BMW 130i – Any good?

[Jiggy]

Hi guys,

I know I was asking about the 330i, but I feel that it might be too big for me. I don’t have kids so I will only use the back seats sparingly. There are some awesome deals on the 3 doors…. I tried to find threads about the 130i but there wasn’t really information about the car.

Could the owners (or ex) please share light on this car? Would you buy it again if they still made them… Are the engines just as reliable as the 200kw 330i? Servicing etc…

Thanks again guys – need to make a decision soon as they took my Lexus away last week on a flatbed because it was written off in the hail (worst feeling seeing your car get taken away!!)

 

[Bavs108]

For what it's worth, I drove an E90 325i and a 125i coupe. In my opinion the 125i was a lot more nippy than the 325i. The 1 series does lack a bit in the interior department though, although it's really not that bad. I would definitely consider one if I was looking for a small hot hatch.

 

[Reese130]

definitely worth considering. i had one for 2 years and i really didnt have much trouble with it. the engines are solid! i would obviously try and go as deep into the history of the vehicle as possible with the agents to make sure it wast a problem child! definitely go for the m-pack the non m- pack isnt worth it in my opinion. seeing as your last car was a lexus I must warn you that the 130i will not be nearly as comfortable. its a very very low seating car and its not to fond of bad bumpy roads. it will handle them but you will feel the bumps coming through the car. that being said they are solid and awesome fun! also they have an amazing exhaust tone and they loooove to rev!! you can find really nicely spec'd ones as well with gps and heated seats, sun roof etc.. servicing cost i would imagine would be in line with other bmws with comparitive pricing.. not to sure cause mine was on motorplan for the majority of the time I had it. also be weary with a heavy foot, my cars nickname was 1thirsty for a reason:rollsmile:

 

[Jiggy]

Thanks guys - i have come to terms with the comfort factor, to be honest, i got quite bored in the Lexus. It was almost too smooth of a ride...

I heard a few 130's berfore - they do sound the business..

Need to find one now.... :bangdesk:

 

[Cole]

if you have driven a lexus before then 330i wont be too big for you.

it really depends on what you want and where you are in life, if you are looking at getting married then 330i is great because it has far bigger boot than the 1 series.

if you in early 20s and not looking to get married anytime soon then the extra speed you get out 130i due to less weight would be a winner...
but the boot is tiny (you can drop the seats though so that makes 1 series more versatile than 3 series in some ways)

 

[ASH]

Have driven the 130i a few times, came close to buying, it is quite an awesome drive, in fact the 130i does have slightly more power than the 1st spec 330i (190kw vs 195kw). You do feel a bit insulated from the action in the bigger 3series, with the 1series you feel much closer to the fireworks, if you catch my drift? I think the only down side to a 130i is the space, fuel cons and ride comfort, in terms of grin factor it is the machine that keep you smilling ear to ear..........:rollsmile:

 

[CamZo]

I might have 1 for you... Just need to double check if my bro still wnats to sell his. They awesome cars and sound amazing!

 

[Jiggy]

Thanks guys!! :thumbs: