130i M Sport 'ED' v non 'ED'
Discussion
Hi all,
Apologies if this question has been posted before..
I'm contemplating a 130i M Sport. My budget is likely to be around £14 - 15k max, which, hopefully, should put me in a 55 / 06 plate with reasonable miles.
I'm a bit concerned about the ED revision in mid 2007 however. Basically, from what I understand these have better mpg and lower emissions (and 3 door availability) and will doubtless, therefore, be more desirable in future. Anything else I should be aware of?
Should I be concerned about buying a non ED car? I'm thinking more about resale than ownership proposition.
Apologies if this question has been posted before..
I'm contemplating a 130i M Sport. My budget is likely to be around £14 - 15k max, which, hopefully, should put me in a 55 / 06 plate with reasonable miles.
I'm a bit concerned about the ED revision in mid 2007 however. Basically, from what I understand these have better mpg and lower emissions (and 3 door availability) and will doubtless, therefore, be more desirable in future. Anything else I should be aware of?
Should I be concerned about buying a non ED car? I'm thinking more about resale than ownership proposition.
Don't know about the ED - never heard of it but doesn't sound great from pattyg's comment.
I bought a 130i M Sport on Saturday at a dealer, Nov.05 with 35k miles and a decentish trade in on my 52 plate 330Ci.
This one drove beautifully, having tried two Golf Gti's and an Audi A3 equivalent that morning it took me 2 miles to want it.
I bought a 130i M Sport on Saturday at a dealer, Nov.05 with 35k miles and a decentish trade in on my 52 plate 330Ci.
This one drove beautifully, having tried two Golf Gti's and an Audi A3 equivalent that morning it took me 2 miles to want it.
DavidLScott said:
Don't know about the ED - never heard of it but doesn't sound great from pattyg's comment.
I bought a 130i M Sport on Saturday at a dealer, Nov.05 with 35k miles and a decentish trade in on my 52 plate 330Ci.
This one drove beautifully, having tried two Golf Gti's and an Audi A3 equivalent that morning it took me 2 miles to want it.
Thanks David. Interestingly, the other two cars I'm considering are a 330Ci and a Mk5 Golf Gti. I'd be interested to know how you feel the 130i compares, particularly to the 330Ci as, unlike the Golf, I've never driven one. I bought a 130i M Sport on Saturday at a dealer, Nov.05 with 35k miles and a decentish trade in on my 52 plate 330Ci.
This one drove beautifully, having tried two Golf Gti's and an Audi A3 equivalent that morning it took me 2 miles to want it.
According to Verysideways (who has a pre FL 130i) and another mate of ours who has a FL 57 plate 130i, the pre-facelift hydraulic power steering is better than the FL electrically assisted rack, but the facelift steering is still pretty good, I have a (facelift) 123d and it still gives good feedback and feel. Its possibly the optional active steering that pattyg has heard about, which is indeed poo from a driver involvement perspective. It basically changes the ratio of the rack according to speed so feels very odd and detached, but luckily its expensive so not many cars have it specced.
Other than the that though, the FL car is a nicer car if you can stretch to it. Mechanically they're very similar (unlike the diesels) as the FL 130i doesn't have the full complement of ED kit such as the stop/start etc, but its lower emissions so potentially cheaper to tax/run, plus the interior is a bit better compared to the earlier cars, especially the door trims, and there's other little things like MP3 playback compatibility on the stock Business CD head unit which you don't get on the earlier cars.
Ive not followed prices since I bought mine in January but before Christmas you could have picked up a FL 130i M Sport for £15-16k, but if its anything like the 123d, prices have actually gone up since and are now about £1500-2k higher than 5 months ago, even for 57 plate cars that are now obviously 5 months older.
Other than the that though, the FL car is a nicer car if you can stretch to it. Mechanically they're very similar (unlike the diesels) as the FL 130i doesn't have the full complement of ED kit such as the stop/start etc, but its lower emissions so potentially cheaper to tax/run, plus the interior is a bit better compared to the earlier cars, especially the door trims, and there's other little things like MP3 playback compatibility on the stock Business CD head unit which you don't get on the earlier cars.
