RE: BMW 130i M Sport: PH Carpool
Discussion
Bencolem said:
Need more words please! Was looking forward to understanding why the 130i offers more character than the M135i and how the driving experience compares to the "new hot hatches" and others you drove...
I tried an 135i. It was very good, but too clinical. The 130i is more basic, very much in the mould of older BMW's with an engine that is just so friendly to use. Everything has a bit more weight to it, which requires more effort but that's all part of the drive. I loved the way the 135 was so easy to mess about in but would never upgrade to one. After the initial fun with the auto box I was bored. The steering was a bit dead, no clutch to use it didn't sound that nice. Then the modern electronics and all the nonsensical iDrive kit just drives me up the wall. Small car, big engine, LSD. For the money there's little to touch them.Had my pre-facelift 130i for around 2 months now. Bought it as I needed a 5 door and couldn't be happier with it.
Mines got loads of mods done already (Bilsteins/LSD/135i brakes etc) and it handles beautifully and sounds gorgeous with the BMWP exhaust. Cheap to run too as it gets mid 30mpg on the way to work which I think is very good considering the engine.
Like someone else mentioned though, literally everything rattles or creaks. No doubt made worse by the suspension and Poly bushes but its a good cruiser once you're on the motorway.
Id highly recommend one over other hot hatches from that generation (mk5 Golf GTI etc).
Mines got loads of mods done already (Bilsteins/LSD/135i brakes etc) and it handles beautifully and sounds gorgeous with the BMWP exhaust. Cheap to run too as it gets mid 30mpg on the way to work which I think is very good considering the engine.
Like someone else mentioned though, literally everything rattles or creaks. No doubt made worse by the suspension and Poly bushes but its a good cruiser once you're on the motorway.
Id highly recommend one over other hot hatches from that generation (mk5 Golf GTI etc).
Nice car OP, almost identical to mine.
At the risk of boring PH'ers who regularly read 130i threads, I'll once again heap some more praise upon them.
Had mine over 6 years and done 90k+ miles in it - it's a brilliant little car, the best all rounder I've owned (better daily driver than the M3 it replaced).
She's 10 years old and approaching 145k miles. Has been virtually flawless realiabilty wise, cheap to run, always brilliant on long journeys but fun & fast enough when conditions allow. No squeaks, rattles or bits falling off. Uses no oil and has averaged a little over 32mpg in my ownership.
Tried a couple of times to find something I'd enjoy as much to replace it - impossible without spending close to £20k.
They say love is blind - must be 'cos I think they look great (with the fit factory spoiler).
ETA - the well documented handling issues can easily be addressed. I didn't bother with the more expensive stuff (M3 suspension parts, bushes, LSD etc). Instead fitted some decent quality OEM replacement Bilstein B4 dampers, new bumpstops, new OEM rubber bits and Michelin PS4 non-run flats.
Better ride, handling and rear end control for a lot less than £1k when most of it needed doing at 120k anyway.
At the risk of boring PH'ers who regularly read 130i threads, I'll once again heap some more praise upon them.
Had mine over 6 years and done 90k+ miles in it - it's a brilliant little car, the best all rounder I've owned (better daily driver than the M3 it replaced).
She's 10 years old and approaching 145k miles. Has been virtually flawless realiabilty wise, cheap to run, always brilliant on long journeys but fun & fast enough when conditions allow. No squeaks, rattles or bits falling off. Uses no oil and has averaged a little over 32mpg in my ownership.
Tried a couple of times to find something I'd enjoy as much to replace it - impossible without spending close to £20k.
They say love is blind - must be 'cos I think they look great (with the fit factory spoiler).
ETA - the well documented handling issues can easily be addressed. I didn't bother with the more expensive stuff (M3 suspension parts, bushes, LSD etc). Instead fitted some decent quality OEM replacement Bilstein B4 dampers, new bumpstops, new OEM rubber bits and Michelin PS4 non-run flats.
Better ride, handling and rear end control for a lot less than £1k when most of it needed doing at 120k anyway.
Edited by swanny71 on Monday 24th July 19:03
Just bought one of these, about 5 weeks ago. 55 plate, 74k, manual, FSH, totally standard. It replaces a Clio 182 with both cup packs. Mine is the rare SE. Legend has it, only 82 SEs were imported. Impressions so far: squeeks and rattles - what squeeks and rattles??? I've just got rid of a Renault! Seriously though, massive change. Renault felt chuckable - bit of a cheeky little monkey; BMW feels quite grown up by comparison, although not as grown up as an E36 328i saloon I once owned. Honestly, steering feels like it's got something wrong with it. Surprising lack of self-centering compared to Clio. Steering somehow feels slow witted almost like I would struggle to change direction quickly in an emergency, and feels a bit too heavy at low speeds (15-20ish mph). Any ideas?
