130i SE. Special enough to put in storage?
Discussion
I've bought something more modern and economical to use as my daily drive, meaning my 130i SE is now going to sit idle.
Two choices:
1. Sell it. Put the money aside. Try to forget about that lovely N52 engine and save up for an M2.
2. Keep it. I can insure it for storage and keep it in the garage, but space would be tight. If in future i fancy one again, or my mileage decreases i can switch to using it, or maybe values might rise?
So i guess it comes down to predicting future values. The SE model was never heralded as being particularly special, in fact the 130i was pretty much overlooked by the press at the time. They are rare, but only because BMW stopped making them after poor sales!
What would you do?
If it makes a difference, it's only on 65k miles. 1 prev owner. BUT cloth seats and basic SE spec.
Two choices:
1. Sell it. Put the money aside. Try to forget about that lovely N52 engine and save up for an M2.
2. Keep it. I can insure it for storage and keep it in the garage, but space would be tight. If in future i fancy one again, or my mileage decreases i can switch to using it, or maybe values might rise?
So i guess it comes down to predicting future values. The SE model was never heralded as being particularly special, in fact the 130i was pretty much overlooked by the press at the time. They are rare, but only because BMW stopped making them after poor sales!
What would you do?
If it makes a difference, it's only on 65k miles. 1 prev owner. BUT cloth seats and basic SE spec.
If you're purely considering the storage option to make money, then I'd agree with the above poster in that its a bit risky.
However, if you can afford to keep hold of it, and are doing it because they are rare and likely a format that will never be made again (3.0 straight 6 in a hatch back!), then I would keep it for that reason alone.
A friend of mine recently bought a 130 and it took him nearly a year to find a good one. It won't be that easy for you to pick a good one up if you decide you want another I don't think.
However, if you can afford to keep hold of it, and are doing it because they are rare and likely a format that will never be made again (3.0 straight 6 in a hatch back!), then I would keep it for that reason alone.
A friend of mine recently bought a 130 and it took him nearly a year to find a good one. It won't be that easy for you to pick a good one up if you decide you want another I don't think.
Despite early press reports being a bit underwhelming, prices for 130is seem to be holding up pretty well.
I'd have loved one to replace my 325ti Compact, but foolishly waited a few days too long and missed out on a good one just up the road a year and a bit ago.
The run-out LE models seem quite desirable as they were pretty loaded with options, but they are all 3 doors so aren't great if you want to use child seats or drop the rear seat backs - plus they have the Electric PAS which I'm not a fan of.
Sadly I can't see an SE with cloth seats being hugely desirable - I'd be looking for a Sport (for the M-Sport seats) in leather, as many options as possible and the Hydraulic PAS.
But I'm definitely a fan of the N52 engine - I'm on Numbers 3 and 4 now! (Z4 Coupe and E90 330i).
Mind you yours is on a really low mileage. It probably just depends whether you can bear to part with it.
I'd have loved one to replace my 325ti Compact, but foolishly waited a few days too long and missed out on a good one just up the road a year and a bit ago.
The run-out LE models seem quite desirable as they were pretty loaded with options, but they are all 3 doors so aren't great if you want to use child seats or drop the rear seat backs - plus they have the Electric PAS which I'm not a fan of.
Sadly I can't see an SE with cloth seats being hugely desirable - I'd be looking for a Sport (for the M-Sport seats) in leather, as many options as possible and the Hydraulic PAS.
But I'm definitely a fan of the N52 engine - I'm on Numbers 3 and 4 now! (Z4 Coupe and E90 330i).
Mind you yours is on a really low mileage. It probably just depends whether you can bear to part with it.
Without wanting to sound rude, I don’t think it’s worth storing. They’re fab little cars that seem to have developed at bit of a following, but I imagine that most people (myself included) would want to the M Sport or LE version.
I think you’re better off keeping, using it and enjoying it or moving it on.
I think you’re better off keeping, using it and enjoying it or moving it on.
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