Calling all 130i owners...
Discussion
VerySideways said:
I hear the standard Pirelli's are crap, but RE050 or NCT5 are much better. What have you got?
NCT5s, but I shan't be putting normal NCT's on the car -- I'll be putting Toyo Proxes T1-Rs on. The NCTs are OK, but not good enough to buy. You may want to consider the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZPs if you don't want to buy and carry a spare.Very pleased with mine too. I had a strange issue when it went for it's first service, as they decided it had an oil leak so the sump was changed and then they 'put the steering rack on wrongly' which made it pull to the left. All fixed under warranty of course.
I've got a feeling the they were withholding something (such as they dropped it off the ramp) but I've been over it with a fine tooth comb and it drives as well as ever.
I'm running on non RFT pirelli p zero rossos which I can't fault. MPG is good although I must admit to a brief flirtation with 123d when I was wearing my economy hat (130 is worth the extra fuel cost for the noise alone, nevermind the performance)
Speaking of dogs I've got some kind cover for mine which protects the entire rear area (backs of front seats, side panels, everything...) from mucky paws. Only it's never been used as I don't have a dog! Actually it's just taking up space in the garage, so if you want it make me an offer.
I've got a feeling the they were withholding something (such as they dropped it off the ramp) but I've been over it with a fine tooth comb and it drives as well as ever.
I'm running on non RFT pirelli p zero rossos which I can't fault. MPG is good although I must admit to a brief flirtation with 123d when I was wearing my economy hat (130 is worth the extra fuel cost for the noise alone, nevermind the performance)
Speaking of dogs I've got some kind cover for mine which protects the entire rear area (backs of front seats, side panels, everything...) from mucky paws. Only it's never been used as I don't have a dog! Actually it's just taking up space in the garage, so if you want it make me an offer.
Edited by gavmobile on Friday 8th February 13:39
My opinions are all positive really. The ride is firm but the m-sport seats are great and I came from a MCS so the ride is positively plush in comparison.
I was expecting the non RFT's to transform the ride quality but it's barely noticeable. What is noticeable is the extra grip, especially in the cold/wet.
I haven't had the squeaky windows or any rattles on mine. The only real niggle I've had were sticking door handles but two squirts of WD40 in each handle fixed this.
I sometimes feel that it's a bit thirsty but I have to keep reminding myself that it's a 265bhp car that does 30+mpg. My driving style doesn't help but on the motorway it will do 32mpg without much effort but around town too much throttle blipping sees it drop to about 23mpg.
Overall I highly recommend it and I can see myself keeping it for a while. It's rare, subtle and mine at least is as well put together as any other BMW. I sometimes wish I'd got more toys (I've got leather but nothing else) but that is hardly the cars fault.
I was expecting the non RFT's to transform the ride quality but it's barely noticeable. What is noticeable is the extra grip, especially in the cold/wet.
I haven't had the squeaky windows or any rattles on mine. The only real niggle I've had were sticking door handles but two squirts of WD40 in each handle fixed this.
I sometimes feel that it's a bit thirsty but I have to keep reminding myself that it's a 265bhp car that does 30+mpg. My driving style doesn't help but on the motorway it will do 32mpg without much effort but around town too much throttle blipping sees it drop to about 23mpg.
Overall I highly recommend it and I can see myself keeping it for a while. It's rare, subtle and mine at least is as well put together as any other BMW. I sometimes wish I'd got more toys (I've got leather but nothing else) but that is hardly the cars fault.
gavmobile said:
My opinions are all positive really. The ride is firm but the m-sport seats are great and I came from a MCS so the ride is positively plush in comparison.
[Agree - ride is bearable]
I was expecting the non RFT's to transform the ride quality but it's barely noticeable. What is noticeable is the extra grip, especially in the cold/wet.
[RFT's - particularly at this time of year - seem to have comedy grip levels. The traction control's busier than a one-legged man at an arse-kicking competition !]
I haven't had the squeaky windows or any rattles on mine. The only real niggle I've had were sticking door handles but two squirts of WD40 in each handle fixed this.
[Exactly the same with the door handles - no other problems]
I sometimes feel that it's a bit thirsty but I have to keep reminding myself that it's a 265bhp car that does 30+mpg. My driving style doesn't help but on the motorway it will do 32mpg without much effort but around town too much throttle blipping sees it drop to about 23mpg.
[I think the consumption's bloody good considering the size of the engine - my worst is mid 20's best mid 30's]
Overall I highly recommend it and I can see myself keeping it for a while. It's rare, subtle and mine at least is as well put together as any other BMW. I sometimes wish I'd got more toys (I've got leather but nothing else) but that is hardly the cars fault.
My tuppence worth embedded above. Overall I've really enjoyed owning one and the proof of the pudding is that I'm still not sure what to replace it with. The only real downer is the looks. I dont think the rear space is all that bad - it is meant to be a 'small' car (at least relative to the rest of the BMW model range) so until somebody invents a Tardis the inside will also be smaller ! The back seats fold flat and once done there will be plenty of room for your pups. [Agree - ride is bearable]
I was expecting the non RFT's to transform the ride quality but it's barely noticeable. What is noticeable is the extra grip, especially in the cold/wet.
[RFT's - particularly at this time of year - seem to have comedy grip levels. The traction control's busier than a one-legged man at an arse-kicking competition !]
I haven't had the squeaky windows or any rattles on mine. The only real niggle I've had were sticking door handles but two squirts of WD40 in each handle fixed this.
[Exactly the same with the door handles - no other problems]
I sometimes feel that it's a bit thirsty but I have to keep reminding myself that it's a 265bhp car that does 30+mpg. My driving style doesn't help but on the motorway it will do 32mpg without much effort but around town too much throttle blipping sees it drop to about 23mpg.
[I think the consumption's bloody good considering the size of the engine - my worst is mid 20's best mid 30's]
Overall I highly recommend it and I can see myself keeping it for a while. It's rare, subtle and mine at least is as well put together as any other BMW. I sometimes wish I'd got more toys (I've got leather but nothing else) but that is hardly the cars fault.
gavmobile said:
The only real niggle I've had were sticking door handles but two squirts of WD40 in each handle fixed this.
gavmobile - The dealer will replace the handles as it is a known quality issue.Regards the fuel consumption in our 630i (Manual convertible)on a B road run I would get over 30mpg (busy motorway even better) if the roads were busy, nearer 27 if they were empty(ish). I enjoy driving so don't take it easy (and loved the way the engine revvs (not as good as old M3 though)) never really dropped below 23 even with extended town driving. So I guess the 130i would be even better. Got to say brilliant engine.
how has he managed that.Drove two today, fabulous, i'm sold. My 330d is on PH classifieds and will be on Autotrader tonight.
Great packaging for the space, plenty of room for the size of car, superb seats, engine, and layout, slightly notchy gearchange (both were like that) but i'm sure i'll get used to it.
Engine sounds as good as it goes too
Great packaging for the space, plenty of room for the size of car, superb seats, engine, and layout, slightly notchy gearchange (both were like that) but i'm sure i'll get used to it.
Engine sounds as good as it goes too
, said you were a softie 
Nah, doesn't matter what colour the interior is, the dogs never touch the upholstery, there's always blankets and seat covers and things. Besides i always find black leather a bit warm in summer, so if i do get black i'll have to get a smoke tint on the glass. Other option i like is the grey leather.
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