Discussion
HSV_V8 said:
Great choice, they are fantastic cars. I went from a manual 130i to an auto M135i and although I really like my new one I still wish I had the 130i in some respects, it's surprising how similar they both feel.
Thanks, that's interesting to hear, as I've not tried an M135i.....yonex said:
Ah, it’s not leaving, not unless a very daft offer is made. I think the recent 911 drive has proven that it’s likely a keeper. I do wonder what could be done with an older 5 or 3 series. Straight six slightly longer wheelbase. I’ll be having a chat to a guy I know, he’s got a shed load of classic BMW’s.
Glad you found the thread interesting, I’ll keep adding
Ah right, glad it's not leaving! Glad you found the thread interesting, I’ll keep adding
Please do! Great thread.
yonex said:
Yesterday, it was oil change time. 8L of Edge relieved me of £100, give or take. Up on the ramp all looked fine, bit of surface rust here and there but pretty decent. Rear tyres are on their last legs, still a few miles away from the bars but the feel in the wet is very noticeable, slight shimmy over the white lines is usually an indication it's time to change.
Anyway. The big (ger) news is that I m looking for a new car. I drove a 996 turbo earlier, quite the thing. What it did do is reveal a little bit about how far this 130i has come. The 130 has better brakes, probably better than a new 911 to be fair. It sounds wonderful, has lower limits to enjoy. At 115K it feels tighter than most modern things, for sure tighter than that 996, basically every bush and component is now only 10K old, it therefore should. But. The way it deals with bumps, compared to that 911, is remarkable. I think I am losing my mind because I preferred it. FFS
Now I'm thinking of another M3 or M5, even M2? But I do wonder what could come from a really sorted older car. I love NA straight sixes, would a classic M5 be the car, or maybe an E46 CS.
Worse still on Harry's Garage he has a V12 Jag, which he bought for 5K and spent the same on suspension, shorter diff and brakes. It's exactly where I am I think, maybe?
I feel your pain and I am in the same boat really. I fancy a Porsche but a Manthey 996 GT3 won't really fit my life. Or my budget.Anyway. The big (ger) news is that I m looking for a new car. I drove a 996 turbo earlier, quite the thing. What it did do is reveal a little bit about how far this 130i has come. The 130 has better brakes, probably better than a new 911 to be fair. It sounds wonderful, has lower limits to enjoy. At 115K it feels tighter than most modern things, for sure tighter than that 996, basically every bush and component is now only 10K old, it therefore should. But. The way it deals with bumps, compared to that 911, is remarkable. I think I am losing my mind because I preferred it. FFS
Now I'm thinking of another M3 or M5, even M2? But I do wonder what could come from a really sorted older car. I love NA straight sixes, would a classic M5 be the car, or maybe an E46 CS.
Worse still on Harry's Garage he has a V12 Jag, which he bought for 5K and spent the same on suspension, shorter diff and brakes. It's exactly where I am I think, maybe?
Edited by yonex on Wednesday 27th November 20:34
I have thought of a 997 C2 but again, I think you will need to chuck £10k at one to make it the car you want it to be. Then you are in at £45k or so.
Think an M2 won't satisfy - steering is probably poorer and not sure you will gain a lot elsewhere for the additional expense.
A classic would be cool..105 Series Alfa with plenty of rust protection?! Or a 2002/E21 with an engine swap?
You have a great machine as is and that's the issue unfortunately. I am getting some engine tweaks to my E36. Then think I too will go for a Quaife...
yonex said:
A minor milestone. The trip has been running since I took ownership at approx 69K. When I bought it back last time average was down to 24/25 with the short journeys IIRC. It does a bit of motorway stuff but is driven briskly generally, I think it’s a remarkable average tbh.
Otherwise, all normal. Still wondering about various cars but on the last journey back from Gatwick I just love it still. There’s not a squeak or rattle and I’ll never get bored of the way the engine sounds and how the very tweaked chassis feels.
Might take it over to Ireland over Xmas instead of the Mercedes bus.
Edit. I also really appreciate the dash, after all the modern stuff with loads of graphics and rubbish.
I'm in the same boat as you - still contemplating a M135i/M140i to replace mine as it's on 71k and will need suspension work soon, water pump is also yet to sOtherwise, all normal. Still wondering about various cars but on the last journey back from Gatwick I just love it still. There’s not a squeak or rattle and I’ll never get bored of the way the engine sounds and how the very tweaked chassis feels.