Ive not followed prices since I bought mine in January but before Christmas you could have picked up a FL 130i M Sport for £15-16k, but if its anything like the 123d, prices have actually gone up since and are now about £1500-2k higher than 5 months ago, even for 57 plate cars that are now obviously 5 months older.
Heathwood said:
DavidLScott said:
Don't know about the ED - never heard of it but doesn't sound great from pattyg's comment.
I bought a 130i M Sport on Saturday at a dealer, Nov.05 with 35k miles and a decentish trade in on my 52 plate 330Ci.
This one drove beautifully, having tried two Golf Gti's and an Audi A3 equivalent that morning it took me 2 miles to want it.
Thanks David. Interestingly, the other two cars I'm considering are a 330Ci and a Mk5 Golf Gti. I'd be interested to know how you feel the 130i compares, particularly to the 330Ci as, unlike the Golf, I've never driven one. I bought a 130i M Sport on Saturday at a dealer, Nov.05 with 35k miles and a decentish trade in on my 52 plate 330Ci.
This one drove beautifully, having tried two Golf Gti's and an Audi A3 equivalent that morning it took me 2 miles to want it.
I love(d) my 330Ci but fancied a change after 6 years and really wanted a hatchback and a manual again (I do have aTVR Chimarea and my wife's Mini as manuals already). My need for an automatic has diminished over the last few years as my town / M25 driving has reduced. It does everything you might want and is still as crisp at 56k miles as when I bought it but some of the paint is getting a bit distressed on the front from stone chips etc.
I have an SE so it is a softer ride but I hated the Sport suspension on the two I tried as the Sussex roads are dreadful and it shook itself all over the place. I gather 18" wheels also upset the ride but I still have the 17"ers.
I drove 2 Mk5 GTi's on Saturday and I did quite like them but would have had the Superchips 41bhp upgrade to make them more perky and it's still a Golf and didn't feel particularly special.
They weren't much cheaper than the BMW and the trade in was £500 less and I would need another £500 for the chip so that added to the decision process. I had actually put a holding deposit on an A3 T Fsi ( and would have done the same upgrade) although it was bit sedate in silver with grey interior it felt a bit classier (more of a Q car with 240bhp) and was cheaper than the Golfs but as soon as I got in the BMW I knew that was what I wanted if it drove OK.
I wasn't disappointed as it felt a completely different animal and I was won over almost straight away.
Surprisingly, I didn't get any negative feel from the 18" 35 section tyres and it rode pretty well on the back B road around Ashford.
I'll report back a bit more after I've done a few miles over the weekend.
DavidLScott said:
Heathwood said:
DavidLScott said:
Don't know about the ED - never heard of it but doesn't sound great from pattyg's comment.
I bought a 130i M Sport on Saturday at a dealer, Nov.05 with 35k miles and a decentish trade in on my 52 plate 330Ci.
This one drove beautifully, having tried two Golf Gti's and an Audi A3 equivalent that morning it took me 2 miles to want it.
Thanks David. Interestingly, the other two cars I'm considering are a 330Ci and a Mk5 Golf Gti. I'd be interested to know how you feel the 130i compares, particularly to the 330Ci as, unlike the Golf, I've never driven one. I bought a 130i M Sport on Saturday at a dealer, Nov.05 with 35k miles and a decentish trade in on my 52 plate 330Ci.
This one drove beautifully, having tried two Golf Gti's and an Audi A3 equivalent that morning it took me 2 miles to want it.
I love(d) my 330Ci but fancied a change after 6 years and really wanted a hatchback and a manual again (I do have aTVR Chimarea and my wife's Mini as manuals already). My need for an automatic has diminished over the last few years as my town / M25 driving has reduced. It does everything you might want and is still as crisp at 56k miles as when I bought it but some of the paint is getting a bit distressed on the front from stone chips etc.
I have an SE so it is a softer ride but I hated the Sport suspension on the two I tried as the Sussex roads are dreadful and it shook itself all over the place. I gather 18" wheels also upset the ride but I still have the 17"ers.
I drove 2 Mk5 GTi's on Saturday and I did quite like them but would have had the Superchips 41bhp upgrade to make them more perky and it's still a Golf and didn't feel particularly special.
They weren't much cheaper than the BMW and the trade in was £500 less and I would need another £500 for the chip so that added to the decision process. I had actually put a holding deposit on an A3 T Fsi ( and would have done the same upgrade) although it was bit sedate in silver with grey interior it felt a bit classier (more of a Q car with 240bhp) and was cheaper than the Golfs but as soon as I got in the BMW I knew that was what I wanted if it drove OK.
I wasn't disappointed as it felt a completely different animal and I was won over almost straight away.
Surprisingly, I didn't get any negative feel from the 18" 35 section tyres and it rode pretty well on the back B road around Ashford.
I'll report back a bit more after I've done a few miles over the weekend.
I feel the 330ci might just be a tad sensible and I can understand what you mean when you say the Golf just didn't feel particularly special.
Thanks again and look forward to hearing how you get on after you've picked it up.
I have an 07 plate 130i and didn't really notice much differnce at all between this and a friends 55 plate car as the 130i didn't get many of the ED features and they are both in the same tax band anyway I think. Prices do seem to have firmed up, but I think my friend may be looking change his car for something bigger. 55 plate 5 door, 28k ish miles, le mans blue with black leather, think he wants £13k ish still under warranty. Email me if you want his details.
No problem with price Heathwood - it was from a dealer (Broad Oak in Ashford, Kent)and it was £14950.
TBH that was the only one on BMW's site at that price - everything else was dearer but I had set a limit of £15k as I had already bought a new KTM motorbike last year so my 'financial controller' had brought in a vague cut off point.
TBH that was the only one on BMW's site at that price - everything else was dearer but I had set a limit of £15k as I had already bought a new KTM motorbike last year so my 'financial controller' had brought in a vague cut off point.
Well.... just driven it back home the long way so done about 50 miles of mixed driving (small A & B roads and town) and it has exceeded my expectations.
Compared to my now sadly traded in 330Ci SE, the handling is superb but not overly stiff so it can cope with gnarly Sussex roads and still leave your teeth intact.
Overtaking oomph in 3rd or 4th is exceptional and it cruises nicely.
I am very impressed so far but will have more chance for a better drive over the weekend if there aren't too many caravans about.
That was a very good price but assume it was private sale - as I had said, there was nothing else in the BMW dealerships in the south east at the price I paid.
Compared to my now sadly traded in 330Ci SE, the handling is superb but not overly stiff so it can cope with gnarly Sussex roads and still leave your teeth intact.
Overtaking oomph in 3rd or 4th is exceptional and it cruises nicely.
I am very impressed so far but will have more chance for a better drive over the weekend if there aren't too many caravans about.
That was a very good price but assume it was private sale - as I had said, there was nothing else in the BMW dealerships in the south east at the price I paid.
Well, I had a good drive in a 130i M Sport today and was very impressed.
First thing I noticed is what a lovely thing that engine is. Plenty of torque, great throttle response and a fantastic noise. The fat steering wheel will take a bit of getting used to and didn't manage to get the driving position quite right but felt really good on the road - direct, confident but comfortable. Is it really worth looking at that Golf Gti tomorrow!?!
I think the example I looked at was, perhaps, a little bit pricey (55 plate, 55k miles with boston leather and nav) at £14,500, but I'll see what else is available at similar money before I discount it.
First thing I noticed is what a lovely thing that engine is. Plenty of torque, great throttle response and a fantastic noise. The fat steering wheel will take a bit of getting used to and didn't manage to get the driving position quite right but felt really good on the road - direct, confident but comfortable. Is it really worth looking at that Golf Gti tomorrow!?!
I think the example I looked at was, perhaps, a little bit pricey (55 plate, 55k miles with boston leather and nav) at £14,500, but I'll see what else is available at similar money before I discount it.
I didn't think the Golf came near the 130i but you should try it anyway - if only to reinforce your opinion one way or the other.
I think the engine is glorious and way better than the auto version in my old 330Ci. as you say, the exhaust sounds superb, even to the point of turning off the radio and driving with the windows down this morning.
Good hunting.
PS - I do hate 6 speed gearboxes though - what's wrong with 5?
