New motor - Done

I'm not going to try and suggest something else as you've likely made your mind up what you want. I didn't think there was a 130i coupe, I thought it was either a choice of 125i or 135i. Either way looking at AT there seems little difference in either model price-wise so focus on condition and spec and get the best one that fits your budget.

Just had a quick look and a 325i coupe would sneak into budget which would be my preference over the 1 series coupe, mainly due to looks, but whatever you go do finding an unmolested one is the most important thing, I really liked the 130i I had, chose it over the R32, but that is another option worth considering and it was fairly close.

I can’t think of anything else that fits the big engine small car brief (so no 5 series etc)

My preference is for the hatch, the coupe looks very Noddy-ish IMO. Both drive lovely though.

I’d try and find one of those 130i LE’s

Both munters, but if a small six cylinder RWD car is the requisite, then there isn't a lot of choice, is there...?

The seats on that LE are both horrible and tired looking.

If rwd and 6cyl are not must haves, are there any other prerequisites? Your budget can get you an Audi S3 but it will be leggy and likely to attract getaway drivers. You could look at mk5 Golf R32s. Theres also a lot of choice in Focus ST in that price range including a couple of ST500s on AT. Theres also a few of the previous generation Renaultsport Meganes in your budget. All are bit more hardcore than the BMW. If hardcore isn't what you want could an A5 be worth a look. Most on AT at your price point are diesels but there are a few 1.8 and 2.0 TFSIs around.

Very few must haves if I’m honest - I’ve always liked the R32 and they look and sound good but there are plenty round here that are barried and tend to be driven by idiots. Whilst that wouldn’t stop me Ive always preferred the 130.

I grew up in a ‘Ford’ family and have owned - few over the years - really enjoyed my ST220 so never rule them out per se but just not on the radar this time.

A part of me would love to have a hardcore Megane for some fun but would be a second car not my every day.

A5s are nice but I’d only consider a V6T or older 4.2V8. The others leave me very cold.

Another cars I looked at, and have driven, is the Suzuki swift sport (1.6 NA with the 6 speed) which is about as far away from a 640d as you can get. Huge amount of spec and new metal for the money and a hoot to drive but for my usage a bit ‘raw’ - great fun though

I don't disagree with the reasoning - I really like the old 1 coupe and while I think the hatch is uglier, I have a big soft spot for 130i's. A great car sadly replaced by the usual FWD 4-pot now. If I was more sensible on running costs then an M135i or M140i hatch is probably the best fit for my needs.

Besides Racing here, I know two people that had 135i coupe's and they still look back at them fondly now. One of them, and another friend from that group (which was a group of trackday friends I had that were all obsessed with bike engined trackday cars) also had 130i hatches, one of which I had a go in and really liked.

The 125i had a later version of the 6 pot NA engine, I think it was the same N53 I had in my 330i - they had endless coil pack and injector issues in their day but when they changed the coils for a later part, and in many cases also the injectors, they were then reliable in my case. Later on I had a small oil leak as well that resulted in a "burning candles" smell at idle on a hot engine, something the owners forums said was standard BMW petrol 6 at 6 figure mileages, and something the main dealer failed to sort. Was not an issue for me. One to look for?

Somewhat tardy update but no surprises - ended up purchasing a nice condition 125i coupe - Black, Heated leather, Bluetooth, 76k miles, FSH, newly renewed 18” factory upgraded alloys, Xenons, very clean bodywork and near new tyres.

It’s a nice drive, lovely engine (not yet mapped but likely in future), And great fun. Not doing many miles but suits me for my current usage perfectly. Plenty of room in the back for the kids and a half decent boot!

Took a while to sort new tyres and some bodywork for the 640d prior to putting it up for sale but it’s now up Just down the road with Jason Barker (very easy to deal with and a guaranteed price significantly higher than trade-in).

www.jasonbarker.co.uk/listings/bmw-640d-m-sport-gran-coupe/

All in all just what I was hoping - decent replacement with cash in the bank to help kick start the house plans. Architect coming round to measure this Friday!

Great choice Clunes. That N52 is just wonderful, surely it must be a contender for one of the finest non-M BMW engines made. They just won't make something like that again. 

The issue with 325i's, almost all of them are N53's. Very few N52 325i E92's about now. 

Nice! Good decision, good car. Is it nice having an engine that talks again? BMW's of this era are lovely cars, I was very fond of the facelift E90 330i saloons...

Definitely a lot of car for the money.

Excellent result.

Smile first, snaps later.