Other than that, so far a nice change, and very interesting. Clio was fun when hooning it at 9 or 10 tenths, but otherwise fairly unremarkable to drive. BMW is simply much more of an event to drive when doing so with a degree of restraint. Engine is always up for it, at any revs, whereas Renault HAD to be nailed, or nothing much happened. Only petrol engined car I've ever had that pulls like a turbodiesel from low revs, to my surprise. Official 0-62 times: Renault - 6.9; BMW - 6.1. But the 130 feels like it's 2 or 3 seconds quicker. Handling wise, other than the steering which I hope to get to the bottom of, I would say this is a very good driver's car. Definitely recommend one of these to anyone who needs back seats and a useable boot, but wants a bit of a giggle now and then. Compared to the 328i, it feels a little more youthful and spirited, with a noticeably more tail happy chassis. 328i was amazingly well planted at the rear, and wouldn't get sideways unless provoked very aggressively. I've read a few 130i threads where owners say they've had it swap ends on them! I believe those were all M sports with low profile rubber and stiff suspension. I don't think my SE on 17s would swap ends, but I have felt it warn me to back off a few times. I'll be ditching the run-flats soon as they wear out, cos they make the car feel edgy, even verging on dangerous, near the limit. Marks out of ten: as is, 7. If I can find an effective fix for the steering, 9.5. Could've been a 10 if BMW had made it as low slung as my old 328i was.
Other than that, so far a nice change, and very interesting. Clio was fun when hooning it at 9 or 10 tenths, but otherwise fairly unremarkable to drive. BMW is simply much more of an event to drive when doing so with a degree of restraint. Engine is always up for it, at any revs, whereas Renault HAD to be nailed, or nothing much happened. Only petrol engined car I've ever had that pulls like a turbodiesel from low revs, to my surprise. Official 0-62 times: Renault - 6.9; BMW - 6.1. But the 130 feels like it's 2 or 3 seconds quicker. Handling wise, other than the steering which I hope to get to the bottom of, I would say this is a very good driver's car. Definitely recommend one of these to anyone who needs back seats and a useable boot, but wants a bit of a giggle now and then. Compared to the 328i, it feels a little more youthful and spirited, with a noticeably more tail happy chassis. 328i was amazingly well planted at the rear, and wouldn't get sideways unless provoked very aggressively. I've read a few 130i threads where owners say they've had it swap ends on them! I believe those were all M sports with low profile rubber and stiff suspension. I don't think my SE on 17s would swap ends, but I have felt it warn me to back off a few times. I'll be ditching the run-flats soon as they wear out, cos they make the car feel edgy, even verging on dangerous, near the limit. Marks out of ten: as is, 7. If I can find an effective fix for the steering, 9.5. Could've been a 10 if BMW had made it as low slung as my old 328i was.
Johnny5hoods said:
Just bought one of these, about 5 weeks ago. 55 plate, 74k, manual, FSH, totally standard. It replaces a Clio 182 with both cup packs. Mine is the rare SE. Legend has it, only 82 SEs were imported. Impressions so far: squeeks and rattles - what squeeks and rattles??? I've just got rid of a Renault! Seriously though, massive change. Renault felt chuckable - bit of a cheeky little monkey; BMW feels quite grown up by comparison, although not as grown up as an E36 328i saloon I once owned. Honestly, steering feels like it's got something wrong with it. Surprising lack of self-centering compared to Clio. Steering somehow feels slow witted almost like I would struggle to change direction quickly in an emergency, and feels a bit too heavy at low speeds (15-20ish mph). Any ideas?
Other than that, so far a nice change, and very interesting. Clio was fun when hooning it at 9 or 10 tenths, but otherwise fairly unremarkable to drive. BMW is simply much more of an event to drive when doing so with a degree of restraint. Engine is always up for it, at any revs, whereas Renault HAD to be nailed, or nothing much happened. Only petrol engined car I've ever had that pulls like a turbodiesel from low revs, to my surprise. Official 0-62 times: Renault - 6.9; BMW - 6.1. But the 130 feels like it's 2 or 3 seconds quicker. Handling wise, other than the steering which I hope to get to the bottom of, I would say this is a very good driver's car. Definitely recommend one of these to anyone who needs back seats and a useable boot, but wants a bit of a giggle now and then. Compared to the 328i, it feels a little more youthful and spirited, with a noticeably more tail happy chassis. 328i was amazingly well planted at the rear, and wouldn't get sideways unless provoked very aggressively. I've read a few 130i threads where owners say they've had it swap ends on them! I believe those were all M sports with low profile rubber and stiff suspension. I don't think my SE on 17s would swap ends, but I have felt it warn me to back off a few times. I'll be ditching the run-flats soon as they wear out, cos they make the car feel edgy, even verging on dangerous, near the limit. Marks out of ten: as is, 7. If I can find an effective fix for the steering, 9.5. Could've been a 10 if BMW had made it as low slung as my old 328i was.
