Discussion
After getting rather bored of my Audi estate daily and having a Clio 182 track car sat in the garage barely getting used I started to get itchy feet and the classifieds were taking up far too much of my time, a change was needed. The thought of having a daily and a track/fun car was the perfect scenario, the reality was somewhat different in my situation. Driving the Audi and not having the time to drive the Clio was really frustrating, I just didn’t have the time to drive the fun car and then there’s the expense of running, taxing and insuring two cars, it’s not exactly cheap motoring.
They both sold quicker than I expected them too and I was undecided on what to buy to replace the two that had to be capable of being fun but also able to carry my two boys and a Labrador in comfort. Numerous cars were considered from FD2 and DC5 Type R’s to Megane 250 cups but I really fancied a return to rwd, my budget would of stretched to a e9x M3 or a tidy e46 but with neither of them coming with a suitable boot for a dog they were discounted. I tried to find a nice 335i touring with a manual gearbox but they’re all but impossible to find, then this popped up in the classifieds.
So far I’m absolutely over the moon with my choice, it’s my fourth BMW now and they are just so well rounded, fun and engaging but absolutely fantastic at just being a car. The engine is most definitely the star of the show, it’s incredibly smooth and it pulls frantically after 5,000 rpm. It’s on run flats at the moment and it definitely lacks rear end traction because of them, it was a similar story in my 335i so they will be getting replaced with some proper rubber in the not so distant future.
They both sold quicker than I expected them too and I was undecided on what to buy to replace the two that had to be capable of being fun but also able to carry my two boys and a Labrador in comfort. Numerous cars were considered from FD2 and DC5 Type R’s to Megane 250 cups but I really fancied a return to rwd, my budget would of stretched to a e9x M3 or a tidy e46 but with neither of them coming with a suitable boot for a dog they were discounted. I tried to find a nice 335i touring with a manual gearbox but they’re all but impossible to find, then this popped up in the classifieds.
So far I’m absolutely over the moon with my choice, it’s my fourth BMW now and they are just so well rounded, fun and engaging but absolutely fantastic at just being a car. The engine is most definitely the star of the show, it’s incredibly smooth and it pulls frantically after 5,000 rpm. It’s on run flats at the moment and it definitely lacks rear end traction because of them, it was a similar story in my 335i so they will be getting replaced with some proper rubber in the not so distant future.
Nice. I was looking at these recently too as a replacement for my stolen M135i, the thinking being it would probably have all the performance I needed as a daily and 6-cyl character (the upper end of M135i's was performance was unexploitable on the road). Couldn't find a decent one anywhere near me, so went for a nice Megane RS250 which has been very impressive thus far!
Thanks everyone, I wasn’t happy about letting the Clio go but needs must unfortunately, having a young family made driving time in the Clio practically impossible. It was great fun while it lasted and it was sold to someone who intends to use it properly.
The trade off for selling the Clio meant that the Audi could go to, it was a hateful thing to drive and it wasn’t exactly proving to be that great in the reliability stakes.
It’s nice to be driving again and I’m finding any excuse to do it, great thing is I can take the wife and children with me. The 130i is enjoyable regardless of the pace I’m carrying.
There’s a few bits that need attention but it appears to be a nice example so far, the door strips at the rear need replacing, the gear knob is looking a little tired, I’ve ordered a set of floor mats and the wheels need to be refurbished. Everything will be staying oem visually.
The Birds dampers, Quaife LSD and anti roll bars are on my list of possibilities but I will see how a switch to non run flats goes before spending big.
The trade off for selling the Clio meant that the Audi could go to, it was a hateful thing to drive and it wasn’t exactly proving to be that great in the reliability stakes.
It’s nice to be driving again and I’m finding any excuse to do it, great thing is I can take the wife and children with me. The 130i is enjoyable regardless of the pace I’m carrying.
There’s a few bits that need attention but it appears to be a nice example so far, the door strips at the rear need replacing, the gear knob is looking a little tired, I’ve ordered a set of floor mats and the wheels need to be refurbished. Everything will be staying oem visually.
The Birds dampers, Quaife LSD and anti roll bars are on my list of possibilities but I will see how a switch to non run flats goes before spending big.
One of my colleagues has had his 08 130i manual from new. It’s done 52k and he’s consodering selling. He’s about new tyres and alloy Refurb. Difficult car to value given the low miles vs age. I’ve advised him to advertise here. A one owner car, with manual and low miles must be rare now?
ADogg said:
That looks lovely, but I may be biased!
Where did you get the mats from? I need some...
Thanks, I’ve taken a gamble on a cheap set from eBay that are supposed to be the same quality as the standard BMW ones, they should be with me on Tuesday so I will report back. If they aren’t up to it I will get some direct from BMW, they have them listed on the website in the accessories/parts section.Where did you get the mats from? I need some...
