BMW 130i or better alternative?
Discussion
Hello,
Looking for some advice on my next car purchase. Budget is up to £5,000.
Looking for a car that is good to drive, 5 door, petrol and must be reliable and N/A. I've looked at a few options but keep coming back to the 130i.
My worry is that these cars are pretty old now (12-15 years) and all of them have 100,000+ miles. Is this something that I should be concerned with? I've done some research on the engines and they look pretty reliable; with the common faults not being overly expensive to repair.
Is there anything else I should be looking at? Any major worries with a 130i of this milage?
Thanks.
Looking for some advice on my next car purchase. Budget is up to £5,000.
Looking for a car that is good to drive, 5 door, petrol and must be reliable and N/A. I've looked at a few options but keep coming back to the 130i.
My worry is that these cars are pretty old now (12-15 years) and all of them have 100,000+ miles. Is this something that I should be concerned with? I've done some research on the engines and they look pretty reliable; with the common faults not being overly expensive to repair.
Is there anything else I should be looking at? Any major worries with a 130i of this milage?
Thanks.
I had a 2010 135i for 5 1/2 years and recently replaced it with a low mileage, 2008 130i. The 135i (with a few modifications) was an astonishingly good daily driver, with enough poke to surprise a lot of big budget cars. I enjoyed it.
Consequently, I was surprised when I decided to flog it and keep a low mileage 130i that I bought with vague thoughts that my wife might like it, or that I could flip it and make a few quid.
The 6 cylinder BMW engines are (IMO) much better than the 4 cylinder engines (diesel or petrol). The 130i has the N52 engine, which is reputed to be one of the most reliable engines that BMW has built in recent years. It's also a rewarding engine to use, not nearly as quick as my almost 400bhp 135i, but responsive, silky smooth and it sounds lovely.
The 1 series is almost identical to the 3 series mechanically, so a few simple modifications make it MUCH better. The V8 M3 lower control arms are a tad longer and have better bushes, so retro-fitting a pair (about £50 each on Amazon) gives a little more negative camber and effectively deletes the slightly understeery standard behaviour and sharpens the steering feedback. There are no downsides!
They were supplied on runcrap tyres - they behave much better on proper tyres, that are also much cheaper.
BMW state that they don't need diff or gearbox oil services - they do benefit from this. Oil service intervals are silly, so don't dismiss a car without a full BMW service history: cars with independent garage service histories have often had more love. However, unlike the N47 diesels, the N52 seems to cope better with high mileage and infrequent oil changes.
Mine returns about 25/26mpg locally and close to 40mpg on motorway runs of 50miles +. Although £5000 is a lot of money for a 10+ year old car, good ones are not depreciating much.
I'd recommend them. I've had faster and much more expensive cars, but I'm happy with mine, now that I've fitted some Konis & M3 LCAs, - it's all the car I need for daily driving.
Edit: I'd add that you don't need to make these mods - they are rather nice anyway... I was trading down from a very fast car that I'd fettled over the years, so I just wanted to be at its best. I now like it very much and I don't regret the change. I don't think that there are many other cars out there that provide the big engine/small rwd car rewards for the budget.
Consequently, I was surprised when I decided to flog it and keep a low mileage 130i that I bought with vague thoughts that my wife might like it, or that I could flip it and make a few quid.
The 6 cylinder BMW engines are (IMO) much better than the 4 cylinder engines (diesel or petrol). The 130i has the N52 engine, which is reputed to be one of the most reliable engines that BMW has built in recent years. It's also a rewarding engine to use, not nearly as quick as my almost 400bhp 135i, but responsive, silky smooth and it sounds lovely.
The 1 series is almost identical to the 3 series mechanically, so a few simple modifications make it MUCH better. The V8 M3 lower control arms are a tad longer and have better bushes, so retro-fitting a pair (about £50 each on Amazon) gives a little more negative camber and effectively deletes the slightly understeery standard behaviour and sharpens the steering feedback. There are no downsides!
They were supplied on runcrap tyres - they behave much better on proper tyres, that are also much cheaper.
BMW state that they don't need diff or gearbox oil services - they do benefit from this. Oil service intervals are silly, so don't dismiss a car without a full BMW service history: cars with independent garage service histories have often had more love. However, unlike the N47 diesels, the N52 seems to cope better with high mileage and infrequent oil changes.