Wonder if the lower steering shaft joint has dried out - can be a common thing on making steering stiff/resistant to self-centre. Assuming you've got correct geo/enough pas fluid. Try lubing the knuckle joint ( when engine cold ) and see if it improves. Common replacement partOther than that, so far a nice change, and very interesting. Clio was fun when hooning it at 9 or 10 tenths, but otherwise fairly unremarkable to drive. BMW is simply much more of an event to drive when doing so with a degree of restraint. Engine is always up for it, at any revs, whereas Renault HAD to be nailed, or nothing much happened. Only petrol engined car I've ever had that pulls like a turbodiesel from low revs, to my surprise. Official 0-62 times: Renault - 6.9; BMW - 6.1. But the 130 feels like it's 2 or 3 seconds quicker. Handling wise, other than the steering which I hope to get to the bottom of, I would say this is a very good driver's car. Definitely recommend one of these to anyone who needs back seats and a useable boot, but wants a bit of a giggle now and then. Compared to the 328i, it feels a little more youthful and spirited, with a noticeably more tail happy chassis. 328i was amazingly well planted at the rear, and wouldn't get sideways unless provoked very aggressively. I've read a few 130i threads where owners say they've had it swap ends on them! I believe those were all M sports with low profile rubber and stiff suspension. I don't think my SE on 17s would swap ends, but I have felt it warn me to back off a few times. I'll be ditching the run-flats soon as they wear out, cos they make the car feel edgy, even verging on dangerous, near the limit. Marks out of ten: as is, 7. If I can find an effective fix for the steering, 9.5. Could've been a 10 if BMW had made it as low slung as my old 328i was.
s m said:
Wonder if the lower steering shaft joint has dried out - can be a common thing on making steering stiff/resistant to self-centre. Assuming you've got correct geo/enough pas fluid. Try lubing the knuckle joint ( when engine cold ) and see if it improves. Common replacement part
Appreciate the info. I'll give it a tryI had a 120d M Sport and although it was potentially one of the best handling cars I've owned it was a bit of a disappointment. The ride was a pain on RFT's but handling was destroyed when i fitted non- RFT's. The steering was pretty lifeless and the back end always felt like it would bite. I'm still tempted by a 130i though with Bilstiens and a sports exhaust. With a bit of tuning I reckon it could actually be an amazing car, particularly on the track.
I had my 55 plate 130i for 4.5 years and loved it. The engine is amazing, pulls hard from 1000rpm, sounds amazing and comes alive at 4000rpm when the vanos opens up.
Mine had few rattles and being pre facelift had hydraulic steering rather than epas fitted to later cars.
Although the ride was very hard which could throw the car off line on mid bend bumps. I also ditched the run flats which helped but also had a negative effect on steering feel. This may be partly down to the wider rubber I had to fit as the earlier cars had an unusual tyre size on the front.
The rear space is poor too especially behind me as I'm over 6ft which once kids came along meant I needed something bigger so I got an n55 335i.
I still miss the 130 though.
I think in M Sport trim, Le Mans blue and with xenon headlights the 1 series isn't a bad looking car. Definitely purposeful and aggressive but I fully agree it's not a work of art. But when you're driving it you can't see it!
Mine had few rattles and being pre facelift had hydraulic steering rather than epas fitted to later cars.
Although the ride was very hard which could throw the car off line on mid bend bumps. I also ditched the run flats which helped but also had a negative effect on steering feel. This may be partly down to the wider rubber I had to fit as the earlier cars had an unusual tyre size on the front.
The rear space is poor too especially behind me as I'm over 6ft which once kids came along meant I needed something bigger so I got an n55 335i.
I still miss the 130 though.
I think in M Sport trim, Le Mans blue and with xenon headlights the 1 series isn't a bad looking car. Definitely purposeful and aggressive but I fully agree it's not a work of art. But when you're driving it you can't see it!
