Does the 130i lack the special factor?
Discussion
Looking for a replacement for my Clio 182 FF. The 130i seems to tick all the boxes and i'm in the process of finding one to test drive.
However I just don't feel they are all that special... am I wrong?
What else should I consider for £7-8K? Ideally want something special and involving with enough practicality for some longer road trips.
However I just don't feel they are all that special... am I wrong?
What else should I consider for £7-8K? Ideally want something special and involving with enough practicality for some longer road trips.
podgeorge said:
Looking for a replacement for my Clio 182 FF. The 130i seems to tick all the boxes and i'm in the process of finding one to test drive.
However I just don't feel they are all that special... am I wrong?
What else should I consider for £7-8K? Ideally want something special and involving with enough practicality for some longer road trips.
Agree the 130i's aren't all that 'special', but with an £8k budget your going to struggle to get special, reliability and practicality in one package. My choice would be a 335i or 130i coupe assuming you want rwd fun and decent boot. What about forget practicality and go for z4 or Boxster, maybe even a 350z?However I just don't feel they are all that special... am I wrong?
What else should I consider for £7-8K? Ideally want something special and involving with enough practicality for some longer road trips.
A good question.
From a general car on the road passing by POV it's not special.... pretty much all it's competitors scream 'look at me!'...and/or literally scream, or pop and fart.... it is though IMO a modern 'sleeper'. Not shouty, tacky or bling. It's smooth, stylish, understated with a badge number other like-minded car folk would acknowledge as a mature choice given the opposition. I think if I had one I'd feel pretty pleased with myself...(and that's nowt to do with the BMW badge)
From a general car on the road passing by POV it's not special.... pretty much all it's competitors scream 'look at me!'...and/or literally scream, or pop and fart.... it is though IMO a modern 'sleeper'. Not shouty, tacky or bling. It's smooth, stylish, understated with a badge number other like-minded car folk would acknowledge as a mature choice given the opposition. I think if I had one I'd feel pretty pleased with myself...(and that's nowt to do with the BMW badge)
I went from a clio 182 FF to a 130i so hopefully I can be of some help.
The 130i's suspension feels like a tractors, it's hopeless after driving the 182. Engine is the opposite; refined, smooth and lovely but the car weighs 50% more than a 182 and it really dulls the performance. I'm not saying I regret getting my 130i but it is just a fairly crap car with a nice engine.
The 130i's suspension feels like a tractors, it's hopeless after driving the 182. Engine is the opposite; refined, smooth and lovely but the car weighs 50% more than a 182 and it really dulls the performance. I'm not saying I regret getting my 130i but it is just a fairly crap car with a nice engine.
inabox said:
I went from a clio 182 FF to a 130i so hopefully I can be of some help.
The 130i's suspension feels like a tractors, it's hopeless after driving the 182. Engine is the opposite; refined, smooth and lovely but the car weighs 50% more than a 182 and it really dulls the performance. I'm not saying I regret getting my 130i but it is just a fairly crap car with a nice engine.
Thanks for your responses!The 130i's suspension feels like a tractors, it's hopeless after driving the 182. Engine is the opposite; refined, smooth and lovely but the car weighs 50% more than a 182 and it really dulls the performance. I'm not saying I regret getting my 130i but it is just a fairly crap car with a nice engine.
Inabox, really useful hearing from someone who's done the same. Being in my position would you go for the 130i again or something different? Can you give any more detail on your move from 182 to 130i, i'd be interested to hear more...
DoubleD, I would like to but i've had the car 3 years now and it's reliability is getting worse. I am only using it occasionally so I wanted something different which may be more reliable when i get the chance to use it.
DaveH23 said:
Ignore my stupidity but what is the FF part of a 182?
Not at all!FF = Full Fat; a abbreviation to describe a 182 with all of the luxuries of a normal car 182 (Air Con, ABS, Traction Control, Leather/Alcantara Interior) as well as being specced with the Cup Suspension and spoiler packs
I really rather like my 130i. It's a lovely place to be, and I strongly disagree with the 'tractor' suspension comment; it may not be the finest damping, but it still feels well planted and a step above most Euro-box tosh. As others have said, the engine is what makes the car, otherwise it's 'just' a 1-series. But what an engine, and what a combination - over-engined, compact, RWD. Cheap to run, the straight-six is pretty bullet-proof; in fact Auto Bild magazine in Germany rated it their most reliable long-termer they'd ever had.
I've had a 130i for almost 6 years and a 182 for 18 months - the little BMW still feels special. Engine is an absolute peach, feels like a big car on the motorway and a hot hatch on the back roads. Suspension is a little sloppy as standard but easily sorted (see the many threads on babybmw.net). It's relatively cheap to run and has been fantastically reliable, still feels solid at 137k miles.
Obviously it doesn't handle like a 182 but has many other talents that make it a better all rounder for me. Personally I love the look of it, stealth is an advantage for a daily driver.
