BMW 130, golf GTI - new daily required

BMW 130, golf GTI - new daily required

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Patch888

Original Poster:

701 posts

127 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
quotequote all
Looking for any advice, help or knowledge from you guys on here. I'm looking at replacing my civic type r (ep3) with a new daily. I have around 7k to play with and the VW and BMW so far seem to be fitting the bill.

What are they like to live with day to day? I know they are quite different machines and engines but both seem good all rounders. I think I've considered most other option including the FN2, clio 200 but any other suggestions are welcome.

Only criteria is needs to be fun, reasonably fast and good for driving to and from work daily (40 miles). Also not too high running costs. Cheers.


RenesisEvo

3,602 posts

218 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
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The 130i has a cracking engine, smooth, sounds great and really pulls. It's let down a little by the interior (not the greatest quality) and the chassis - I found the pogo-ing rear axle disconcerting, but apparently it's not too hard to resolve. The ride can be too hard on runflats on poor surfaces. Ignore comments about lack of space in the back/boot - go and see for yourself. I've done 5 hour stints in the back of one, I'm over 6ft and it was fine. A Golf GTI will trade an engine with real character for better day-to-day usability.

driver67

976 posts

164 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
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I have a 130i with all the correct mods done.

It's far more than a daily. Seriously ace drive on all the nice B roads.


Patch888

Original Poster:

701 posts

127 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
quotequote all
Cheers guys, I have to say the 130 looks like a great machine, anything to look out for with these, is high mileage an issue?
Although a lot I've seen are around 80k which isn't too high. Any reliability issues or problems you've experienced?

driver67

976 posts

164 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
quotequote all
Patch888 said:
Cheers guys, I have to say the 130 looks like a great machine, anything to look out for with these, is high mileage an issue?
Although a lot I've seen are around 80k which isn't too high. Any reliability issues or problems you've experienced?
I'm on 102k miles now. Purchased from a fellow PH'er nearly 4 years ago at 56k miles with some warranty left (never required).

Electric water pump went at around 76k miles (common), suspension only needed a full refresh (essential anyway) after 95k miles.

Apart from that, normal servicing. No M tax here although you get 8/10ths of the performance from the same era. (55 plate).

babybmw.net is best for all 1 series stuff. A few people on the lookout at the moment for 130i's.

Around 1000 left now in the UK in all guises.


Edited by driver67 on Wednesday 26th November 20:26

moebiusuk

345 posts

157 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
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I have a 110,000 mile 130i (2005) and I haven't had one issue with it. I bought it at 95K and was comfortable with that number because I read nothing but good things about the engine and how it was one of BMWs best.

But as with all older engines, I change the oil every 4k miles as I plan to keep it till it dies.

It pulls so so well from way down low. In 6th on the motorway, I don't even consider downshifting for an overtake.

The only bad thing is M Sport suspension. It is rock solid and really frustrating on bumpy or potholed roads. I swapped the run flats for regular wheels which help a lot. And I removed the clutch delay valve which help with smoother shifting.

moebiusuk

345 posts

157 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
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driver67 said:
...suspension only needed a full refresh (essential anyway) after 95k miles.


Edited by driver67 on Wednesday 26th November 20:26
Can elaborate on what you did here and why?

My suspension is really hard and as far as I'm aware, it's never been refreshed.

Benbay001

5,794 posts

156 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
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moebiusuk said:
It pulls so so well from way down low. In 6th on the motorway, I don't even consider downshifting for an overtake.
Who downchanges to overtake on a motorway anyway?

anonymous-user

53 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
quotequote all
I bought one the other week, see my thread in 'Readers Cars'

More fun than a golf and a much, much nicer engine, probably one if the toughest recent bmw's. Check out babybmw.net tons of info there. I'm sure I'd go faster sooner in a Golf but it would get boring, a cliche for sure but rwd with a big engine in a relatively small car is hilarious. It'll pull from 1500rpm in any gear and sounds fabulous, loads of character. Ditch the run flats and spend a little time learning the chassis and it's great package. I have some pretty clear plans for mine which will make it shine.

I can't recommend them highly enough.

driver67

976 posts

164 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
quotequote all
moebiusuk said:
Can elaborate on what you did here and why?