Ollie-DC5 said:
This has got me looking at chopping in my Audi estate daily for one of these, not sure it would be worth it alongside the DC5 though
They are a really good all rounder, similar motor in ways to the VTEC units in that it likes revs to get the best from it, only difference is you don’t really need them to make good progress in the 130i with the big difference in torque. The noise is somewhat different too, the BMW is nowhere near as roar as a K20, smooth and creamy is probably the best way to describe the N52, it does howl to the limiter after 5,000 rpm though.highway said:
One of my colleagues has had his 08 130i manual from new. It’s done 52k and he’s consodering selling. He’s about new tyres and alloy Refurb. Difficult car to value given the low miles vs age. I’ve advised him to advertise here. A one owner car, with manual and low miles must be rare now?
I bought one a couple of weeks ago - 07 plate which was on 50k. Get your friend to stick it on babybmw.net and here. Maybe contact a specialist like Cramag who may be interested (I’ve no links to them but that’s where I got mine from!). I’d say £8.5k ish maybe?MRobbins1987 said:
Thanks, I’ve taken a gamble on a cheap set from eBay that are supposed to be the same quality as the standard BMW ones, they should be with me on Tuesday so I will report back. If they aren’t up to it I will get some direct from BMW, they have them listed on the website in the accessories/parts section.
Thanks!Looks lovely - fellow 130i owner here so I can relate to everything you said. They are such a fantastic all-rounder, and the engine is an absolute joy.
If you've had BMWs before you'll probably know what a difference ditching the run-flats will make - thankfully mine already had normal tyres fitted but I drove one with run-flats while searching and the difference is remarkable.
Here's one of mine:
If you've had BMWs before you'll probably know what a difference ditching the run-flats will make - thankfully mine already had normal tyres fitted but I drove one with run-flats while searching and the difference is remarkable.
Here's one of mine:
Good choice- they make great all rounders. I’ve had mine for 5 years and although I’ve thought of changing it I can’t bring myself to sell it. Decent dampers and tyres make it a much better car for reasonable money. LSD is good but not essential - I’ve got the Birds kit and Quaife and it’s really good, but the suspension/tyres make a bigger difference more of the time than the diff.
If you want a good improvement for little outlay some people have had good results fitting shorter bump stops on the rear - helps cure the bounce. Subframe inserts are also worth doing - easy DIY and make a big difference to steering precision for not much money. Enjoy your new toy!
If you want a good improvement for little outlay some people have had good results fitting shorter bump stops on the rear - helps cure the bounce. Subframe inserts are also worth doing - easy DIY and make a big difference to steering precision for not much money. Enjoy your new toy!
highway said:
One of my colleagues has had his 08 130i manual from new. It’s done 52k and he’s consodering selling. He’s about new tyres and alloy Refurb. Difficult car to value given the low miles vs age. I’ve advised him to advertise here. A one owner car, with manual and low miles must be rare now?
Sounds good - that's a pretty late 130i! I could be interested...………!
A message with some details would be appreciated.
Thanks for the tips and pointers. I’ve given it it’s first proper wash today and have started to make a list of things that require attention/refreshing.
First job was to sort a new key ring, the one that came with the car was in appalling condition, not really sure how it got in such a state. Luckily enough I’ve got a few sitting in a box in the garage so that’s been replaced.
I gave the interior a thorough clean in preparation for the new floor mats arriving, this photograph may offend a few. Cream and wood trim, not to everyone’s tastes but it gives the interior a spacious feel in comparison to the usual black.
[url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/QhmOMPQ2[/ur]
Next on the list was the engine bay, this definitely hadn’t been cleaned before.
After a quick once over.
Then gave the exterior a proper wash.
The car is running absolutely great and is returning high 20’s to the gallon on my commute which is exactly what I was expecting.
My ever growing list of jobs.
Alloys refurbished and new centre caps.
New gear knob.
New sill plates.
Michelin PS4’s
E46 M3 gearbox mounts
E92 M3 lower control arms.
I would love to just go out and get the Birds suspension and lsd package but I will see how the above changes things first.
First job was to sort a new key ring, the one that came with the car was in appalling condition, not really sure how it got in such a state. Luckily enough I’ve got a few sitting in a box in the garage so that’s been replaced.
I gave the interior a thorough clean in preparation for the new floor mats arriving, this photograph may offend a few. Cream and wood trim, not to everyone’s tastes but it gives the interior a spacious feel in comparison to the usual black.
[url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/QhmOMPQ2[/ur]Next on the list was the engine bay, this definitely hadn’t been cleaned before.
After a quick once over.
Then gave the exterior a proper wash.
The car is running absolutely great and is returning high 20’s to the gallon on my commute which is exactly what I was expecting.
My ever growing list of jobs.
Alloys refurbished and new centre caps.
New gear knob.
New sill plates.
Michelin PS4’s
E46 M3 gearbox mounts
E92 M3 lower control arms.
I would love to just go out and get the Birds suspension and lsd package but I will see how the above changes things first.
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