It's also significantly faster in a straight line that the 182 if that's important to you.
Obviously it doesn't handle like a 182 but has many other talents that make it a better all rounder for me. Personally I love the look of it, stealth is an advantage for a daily driver.
It's also significantly faster in a straight line that the 182 if that's important to you.
Edited by swanny71 on Wednesday 8th February 08:15
Edited by swanny71 on Wednesday 8th February 08:16
Ey up, I might seem harsh on my 130i, but I do like it and I would buy one again given the same constraints. My partner and I had a child which the 182 coped with but when the 2nd arrived the little clio just wouldn't really cut it, so I was on the look out for a 5 door hot hatch.
The bmw is much faster in a straight line if that's your thing, but you don't really notice the speed until you look at the speedo. You do notice the shove from all the torque though. Handling wise, I'm sure it could be sorted out, most of the problems are at the rear; it's seriously under damped and over sprung. I would 100% budget sorting that out if I was to buy again and if I wasn't building myself a house I'd be ordering some koni's right now haha.
On the motorway it feels great, provides good mpg and is quite a nice place to be, road noise aside (I have michelin super sports all round).
On twisty B roads it's a bit dull to be honest, there's a bit of shimmy from the rear, the back end bounces all over the place and I never really feel like the car's going to back me up, though it does because of all the grip from the tires I guess. Fit poorer tires and you'll get traction control going all the time, which to me says it's badly set up from the factory. The bits inbetween the corners are much more fun and once above 5k the howl is intoxicating. To me, the car just feels heavy to be honest, though my other car is a 172 cup and the one before that was a 600kg mini so perhaps I'm just too old fashioned.
I love the sleeper looks and the engine, the motorway ride and after riding in my 172 cup the seating position is a revelation. It's flawed but if you keep and can justify 1-1.5k to spend on the suspension I'm not convinced there's a better 5 door small-ish car around really.
The bmw is much faster in a straight line if that's your thing, but you don't really notice the speed until you look at the speedo. You do notice the shove from all the torque though. Handling wise, I'm sure it could be sorted out, most of the problems are at the rear; it's seriously under damped and over sprung. I would 100% budget sorting that out if I was to buy again and if I wasn't building myself a house I'd be ordering some koni's right now haha.
On the motorway it feels great, provides good mpg and is quite a nice place to be, road noise aside (I have michelin super sports all round).
On twisty B roads it's a bit dull to be honest, there's a bit of shimmy from the rear, the back end bounces all over the place and I never really feel like the car's going to back me up, though it does because of all the grip from the tires I guess. Fit poorer tires and you'll get traction control going all the time, which to me says it's badly set up from the factory. The bits inbetween the corners are much more fun and once above 5k the howl is intoxicating. To me, the car just feels heavy to be honest, though my other car is a 172 cup and the one before that was a 600kg mini so perhaps I'm just too old fashioned.
I love the sleeper looks and the engine, the motorway ride and after riding in my 172 cup the seating position is a revelation. It's flawed but if you keep and can justify 1-1.5k to spend on the suspension I'm not convinced there's a better 5 door small-ish car around really.
inabox said:
Ey up, I might seem harsh on my 130i.
I appreciate the honest sum up you have given rather than some who make out a car is the bees knees and are blinded by its flaws. The view you've given is a breath of fresh air, agree that the engine is an absolute belter as well it's silky smooth and free revving, it's just a shame beemers weigh so much!
inabox said:
Ey up, I might seem harsh on my 130i, but I do like it and I would buy one again given the same constraints. My partner and I had a child which the 182 coped with but when the 2nd arrived the little clio just wouldn't really cut it, so I was on the look out for a 5 door hot hatch.
The bmw is much faster in a straight line if that's your thing, but you don't really notice the speed until you look at the speedo. You do notice the shove from all the torque though. Handling wise, I'm sure it could be sorted out, most of the problems are at the rear; it's seriously under damped and over sprung. I would 100% budget sorting that out if I was to buy again and if I wasn't building myself a house I'd be ordering some koni's right now haha.
On the motorway it feels great, provides good mpg and is quite a nice place to be, road noise aside (I have michelin super sports all round).
On twisty B roads it's a bit dull to be honest, there's a bit of shimmy from the rear, the back end bounces all over the place and I never really feel like the car's going to back me up, though it does because of all the grip from the tires I guess. Fit poorer tires and you'll get traction control going all the time, which to me says it's badly set up from the factory. The bits inbetween the corners are much more fun and once above 5k the howl is intoxicating. To me, the car just feels heavy to be honest, though my other car is a 172 cup and the one before that was a 600kg mini so perhaps I'm just too old fashioned.
I love the sleeper looks and the engine, the motorway ride and after riding in my 172 cup the seating position is a revelation. It's flawed but if you keep and can justify 1-1.5k to spend on the suspension I'm not convinced there's a better 5 door small-ish car around really.
