Thoughts on the BMW 130i M Sport?

[danyeates]

Hi,

I don't have a car at the moment, we've just moved into a new house and we're sharing my girlfriend's Civic. This is fine, we don't mind having one car, but the Civic isn't very exciting!

So I'm thinking of changing it and going halves on something a bit more special. We don't need a lot of space, there's only 2 of us, would like a roof (although I'd love a roadster, I take my kayak and the bikes out a lot and need the roof rack), and a decent engine 200hp +

Coming from my last car, a BMW Z4M, I'm really drawn towards the 130i M Sport. So what do you think? It seems fun, good engine, big enough but not too big, quick but shouldn't be horrific on running costs (should it??).

Any thoughts on the car? Experiences, running costs etc? We'd be looking at an early one with highish miles as we only have around £7k to spend.

Thanks,


Dan

[danyeates]

Anyone?

[telecat]

If you do a quick search you'll find an "old" thread lauding these to heaven. It seems that it worked as prices shot up in days!!!

[danyeates]

telecat said:

If you do a quick search you'll find an "old" thread lauding these to heaven. It seems that it worked as prices shot up in days!!!

Ok, thanks. I did do a search but only found the original PH road test in 2005. I'll have another look.

[a11y_m]

The search on here is borked, best with a google search for 130i preceded by "pistonheads".

I too considered a 130i (coming from a Z4 3.0 roadster) but ended up in an e90 330i. Probably above your 7k budget though, but if I was limited to 7k I imagine it'd be a 130i. I've only driven a 120d M Sport and loved it - imagine with a big petrol engine it'd be a hoot.

[telecat]

I can't see it either but it boiled down to beating the Focus ST on MPG and Power while having a better handling balance. Most felt it was probably better on the "Standard" suspension rather than the "M Sport" but that it was still rather well balanced on either. Space was an issue as a "pure" Family car but it sounds like it is OK for you. Rivals included the R32 and Megane F1 but most were thought of as a compromise.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[danyeates]

Thank you both, very helpful. The car in that thread was a bargain!

I only travel 6 miles each way along B roads to work, so probably wouldn't benefit much from a diesel.

[toys]

I've had my 130i for nearly four years (much longer than I usually keep cars) and love it. The straight six is a peach, and the chassis is entertainingly tail happy when coaxed! I get around 23 mpg on my short commute, but 30 mpg is easy enough at a 80 mph cruise though. Definitely a bargain at £7-8k

[danyeates]

Yeah, been doing a bit of research into mpg and things. From what most people are saying it's low 20s mpg for around town driving, which is what we usually do. That will be a bit painful coming from a car which will do nearly 40mpg on the same run.

Not sure what to do. I want a fun car, but don't really want to suffer 20's mpg again. Might look at 2.0 litre turbo charged engines....girlfriend really wants the newer Civic Type R, but I've read they're not all that good. I quite like the idea of the Megane R26, but not keen on the look of it or the interior! Kind of have my heart set on a BMW.

[mcxuk1]

These cars seem to be a bit of a pocket rocket. My friend had one for a short time and absolutely loved it.

[edo]

danyeates said:

Hi,

I don't have a car at the moment, we've just moved into a new house and we're sharing my girlfriend's Civic. This is fine, we don't mind having one car, but the Civic isn't very exciting!

So I'm thinking of changing it and going halves on something a bit more special. We don't need a lot of space, there's only 2 of us, would like a roof (although I'd love a roadster, I take my kayak and the bikes out a lot and need the roof rack), and a decent engine 200hp +

Coming from my last car, a BMW Z4M, I'm really drawn towards the 130i M Sport. So what do you think? It seems fun, good engine, big enough but not too big, quick but shouldn't be horrific on running costs (should it??).

Any thoughts on the car? Experiences, running costs etc? We'd be looking at an early one with highish miles as we only have around £7k to spend.

Thanks,

Dan

My wife and I had one a couple of years ago. Really nice car. Quick, fun to drive and trouble free. Rear legroom isnt overly generous, but assuming this isn't an issue, there isnt much to touch it for a used hot hatch if you want RWD and a nice 6 cylinder sound track.

