Quick BMW spec question - M-Sport / SE

[milfordkong]

Quick question for any BMW experts / 130i owners...

Does the 130i in M-Sport spec have any performance / mechanical / handling benefits over an SE spec car? Or is it purely cosmetic enhancements? Different body kit, wheels etc..

Please don't move to BMW, could do with a quick answer.

[T16OLE]

The suspension is slightly different

[rallycross]

Not sure on the 1 series but on the 2006-2011 3 series the SE and the M-Sport 330/335 has the same suspension on the coupe (but not the saloon which is softer in SE spec).

[milfordkong]

Thanks guys, just found this on a BMW forum too

"The M Sport has a lower ride height via different springs, different (Bilstein) dampers, and thicker anti roll bars.

The rest is mostly cosmetic. 18" wheels, Sports seats (highly desirable, and commonly ungraded to?), bumpers, skirts, black head-lining, etc"

Shame as there's a local SE that's very well priced, i'm not bothered about the visuals but i'd really prefer the best handling version of the car.

[Codswallop]

Stiffer suspension and a "sport" badge do not necessarily make a better handling car. If anything, I would guess the SE model would be more supple and more fun on a b-road hoon, as well as being more comfortable the 90% of the time you are not driving like you're on a rally stage.

[Bonefish Blues]

Make sure you drive the MSport for a decent time pre any purchase - the frequency of pitch of the suspension made me feel sick in short order.

[mekondelta]

Not an expert but sure that the spec inside the car changes too. I think you get cruise, different steering wheel controls etc. Someone else can confirm better than me though...

[Caulkhead]

Codswallop said:

Stiffer suspension and a "sport" badge do not necessarily make a better handling car. If anything, I would guess the SE model would be more supple and more fun on a b-road hoon, as well as being more comfortable the 90% of the time you are not driving like you're on a rally stage.

Agreed - I drove a 130i M-sport and SE a couple of years ago and the SE was better on the albeit rather bumpy local roads.

[milfordkong]

All good stuff, thanks - I suppose I need to drive both, I guess I'm concerned perhaps incorrectly that if I bought the SE no matter how good a deal, i'd always wish I had the M-Sport.

[Tom74]

We tested both and bought the SE spec one as it was a far more comfortable ride, still goes rounds corners too

[ajb85]

Back on the E46 people had no choice but to go for a Sport because the SE offered some of the most ghastly wood & leather combinations known to man.

You might find the steering wheel differs on the 1 Series M Sport too, but I'm a little behind with these cars tbh.

[T16OLE]

Ditch runflats too