Might take it over to Ireland over Xmas instead of the Mercedes bus.
Edit. I also really appreciate the dash, after all the modern stuff with loads of graphics and rubbish.
t itself. But then I'm wondering whether to spend the money on a decent suspension setup and then the car will drive almost exactly how I want it (aside from a diff which I'd love but can't stomach the expense) and just run it for another year/18 months. Averaging 28mpg from 70% B-road blasting and 30% town work, which I'm delighted with.With the mods you've done to yours I'd be tempted to keep hold of it - that car's pretty much one of a kind, and will you really be lucky enough to buy it back again
I venture over to DMWorx to discuss options, M3/4/5 is what to do.
Ended up deciding that an M2 Comp would be a good bet? So off to North Oxford for a look. Initial impressions, good, aggressive look, personally love the comp wheels. It was a DCT, not a big fan personally, but gave it the benefit of doubt. The ride was very firm, leading to harsh over bumpy roads. The engine is a masterpiece, loads of power and you can’t really feel the blowers working. The downside, it’s far too quiet, almost overly refined. Back to the ride, the damping in Sport was poor, Sport Plus, IMO, just unsuitable for the average road. It was actually the initially damping control which made it feel harsh, very firm. Steering, honestly, just very average. No feel, but a decent weight and fairly quick. The brakes, finally BMW have produced a decent setup, load of power and feel, I love cars with super strong brakes. Another thing, the front of the M2 is pinned to the road, like the M3 I had, it just gives you loads of confidence. The new iDrive is excellent, Audi/Mercedes, this is how it’s done, as are the ergonomics, familiar, well laid out.
So.
I’ll just say it. The 130 is a better road car. It’s got enough power, sounds so much better, this is all very odd, and unexpected and frustrating. The damping from the Bilsteins is just miles better, how? I tried to like the DCT, I just don’t. It makes the car feel much more ordinary, I’m sure the M2 would be better (for me) as a manual. The 130’s steering pre LCI is supposed to be slightly better than post, I’ve always thought it was bang average, until the M2. I guess it’s a sign of the times, annoying though.
I just don’t know. A sorted 130 is really good, this good, that’s a 996 Turbo and M2 comp and neither would have me reaching for my bank details.
The search continues....
Next an M2 manual (non comp). Apparently a bit more raw with the smaller engine? And then there’s the 1M.
Ended up deciding that an M2 Comp would be a good bet? So off to North Oxford for a look. Initial impressions, good, aggressive look, personally love the comp wheels. It was a DCT, not a big fan personally, but gave it the benefit of doubt. The ride was very firm, leading to harsh over bumpy roads. The engine is a masterpiece, loads of power and you can’t really feel the blowers working. The downside, it’s far too quiet, almost overly refined. Back to the ride, the damping in Sport was poor, Sport Plus, IMO, just unsuitable for the average road. It was actually the initially damping control which made it feel harsh, very firm. Steering, honestly, just very average. No feel, but a decent weight and fairly quick. The brakes, finally BMW have produced a decent setup, load of power and feel, I love cars with super strong brakes. Another thing, the front of the M2 is pinned to the road, like the M3 I had, it just gives you loads of confidence. The new iDrive is excellent, Audi/Mercedes, this is how it’s done, as are the ergonomics, familiar, well laid out.
So.
I’ll just say it. The 130 is a better road car. It’s got enough power, sounds so much better, this is all very odd, and unexpected and frustrating. The damping from the Bilsteins is just miles better, how? I tried to like the DCT, I just don’t. It makes the car feel much more ordinary, I’m sure the M2 would be better (for me) as a manual. The 130’s steering pre LCI is supposed to be slightly better than post, I’ve always thought it was bang average, until the M2. I guess it’s a sign of the times, annoying though.
I just don’t know. A sorted 130 is really good, this good, that’s a 996 Turbo and M2 comp and neither would have me reaching for my bank details.
The search continues....
Next an M2 manual (non comp). Apparently a bit more raw with the smaller engine? And then there’s the 1M.
Edited by anonymous-user on Saturday 7th December 16:21
yonex said:
I venture over to DMWorx to discuss options, M3/4/5 is what to do.