I'd hold out for one with the nav system to ease resale, and servicing costs are very reasonable - all condition based, so just fine one thats had some recent brakes and tyres and you should have trouble free motoring.

The only issue will be your budget if you dont want a car with big miles on it.

[T1berious]

Hmm, As a current Z4M owner I feel your pain , as a 330 E92 owner I can attest to the engine being an absolute peach.

Considering what you can pick up an E92 330 for at the mo, I'd much rather it than a screaming VTEC

However, if the MPG is a big issue, dare I say it.... Diesel?

[DonkeyApple]

I've run one as a snotter for a few years and it is surprisingly good.

I don't think the trim is great quality.

I don't think the chassis is as good as 260bhp needs it to be.

The large wheels are crap, it's a much better car running on 120D wheels.

But, it is a brilliant urban car and great on the open road. A lovely engine with good character.

5 doors is a smart option. And a set of whisper bars on the roof make it very useable in most circumstances.

Not sure about running costs as all I've ever paid for is standard servicing, it's never needed anything else.

[danyeates]

T1berious said:

Hmm, As a current Z4M owner I feel your pain , as a 330 E92 owner I can attest to the engine being an absolute peach.

Considering what you can pick up an E92 330 for at the mo, I'd much rather it than a screaming VTEC

However, if the MPG is a big issue, dare I say it.... Diesel?

Don't think diesel would be any good for the 6 mile commute to work and around town driving, then again, neither is a 3.0 petrol

[ocrx8]

My Z4 has the same engine and on a long run, sticking to 70 (as we all do) I can get 43mpg. That's pretty good for a 3.0.

[the-photographer]

danyeates said:

Hi,

So I'm thinking of changing it and going halves on something a bit more special. We don't need a lot of space, there's only 2 of us, would like a roof (although I'd love a roadster, I take my kayak and the bikes out a lot and need the roof rack), and a decent engine 200hp +

Coming from my last car, a BMW Z4M, I'm really drawn towards the 130i M Sport. So what do you think? It seems fun, good engine, big enough but not too big, quick but shouldn't be horrific on running costs (should it??).

Any thoughts on the car? Experiences, running costs etc? We'd be looking at an early one with highish miles as we only have around £7k to spend.

Running costs are the same as any 6cylinder 3-series, BWM have some fixed price servicing info on their website which should be maxiumum you would pay (versus independant garages).

Fuel, is between 25 in town and 38 on a slow cruise.

You will have to look hard for a good one at £7,000 (not that many on PH classifieds)

The biggest problem is tyres, run flats are standard but I found it impossible to select normal tyres with the same dimensions (18") so have a read on the BWM forums.

[MarJay]

I have one, its awesome. I've responded to two or three threads on the subject, and I don't really have time to do a full reply right now.

However, you're in luck. I found one of the threads. Here:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=117...

Enjoy!

[S3_Graham]

the-photographer said:

Running costs are the same as any 6cylinder 3-series, BWM have some fixed price servicing info on their website which should be maxiumum you would pay (versus independant garages).

Fuel, is between 25 in town and 38 on a slow cruise.

You will have to look hard for a good one at £7,000 (not that many on PH classifieds)

The biggest problem is tyres, run flats are standard but I found it impossible to select normal tyres with the same dimensions (18") so have a read on the BWM forums.

You wont have to search taht hard for a decent one at £7k...

I sold my '55' plate in Jan for £7750. 55,000 FbmwSH, just serviced with brand new tyres and brakes.

I can say that xenons are a must have option. I lost count of the amount of people that phoned and didnt even view my car as it didnt have them, even though you can retro-fit aftermarket ones for £400.

Its a great car, i sold mine due to a house purchase. They really need an LSD and runflats to be ditched to reach their potential though. Ride is awful on the 18's with runflats.

So bad that my previous Integra type R had a MUCH better ride.

