My driving impression: BMW 130i

Just_me · 04-22-2006, 08:52 AM

First I want to say I didnt plan this, I just drove past the dealer so I couldn't resist visiting them. I also had luck that I took the camera with me and the reason for it, I was going to the ocean to take photos or else I wouldnt have photos on the 130i. Im glad I visit BMW at the same time.

Today I drove a BMW 130i with sportpackage, 265hp/315nm.

What a lovely little car to look at and the blue colour suits the car very well.
When I started the car and drove away I had to stop soon again and the brakes seem to be sensitive. When I hit the brake I went forward, almost touching the steering wheel. It was the only time and I quickly got used to the brakes and to brake properly. The brakes are very good, stopp the car very fast when you for instance brake hard from 80 - 0km/h. The brakes get a big plus from me. The steering response is fast and precise.

If I compare 130i to 330i, the 130i is very nimble and you rather be playing with a 130i than with a 330i. 130i is like a little go-cart.
130i was equipped with sportpackage so when you did a slalom test the chassi follow you everywhere you steer. It didnt feel like a boat or something in the courves, I loved the chassi. Some carmags has complained that the sportchassi is a little bit stiff but its nothing I noticed. If I ever bought a 130i, then the sportpackage is a must for me and it looks good as well. I like sportoriented cars so of course I prefer a sportpackage, not that I did a long trip to Germany or so but I had no problems with the sportpackage. The leather seats are also enjoyable to sit in.

330i has more space inside and is more practical but its not sporty as a 130i. 130i is really a toy and fun to play with.

I did several acceleration tests and the car gladly and with easy reached 140km/h, third gear at 7000 rpm and the speedo shows 140km/h. Everytime I changed from first to second gear the antispinn started to blink and you could feel the reartires spinning for a very short time. I dont know if was because of worn out tires.

Anyway, its a fun and nimble car and sportpackage is recommended. If you think 130i is worth the price of 330i, well thats up to you to decide but if you dont need space and simply want a toy, 130i makes perfect sense to me.

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BTW I talked to the dealer if he had seen the new E92 Coupe and he havent so I told him to visit GCZ so see the photos. I hope he does it

klier · 04-22-2006, 09:16 AM

Nice! Best hot hatch on the market imo, though I have to say I haven't driven the R32 yet...

BMW_Dude · 04-22-2006, 09:49 AM

Nice review!

I agree with you that the 130i is a good looking car!

You talking about the E92 to the dealer reminds me, once was in the BMW in Mayfair and a guy was asking is the engine from the X5 4.8iS was going in all BMWs to replace the 45i engine and the BMW said no, only the 750i, so I butted in and said yes there would be a 550i and 650i!

I think we know enough to work in dealers you know guys, we know more than the people who work there!

Alx · 04-22-2006, 12:36 PM

Very nice review.... Braking takes getting used too.... Nicest little car out there. I like it more than the new 3'er coupe design. It is a beautiful car, and the color is great. New car, i dont think it had worn tires, just very torquey for such a litttle light car... Looks very cool, and seem slike a fun everyday car.... Im glad you stopped at the dealership too....

PS. Where are the Ocean pics? You did make it there didnt you?

Great right up.... This is one of my favorite BMW's.

Just_me · 04-22-2006, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlxAmg

PS. Where are the Ocean pics? You did make it there didnt you?

thats the thing. I did not, instead I went to buy Coca-cola and then home again

Just_me · 04-22-2006, 03:27 PM

I want to add that I belive the engine in 130i sound different compared to 330 E90. Its darker and more aggressive and more entertaining to listen at.

AdvEvo · 04-22-2006, 03:59 PM

I have a 130i msport next to my E46 M3. i bought this car because of the handling. I mounted a lsd on it that s the best mod i ever did on a car. Lovely powerslides smiles from ear to ear. Next mod is racing shocks on it. Not to hard springs just suitable for every day driving. After 14000km the standard shocks have had there best days. I must say i give my 130i very hard time.

Great car.

I am really hoping and praying bmw makes out of the 2 series coupe an M2 with the 3.0 liter cilinder this engine is a dream for a 1 series car. Just get the valvetronic off and build an m engine from it. If that happens My E46 m3 makes room for this car.

Bmw did fantastic building the 1 series. The new 3 series has grown to much for my liking. I must say i am not a hatchback lover. I prefer a coupe myself. 230i would also be fantastic. But an m2 would be a dream come thru for me. Money is ready to be spend for the m2. It s just waiting there bmw!!!

Just_me · 04-22-2006, 04:31 PM

ADevo , nice hearing you like 130i as well

What colour do you have and do you think 130i sound better than M3 E46?

Deutsch · 04-22-2006, 05:29 PM

Thanks for the write up. Sounds like this car might have a chance at becoming your daily means of transportation? Intergalos Blue suits this car perfectly, probably even without the M sport pack.

AdvEvo · 04-22-2006, 05:35 PM

yes the exhaust sound is much much better on the 130i. Exhaust sound does a lot of entertaining on a car.

E46 m3 is not a sporty exhaust sound. Its far to raspy. 130i sound is perfection. Sporty but not over the hill.

The perfect combination would be exhaust sound of the 130i and intake sound of an m3 even beter csl intake sound that s just the best i have ever heard. When the flap opens the bullshit stops and you kick ass.