Ended up deciding that an M2 Comp would be a good bet? So off to North Oxford for a look. Initial impressions, good, aggressive look, personally love the comp wheels. It was a DCT, not a big fan personally, but gave it the benefit of doubt. The ride was very firm, leading to harsh over bumpy roads. The engine is a masterpiece, loads of power and you can’t really feel the blowers working. The downside, it’s far too quiet, almost overly refined. Back to the ride, the damping in Sport was poor, Sport Plus, IMO, just unsuitable for the average road. It was actually the initially damping control which made it feel harsh, very firm. Steering, honestly, just very average. No feel, but a decent weight and fairly quick. The brakes, finally BMW have produced a decent setup, load of power and feel, I love cars with super strong brakes. Another thing, the front of the M2 is pinned to the road, like the M3 I had, it just gives you loads of confidence. The new iDrive is excellent, Audi/Mercedes, this is how it’s done, as are the ergonomics, familiar, well laid out.
So.
I’ll just say it. The 130 is a better road car. It’s got enough power, sounds so much better, this is all very odd, and unexpected and frustrating. The damping from the Bilsteins is just miles better, how? I tried to like the DCT, I just don’t. It makes the car feel much more ordinary, I’m sure the M2 would be better (for me) as a manual. The 130’s steering pre LCI is supposed to be slightly better than post, I’ve always thought it was bang average, until the M2. I guess it’s a sign of the times, annoying though.
I just don’t know. A sorted 130 is really good, this good, that’s a 996 Turbo and M2 comp and neither would have me reaching for my bank details.
The search continues....
Next an M2 manual (non comp). Apparently a bit more raw with the smaller engine? And then there’s the 1M.
A Cayman S or R might be another alternative.Ended up deciding that an M2 Comp would be a good bet? So off to North Oxford for a look. Initial impressions, good, aggressive look, personally love the comp wheels. It was a DCT, not a big fan personally, but gave it the benefit of doubt. The ride was very firm, leading to harsh over bumpy roads. The engine is a masterpiece, loads of power and you can’t really feel the blowers working. The downside, it’s far too quiet, almost overly refined. Back to the ride, the damping in Sport was poor, Sport Plus, IMO, just unsuitable for the average road. It was actually the initially damping control which made it feel harsh, very firm. Steering, honestly, just very average. No feel, but a decent weight and fairly quick. The brakes, finally BMW have produced a decent setup, load of power and feel, I love cars with super strong brakes. Another thing, the front of the M2 is pinned to the road, like the M3 I had, it just gives you loads of confidence. The new iDrive is excellent, Audi/Mercedes, this is how it’s done, as are the ergonomics, familiar, well laid out.
So.
I’ll just say it. The 130 is a better road car. It’s got enough power, sounds so much better, this is all very odd, and unexpected and frustrating. The damping from the Bilsteins is just miles better, how? I tried to like the DCT, I just don’t. It makes the car feel much more ordinary, I’m sure the M2 would be better (for me) as a manual. The 130’s steering pre LCI is supposed to be slightly better than post, I’ve always thought it was bang average, until the M2. I guess it’s a sign of the times, annoying though.
I just don’t know. A sorted 130 is really good, this good, that’s a 996 Turbo and M2 comp and neither would have me reaching for my bank details.
The search continues....
Next an M2 manual (non comp). Apparently a bit more raw with the smaller engine? And then there’s the 1M.
Edited by yonex on Saturday 7th December 16:21
Sounds right up your street unless you need 4 seats!!
yonex said:
I looked at GT3's, but; they're a different price point 
Cayman S/R, lovely, but engine issues? The thing I took from today was how good an old car, with some choice tweaks actually is? I expected to be blown away by the M2.
The cayman s/r 987.2 engines don't have Ims and Bore score issues. Cayman S/R, lovely, but engine issues? The thing I took from today was how good an old car, with some choice tweaks actually is? I expected to be blown away by the M2.
Might be worth a test drive, what's to lose!!
M4CK 1 said:
yonex said:
I looked at GT3's, but; they're a different price point
Cayman S/R, lovely, but engine issues? The thing I took from today was how good an old car, with some choice tweaks actually is? I expected to be blown away by the M2.
The cayman s/r 987.2 engines don't have Ims and Bore score issues. Cayman S/R, lovely, but engine issues? The thing I took from today was how good an old car, with some choice tweaks actually is? I expected to be blown away by the M2.
Might be worth a test drive, what's to lose!!
