130i

[MikeGoodwin]

Old friend of mine had a Japan red 130i and he was good enough to let me drive it on many occasions. Brilliant engine with a wide spread of power and the standard exhaust was just right IMO.

One thing I would do to it would be to add the ACS sport springs and struts as the standard suspension wasn't very good even with contisports. Another guy I knew had the ACS1 Sport Eco which had said springs and PS2s and was probably to this day the best handling car I've been in. If I were to ever buy a BMW again (which I wouldnt) Id fit said suspension.

[JackReacher]

Having recently sold a Cayman for a house purchase, I'm considering one of these. It looks like the only real option to get 6 cylinder rear wheel drive compact car at a limited budget with hopefully sensible running costs. I'm not interested in turning in to a track weapon, just a fast road car with a good but compliant suspension set up, quality tyres etc.

I will look through this thread fully when I have more time, but whats the general consensus on the pre facelift verses facelight? How do they compare to a Z4 coupe. I found the electronic steering in that really poor on a test drive but loved the engine, and understand the facelift 130i probably has same system steering system, but the pre facelift had hydraulic, although a less strong engine.

[anonymous-user]

JackReacher said:

Having recently sold a Cayman for a house purchase, I'm considering one of these. It looks like the only real option to get 6 cylinder rear wheel drive compact car at a limited budget with hopefully sensible running costs. I'm not interested in turning in to a track weapon, just a fast road car with a good but compliant suspension set up, quality tyres etc.

I will look through this thread fully when I have more time, but whats the general consensus on the pre facelift verses facelight? How do they compare to a Z4 coupe. I found the electronic steering in that really poor on a test drive but loved the engine, and understand the facelift 130i probably has same system steering system, but the pre facelift had hydraulic, although a less strong engine.

There is supposedly slightly more feel in the pre face lift hydraulic setup but I haven't tried it myself.

[anonymous-user]

So, the new floor mats fit, i know people were worried Joking aside for £22 there's nothing as satisfying tbh. The leather kit has arrived and when I have 'any' time I'll have a go. There were some annoying marks on the edge of the bonnet, a brief clean with some Megs stuff and it's gone. The 'pug', as it is now called is just being shuffled around the drive whilst the 3 Series is sold. Luckily the bike rack returned and I cleaned the crap out of it whilst listening to the Archers, I mean, did you ever!?!

Other minor stuff ordered are some jacking pads, plus some wheel cleaner. Yes, fascinating I know but I am just trying to fill the gap between the real mods.....................

[Podie]

yonex said:

So, the new floor mats fit...

TFFT!

Which wheel cleaner did you go for?

[anonymous-user]

Podie said:

TFFT!

Which wheel cleaner did you go for?

I have got some Bilberry stuff, I read two reviews, one saying it's absolutely dogst and another saying that it's the best thing since sliced bread. As with everything on the internet this means I'll just have to try it!

FS advert has gone up on a couple of forums so fingers crossed things get sorted out soon. I will miss DAB I was thinking today?

[gregs656]

Followed this one from the start, good to see it back - happy coincidence that it is the same car.

It is almost inevitable that one of these will replace my 325ti.

[Podie]

yonex said:

Podie said:

TFFT!

Which wheel cleaner did you go for?

I have got some Bilberry stuff, I read two reviews, one saying it's absolutely dogst and another saying that it's the best thing since sliced bread. As with everything on the internet this means I'll just have to try it!

FS advert has gone up on a couple of forums so fingers crossed things get sorted out soon. I will miss DAB I was thinking today?

Not tried Bilberry, but a mate says it's good.

Is there no OEM upgrade to a DAB radio?

[anonymous-user]

Podie said:

Not tried Bilberry, but a mate says it's good.

Is there no OEM upgrade to a DAB radio?

I am doing some digging, a few options but guessing most, if not all will use an FM transmitter which I'll probably not bother with. I guess when you start craving modern connectivity you're missing the point and should just go with a newer car. Absolute 80's isn't that vital to my well being

There are so many opinions, the 208's need a refurb anyway so I am not precious about them.