Mine returns about 25/26mpg locally and close to 40mpg on motorway runs of 50miles +. Although £5000 is a lot of money for a 10+ year old car, good ones are not depreciating much.
I'd recommend them. I've had faster and much more expensive cars, but I'm happy with mine, now that I've fitted some Konis & M3 LCAs, - it's all the car I need for daily driving.
Edit: I'd add that you don't need to make these mods - they are rather nice anyway... I was trading down from a very fast car that I'd fettled over the years, so I just wanted to be at its best. I now like it very much and I don't regret the change. I don't think that there are many other cars out there that provide the big engine/small rwd car rewards for the budget.
Edited by Toed64 on Friday 23 March 12:32
Thanks very much for the reply Toed64.
I'm looking at cars being sold by dealers (so have 3-6 month warranty). Milage is around 125,000-150,000.
If I buy one, I will try to keep it for at least 5 - 7 years, so would expect it to hit somewhere in the region of 200,000 miles. Do you think these cars can handle that sort of milage?
Are there any options/recalls that are absolutely must haves?
I'm looking at cars being sold by dealers (so have 3-6 month warranty). Milage is around 125,000-150,000.
If I buy one, I will try to keep it for at least 5 - 7 years, so would expect it to hit somewhere in the region of 200,000 miles. Do you think these cars can handle that sort of milage?
Are there any options/recalls that are absolutely must haves?
I was looking for one recently for a similar kind of budget but couldn't find anything as they're quite rare and the nicer ones are closer to £10k than £5k. You'll probably have to compromise on options too as they don't really come with much as standard.
The obvious alternative is an E9X 330i, there's a lot more of them to choose from.
The obvious alternative is an E9X 330i, there's a lot more of them to choose from.
I think you can find a lower mileage car than that for your budget. I think you might consider buying privately and you might have to travel for a good one. these look interesting:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-130i-M-Sport-5-door...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-130i-M-sport-2005-5...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-BMW-1-Series-3-0-1...
There is a 130i hunters thread on babyb mw. net and I believe that the other contributor was on there too. There are some advertised in the classifieds there too. The N52 engine, as fitted to the 130i, is reputed to be tougher than the N53 that was fitted to the later 330is, so bear that in mind. The 3 series feels bigger and heavier, but they are very similar cars.
Must haves...mmm...I don't really care that much. Mine doesn't have a sat nav/idrive, and that pleases me because I didn't get on with it and I use my phone for navigation. Some people say that xenon lights are a must have, neither of my cars have had them and I also don't care. The OE halogens are a bit dim, but they are fine with Nitebreaker bulbs, and standard bulbs are SO much cheaper than Xenons when they go pop! Both of these extras seem to be must-haves for some hunting them on other forums - this means tht there are a few without them that are not snapped up quite so fast.
I like cruise control, not all had it. Leather is better than half fabric/half faux leather as the faux leather cracks and splits badly. I changed the half and half driver's seat in my 135i after only 4 years and 35000 miles. My 130i has full leather and it's still immaculate at 10 years old. Heated seats are nice. Many of them do not have bluetooth, so if it has, or if it's been retro-fitted, you'll save a few quid. Proper tyres are essential (IMO), so if fitted, that's also a bonus.
Check the history for a replacement electric water pump and stat. They do fail, my 135i pump died at just under 50,000 miles, that's the lowest mileage pump failure I have heard of, many have got 100,000 out of theirs. They are expensive - budget between £400 and £500, or double that if you go to a BMW stealership. (May be a bargaining point)
Autos drive quite nicely, but they get the full-fat VED/tax if registered after the 3rd week of March 2006. Pre face-lift cars have hydraulic PAS, this is more feelsome than the later electric PAS. I've got used to mine now, but it makes the steering slightly more remote...but better in car parks!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-130i-M-Sport-5-door...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-130i-M-sport-2005-5...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-BMW-1-Series-3-0-1...
There is a 130i hunters thread on babyb mw. net and I believe that the other contributor was on there too. There are some advertised in the classifieds there too. The N52 engine, as fitted to the 130i, is reputed to be tougher than the N53 that was fitted to the later 330is, so bear that in mind. The 3 series feels bigger and heavier, but they are very similar cars.