Johnny5hoods said:
Just bought one of these, about 5 weeks ago. 55 plate, 74k, manual, FSH, totally standard. It replaces a Clio 182 with both cup packs. Mine is the rare SE. Legend has it, only 82 SEs were imported. Impressions so far: squeeks and rattles - what squeeks and rattles??? I've just got rid of a Renault! Seriously though, massive change. Renault felt chuckable - bit of a cheeky little monkey; BMW feels quite grown up by comparison, although not as grown up as an E36 328i saloon I once owned. Honestly, steering feels like it's got something wrong with it. Surprising lack of self-centering compared to Clio. Steering somehow feels slow witted almost like I would struggle to change direction quickly in an emergency, and feels a bit too heavy at low speeds (15-20ish mph). Any ideas?
Other than that, so far a nice change, and very interesting. Clio was fun when hooning it at 9 or 10 tenths, but otherwise fairly unremarkable to drive. BMW is simply much more of an event to drive when doing so with a degree of restraint. Engine is always up for it, at any revs, whereas Renault HAD to be nailed, or nothing much happened. Only petrol engined car I've ever had that pulls like a turbodiesel from low revs, to my surprise. Official 0-62 times: Renault - 6.9; BMW - 6.1. But the 130 feels like it's 2 or 3 seconds quicker. Handling wise, other than the steering which I hope to get to the bottom of, I would say this is a very good driver's car. Definitely recommend one of these to anyone who needs back seats and a useable boot, but wants a bit of a giggle now and then. Compared to the 328i, it feels a little more youthful and spirited, with a noticeably more tail happy chassis. 328i was amazingly well planted at the rear, and wouldn't get sideways unless provoked very aggressively. I've read a few 130i threads where owners say they've had it swap ends on them! I believe those were all M sports with low profile rubber and stiff suspension. I don't think my SE on 17s would swap ends, but I have felt it warn me to back off a few times. I'll be ditching the run-flats soon as they wear out, cos they make the car feel edgy, even verging on dangerous, near the limit. Marks out of ten: as is, 7. If I can find an effective fix for the steering, 9.5. Could've been a 10 if BMW had made it as low slung as my old 328i was.
Could be a mechanical issue but first I'd quickly check what tyres you have at the front. Other than that, so far a nice change, and very interesting. Clio was fun when hooning it at 9 or 10 tenths, but otherwise fairly unremarkable to drive. BMW is simply much more of an event to drive when doing so with a degree of restraint. Engine is always up for it, at any revs, whereas Renault HAD to be nailed, or nothing much happened. Only petrol engined car I've ever had that pulls like a turbodiesel from low revs, to my surprise. Official 0-62 times: Renault - 6.9; BMW - 6.1. But the 130 feels like it's 2 or 3 seconds quicker. Handling wise, other than the steering which I hope to get to the bottom of, I would say this is a very good driver's car. Definitely recommend one of these to anyone who needs back seats and a useable boot, but wants a bit of a giggle now and then. Compared to the 328i, it feels a little more youthful and spirited, with a noticeably more tail happy chassis. 328i was amazingly well planted at the rear, and wouldn't get sideways unless provoked very aggressively. I've read a few 130i threads where owners say they've had it swap ends on them! I believe those were all M sports with low profile rubber and stiff suspension. I don't think my SE on 17s would swap ends, but I have felt it warn me to back off a few times. I'll be ditching the run-flats soon as they wear out, cos they make the car feel edgy, even verging on dangerous, near the limit. Marks out of ten: as is, 7. If I can find an effective fix for the steering, 9.5. Could've been a 10 if BMW had made it as low slung as my old 328i was.
There was a huge trend at one point in putting wider rubber on the front. Especially as the wider tyres were cheaper.
It absolutely kills the steering and the turn in. The car already has too much rubber at the front as standard and many people adddd more and what you describe matches what I found when testing cars to buy, the ones that felt like they were scared of corners all had Barry Boy Essex front rubber.
Also, see if you can borrow some fronts from a 120 or similar to see what it's like on slightly narrower rubber. I was of the view that it absolutely transformed it.
Edited by DonkeyApple on Tuesday 25th July 08:45
Had one of these back in 06, one of the first ones available, was one of the marketing launch models, fully loaded. Loved it.
Had it debadged from new, was a weapon, a proper Q car, the only thing that gave it away was the exhaust note used to make windows rattle.
No need to worry about its looks when you are sat in it looking out.
Miss it even now.
Had it debadged from new, was a weapon, a proper Q car, the only thing that gave it away was the exhaust note used to make windows rattle.
No need to worry about its looks when you are sat in it looking out.
Miss it even now.
2 GKC said:
Lot of words here which seem to say very little about the driving experience
Like it though. If it were mine, I'd keep that exhaust standard...