[selym]

yonex said:

Podie said:

Not tried Bilberry, but a mate says it's good.

Is there no OEM upgrade to a DAB radio?

I am doing some digging, a few options but guessing most, if not all will use an FM transmitter which I'll probably not bother with. I guess when you start craving modern connectivity you're missing the point and should just go with a newer car. Absolute 80's isn't that vital to my well being

There are so many opinions, the 208's need a refurb anyway so I am not precious about them.

I had DAB in my VX220 and that was a pretty industrial experience! I wish I could fit it in the 130i but it looks like head unit, some gubbins in the boot and an aerial fitted into the rear screen.

The CSL type alloys look good on the 1 series. I think i'm just going to get mine refurbed though.

[anonymous-user]

After weeks of being sat on a battery charger we are finally in business. I had thoughts of keeping everything.

The mighty M3 is provisionally sold, mixed feelings but I am not one for looking back much. The full B1 conversion is on. I am trying to find a deal on the LSD but to be honest it is looking like it's hardly worth the effort. A brief drive the other day made me smile. Unlike the 3 series fun happens much sooner, it's also way more keen earlier in the rev range. I had forgotten how it drove and all was going well, until we hit some bumps. Now it comes flooding back, barely controlled rear end, pitching and rolling at the front. After a sorted M car it's very exposed, this is a good thing though, we have that covered. The positive is just how lively it feels, much, much more basic than modern stuff but with this creamy smooth engine, it's really a case of a car held back by budgetary constraints.

Some trimming for the wheel, dashpod and gaitor from Royal is in process of being sorted, just deciding upon colour options.



Other work includes removing the CDV, fking joke that is. I have some minor judder but it's not slipping and tbh, I have budgeted for a clutch st some point. The pads are shot, so a fresh set of RS29's and whilst it's on the ramp some braided hoses, I want them to be black in keeping with the OEM look so looking at HEL.

After the suspension the tyres will be replaced, future plans include wheels, but I am loathed to give up the 208M's and go to something too bling, it needs to look stock.

Any ideas?

It's funny how things work out. Parked side by side the M3 and 1 Series are chalk and cheese, there's no reason for selling a much faster and more capable (body control, diff, balanced) car with one of the great V8's, and more importantly, last ever NA M engines.

I'll get some pictures of them together, size wise it's surprising how close they are.

Another week and we are on the road

[DoubleSix]

1M style wheels would look lovely I reckon.

[anonymous-user]

DoubleSix said:

1M style wheels would look lovely I reckon.

But the reason to upgrade would be weight. Guessing Oz are the best compromise?

[Podie]

yonex said:

DoubleSix said:

1M style wheels would look lovely I reckon.

But the reason to upgrade would be weight. Guessing Oz are the best compromise?

OZ, Compomotive and Team Dynamics are generally lighter.

I've saved 3KG per corner with OZs, compared with the OE Ronals on my Focus ST (same size - 18x8)

[MikeGoodwin]

Some thoughts as I have 2 old friends, one who owned a japan red 130i Msport (manual) and another who owned the ACS1 Sport Eco that was reviewed by EVO and others (remapped 118d barried up).

I know what you mean about the handling over bumps. This improved with non RFT tyres fitted but I always thought the shocks were a bit knackered (this was in the 130i Msport) as it never seemed to react properly to bumps, in fact it was just as you have described.

The ACS1 had ACS Sport springs/struts fitted with PS2s and a good setup and was/still is one of the best handling cars Ive been in. Id say it was on par with my Cupped Megane RS, was a mix of seemingly endless grip and well sorted suspension that dealt with stty Yorkshire back roads no problem. Ive always wanted a 130i with ACS Sport suspension fitted as I rekon it would be an absolute riot to drive. Lovely engine even when nursing it round town and lovely sound even from the stock exhaust.

