BMW 130i - thoughts?
Discussion
VerySideways said:
zainster said:
Had a look at the figures for 0-124 mph for both (personal experience made me question that statement).
E46 M3 18.3
E87 24.7
The LSD took 1.1 seconds off the 0-60 time... i also have the personal experience to back up the statement.E46 M3 18.3
E87 24.7
You might have the experience but that's the complete opposite to mine when i had my M3's. Its also opposite to the manufacturers and motoring press info. 130i doesn't stand a chance. Doesn't make it a bad car, I really like em but let's not suggest there E46 M3 pace because they simply aren't. :-)
So back to the OP - I am running a Z4 Coupe with the N52 engine the same as the 130i has and it is fantastic!
As good chasing the redline at 7,000rpm as pulling cleanly at about 1,000 rpm in high gears.
Have averaged about 30 mpg over 4,000 miles so probably not enough red-line moments, but Scenics, Zafiras, and stuff get in the way!
Have a 325 ti Compact as a daily and in an ideal world I would like the 3 litre N52 in that - now there's a plan!
But budget a bit more for consumables than for a Clio!
You are lucky if a 130i is an option for you at 22 - I had a Rover P6 3500S at that age which seemed impressive at the time but wouldn't see which way a 120d went!! (Sounded much better though).
As good chasing the redline at 7,000rpm as pulling cleanly at about 1,000 rpm in high gears.
Have averaged about 30 mpg over 4,000 miles so probably not enough red-line moments, but Scenics, Zafiras, and stuff get in the way!
Have a 325 ti Compact as a daily and in an ideal world I would like the 3 litre N52 in that - now there's a plan!
But budget a bit more for consumables than for a Clio!
You are lucky if a 130i is an option for you at 22 - I had a Rover P6 3500S at that age which seemed impressive at the time but wouldn't see which way a 120d went!! (Sounded much better though).
I've had a 130i since I was 21 - fantastic car. Running costs are reasonable but you still need to be earning a decent wedge to afford it all. In the 4 years I had vanos solonoid and recently a coil pack go. Handling wise they are good fun but the lack of lsd means oversteer can be a spiky experience - not the mosf predictable. But then you shouldnt be doing that on public roads anyway!
Fox- said:
SidewaysSi said:
Thanks, I do try. A 22 year old needs something properly engaging FFS.
Yes, a Renault Clio is definitely far more sporting than an RWD 260bhp hatch.I've also had a 130 and currently have an E36 M3. Miles and miles better. More engaging? On what level? There's nothing quite like a deserted wet junction in a 'relatively' powerful RWD car.
VerySideways said:
zainster said:
I really like em but let's not suggest there E46 M3 pace because they simply aren't. :-)
As i said, with a limited slip diff and decent tyres it's not until 120mph that the E46 shows any advantage at all. But you're entitled to your opinion.SidewaysSi said:
Swervin_Mervin said:
SidewaysSi said:
Why don't you get something properly fun and more befitting, like a RS Clio?
Good one.zainster said:
Fair do's mate, I can't argue with your personal experience. 80bhp down and over 6 seconds difference in the sprint from 0 to 124 all made up by the 130i with just an LSD?! Cool story.
Did you read that somewhere? Oh it must be true then. Apparently some dude made the Earth in 6 days too...
P.S. Did you know that torque (which is the rate at which power is developed) versus drag is what accounts for acceleration (the rate at which speed is developed)?
That extra 80bhp you're so proud of just gives the M3 a higher theoretical top speed (assuming equivalent drag factors), which is probably why my E92 M3 is faster than my old E46 M3. Except that, up to about 100mph, it really isn't...
That extra 80bhp you're so proud of just gives the M3 a higher theoretical top speed (assuming equivalent drag factors), which is probably why my E92 M3 is faster than my old E46 M3. Except that, up to about 100mph, it really isn't...
VerySideways said:
zainster said:
Fair do's mate, I can't argue with your personal experience. 80bhp down and over 6 seconds difference in the sprint from 0 to 124 all made up by the 130i with just an LSD?! Cool story.
Did you read that somewhere? Oh it must be true then. Apparently some dude made the Earth in 6 days too...
I'm sure if you say so it has to be true though, regardless whatever the facts suggest!
Swervin_Mervin said:
And which Clio RS would be more engaging than a 260bhp RWD 1-series with one of the best N/A 6-pots ever made?
RWD, hatchback and a 6 pot engine is what automatically qualifies something as the leader in engagement? As a solid BMW man and owner of both an M car and a Clio, I would suggest that those who so swiftly dismiss the little hatchback usually haven't driven one. They may be flawed (driving position being the biggest one) but for anyone to say they are anything but extremely engaging when driven is just off the mark.
Take the latest Megane Trophy R as another example in a similar vein, how many reviews have the M135i as being the more engaging car?
And an e9x M3 is almost 2 seconds faster to 100mph than the e46, for what it's worth.
Edited by Patrick Bateman on Tuesday 7th April 00:09
VerySideways said:
As i said, with a limited slip diff and decent tyres it's not until 120mph that the E46 shows any advantage at all. But you're entitled to your opinion.
I've got a 130i with a E92 M3 rear end and although the car is quick the chances of it sticking with a E46 M3 unto 120mph are pretty remote. But I agree when people say a 130i is 80% of the performance with 50% of the running costs. The N52 is deaf one of the best non M engines in a BMW.Edited by rwdvectra on Sunday 19th April 16:18
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