RE: BMW 130i | Spotted
Discussion
TurboHatchback said:
I've just acquired an N52, albeit in a E90 330i manual. It is a simply fabulous engine, I imagine it would feel quite silly in a one series but it has made me start looking at the N52 Z4 as that sounds like it could be a tremendous recipe.
I have a Z4 with the N52 and manual- completely original and on 31k miles. I’ll let you know when I’m ready to sell! 
I had a 130i for just over a year. I guess it was one of those things I just had to do.
Like others have said, the N52 (pre facelift) engine is an absolute marvel. I'd say it's probably the most charismatic engine this side of a Porsche flat 6.
BUYING TIP: don't worry about "lifter tick". Just make sure you always rev the engine to at least 3,000 rpm in the lower gears every single time you rev the engine, and within two weeks the problem will go away on its own without any work ever having to be done. That one's for free
Like others have said, the N52 (pre facelift) engine is an absolute marvel. I'd say it's probably the most charismatic engine this side of a Porsche flat 6.
BUYING TIP: don't worry about "lifter tick". Just make sure you always rev the engine to at least 3,000 rpm in the lower gears every single time you rev the engine, and within two weeks the problem will go away on its own without any work ever having to be done. That one's for free
My mum - 74 today bless her - has an E88 6cyl 125i manual - bought it for her as a BMW AUC 5 years ago for £13k, had about 10k on the clock from memory. It's now just ticked over 50k. She still absolutely loves it and can't get her head around being parted from it, and having driven it recently it's just too sweet to let go, drivetrain as tight as a drum and now worth buttons. Get 'em while you can would be my advice!
ChasW said:
I owned the same model for about a year. Took a while to get used to run flats. Only issues were the wheels are very easy to kerb and the lemon leather very quickly shows wear on the bolsters. Otherwise loved. Engine is ultra smooth. Bought it as AUC from a BMW dealer and sold it for more privately having put 8000 miles on it. 2009 was a good time to help a dealer move stock!
To be fair Lemon leather can last well - I had it in my E91 (albeit an SE) but this is how it looked when I sold it on 139K miles. Although that photo doesn't show the colour properly!
Mr Tidy said:
Court_S said:
ocrx8 said:
Not a day goes by without you mentioning your straight six BMWs! 
Anyone would think that he really likes them! 
DoubleD said:
Mr Tidy said:
Court_S said:
ocrx8 said:
Not a day goes by without you mentioning your straight six BMWs!
Anyone would think that he really likes them! DP33 said:
My mum - 74 today bless her - has an E88 6cyl 125i manual - bought it for her as a BMW AUC 5 years ago for £13k, had about 10k on the clock from memory. It's now just ticked over 50k. She still absolutely loves it and can't get her head around being parted from it, and having driven it recently it's just too sweet to let go, drivetrain as tight as a drum and now worth buttons. Get 'em while you can would be my advice!
You'd be surprised how well even the Coupé / Convertibles are holding their value. Mine was £10.5K about the same time your mum bought hers, and from having a look on PH Classifieds, I'd need £8.5k to replace it with the same spec I bought back then. Obviously given mine's got 138K miles on it it's worth £2.50, but if you don't do 18k miles a year in them they look a fairly decent investment,
Had a 130i as an unmarked job car for a while. Apart from looking like every other BMW fro the front is was perfect for the role it performed. Don't recall having many issues with it. I do remember it being really stable, and thirsty, on the M3 towards London with the speedo off the clock.
I'd defo consider one now as a daily if my dog would fit in it.
I'd defo consider one now as a daily if my dog would fit in it.
Old BMWs with 6 cylinders rock. I have had mine back after 4 weeks for some minor work and been using it as the family car this weekend.
Oversteers at will, very agile, great feel, fabulous chassis, just about practical enough. An utter joy - I truly love the thing!!
Getting a new car in a month or so but I can't sell this thing. Nuts.
Oversteers at will, very agile, great feel, fabulous chassis, just about practical enough. An utter joy - I truly love the thing!!
Getting a new car in a month or so but I can't sell this thing. Nuts.
SidewaysSi said:
Old BMWs with 6 cylinders rock. I have had mine back after 4 weeks for some minor work and been using it as the family car this weekend.
Oversteers at will, very agile, great feel, fabulous chassis, just about practical enough. An utter joy - I truly love the thing!!
Getting a new car in a month or so but I can't sell this thing. Nuts.
I've usually had one meeting the formula ( rwd six ) since I could drive a few years. I've got the older cousin - 325ti - and it's close enough I can't justify an extra 2 or 3k for a bit more speed. If I go newer I'll probably go Coupé as I can get a lot younger car ( although still 6 years old now for the latest ones )Oversteers at will, very agile, great feel, fabulous chassis, just about practical enough. An utter joy - I truly love the thing!!
Getting a new car in a month or so but I can't sell this thing. Nuts.
Yep agree. I have spent probably around £4k on my car on upgrades and fixes but it's in rude health now. I could chuck a few more grand at it and it will be a perfect little car. For sub £10k, is there a thing out there in the same league for fun and practicality? I can't think of anything...
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