[anonymous-user]

So with the M3 gone, yay, we can start with the fun stuff. Simple things please simple minds so started with this. The satanic CDV.

ckr

One 5mm allen key plus liberal use of a hammer later



Which means this much more flow....



The minor things to be completed;

• CDV
• Clutch bleed
• Gearbox oil change
• HEL lines
• New pads
• New tyres

Then drive it for a few miles before the suspension and LSD swap.

[anonymous-user]

£450 for the Pagids, still a chunk less than it would have been on the M3. That's the last time I will compare them...maybe

Apart from that the weird novelty hasn't yet worn off. The N52 is a perfect road engine, easy at all revs and way more tractable than the M3 (st, sorry). The floaty steering is annoying me a little bit, as is the bouncy rear end. I spoke to Intrax about the 1K2, but it's a lot of money. I have compiled the following M3 parts;

ARB (front)
31352283515 - ARB x 1
31352283516 - rubber mount lower section x 2
31352283517 - rubber mount upper section x 2
31352283037 - stabilizer support x 2
31352283441 (Swing support - left)
31352283442 (Swing support - right)
33326768884 (Hexagon nuts, 4x)
Tension struts
31102283575 (left)
31102283576 (right)
Lower wishbone / control arms
31102283577 (left)
31102283578 (right)
37142283867 (xenon regulation rod)
Rear:
Rear subframe bushings
33312283382 (front, 2x)
33312283383 (rear, 2x)
Rear guide rods
33322283547 (left)
33322283548 (right)
Rear upper links / wishbones
33322283545 (left)
33322283546 (right)

Then we'll look at the dampers. I'm leaning towards the B12, or B1 Birds.

Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 23 November 22:51

[selym]

I've got the TRW M3 LCAs up front, waiting on an E93 M3 front ARB to arrive today and I have a set of Eibach Pro Springs to be fitted to mine. The ARB, as 28 mm, will ensure flatter cornering but the arms really made a difference to pointiness (if that is a word).

Contemplating all new dampers, but we will see.

[DoubleSix]

yonex said:

£450 for the Pagids, still a chunk less than it would have been on the M3. That's the last time I will compare them...maybe

Apart from that the weird novelty hasn't yet worn off. The N52 is a perfect road engine, easy at all revs and way more tractable than the M3 (st, sorry). The floaty steering is annoying me a little bit, as is the bouncy rear end. I spoke to Intrax about the 1K2, but it's a lot of money. I have compiled the following M3 parts;

ARB (front)
31352283515 - ARB x 1
31352283516 - rubber mount lower section x 2
31352283517 - rubber mount upper section x 2
31352283037 - stabilizer support x 2
31352283441 (Swing support - left)
31352283442 (Swing support - right)
33326768884 (Hexagon nuts, 4x)
Tension struts
31102283575 (left)
31102283576 (right)
Lower wishbone / control arms
31102283577 (left)
31102283578 (right)
37142283867 (xenon regulation rod)
Rear:
Rear subframe bushings
33312283382 (front, 2x)
33312283383 (rear, 2x)
Rear guide rods
33322283547 (left)
33322283548 (right)
Rear upper links / wishbones
33322283545 (left)
33322283546 (right)

Then we'll look at the dampers. I'm leaning towards the B12, or B1 Birds.

Edited by yonex on Wednesday 23 November 22:51

I'd love a wee idiots guide to the above as mine will need a chassis refresh at some point.

e.g. Whats the xenon ron required for? Etc

[anonymous-user]

DoubleSix said:

I'd love a wee idiots guide to the above as mine will need a chassis refresh at some point.

e.g. Whats the xenon ron required for? Etc

The xenon rod is needed with the M3 LCA, the original one only works with the standard ones and is too short, messes up the self levelling. I have a long way to go with the bits and exactly what I will be using out of the M3 catalogue. There are so many alternatives so I need to decide exactly how I want the set up. It's difficult as everyone you speak to has a definition of ride quality, turn in and stability.

I'll keep this updated though