Discussion
It’s a genuine BMW part, probably discontinued now? After fitting I found that the towbar will not go back on 
I’ll have to sort that, otherwise sell the diffuser on. Shame as it’s quite discreet and cleans the back of the car up. Once the bumper is painted it’ll look ok.
I’ll have to sort that, otherwise sell the diffuser on. Shame as it’s quite discreet and cleans the back of the car up. Once the bumper is painted it’ll look ok.
Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 2nd June 20:01
DoubleSix said:
Ok - well, if you decide to move it on give me a shout.
p.s. I think it was you that bought my winter shod M208s many moons ago?
Yes it was. Funny we both said at the time, the 130's would go p.s. I think it was you that bought my winter shod M208s many moons ago?
I'm looking for wheels. I'd love some steel wheels for winter and something more lightweight without looking too brash.
So the first work trip in the new (old) car. A couple of things; I’m driving with the windows down to listen to the exhaust, find myself in 6th gear at 1000 rpm, because I can. It was only Heathrow today but I enjoyed the drive. It sounds like a car. Unlike the recently departed A4 RIP! It pinged a light failure up, turns out it’s a rear light, nothing serious.
However. One thing really reminded me that I’d made the right choice. Upon parking I looked back and it made me smile.
More carbon from Germany soon, it’ll be subtle.
However. One thing really reminded me that I’d made the right choice. Upon parking I looked back and it made me smile.
More carbon from Germany soon, it’ll be subtle.
Driving along today it reminded me again how smooth the I6 is. 6th gear, little over 1100 rpm at 30 mph and absolutely no complaints. What an engine. Still processing after the couple of diesels tbh. It feels special, the damping is just so, difficult to explain. Perhaps the best way is to say when it pissed down I immediately switched the traction control off. The LSD is so good, after the Atom it all happens in slow motion and it’s all low speed. If ever there was a car worth many times more than the sum of its parts its this one.
Still looking for BMPF carbon mirror covers at a sensible price, given up on fancy wheels, the 208’s are just ‘right’. Focus instead has shifted to installing cruise control and a decent stereo.
Still looking for BMPF carbon mirror covers at a sensible price, given up on fancy wheels, the 208’s are just ‘right’. Focus instead has shifted to installing cruise control and a decent stereo.
cerb4.5lee said:
The N52 is so silky smooth for sure and the only engine I've had that bettered it(for me) was the N62 V8 in my X5. Both are quite muted engines in standard guise for me though.
From reading on here though the N52 is much more vocal in the 130i/Z4 than it was in my 330i.
Really pleased you're enjoying it.
I’ve got the carbon intake, which makes absolutely no more power at all but gives it a little bit more character. The exhaust valve has a T piece so it’s open all the time, it’s not loud at all but misses the baritone of the stock silencer, it more than makes up for this though as the revs increase. Its just a very sweet thing, I don’t miss my M3, but I always wanted one more drive in this. From reading on here though the N52 is much more vocal in the 130i/Z4 than it was in my 330i.
Really pleased you're enjoying it.
Truth be told, it’s a cheap vehicle. But personally as they say, goes a long way. The ex owner has asked if and when I sell, the ex-ex owner the same, at least one other has emailed about the car. It’s one of those things. It’s a sweet spot, affordable, rwd. 6 cylinder...this one with much enhancement of its strengths, they’ll never make anything like it again. Honestly, it’s wonderful.
Never realised you could run the heater after it was switched off, thanks for that
Yes. The LSD means the traction and stability can be left off, it doesn’t spin the power away and it remains fairly calm. The B1 kit is firm but compliant enough for the road, it definitely transforms the car. A 3 series chassis is better for sure, but there’s a certain charm about the 1 series, and it’s a bit different. Still surprises me that only 1000 were brought in, currently showing 730 being registered and 20 SORN.
Yes. The LSD means the traction and stability can be left off, it doesn’t spin the power away and it remains fairly calm. The B1 kit is firm but compliant enough for the road, it definitely transforms the car. A 3 series chassis is better for sure, but there’s a certain charm about the 1 series, and it’s a bit different. Still surprises me that only 1000 were brought in, currently showing 730 being registered and 20 SORN.
Small but satisfying job today.
The ones on there were cheapo Italian copies, two piece and not well put together. It was only £10 each from the dealer for OE stuff. I’ll get the wheels done later.
Bumpers are £400 to sort out. Not too bad and will really clean the car up. Had to order a PDC mounting bracket to replace the buggered one.
Oh, and a bulb failed. Fascinating stuff.
The ones on there were cheapo Italian copies, two piece and not well put together. It was only £10 each from the dealer for OE stuff. I’ll get the wheels done later.
Bumpers are £400 to sort out. Not too bad and will really clean the car up. Had to order a PDC mounting bracket to replace the buggered one.
Oh, and a bulb failed. Fascinating stuff.
t but easily replaced via Cotswold BMWSo, not much has happened. A recent oil and filter change, that's about it on expenses.
It's proving to be pretty perfect for an all rounder. The carbon diffuser is a bit annoying as you can't fit the towbar but that's life. After easch trip away in various hire cars it always puts a smile on my face. The simple formula of a big torquey engine in a relatively small car is a great recipe. Exploring the handling reveals that whilst it's no match for the current hyper hatches the 260 odd HP is all useable, in the wet you can turn the traction control off and just play with the LSD, it doesn't bite and it's an absolute giggle at sensible speeds.
Thought the lines and scale of the Fiesta were interesting in this picture.....
IMG_4881 by roo_p, on Flickr
It's proving to be pretty perfect for an all rounder. The carbon diffuser is a bit annoying as you can't fit the towbar but that's life. After easch trip away in various hire cars it always puts a smile on my face. The simple formula of a big torquey engine in a relatively small car is a great recipe. Exploring the handling reveals that whilst it's no match for the current hyper hatches the 260 odd HP is all useable, in the wet you can turn the traction control off and just play with the LSD, it doesn't bite and it's an absolute giggle at sensible speeds.
Thought the lines and scale of the Fiesta were interesting in this picture.....
IMG_4881 by roo_p, on FlickrStill ticking along.....
110K miles or so now, the big news recently is that the petrol cap spring has failed, will have to sort that. Otherwise it's great. Was thinking tonight about what else would pull 6th gear from 30mph to north of 150mph? A moment of weakness saw some interest in an M5, but common sense, and a burning desire to own a Noble prevaled. Rear discs are done, pads are shrugging off road useage.
It drives perfectly, battery is starting to get a bit tired. Also, I want some winter tyres to exploit the diff in the slippery stuff.
Back up to 29mpg average thanks to the motorway stuff, it's not perfect, but I do struggle to think of what I'd ever sell it for?
110K miles or so now, the big news recently is that the petrol cap spring has failed, will have to sort that. Otherwise it's great. Was thinking tonight about what else would pull 6th gear from 30mph to north of 150mph? A moment of weakness saw some interest in an M5, but common sense, and a burning desire to own a Noble prevaled. Rear discs are done, pads are shrugging off road useage.
It drives perfectly, battery is starting to get a bit tired. Also, I want some winter tyres to exploit the diff in the slippery stuff.
Back up to 29mpg average thanks to the motorway stuff, it's not perfect, but I do struggle to think of what I'd ever sell it for?
sixpistons said:
Wonderful cars - seeing this makes me long for my old one which some c*nt stole from me last month . It also had Birds suspension and a Quaife and was an absolute joy to drive. It's been replaced with an E91 330d and although it's almost as quick in a straight line and probably objectively better for the type of driving I do, it's dull as ditchwater in comparison and sounds like a bus. I might have to go back to a 130i at some point but I think I'll struggle to get one as good as my old one without paying an absolute fortune Enjoy yours - there will never be another car made like it.
They are a strange brew. I have notions of selling, but then wonder what I’d do? It’s a unique blend of the last proper straight 6 with just enough creature comforts. I’ll never tire of the brakes. They are way over the top, but, the feel of them is just so nice. It’s not fast, it’s not slow. The LSD is genuinely useful. It’s worth what, £10K to anyone mad enough, for me, to replace £20K. For that I’d buy an M3 CS, even then it’d need money spending to match certain elements, did I mention the brakes Enjoy yours - there will never be another car made like it.
IMG_7026 by roo_p, on FlickrAs it was a pretty glum day overall the TVR stayed in the garage. Poor old 130 was filthy and its going to be sat at the airport all week so figured it was time for a clean. In this process, I may have stumbled upon the future of car cleaning
I washed the various cloths and chamois the other week. I thought it was weird that when rinsing off the car it was almost greasy? Basically the remains of the polish had impregnated the leather and it was leaving a small thin layer of 'stuff'. After berating myself for a good 30 seconds I just buffed it off, hey presto, the car is polished! The cheap pressure washer is great, keeps all the crap out of the arches and sills and after treating the wheels they rinse off nicely.I've got some spare time next week so the wheels are coming off and it's time to have a good look at the calipers. Rear discs are here ready to be swapped and I am looking at which pads to buy. Does anyone know what are standard with AP's......if not I'll be heading to Pagid as they were absolutely brilliant previously, although dusty and definitely more aggressive that what's in these?
The dash and steering wheel are off for a trim, and the seats, as I have never liked the position are likely to be changed for a pair of PP's, I'd like to have the logo removed somehow to keep it discreet, should drop some weight as well. I need a clear week to get the bumpers painted, not a priority now its winter but I'd like them sorted. Wheels are also looking a bit used, and if we are being critical, the paint could do with a good detail.
It'll be off to the guys at DMWorx for its winter service soon. Whilst it still feels super tight, little and often wins the race
Glad it's winter again, always raises a smile. Was offered strong money the other week but I really wouldn't know what else to buy!
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