My suspension is really hard and as far as I'm aware, it's never been refreshed.
Getting rid of the runflats is only half the battle on the 1 series.

I now have Bilstein B8 shocks along with Eiebach sportline springs. (B12 kit, I done it in stages due to front driver side spring snapping).

This along with some powerflex rear suspension bush inserts really transform the car.

Koni FST also get rave reviews on BabyBMW.net for all round comfort, track performance.

It's an ace car, I've been on loads of PH runs and it keeps up with the best of them smile



Edited by driver67 on Wednesday 26th November 20:41

moebiusuk

345 posts

157 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
quotequote all
driver67 said:
Getting rid of the runflats is only half the battle on the 1 series.

I now have Bilstein B8 shocks along with Eiebach sportline springs. (B12 kit, I done it in stages due to front driver side spring snapping).

This along with some powerflex rear suspension bush inserts really transform the car.

Koni FST also get rave reviews on BabyBMW.net for all round comfort, track performance.

It's an ace car, I've been on loads of PH runs and it keeps up with the best of them smile
Good stuff cheers.

Jimmy No Hands

5,007 posts

155 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
quotequote all
On the other side, I just picked up a 66k mile GTI with FVWSH for less than £7k. It's a fantastic all-rounder, as an every day car it is pretty much perfect for the job it does. Only really get 27-32mpg in practice, but its got five doors, a big boot, it's quick enough in standard form (much more so when fettled) It's a great steer too, feels nice and tight. Plenty of toys, and in my opinion a much nicer place to be than the 1 series. We considered a 130i too but I couldn't get over that drab lifeless interior. Cruise, highline computer, dual climate, auto everything, xenons and Edition 30 Pescara alloys. Bargain.

That 130i engine is an absolute peach though. I'd try both.

driver67

976 posts

164 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
quotequote all
moebiusuk said:
Good stuff cheers.
At your mileage, it's the shocks that are gone - you've just never driven it with decent one's on smile

anonymous-user

53 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
quotequote all
Jimmy No Hands said:
and in my opinion a much nicer place to be than the 1 series. We considered a 130i too but I couldn't get over that drab lifeless interior. Cruise, highline computer, dual climate, auto everything, xenons and Edition 30 Pescara alloys. Bargain.

That 130i engine is an absolute peach though. I'd try both.
I paid £6200. My spec is;
Electric memory heated seats
Bluetooth
Removable towbar
Puddle lights
Xenons
Pro logic stereo
Dual climate
All 130's hill assist
Fancy mirrors that tilt in reverse

IMO aluminium trim lifts the interior. The seats are good and the dash is perfectly laid out.

Absolutely try both. If you're near Bucks/Oxon LMK


Patch888

Original Poster:

701 posts

127 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
quotequote all
Thanks for all the info, really really helpful, I think in my heart I want the bmw more, it's that 3L straight six smile

I'll check out babybmw too.

I'll hopefully pick up a tidy example for 7k.

Patch888

Original Poster:

701 posts

127 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
quotequote all
yonex said:
Jimmy No Hands said:
and in my opinion a much nicer place to be than the 1 series. We considered a 130i too but I couldn't get over that drab lifeless interior. Cruise, highline computer, dual climate, auto everything, xenons and Edition 30 Pescara alloys. Bargain.

That 130i engine is an absolute peach though. I'd try both.
I paid £6200. My spec is;
Electric memory heated seats
Bluetooth
Removable towbar
Puddle lights
Xenons
Pro logic stereo
Dual climate
All 130's hill assist
Fancy mirrors that tilt in reverse

IMO aluminium trim lifts the interior. The seats are good and the dash is perfectly laid out.

Absolutely try both. If you're near Bucks/Oxon LMK
I was just reading your thread, some great additions your already making, that intake looks great.

anonymous-user

53 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
quotequote all
Patch888 said:
Thanks for all the info, really really helpful, I think in my heart I want the bmw more, it's that 3L straight six smile

I'll check out babybmw too.

I'll hopefully pick up a tidy example for 7k.
It defines the car, driven slowly it still makes you smile. After my turbo 4 cylinder cars it's just way easier to drive, linear delivery. Last word on this (as I'm in danger of gushing) today it was slippery out, great to feel the front end in isolation.