I think the engine is glorious and way better than the auto version in my old 330Ci. as you say, the exhaust sounds superb, even to the point of turning off the radio and driving with the windows down this morning.
Good hunting.
PS - I do hate 6 speed gearboxes though - what's wrong with 5?
Heathwood said:
Well, I had a good drive in a 130i M Sport today and was very impressed.
First thing I noticed is what a lovely thing that engine is. Plenty of torque, great throttle response and a fantastic noise. The fat steering wheel will take a bit of getting used to and didn't manage to get the driving position quite right but felt really good on the road - direct, confident but comfortable. Is it really worth looking at that Golf Gti tomorrow!?!
I think the example I looked at was, perhaps, a little bit pricey (55 plate, 55k miles with boston leather and nav) at £14,500, but I'll see what else is available at similar money before I discount it.
For info I sold a 55 130i se a couple of months ago for £10k. Ok not as nice as the above but substantially cheaper !First thing I noticed is what a lovely thing that engine is. Plenty of torque, great throttle response and a fantastic noise. The fat steering wheel will take a bit of getting used to and didn't manage to get the driving position quite right but felt really good on the road - direct, confident but comfortable. Is it really worth looking at that Golf Gti tomorrow!?!
I think the example I looked at was, perhaps, a little bit pricey (55 plate, 55k miles with boston leather and nav) at £14,500, but I'll see what else is available at similar money before I discount it.
Great cars by the way - you will not regret buying one. I found it took fecking ages to get comfortable though, as you say above. Whereas in my new 330i it took about 10 seconds and I've never needed to adjust anything. Wierd.
Test drove a 2 year old Golf Gti today and in many respects it is a better car than the 130i M Sport. More space, more comfortable, much better visibility, easier to drive quickly. It's all the car the wife and I need.
The 130i M Sport on the other hand is too small for us, unnecesarily powerful and expensive. But, I just don't care. The Golf may be all the car I need but I just don't want one like I want a 130i M Sport. Having driven one, I simply must have one in my life.
David, its all your fault!
The 130i M Sport on the other hand is too small for us, unnecesarily powerful and expensive. But, I just don't care. The Golf may be all the car I need but I just don't want one like I want a 130i M Sport. Having driven one, I simply must have one in my life.
David, its all your fault!
Heathwood said:
Test drove a 2 year old Golf Gti today and in many respects it is a better car than the 130i M Sport. More space, more comfortable, much better visibility, easier to drive quickly. It's all the car the wife and I need.
The 130i M Sport on the other hand is too small for us, unnecesarily powerful and expensive. But, I just don't care. The Golf may be all the car I need but I just don't want one like I want a 130i M Sport. Having driven one, I simply must have one in my life.
That's the spirit - with all the doom and gloom around today a good old fashioned bit of heart over ruling head is just what is needed! The 130i M Sport on the other hand is too small for us, unnecesarily powerful and expensive. But, I just don't care. The Golf may be all the car I need but I just don't want one like I want a 130i M Sport. Having driven one, I simply must have one in my life.
Heathwood said:
Test drove a 2 year old Golf Gti today and in many respects it is a better car than the 130i M Sport. More space, more comfortable, much better visibility, easier to drive quickly. It's all the car the wife and I need.
The 130i M Sport on the other hand is too small for us, unnecesarily powerful and expensive. But, I just don't care. The Golf may be all the car I need but I just don't want one like I want a 130i M Sport. Having driven one, I simply must have one in my life.
David, its all your fault!
Sorry!!!The 130i M Sport on the other hand is too small for us, unnecesarily powerful and expensive. But, I just don't care. The Golf may be all the car I need but I just don't want one like I want a 130i M Sport. Having driven one, I simply must have one in my life.
David, its all your fault!
Pretty much agree with everything you said except the size of the 130 is fine for the two of us.I am having sad persons problems with which vehicle to use now.
The old 330 coupe was really good but was always a bit of a cruiser rather than overtly sporty but now I have the option of the 130, the TVR Chimaera or the KTM bike it takes me ages to decide which one to use. A nice dilemna and I'm lucky to be able to have the options - that's what being older and having no mortgage or kids does to you - allows you to become a mid fifties hooligan!
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