Must haves...mmm...I don't really care that much. Mine doesn't have a sat nav/idrive, and that pleases me because I didn't get on with it and I use my phone for navigation. Some people say that xenon lights are a must have, neither of my cars have had them and I also don't care. The OE halogens are a bit dim, but they are fine with Nitebreaker bulbs, and standard bulbs are SO much cheaper than Xenons when they go pop! Both of these extras seem to be must-haves for some hunting them on other forums - this means tht there are a few without them that are not snapped up quite so fast.
I like cruise control, not all had it. Leather is better than half fabric/half faux leather as the faux leather cracks and splits badly. I changed the half and half driver's seat in my 135i after only 4 years and 35000 miles. My 130i has full leather and it's still immaculate at 10 years old. Heated seats are nice. Many of them do not have bluetooth, so if it has, or if it's been retro-fitted, you'll save a few quid. Proper tyres are essential (IMO), so if fitted, that's also a bonus.
Check the history for a replacement electric water pump and stat. They do fail, my 135i pump died at just under 50,000 miles, that's the lowest mileage pump failure I have heard of, many have got 100,000 out of theirs. They are expensive - budget between £400 and £500, or double that if you go to a BMW stealership. (May be a bargaining point)
Autos drive quite nicely, but they get the full-fat VED/tax if registered after the 3rd week of March 2006. Pre face-lift cars have hydraulic PAS, this is more feelsome than the later electric PAS. I've got used to mine now, but it makes the steering slightly more remote...but better in car parks!
I'm a little bias because I absolutely love my 130i, but given your budget and requirements I really don't think there is anything comparable.
Get over to babybmw.net for loads of info and/or search my old posts on here, I've been singing their praises for years.
Mine has done 153k miles, 100k of those in 7 years of my ownership and I have no reason to worry about reliability and no intention of changing it.
Finding a good one might take a while but will be worth it.
Get over to babybmw.net for loads of info and/or search my old posts on here, I've been singing their praises for years.
Mine has done 153k miles, 100k of those in 7 years of my ownership and I have no reason to worry about reliability and no intention of changing it.
Finding a good one might take a while but will be worth it.
As standard they're fun but flawed with a hard ride and crap damping, but they do get under your skin. I've had mine for over 4 years and still love it, although I've spent a few quid on suspension, non-runflat tyres and a Quaife diff to get it to where it is now. The engine is a peach and it now handles superbly. It's also pretty comfy and refined and the running costs are sensible.
Mechanically, they're very robust with a couple of exceptions. There's the water pump as mentioned above; the ABS pump can fail, although there are companies that can refurb these; and the diff bearings are a bit of a weak spot on all BMWs of this era. This is much more of an issue on the smaller engined cars with a small case diff, but they failed on my car and it was an expensive fix. Listen for a droning or a high pitched whistle above 20mph.
I'm sure the engine will easily do 200k miles (mine on 125k now) but but if you're planning to run a car to that mileage and don't want it to feel like an absolute dog you will have to replace some worn suspension components, but this applies to any car.
Owners forums are a good place to find a well loved car - have a look on babybmw.
Mechanically, they're very robust with a couple of exceptions. There's the water pump as mentioned above; the ABS pump can fail, although there are companies that can refurb these; and the diff bearings are a bit of a weak spot on all BMWs of this era. This is much more of an issue on the smaller engined cars with a small case diff, but they failed on my car and it was an expensive fix. Listen for a droning or a high pitched whistle above 20mph.
I'm sure the engine will easily do 200k miles (mine on 125k now) but but if you're planning to run a car to that mileage and don't want it to feel like an absolute dog you will have to replace some worn suspension components, but this applies to any car.
Owners forums are a good place to find a well loved car - have a look on babybmw.
Narrowed my search down to a 130i but getting the right one is proving to be a challenge !! Travel will be required to get the right one.
Great one for sale here - http://www.babybmw.net/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=10... but I need five seats otherwise I'd have snapped it up.
Great one for sale here - http://www.babybmw.net/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=10... but I need five seats otherwise I'd have snapped it up.