[edo]

Rather badly over budget, but lovely low miles, navigation, and as an SE probably rides far better than the M...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

BMW 1 SERIES 130I SE 5DR SAT NAV+JUST ONE OWNER AND 13000 MILES 3.0 2006

5 Doors, Manual 6 speed, Hatchback, Petrol, 13,000 miles, Orient Blue Metallic, 1 Owner. Matched and harmonized beautifully with ANTHRACITE UNMARKED SE CLOTH TRIM, FACTORY UPGRADE SATELLITE NAVIGATION WITH FOLDING COLOUR SCREEN, Remote C/ Locking and total close security system, Digital dual zone climate Air conditioning, FACTORY UPGRADE LEATHER TRIMMED SPORT MULTI-FUNCTION STEERING WHEEL, Factory Upgrade I-Drive On board Multi-Function fuel/ distance and system check computer, Fully colour coded, RDS C.D System with steering wheel remote controls and Audio aux input, Sports instrument dials with aluminium surround, REAR PARK DISTANCE CONTROL SYSTEM, Aluminium dash detailing, Twin polished exhausts, COMFORT PACK WITH AUTO LIGHTS/ RAIN SENSITIVE AUTO WIPERS AND AUTO DIM INTERIOR MIRROR, Remote C/Locking and security system with push button start, Electric windows x4 and Mirrors, Leather/ Aluminium gearshift, Leather trimmed handbrake lever, Plus Much More!! JUST ONE OWNER FROM BRAND NEW WITH A MINUTE 13,000 MILES BACKED WITH FULL AND NO EXPENSE SPARED BMW MAIN DEALER SERVICE HISTORY!! BIG SPEC SPORTS HATCH IN PRISTINE CONDITION THROUGHOUT!! AN ADRENALINE PACKED 260 BHP ON TAP AND IT CREATES AN AWESOME V6 SOUNDTRACK!! ALL THIS POWER YET STILL CAPABLE OF 40+ MPG AND JUST £270 TO TAX FOR 12 MONTHS!!, * MANY MORE PICTURES AND VIDEO ON OUR WEB-SITE * PRESTIGE WARRANTIES AVAILABLE FROM JUST £295 *. £9,995

[danyeates]

edo said:

Rather badly over budget, but lovely low miles, navigation, and as an SE probably rides far better than the M...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

BMW 1 SERIES 130I SE 5DR SAT NAV+JUST ONE OWNER AND 13000 MILES 3.0 2006

5 Doors, Manual 6 speed, Hatchback, Petrol, 13,000 miles, Orient Blue Metallic, 1 Owner. Matched and harmonized beautifully with ANTHRACITE UNMARKED SE CLOTH TRIM, FACTORY UPGRADE SATELLITE NAVIGATION WITH FOLDING COLOUR SCREEN, Remote C/ Locking and total close security system, Digital dual zone climate Air conditioning, FACTORY UPGRADE LEATHER TRIMMED SPORT MULTI-FUNCTION STEERING WHEEL, Factory Upgrade I-Drive On board Multi-Function fuel/ distance and system check computer, Fully colour coded, RDS C.D System with steering wheel remote controls and Audio aux input, Sports instrument dials with aluminium surround, REAR PARK DISTANCE CONTROL SYSTEM, Aluminium dash detailing, Twin polished exhausts, COMFORT PACK WITH AUTO LIGHTS/ RAIN SENSITIVE AUTO WIPERS AND AUTO DIM INTERIOR MIRROR, Remote C/Locking and security system with push button start, Electric windows x4 and Mirrors, Leather/ Aluminium gearshift, Leather trimmed handbrake lever, Plus Much More!! JUST ONE OWNER FROM BRAND NEW WITH A MINUTE 13,000 MILES BACKED WITH FULL AND NO EXPENSE SPARED BMW MAIN DEALER SERVICE HISTORY!! BIG SPEC SPORTS HATCH IN PRISTINE CONDITION THROUGHOUT!! AN ADRENALINE PACKED 260 BHP ON TAP AND IT CREATES AN AWESOME V6 SOUNDTRACK!! ALL THIS POWER YET STILL CAPABLE OF 40+ MPG AND JUST £270 TO TAX FOR 12 MONTHS!!, * MANY MORE PICTURES AND VIDEO ON OUR WEB-SITE * PRESTIGE WARRANTIES AVAILABLE FROM JUST £295 *. £9,995

Beautiful! Love that colour.