130i hatchback good runabout?

[rayyan171]

I have an XC90 to shift my family of 6 about. My wife does a 7-mile round commute to and from work. She has an E39 which we have had in the family since the mileage read 0. However, it is getting tired, leaks oil and the speedo doesn't work. Also we are getting the driveway done and I don't want oil on that. Would a 130i 55 reg be a good idea to replace it?

[edition]

Great car as long as you don't need the e39's space.

[(steven)]

We are very happy with ours. The gearbox takes a little getting used to shifting from 1st to 2nd so just check you’re alright with that if your mainly going to use it about town. (The missus took a while to normalise to it).

Somewhat of a different proposition to an E39 though.

[rayyan171]

TBH we needed the E39's space a few years ago, when we didn't have the XC90, but now the most people her car will take is two people, so the 1 series looks like an option. However, more people may travel with us sometimes, as mostly when the whole family travel, it's the XC90.

[rb5er]

The 130i is a fun little car.

Not to everyones taste looks wise but it has grown on me.

[DavidLScott]

The 130is a fantastic car and very quick.
Mine was a 55 and had about 55k miles when I sold it after 4 years or so.

They all tend to lurch a bit on take off and the steering column lock can play up and it can be a £1k fix.

Boot space is reasonable and rear seat tolerable for an adult on short journeys and/or no-one is too tall.

You don't look at the outside if you're on the inside but the rear end looks do grow on you.
They look better with the rear screen spoiler and a stubby aerial.

[nickfrog]

[quote=(steven)]The gearbox takes a little getting used to shifting from 1st to 2nd so just check you’re alright with that if your mainly going to use it about town. (The missus took a while to normalise)

[/quote]

This is easily fixed by removing the stupid clutch delay valve (CDV). 15mn job by any decent Indy or diy if you have access to a ramp.