Its a possibility but missing cruise and xenon's which ideally I'd like. I know these can be retro-fitted but I want something I can use as is from the off and don 't want to spend any money modding. I've got time to keep looking for the right one but that one is a good one, just not for me.
Obee72 said:
Its a possibility but missing cruise and xenon's which ideally I'd like. I know these can be retro-fitted but I want something I can use as is from the off and don 't want to spend any money modding. I've got time to keep looking for the right one but that one is a good one, just not for me.
Yeah wait for the right spec to come up or you'll always be regretting it later.It's disappointing that Xenons weren't standard on these, it's a must have IMO (mainly for the look admittedly).
Hi, not sure if this will get a response but I’ve come across a 130i and I don’t know too much about them. So would love some opinions of whether this is is good or terrible deal from those of you with strong knowledge. Cheers!
https://www.autochoiceni.co.uk/detail/used-bmw-1-s...
https://www.autochoiceni.co.uk/detail/used-bmw-1-s...
Chad.a said:
Hi, not sure if this will get a response but I’ve come across a 130i and I don’t know too much about them. So would love some opinions of whether this is is good or terrible deal from those of you with strong knowledge. Cheers!
https://www.autochoiceni.co.uk/detail/used-bmw-1-s...
Doesn't look a bad price given the market, but £6k ish would seem more reasonable.https://www.autochoiceni.co.uk/detail/used-bmw-1-s...
To put that into context, i paid £10,500 for what is now my wife's 2013 M135i at 72k miles a year ago. So that's the same mileage, but 6 yrs newer, and obvs it has all the extras over the 130i.
That said, a 130i is a lovely thing, so i can't see them depreciating any further now
Chad.a said:
Hi, not sure if this will get a response but I’ve come across a 130i and I don’t know too much about them. So would love some opinions of whether this is is good or terrible deal from those of you with strong knowledge. Cheers!
https://www.autochoiceni.co.uk/detail/used-bmw-1-s...
I’ve owned three 130is including one for the last year - so very much a 130i nerd.https://www.autochoiceni.co.uk/detail/used-bmw-1-s...
That car seems to have a decent spec (with xenons, leather, uprated speakers and heated seats) and a low mileage, but it’s hard to tell how well it’s been looked after. The price is very steep if it hasn’t had replacement suspension (my 2005 and 2006 models needed a suspension overhaul at 75k and 14/15 years old). I spent £1,200 on the Bilstein B12 Pro kit, new top mounts, spring pads and front radius arm bushes, fitting and alignment in December, so that’s a good ballpark cost if it hasn’t been done.
It’s also still on runflat tyres from the looks of things, which isn’t a good thing. Runflats on the 130i make the ride rock solid, offer poor grip in the wet and simply don’t suit the car, so I’d personally want to change those immediately - expect to pay £400-£500 for a decent set of tyres fitted.
Might be worth contacting the dealer to ask about what maintenance it’s had/what the receipts show and to get the number plate, so you can check the MOT history. Bar rear number plate lights and tired shock absorbers, my 75k-mile 2006 model hasn’t had any advisories for the last eight MOTs, so a significant level of varied advisories/fails would be a warning sign for me.
At that price I'd be buying a 330i they're very similar in terms of handling & both require the same mods to sharpen up the handling.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201151...
335i:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201221...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201151...
335i:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201221...
ZX10R NIN said:
At that price I'd be buying a 330i they're very similar in terms of handling & both require the same mods to sharpen up the handling.
The 3 Series is bigger, heavier and has far longer gearing, too. It might seem better value, but I imagine the feeling of the cars is quite different. Especially if you go for an automatic 3 Series. Which is better all depends on what you’re after…
RoVoFob said:
The 3 Series is bigger, heavier and has far longer gearing, too. It might seem better value, but I imagine the feeling of the cars is quite different. Especially if you go for an automatic 3 Series.
Which is better all depends on what you’re after…
For me the 130i isn't a hot hatch it handles well but not anywhere near a VXR GTC let alone a Megane RS, having driven a fair few of both yes the longer gearing blunts a bit of the performance but not overly so neither has the greatest (I deliberately listed manuals) shift but again like the suspension both can sorted for not much outlay.Which is better all depends on what you’re after…
I never felt the extra weight of the 3 series was an issue when pressing on (I'd say the gearing is the main difference) but others may disagree.
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