They're lovely to drive, but they can be a bit lively. Mine (M Sport fwiw) was incredibly sharp and felt very taut - borderline fidgety at low speeds, especially in the wet, but incredibly rewarding to press on in when it was dry. The whole car feels like it's wired into your senses, and when you turn in it feels like it's pivoting about your hips. The way it hunkers down when you stand on the brakes is also deeply satisfying. I honestly think BMW nailed it with the 130i, it's a hidden gem that somehow went completely unnoticed. Is it as well rounded as an e46? Probably not, but in terms of character it's right up there, it's like the engine is angry it was put in a little hatchback, almost like a dog trying to chase it's own tail (somewhat literally at times).Like it though. If it were mine, I'd keep that exhaust standard...
I honestly regret losing mine, my 335i feels lethargic and lazy in comparison, despite being far quicker. The 1er was capable of being devastatingly quick, but you had to work to get it to it, and it always felt like more was at stake because of how beautifully unmatched the engine and chassis were.
In a sentence: they're deeply rewarding and incredible endearing little cars.
The one that got away! 
I was doing business miles with a car allowance and bought a pre-reg 123d SE Dynamic in Jan 08 - WTF was I thinking, should have been a 130i!
I only found out in 2014 when I sold it and bought a Z4 Coupe with the same N52 engine - it's fantastic!
But as I also needed something sort of practical I got a 325ti Compact as a daily (which is great) but as soon as budget permits I can see it getting replaced by a 130i.
I was doing business miles with a car allowance and bought a pre-reg 123d SE Dynamic in Jan 08 - WTF was I thinking, should have been a 130i!
I only found out in 2014 when I sold it and bought a Z4 Coupe with the same N52 engine - it's fantastic!
But as I also needed something sort of practical I got a 325ti Compact as a daily (which is great) but as soon as budget permits I can see it getting replaced by a 130i.
It is an amazing car.. Anyone still undecided about BMW Performance exhaust, please don't think twice.. it hurts the bank account but I guarantee that you won't regret 
Mine is for sale with a few extra that make it a little bit "M like" if I may so.. .. https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Mine is for sale with a few extra that make it a little bit "M like" if I may so.. .. https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...Going against the grain, the horrid looks, offset pedals, overly fat steering wheel and soft suspension yet somehow having stiff dampening ruin this car for me.
Good formula but poor execution, perhaps if M-division had made a serious version it would have been good. I imagine that would be the 1M Coupe which may remedy most of these foibles, now thats a car I'm sure I would enjoy and probably forgive for the nasty offset pedal position.
Good formula but poor execution, perhaps if M-division had made a serious version it would have been good. I imagine that would be the 1M Coupe which may remedy most of these foibles, now thats a car I'm sure I would enjoy and probably forgive for the nasty offset pedal position.
nickfrog said:
Ahbefive said:
the horrid looks
Fairly subjective I would have thought ?But yes even some weirdos would think Theresa May or Diane Abbot are things of beauty, but then why should mainly universal opinion be silenced due to rare oddities?
Do you have any MI to back up your assumption ? 
It's not about silencing an opinion. It's more about not expressing an opinion as fact. Children tend to be taught that at an early age.
Why associate the design to Theresa May when others may well associate it to say, Carla Bruni ?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Besides, and while I appreciate that design/image is important to you, many can see beyond it.
It's not about silencing an opinion. It's more about not expressing an opinion as fact. Children tend to be taught that at an early age.
Why associate the design to Theresa May when others may well associate it to say, Carla Bruni ?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Besides, and while I appreciate that design/image is important to you, many can see beyond it.
nickfrog said:
Besides, and while I appreciate that design/image is important to you, many can see beyond it.
Image? Who said anything about image? I wouldn't have bought an impreza, RS, Renault or 2 Volvos if I cared about image.Design is somewhat important as the hatchback 1 series is quite hideous (although I'm sure that you have never in your life said anything or anyone is ugly without prefixing it with "in my opinion") but not as important to me as some of the other reasons I stated. In coupe 1M form it is a fine looking car.
Ahbefive said:
(although I'm sure that you have never in your life said anything or anyone is ugly without prefixing it with "in my opinion")
I don't need to prefix it as I tend to say "I don't like it" about a design. Mainly because it's subjective. Which even my 9-year old understands.Still not seen your MI about the 1-series designed being almost universally disliked btw ?
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=is+the+1+series+...
Does seem a pretty universal view.
I've had two and I think they're ugly. Just very nice hatchbacks to knock about.
Does seem a pretty universal view.
I've had two and I think they're ugly. Just very nice hatchbacks to knock about.
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