130i - a few questions
Discussion
Looking to buy one of these in the next month or so. Most likely a pre-face lift 55 - 56 plate
1) What's the difference between SE and M sport versions
Can you point me in the direction of a definitive list of differences please.
What I think I know: M sport has sport seats, and different styling, different suspension, different steering wheel? anything else?
Is the SE a smoother ride compared to the m sport?
Been looking around over the past couple of weeks and am seeing a few SE models and some are reasonably priced so want to know for sure before arranging a trip to see one.
2) Are there any must have things to look out for in the spec?
Only thing I have at the moment is rear parking sensors, and isofix
3) is there any room under the boot space for a space saver?
I'll most likely ditch the run flats but wondered if there's any space to put a space saver and jack, or if it has to just sit in the boot and fly around the back as you go round corners
4) Any common problems to keep an eye out for?
1) What's the difference between SE and M sport versions
Can you point me in the direction of a definitive list of differences please.
What I think I know: M sport has sport seats, and different styling, different suspension, different steering wheel? anything else?
Is the SE a smoother ride compared to the m sport?
Been looking around over the past couple of weeks and am seeing a few SE models and some are reasonably priced so want to know for sure before arranging a trip to see one.
2) Are there any must have things to look out for in the spec?
Only thing I have at the moment is rear parking sensors, and isofix
3) is there any room under the boot space for a space saver?
I'll most likely ditch the run flats but wondered if there's any space to put a space saver and jack, or if it has to just sit in the boot and fly around the back as you go round corners
4) Any common problems to keep an eye out for?
On the run flat issue you can buy a BMW mobility kit instead of having a spare roll around in your boot. It's just a compressor and a can of gunk, you can buy third party mobility kits that do the same job for cheaper than what BMW ask for. I have an E92 and there is no room for a space saver in there so I doubt a 1 series has space either.
Excellent choice - the steering on pre-facelift cars is noticeably better.
You pretty much have the SE vs MSport differences, can't think of any others. Personally i find the SE seats uncomfortable and unsupportive but the suspension is softer.
The standard headlights are carp, so try and get one with factory xenons if you can. Isofix is standard.
Under the boot, no, but an E46 17" space saver will clear the 130i front brakes and is easy to strap to the side of the boot in the 130i.
Common problems? No. Some people complain about a tappety noise but this is cured by switching oil at next service. Stick to decent quality 0w-30 (or 0w-40 if you're likely to drive it hard or on track).
You pretty much have the SE vs MSport differences, can't think of any others. Personally i find the SE seats uncomfortable and unsupportive but the suspension is softer.
The standard headlights are carp, so try and get one with factory xenons if you can. Isofix is standard.
Under the boot, no, but an E46 17" space saver will clear the 130i front brakes and is easy to strap to the side of the boot in the 130i.
Common problems? No. Some people complain about a tappety noise but this is cured by switching oil at next service. Stick to decent quality 0w-30 (or 0w-40 if you're likely to drive it hard or on track).
The only things wrong with mine were the rubbish headlights, as verysideways says, xenons are absolutely essential. - no ifs, no buts.
Non rfts are also necessary - I just shoved a BMW mobility kit in the boot as I was too lazy to research cheaper options.
Mine was a fantastic car for the 4 years(?) I owned it and a better driver than I from the babybmw forum bought it from me.
I would say the M Sport would be essential as it ticks all the right boxes.. It is nicely quick and I only sold it as it was just a small version of my needed X3 3.0i and I fancied a change.
Non rfts are also necessary - I just shoved a BMW mobility kit in the boot as I was too lazy to research cheaper options.
Mine was a fantastic car for the 4 years(?) I owned it and a better driver than I from the babybmw forum bought it from me.
I would say the M Sport would be essential as it ticks all the right boxes.. It is nicely quick and I only sold it as it was just a small version of my needed X3 3.0i and I fancied a change.
VerySideways said:
Excellent choice - the steering on pre-facelift cars is noticeably better.
You pretty much have the SE vs MSport differences, can't think of any others. Personally i find the SE seats uncomfortable and unsupportive but the suspension is softer.
The standard headlights are carp, so try and get one with factory xenons if you can. Isofix is standard.
Under the boot, no, but an E46 17" space saver will clear the 130i front brakes and is easy to strap to the side of the boot in the 130i.
Common problems? No. Some people complain about a tappety noise but this is cured by switching oil at next service. Stick to decent quality 0w-30 (or 0w-40 if you're likely to drive it hard or on track).
I'd challenge whether the hydraulic steering on pre-facelift cars is 'better'. This is a personal preference and I preferred the electric system on my facelift car.You pretty much have the SE vs MSport differences, can't think of any others. Personally i find the SE seats uncomfortable and unsupportive but the suspension is softer.
The standard headlights are carp, so try and get one with factory xenons if you can. Isofix is standard.
Under the boot, no, but an E46 17" space saver will clear the 130i front brakes and is easy to strap to the side of the boot in the 130i.
Common problems? No. Some people complain about a tappety noise but this is cured by switching oil at next service. Stick to decent quality 0w-30 (or 0w-40 if you're likely to drive it hard or on track).
Can't say I had any issues with the driving position being offset either. As mentioned though, it is worth trying one out and seeing how you find it to see if it works for you. I also loved the chunky but soft leather steering wheel...
Probably depends on your plans for it - if you are going to fit after-market suspension and an LSD (i.e. Quaife) you might as well buy an SE (they seem to be significantly cheaper) but if you just want something reasonable out of the box go for the Sport/M Sport.
Either way they must be loads of fun, and N/A straight 6 RWD hatches won't happen again so just do it!
Either way they must be loads of fun, and N/A straight 6 RWD hatches won't happen again so just do it!
The only certain difference between the M sport and SE is the wheels and bumpers as the seats and M sport suspension were options on the SE. You want the M sport seats really as they're much more supportive, but the M sport suspension I wouldn't seek out, as frankly it's not great and has a jarring, bouncy ride. Whichever you go for, SE or M sport, get some decent non-runflat tyres and a can of goo in case you get a puncture.
Not a great deal to worry about reliability wise - tappets can get noisy although it doesn't seem to harm the engine (mine does this on occasion), electric water pumps can go, as can abs pumps. Both parts are expensive although the latter can be repaired for about £250 at a specialist. Also check the rear washer jet works, they block and then piss water into the wiper motor. This happened to mine. If it hesitates when you plant your foot at low revs (~1500rpm) it's probably sticking VANOS solenoids - removing and cleaning them (easy 15 minute DIY) often helps, if not a new pair are about £150.
They're a great package overall - fun to drive but really easy to live with, superb engine, sensible running costs, and with a few tweaks handle really well too.
Not a great deal to worry about reliability wise - tappets can get noisy although it doesn't seem to harm the engine (mine does this on occasion), electric water pumps can go, as can abs pumps. Both parts are expensive although the latter can be repaired for about £250 at a specialist. Also check the rear washer jet works, they block and then piss water into the wiper motor. This happened to mine. If it hesitates when you plant your foot at low revs (~1500rpm) it's probably sticking VANOS solenoids - removing and cleaning them (easy 15 minute DIY) often helps, if not a new pair are about £150.
They're a great package overall - fun to drive but really easy to live with, superb engine, sensible running costs, and with a few tweaks handle really well too.
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