BMW 130i: To keep or not to keep?
Discussion
Thanks everyone for all of your input. It's been really helpful.
Will keep the 130i for the next few months at least to see how much use I get out of it before properly making up my mind.
In the meantime, if I were to sell up and put a little money aside for a weekend car - for me that's something I'll want to take out for the hell of it or to do a Euro road trip - what would you consider that offers similar big NA engine, RWD and relatively lightweight, analogue thrills and shouldn't be extortionate to buy or run (how about c. £20k or less), that I could aim for in a few years' time?
Here are a few models that come to mind, but is there anything else that fits the bill?:
Will keep the 130i for the next few months at least to see how much use I get out of it before properly making up my mind.
In the meantime, if I were to sell up and put a little money aside for a weekend car - for me that's something I'll want to take out for the hell of it or to do a Euro road trip - what would you consider that offers similar big NA engine, RWD and relatively lightweight, analogue thrills and shouldn't be extortionate to buy or run (how about c. £20k or less), that I could aim for in a few years' time?
Here are a few models that come to mind, but is there anything else that fits the bill?:
- BMW Z4 3.0 Si Coupe
- BMW Z4 M Coupe
- Lotus Evora
- Lotus Europa (four-cylinder turbo I know!)
- Nissan 370Z
- Porsche Cayman S
- Porsche 911 (996)
- Porsche 911 (997)
Mr Tidy said:
Interesting, especially as I haven't driven a 130i! (If I had, I probably wouldn't have had a 123d for 6+ years)!
Suspension in the Z4C is definitely firm (mine is a Sport so a bit lower and stiffer), but I don't mind the steering to be fair and the last 130is had EPAS (presumably to get them into a slightly lower tax band) as did my 123d!
Still the looks of the Z4C make up for all that IMHO - at the end of the day it is still a manual N/A straight 6 petrol so plenty of analogue attributes, and they're hard to find these days!
On the 130i, I probably should try before I buy!
As you have a good one, I'd try to keep it because you'll probably struggle to find another if you do change your mind in a year or two. Unless you really, really need the cash right now (in which case PM me)!
Oh well, gratuitous photo time!
My old (newer) 130i had electric steering and it was meatier and more precise than the pre-facelift model I drove at the time, surprisingly, though alignment and tyres may have had something to do with it. Suspension in the Z4C is definitely firm (mine is a Sport so a bit lower and stiffer), but I don't mind the steering to be fair and the last 130is had EPAS (presumably to get them into a slightly lower tax band) as did my 123d!
Still the looks of the Z4C make up for all that IMHO - at the end of the day it is still a manual N/A straight 6 petrol so plenty of analogue attributes, and they're hard to find these days!
On the 130i, I probably should try before I buy!
As you have a good one, I'd try to keep it because you'll probably struggle to find another if you do change your mind in a year or two. Unless you really, really need the cash right now (in which case PM me)!
Oh well, gratuitous photo time!
Hmm, how firm is it; does it absorb bumps or clatter over them and is that with runflats fitted? My first 130i was scuppered by runflats, though reasonably comfortable on smooth roads. Current one with proper tyres feels so much better. You're right, it does look damn good.
As I said in previous post, the 130i is staying for now...Love the colour and wheels of your Z4; five spokes look so much better to me than the multi-spoke ones.
Toltec said:
There are six on AT, there is only one 530i and even then it is has the older iDrive.
Exactly. I wouldn't say that was easy peasy, in terms of OP selling up and wanting another in the future. How many of those 6 130i's are in good condition and been looked after, like his current one?This is the reason why i wouldn't personally sell for the sake of a few home improvements, which could just be saved up for anyway.
culpz said:
Exactly. I wouldn't say that was easy peasy, in terms of OP selling up and wanting another in the future. How many of those 6 130i's are in good condition and been looked after, like his current one?
This is the reason why i wouldn't personally sell for the sake of a few home improvements, which could just be saved up for anyway.
I was poking fun at myself for wanting a model even harder to find, the 'easy peasy' wording was meant to make that clear.This is the reason why i wouldn't personally sell for the sake of a few home improvements, which could just be saved up for anyway.
