130 m sport

[edition]

Hi

I'm trying to find myself a half decent spec. 130 and not having much luck!

Colour wise I'm not too fussed but it needs leather (black or lemon anything other than beige).

Is it worth getting a facelift car? What are the road tax figures for both?

What spec is needed to keep half decent residuals?

Any other tips?

Thanks in advance!

[G-P]

Get a LCI vehicle, suspension was much improved and nicer inside as well. Get a LE version if possible.

[Nigel H]

I've got a facelift model and the tax iirc is £220 197g emissions. I think this is a bit lower than the preface lift ones.

As for spec, I just went for a manual with leather. They come well specced as it is; professional radios with the bluetooth seem to be well liked, but I wasn't fussed for it.

[csmith319]

There aren't that many about anyway, and you're right a lot don't have a huge spec. The 130i LE is a good one to look for, there are a good few coming onto the market as they're about 3 years old now - do a google on 130i LE and you'll find the information you need - basically, 160 made, different wheels, Sat Nav, Lemon Leather, upgraded hi fi, USB (iPod connectivity), Xenons, comfort pack (I think!), fully electric seats and other bits and pieces. 3 door only though.

I got mine a month ago, and I think the only key things that they miss are cruise control and heated seats.

[Nigel H]

Strange that it doesn't have heated seats as I think they are standard on the regular 130 sport. They all seemed to have them when I bought mine, and they are very nice!

[edition]

CSmith you enjoying it??

[Vee]

csmith319 said:

There aren't that many about anyway, and you're right a lot don't have a huge spec. The 130i LE is a good one to look for, there are a good few coming onto the market as they're about 3 years old now - do a google on 130i LE and you'll find the information you need - basically, 160 made, different wheels, Sat Nav, Lemon Leather, upgraded hi fi, USB (iPod connectivity), Xenons, comfort pack (I think!), fully electric seats and other bits and pieces. 3 door only though.

I got mine a month ago, and I think the only key things that they miss are cruise control and heated seats.

Agree with this. Lad across the road has one - lovely car.

[roofer]

Personally, i'd go the other way, get the cheapest one you can find with a cast iron history, They'll put a grin on your face every time you open the taps, once you ditch the run flats, it has one of the most talkative steering wheels BMW made.

[snorkel sucker]

Have had mine for about 14months and while its not specced upto the rafters, it is still one of the finest places to be. Mine has the non leather sports seats which are just superb. Im not a fan of leather seats anyway (too darned hot in summer!)

No sat nav either but again, this doesnt bother me (i can read a map). The professional stereo is superb and well worth having. Bluetooth, again, i dont miss, as the AUX connection to my phone allows it to be used as hands free anyway.

They are few and far between; i dont think ive ever seen another on the road, and are wonderful cars. The perfect allrounder. The only worthy replacement i can see as being right now is either a 135i or a 335i. Hoping they will be at £15k in 12 months time!

[edition]

Glad to hear some good reviews....


Do we think that they are going to nose dive in price?? I know they all loose money but do we think they are going to be worse than any other?

[csmith319]

edition said:

CSmith you enjoying it??

Loving it! swapped a 3.0si z4 in for it so am used to the engine, but I think the 130 handles better, at least it is much better suited to the uk roads. No tramlining, slightly softer suspension to absorb bumps I would have to avoid before and better more positive turn in.

I agree that from a driving perspective any 130 will give you the same but having the extra kit is great. Personally I like that the LE is different and the lemon leather against the black interior works well. The wheels work well also, makes it stand out a bit compared to most 1 series.

For the type of car, I don't think anything matches it.

[roofer]

edition said:

Do we think that they are going to nose dive in price?? I know they all loose money but do we think they are going to be worse than any other?

Any big petrol engine will dive, i should imagine the tree lickers will bring another tax soon to make them even more undesirable.

[csmith319]

roofer said:

edition said:

Do we think that they are going to nose dive in price?? I know they all loose money but do we think they are going to be worse than any other?

Any big petrol engine will dive, i should imagine the tree lickers will bring another tax soon to make them even more undesirable.

They won't dive that much, there aren't many about, and they have a better rep now than when they were launched. Could be sleeper modern classics, no other manufacturers are making big engined hatches, and none had rwd. They're already great value anyway with pretty low co2 emissions.

Basically, spending 12 - 20k on a 130 won't ever risk that much money.

[Nigel H]

I'm not sure if there's a special market for the 130, so residuals would be normal for a big engined car. However I would say that as far as running costs go they're extraordinary value in terms of power/mile.

Maitaining good progress, but putting my licence at risk, I get a comfortable 30mpg, car tax is £220, servicing cheap - £250 in 3 years (18000 miles) and insurance is a bargain for an old git like me.

If people knew this as well as the cars other qualities then I'd say residuals would be better than average. I doubt most people see beyond the big engine.

Best car I've ever owned by a long way

[G-P]

Nigel H said:

Strange that it doesn't have heated seats as I think they are standard on the regular 130 sport. They all seemed to have them when I bought mine, and they are very nice!

Heated seats are optional on all BMW's from new, so don't take it as a guarantee.