reasonable price.

(have owned a couple of F20 116i and currently have an F20 M135i)

a 125i is a nice step up if you can find one but not if its way more expensive. The merit of these 116/118/120 is the price point being around 10-14k. 

I've found a 125i on TradeMe. What is your opinion at this price level?

I'm still more inclined on the 120i due to the price point you mentioned. The 125i advertised pushes the limit of my budget.

 

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/125i/listing/3380926989?bof=CjcuI6pX

 

[qube 3570]

I think that is pretty well spec’ed and priced. Maybe room for a tiny bit of negotiation?

What is the 120i you have in mind? Got a link? I don’t see any decent options on trademe currently.

 

[Choo 16]

Both my top 2 choices disappeared a week ago 

Currently have these 120i on my watchlist:
https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/120i/listing/3343691663?bof=KiVRlVTL
https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/120i/listing/3325878267?bof=KiVRlVTL
https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/120i/listing/3378925552?bof=KiVRlVTL