Your an absolute champion mate, this was the exact sort of information I was looking for.. very much appreciated! The bmw is much faster in a straight line if that's your thing, but you don't really notice the speed until you look at the speedo. You do notice the shove from all the torque though. Handling wise, I'm sure it could be sorted out, most of the problems are at the rear; it's seriously under damped and over sprung. I would 100% budget sorting that out if I was to buy again and if I wasn't building myself a house I'd be ordering some koni's right now haha.
On the motorway it feels great, provides good mpg and is quite a nice place to be, road noise aside (I have michelin super sports all round).
On twisty B roads it's a bit dull to be honest, there's a bit of shimmy from the rear, the back end bounces all over the place and I never really feel like the car's going to back me up, though it does because of all the grip from the tires I guess. Fit poorer tires and you'll get traction control going all the time, which to me says it's badly set up from the factory. The bits inbetween the corners are much more fun and once above 5k the howl is intoxicating. To me, the car just feels heavy to be honest, though my other car is a 172 cup and the one before that was a 600kg mini so perhaps I'm just too old fashioned.
I love the sleeper looks and the engine, the motorway ride and after riding in my 172 cup the seating position is a revelation. It's flawed but if you keep and can justify 1-1.5k to spend on the suspension I'm not convinced there's a better 5 door small-ish car around really.
I think I'm going to investigate suspension wise and see what's involved in terms of cost and perhaps try a Megan's R26 also. I'll be honest, the promise of that straight 6 howl has already got my attention - so we'll see!
Meanwhile anyone else with any experiences or alternat suggestions, please share!
inabox said:
On twisty B roads it's a bit dull to be honest, there's a bit of shimmy from the rear, the back end bounces all over the place and I never really feel like the car's going to back me up, though it does because of all the grip from the tires I guess.
Something is wrong with your car... mine doesn't do that. sagarich said:
Something is wrong with your car... mine doesn't do that.
Do you have upgraded rear subframe bushes? They're a common fix to a well known 'issue' where there's a little bit of lateral play in the rear end that shows up mostly mid-corner. I can really feel it, it doesn't cause issues really, just doesn't feel nice.Edit: not standard, but cheap to achieve:
https://youtu.be/MRfW6xSm9Io
Edited by inabox on Wednesday 8th February 20:05
sagarich said:
inabox said:
On twisty B roads it's a bit dull to be honest, there's a bit of shimmy from the rear, the back end bounces all over the place and I never really feel like the car's going to back me up, though it does because of all the grip from the tires I guess.
Something is wrong with your car... mine doesn't do that. Birds kit is probably best fix.
Inabox sums it up well. I love mine and have kept in longer than any other car I've owned as I feel these are a unique package and only getting moreso!
DoubleSix said:
They all do that, you can learn to drive around it to an extent but it's there.
Birds kit is probably best fix.
Inabox sums it up well. I love mine and have kept in longer than any other car I've owned as I feel these are a unique package and only getting moreso!
I really think the engine is a bit of a swan song for NA engines in 'average' cars. When I move my girlfriend into a different car, I'd love to have a go at really sorting the 130i; put it on a weight saving mission and sort the rear out, LSD etc. I think you're right about it being from a dying breed. I drove a facelift one with the electric power steering and I can hand on heart say it's worth suffering the slightly plasticy interior to have the hydraulic steering of the earlier cars. And it's a bit obvious, but anyone looking at a 130i needs to make sure it's not on run flats or budget for a rapid change of tires, runflats do not help the already hard suspension.Birds kit is probably best fix.
Inabox sums it up well. I love mine and have kept in longer than any other car I've owned as I feel these are a unique package and only getting moreso!
I've owned a 130i for about 7 years and I just can't bring myself to get rid of it. The engine does, imo, make it feel a little bit special. It's unexpected in a car that size and is a world away from more modern cars with low capacity and forced induction.
I'll agree that in some respects it's not a great car; the suspension is rather hard and there's definitely an imperfect relationship between dampers and springs.....but, for its few faults it feels vibrant, with that oversized engine in a small car feel. I've said it before that a 330i is a better resolved car but despite this, or maybe because of this, they just leave me a little cold.
There's also the added benefit of little, if any, depreciation. Mine doesn't seem to have dropped in value in quite a few years, plus they cost buttons to run (£200 service every couple of years).
All I can suggest is try one. Oh, and don't discount pre FL cars.
I'll agree that in some respects it's not a great car; the suspension is rather hard and there's definitely an imperfect relationship between dampers and springs.....but, for its few faults it feels vibrant, with that oversized engine in a small car feel. I've said it before that a 330i is a better resolved car but despite this, or maybe because of this, they just leave me a little cold.
There's also the added benefit of little, if any, depreciation. Mine doesn't seem to have dropped in value in quite a few years, plus they cost buttons to run (£200 service every couple of years).
All I can suggest is try one. Oh, and don't discount pre FL cars.
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