I think he is doing the right thing in giving himself a few months to see how much he uses the car, if he does not use it then he should have a good think about why not and if he is enjoying having the car or having just helps hime remember the fun he used to have driving it. On the other hand if he can see some point in the next year or so where it could become his main car again then definitely keep it.
Toltec said:
I was poking fun at myself for wanting a model even harder to find, the 'easy peasy' wording was meant to make that clear.
I think he is doing the right thing in giving himself a few months to see how much he uses the car, if he does not use it then he should have a good think about why not and if he is enjoying having the car or having just helps hime remember the fun he used to have driving it. On the other hand if he can see some point in the next year or so where it could become his main car again then definitely keep it.
Sorry mate, it's been one of those days so far. I knew you were more just advising OP to be thankful that he's not after an ever more rare/specific car, like the one you mentioned.I think he is doing the right thing in giving himself a few months to see how much he uses the car, if he does not use it then he should have a good think about why not and if he is enjoying having the car or having just helps hime remember the fun he used to have driving it. On the other hand if he can see some point in the next year or so where it could become his main car again then definitely keep it.
VerySideways said:
I sold my second 130i about 5 years ago.
It's taken me the last 5 years and about a dozen cars to end up in a 340i, which i like... but i still miss my 130i.
I regret selling a few of my cars; 993 turbo, 993 C4S, Ginetta G33... but the one i regret most is still my 130i.
It's interesting that you regret selling the 130i over the 911s.It's taken me the last 5 years and about a dozen cars to end up in a 340i, which i like... but i still miss my 130i.
I regret selling a few of my cars; 993 turbo, 993 C4S, Ginetta G33... but the one i regret most is still my 130i.
As much as I love the 130i, it'd be great to have something with a proper low-slung driving position that feels a little sportier, which makes me wonder whether selling up and saving for something like a 996, Cayman, Evora or Z4 Coupe would get something that looks a little more distinctive and is ultimately more satisfying to drive, in a few years' time.
Edited by RoVoFob on Thursday 29th June 22:47
If you haven't already ticked the sportscar box then it's probably an itch which won't go away.
I was very fortunate to be in a position to try lots of very cool stuff, most of which i bought and sold very quickly (6 months to a year), culminating in buying myself a 993 turbo for my 29th birthday. It also meant that i got to experience quite fast, very fast, and really f*cking fast, and i think it's only at that point that you know if going fast is what floats your boat. In my case i quickly realised that i got more satisfaction from hooning a boggo 993 C2 than the 993tt, so i bought another C2 after i sold the turbo.
Not long after that i owned a 993 C2, a Ginetta G33, a BMW 130i, a BMW 330d (don't ask) and a Honda Blackbird all at the same time.
And yet almost every time i was going out, i grabbed the keys for the 130i - be it to pop to the shops, or go on a long motorway trip, or just for a hoon on a Sunday morning.
Admittedly mine had a quaife atb, big brakes, and a decent exhaust, but the biggest single change was ditching the stupid runflats.
The chassis was so lively, it always felt a little bit like it was trying to throw you into the nearest scenery - which made it feel agile.
The N52 engine is an absolute masterpiece, with unbelievable throttle response and a real sense of 'coming on cam' and an urge to headbutt the limiter.
The gearbox was smooth and positive, and the ratios were really well judged (aided by the slightly shorter BMW Performance shifter).
Yes, i'm a fan...
I was very fortunate to be in a position to try lots of very cool stuff, most of which i bought and sold very quickly (6 months to a year), culminating in buying myself a 993 turbo for my 29th birthday. It also meant that i got to experience quite fast, very fast, and really f*cking fast, and i think it's only at that point that you know if going fast is what floats your boat. In my case i quickly realised that i got more satisfaction from hooning a boggo 993 C2 than the 993tt, so i bought another C2 after i sold the turbo.
Not long after that i owned a 993 C2, a Ginetta G33, a BMW 130i, a BMW 330d (don't ask) and a Honda Blackbird all at the same time.
And yet almost every time i was going out, i grabbed the keys for the 130i - be it to pop to the shops, or go on a long motorway trip, or just for a hoon on a Sunday morning.
