Sportie

Hi Guys

I'm looking at getting a new (well second hand) car and want something a little fun. I am wondering if anybody has experience or advice about the 130 M Sport?

Not sure whether this will be a bit too much for me - coming from a 1.6 Civic!!!!!!

Darlo

ive got one and i love it! Handles very well, alot of owners get rid of the run flats to improve the handling, something i plan to do. I average 29mpg and i dont hang about. The face lift models have the efficient dynamics system which offers even better mpg and slightly lower tax band. Its deceptively quick (same laps time as e46 m3 round the ring and top gear track i think). It sounds very good and has typically good bmw build quality.

Best car i have ever owned (my s2k comes a close 2nd!)

loads of info at http://www.babybmw.net/forum/index.php

here is mine

Shipley

The BMW 3.0 engine is beautiful.....but the 1 series gets my vote for being f ugly......especially the so called coupe.

A 3 series is a much better looking car, in saloon or coupe forms.

Blurter

Good car, I like them.

But same time around the Ring and TG test track as the M3

Crusoe

3lr engine in the z4 is so much more fun than the 1 series, similar value second hand though the z will be a bit older. Bonus of cheaper servicing (over 4 years old)and most have fairly low milage anyway. Think the insurance is pretty much the same and much better looking.

Darlo

i was going off whats been said on the forum, ive just had a look...

top gear times...... 0.1 slower

http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/show/powerlaps.shtml

the ring... im wrong! its 13 secs slower.... i will get my coat!

http://www.fastestlaps.com/track2.html

As for the looks, i know people most people dont like them, but they have really grown on me. I think the 3 door looks the best, but was out of budget when i was looking.

The msport package is a must for the wheels, nicer body styling etc

Paper Lawyer

There was a 130i at Rockingham yesterday. It was one of the slowest cars, in a straight line and around the corners. We were unimpressed. The driver may have been a contributing factor but it just didn't look like it was a quick car.

Captain_Liu

it was my friend's car, he just got the car and needs improvement in his driving, but i can say this car doesnt feel that fast at all, felt considerably slower than my standard s2k in brands hatch.

Darlo

if you want to compare the two

http://www.fastestlaps.com/index.php?page_...2=458a7dd85127d

For me having owned both i think the 130i does feel abit quicker in every dept, i feel far more confident in high speed corners than i ever did in the S, they may be just be my ability as a driver as i always struggled with my z3m. For me the 130i does everything very well but if you want that something special i would spend the extra a go with an m3, you could get a nice m3 for the same price (will just be older!), but insurance is double compared to my 130.

Jonsey Boy!

This guy certainly isn't hanging around, very impressive, he even answers his phone!!!!

I would think a 130i would shame a fair few cars!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6OnDvSmhmQ