Having had a 987 (and still have my 130i) it sounds ideal for OP.
yonex said:
I looked at GT3's, but; they're a different price point
Cayman S/R, lovely, but engine issues? The thing I took from today was how good an old car, with some choice tweaks actually is? I expected to be blown away by the M2.
You are ok with the gen 2 987 cars re. Engines. The R seems expensive to be honest - I think an S with some KWs, LSD etc would be more fun and cheaper.Cayman S/R, lovely, but engine issues? The thing I took from today was how good an old car, with some choice tweaks actually is? I expected to be blown away by the M2.
Or something like this as a leftfield choice:
http://www.911virgin.com/porscheforsale/1404/993C2...
yonex said:
I looked at GT3's, but; they're a different price point
Cayman S/R, lovely, but engine issues? The thing I took from today was how good an old car, with some choice tweaks actually is? I expected to be blown away by the M2.
You are ok with the gen 2 987 cars re. Engines. The R seems expensive to be honest - I think an S with some KWs, LSD etc would be more fun and cheaper.Cayman S/R, lovely, but engine issues? The thing I took from today was how good an old car, with some choice tweaks actually is? I expected to be blown away by the M2.
Or something like this as a leftfield choice:
http://www.911virgin.com/porscheforsale/1404/993C2...
SidewaysSi said:
yonex said:
I looked at GT3's, but; they're a different price point
Cayman S/R, lovely, but engine issues? The thing I took from today was how good an old car, with some choice tweaks actually is? I expected to be blown away by the M2.
You are ok with the gen 2 987 cars re. Engines. The R seems expensive to be honest - I think an S with some KWs, LSD etc would be more fun and cheaper.Cayman S/R, lovely, but engine issues? The thing I took from today was how good an old car, with some choice tweaks actually is? I expected to be blown away by the M2.
Or something like this as a leftfield choice:
http://www.911virgin.com/porscheforsale/1404/993C2...
I think the difference between the S and the R is about 10 bhp, lighter seats and wheels, lowered and some aero. And about 20 grand
I'd also change the wheels to team dynamic pro race 1.3 or superallegrita and GT3 seats.
Oh and a lighter exhaust
M4CK 1 said:
SidewaysSi said:
yonex said:
I looked at GT3's, but; they're a different price point
Cayman S/R, lovely, but engine issues? The thing I took from today was how good an old car, with some choice tweaks actually is? I expected to be blown away by the M2.
You are ok with the gen 2 987 cars re. Engines. The R seems expensive to be honest - I think an S with some KWs, LSD etc would be more fun and cheaper.Cayman S/R, lovely, but engine issues? The thing I took from today was how good an old car, with some choice tweaks actually is? I expected to be blown away by the M2.
Or something like this as a leftfield choice:
http://www.911virgin.com/porscheforsale/1404/993C2...
I think the difference between the S and the R is about 10 bhp, lighter seats and wheels, lowered and some aero. And about 20 grand
I'd also change the wheels to team dynamic pro race 1.3 or superallegrita and GT3 seats.
Oh and a lighter exhaust
SidewaysSi said:
M4CK 1 said:
SidewaysSi said:
yonex said:
I looked at GT3's, but; they're a different price point
Cayman S/R, lovely, but engine issues? The thing I took from today was how good an old car, with some choice tweaks actually is? I expected to be blown away by the M2.
You are ok with the gen 2 987 cars re. Engines. The R seems expensive to be honest - I think an S with some KWs, LSD etc would be more fun and cheaper.Cayman S/R, lovely, but engine issues? The thing I took from today was how good an old car, with some choice tweaks actually is? I expected to be blown away by the M2.
Or something like this as a leftfield choice:
http://www.911virgin.com/porscheforsale/1404/993C2...
I think the difference between the S and the R is about 10 bhp, lighter seats and wheels, lowered and some aero. And about 20 grand
I'd also change the wheels to team dynamic pro race 1.3 or superallegrita and GT3 seats.
Oh and a lighter exhaust
Weirdly, her dad at the moment has a GT3 and an S1 Lotus Exige (jammy git) but need to sell at least one of his toys.
Unfortunately the exige has to go! He says the exige is actually more fun than the Porsche but he's getting old know and is well into the Porsche club.
He doesn't seem to be trying to hard to get rid of the Exige though
M4CK 1 said:
SidewaysSi said:
M4CK 1 said:
SidewaysSi said:
yonex said:
I looked at GT3's, but; they're a different price point
Cayman S/R, lovely, but engine issues? The thing I took from today was how good an old car, with some choice tweaks actually is? I expected to be blown away by the M2.
You are ok with the gen 2 987 cars re. Engines. The R seems expensive to be honest - I think an S with some KWs, LSD etc would be more fun and cheaper.Cayman S/R, lovely, but engine issues? The thing I took from today was how good an old car, with some choice tweaks actually is? I expected to be blown away by the M2.
Or something like this as a leftfield choice:
http://www.911virgin.com/porscheforsale/1404/993C2...
I think the difference between the S and the R is about 10 bhp, lighter seats and wheels, lowered and some aero. And about 20 grand
I'd also change the wheels to team dynamic pro race 1.3 or superallegrita and GT3 seats.
Oh and a lighter exhaust
Weirdly, her dad at the moment has a GT3 and an S1 Lotus Exige (jammy git) but need to sell at least one of his toys.
Unfortunately the exige has to go! He says the exige is actually more fun than the Porsche but he's getting old know and is well into the Porsche club.
He doesn't seem to be trying to hard to get rid of the Exige though
The latest S3 Elises are quite different from the old S1s - stability control, aircon etc makes them a far more usable everyday proposition.
You lose some rawness but still will be miles ahead of a Cayman and except getting in and out, not that more difficult to use as a daily.
SidewaysSi said:
M4CK 1 said:
SidewaysSi said:
M4CK 1 said:
SidewaysSi said:
yonex said:
I looked at GT3's, but; they're a different price point
Cayman S/R, lovely, but engine issues? The thing I took from today was how good an old car, with some choice tweaks actually is? I expected to be blown away by the M2.
You are ok with the gen 2 987 cars re. Engines. The R seems expensive to be honest - I think an S with some KWs, LSD etc would be more fun and cheaper.Cayman S/R, lovely, but engine issues? The thing I took from today was how good an old car, with some choice tweaks actually is? I expected to be blown away by the M2.
Or something like this as a leftfield choice:
http://www.911virgin.com/porscheforsale/1404/993C2...
I think the difference between the S and the R is about 10 bhp, lighter seats and wheels, lowered and some aero. And about 20 grand
I'd also change the wheels to team dynamic pro race 1.3 or superallegrita and GT3 seats.
Oh and a lighter exhaust
Weirdly, her dad at the moment has a GT3 and an S1 Lotus Exige (jammy git) but need to sell at least one of his toys.
Unfortunately the exige has to go! He says the exige is actually more fun than the Porsche but he's getting old know and is well into the Porsche club.
He doesn't seem to be trying to hard to get rid of the Exige though
The latest S3 Elises are quite different from the old S1s - stability control, aircon etc makes them a far more usable everyday proposition.
You lose some rawness but still will be miles ahead of a Cayman and except getting in and out, not that more difficult to use as a daily.
The S1 Exige is an event, it is raw and visceral.
Walking up to it and your jaw drops. You don't just open the door and get in, you pretty much have to fall in. The driving position is more or less perfect as you feel part of the car. Start the car, and the car vibrates and every blip of the throttle energises the K series. Moving off, the engine, gearbox and steering feel alive. The engine feels like an animal, the steering feels telepathic in its response and feedback, turning into a corner feels electric.
The GT3, is a great drive and the engine sounds fabulous although I'd say the gearbox is good is a little bit over geared.
The Exige and GT3 are completely different animals. The Exige is harder to live with and is not really a GT where the GT3 is easier to live but nowhere as visceral!!
DoubleSix said:
Hmm had a few blasts in an Elise and the engine couldn’t hold a candle to the flat six howl of the CS. Great chassis though!
Yeah there is no comparison really engine wise but that's not really a fair comparison. The Exiges VHPD K series engine is still a good unit really needs an aftermarket ECU for it to run right. With a decat and aftermarket ecu it's a real character of an engine. Cammy and loud come to mind and the when it comes on cam at 4k it becomes all vtech and red lines at 8k and then pops and bangs on a lift. In fact I would say it was a more characterful engine than Honda K.
The metzger flat six has a lovely creamy sound until 4k and builds to a sonorous metallic cry. But again shorter gearing is what I felt it needed.
Getting way way off topic but this is what a tweaked K sounds like and not dissimilar to mine...
https://youtu.be/8uKj_ABjLis
https://youtu.be/8uKj_ABjLis
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