Admittedly mine had a quaife atb, big brakes, and a decent exhaust, but the biggest single change was ditching the stupid runflats.
The chassis was so lively, it always felt a little bit like it was trying to throw you into the nearest scenery - which made it feel agile.
The N52 engine is an absolute masterpiece, with unbelievable throttle response and a real sense of 'coming on cam' and an urge to headbutt the limiter.
The gearbox was smooth and positive, and the ratios were really well judged (aided by the slightly shorter BMW Performance shifter).
Yes, i'm a fan...
VerySideways said:
If you haven't already ticked the sportscar box then it's probably an itch which won't go away.
I was very fortunate to be in a position to try lots of very cool stuff, most of which i bought and sold very quickly (6 months to a year), culminating in buying myself a 993 turbo for my 29th birthday. It also meant that i got to experience quite fast, very fast, and really f*cking fast, and i think it's only at that point that you know if going fast is what floats your boat. In my case i quickly realised that i got more satisfaction from hooning a boggo 993 C2 than the 993tt, so i bought another C2 after i sold the turbo.
Not long after that i owned a 993 C2, a Ginetta G33, a BMW 130i, a BMW 330d (don't ask) and a Honda Blackbird all at the same time.
And yet almost every time i was going out, i grabbed the keys for the 130i - be it to pop to the shops, or go on a long motorway trip, or just for a hoon on a Sunday morning.
Admittedly mine had a quaife atb, big brakes, and a decent exhaust, but the biggest single change was ditching the stupid runflats.
The chassis was so lively, it always felt a little bit like it was trying to throw you into the nearest scenery - which made it feel agile.
The N52 engine is an absolute masterpiece, with unbelievable throttle response and a real sense of 'coming on cam' and an urge to headbutt the limiter.
The gearbox was smooth and positive, and the ratios were really well judged (aided by the slightly shorter BMW Performance shifter).
Yes, i'm a fan...
Well I get to drive everything from i10s and Fabias to Bentaygas and California Ts at work, but very, very few appeal to me, so I know I want something that provides that analogue, engaging sports car feel. The question is whether that is the 130i or something else in a few years' time.I was very fortunate to be in a position to try lots of very cool stuff, most of which i bought and sold very quickly (6 months to a year), culminating in buying myself a 993 turbo for my 29th birthday. It also meant that i got to experience quite fast, very fast, and really f*cking fast, and i think it's only at that point that you know if going fast is what floats your boat. In my case i quickly realised that i got more satisfaction from hooning a boggo 993 C2 than the 993tt, so i bought another C2 after i sold the turbo.
Not long after that i owned a 993 C2, a Ginetta G33, a BMW 130i, a BMW 330d (don't ask) and a Honda Blackbird all at the same time.
And yet almost every time i was going out, i grabbed the keys for the 130i - be it to pop to the shops, or go on a long motorway trip, or just for a hoon on a Sunday morning.
Admittedly mine had a quaife atb, big brakes, and a decent exhaust, but the biggest single change was ditching the stupid runflats.
The chassis was so lively, it always felt a little bit like it was trying to throw you into the nearest scenery - which made it feel agile.
The N52 engine is an absolute masterpiece, with unbelievable throttle response and a real sense of 'coming on cam' and an urge to headbutt the limiter.
The gearbox was smooth and positive, and the ratios were really well judged (aided by the slightly shorter BMW Performance shifter).
Yes, i'm a fan...
A 993 turbo for your 29th...I've got major birthday present envy; I'm a month away from 29. I know I don't need to have the fastest car. For me it's about how engaging a car feels, rather than whether it's faster than anything else - which is a harder thing to quantify...
How much of a difference does the Quaife and exhaust make?
VerySideways said:
If you haven't already ticked the sportscar box then it's probably an itch which won't go away.
I was very fortunate to be in a position to try lots of very cool stuff, most of which i bought and sold very quickly (6 months to a year), culminating in buying myself a 993 turbo for my 29th birthday. It also meant that i got to experience quite fast, very fast, and really f*cking fast, and i think it's only at that point that you know if going fast is what floats your boat. In my case i quickly realised that i got more satisfaction from hooning a boggo 993 C2 than the 993tt, so i bought another C2 after i sold the turbo.
Not long after that i owned a 993 C2, a Ginetta G33, a BMW 130i, a BMW 330d (don't ask) and a Honda Blackbird all at the same time.
And yet almost every time i was going out, i grabbed the keys for the 130i - be it to pop to the shops, or go on a long motorway trip, or just for a hoon on a Sunday morning.
Admittedly mine had a quaife atb, big brakes, and a decent exhaust, but the biggest single change was ditching the stupid runflats.
The chassis was so lively, it always felt a little bit like it was trying to throw you into the nearest scenery - which made it feel agile.
The N52 engine is an absolute masterpiece, with unbelievable throttle response and a real sense of 'coming on cam' and an urge to headbutt the limiter.
The gearbox was smooth and positive, and the ratios were really well judged (aided by the slightly shorter BMW Performance shifter).
Yes, i'm a fan...
Very nicely put! I was very fortunate to be in a position to try lots of very cool stuff, most of which i bought and sold very quickly (6 months to a year), culminating in buying myself a 993 turbo for my 29th birthday. It also meant that i got to experience quite fast, very fast, and really f*cking fast, and i think it's only at that point that you know if going fast is what floats your boat. In my case i quickly realised that i got more satisfaction from hooning a boggo 993 C2 than the 993tt, so i bought another C2 after i sold the turbo.
Not long after that i owned a 993 C2, a Ginetta G33, a BMW 130i, a BMW 330d (don't ask) and a Honda Blackbird all at the same time.
And yet almost every time i was going out, i grabbed the keys for the 130i - be it to pop to the shops, or go on a long motorway trip, or just for a hoon on a Sunday morning.
Admittedly mine had a quaife atb, big brakes, and a decent exhaust, but the biggest single change was ditching the stupid runflats.
The chassis was so lively, it always felt a little bit like it was trying to throw you into the nearest scenery - which made it feel agile.
The N52 engine is an absolute masterpiece, with unbelievable throttle response and a real sense of 'coming on cam' and an urge to headbutt the limiter.
The gearbox was smooth and positive, and the ratios were really well judged (aided by the slightly shorter BMW Performance shifter).
Yes, i'm a fan...
I haven't driven most of the cars you mention, but the way you describe the N52 driving experience is great! And I like to think having that engine in a Z4 Coupe may be a bit more exciting than in a 1 Series, just by virtue of the lower roofline, proximity of your bum to the rear axle, etc.!
I can't stop smiling when I drive my Coupe (especially since I got my ZHP shifter and had the gearbox oil changed)!
Mr Tidy said:
Very nicely put!
I haven't driven most of the cars you mention, but the way you describe the N52 driving experience is great! And I like to think having that engine in a Z4 Coupe may be a bit more exciting than in a 1 Series, just by virtue of the lower roofline, proximity of your bum to the rear axle, etc.!
I can't stop smiling when I drive my Coupe (especially since I got my ZHP shifter and had the gearbox oil changed)!
So you're a fan of the ZHP shifter? Where did you get it from and how much, if you don't mind me asking? Definitely looks more palm-friendly than the standard 130i gearknob. Thanks.I haven't driven most of the cars you mention, but the way you describe the N52 driving experience is great! And I like to think having that engine in a Z4 Coupe may be a bit more exciting than in a 1 Series, just by virtue of the lower roofline, proximity of your bum to the rear axle, etc.!
I can't stop smiling when I drive my Coupe (especially since I got my ZHP shifter and had the gearbox oil changed)!
RoVoFob said:
So you're a fan of the ZHP shifter? Where did you get it from and how much, if you don't mind me asking? Definitely looks more palm-friendly than the standard 130i gearknob. Thanks.
Yes, it's definitely much better than the standard one! I don't know why BMW don't put a ZHP on cars like 3 litre Z4s and 1 Series - I have a 325ti Sport Compact and that has one!? Anyway, I got mine from Cotswold BMW. Hope the link works:-
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-BMW-Six-Speed-Le...
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff