Darkside Posted December 9, 2005 Report Share Posted December 9, 2005 I still think it looks like a shoe horn on wheels. But each to their own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wallachie Posted December 10, 2005 Report Share Posted December 10, 2005 I tested a 130i M Sport today at my local dealer, and I came away thinking 'I've just found my new car', I absolutely loved it. Only thing that let the test down was the fact the car hadn't had it's pre delivery inspection, so the limiter was at 4500rpm! For me, stepping back into my own 4 cylinder car afterwards was so depressing, as the 6 cylinder engine in the 130 was just fantastic. Testing a used M3 coupe on Friday, Phoenix Yellow - but I'm kind of hoping I don't like the M3 as much, if you know what I mean! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Doe Posted December 10, 2005 Report Share Posted December 10, 2005 Now then Mr Mills lets see if we can sort out this aversion you have to the ....Nurse Threadbare bring in the chilli enaema!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wallachie Posted December 10, 2005 Report Share Posted December 10, 2005 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Doe Posted December 10, 2005 Report Share Posted December 10, 2005 who moi??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omi Posted December 11, 2005 Report Share Posted December 11, 2005 Chris, see if they've got a set of alloys lying around in 17" and without Run-Flats on... Swap 'em over and take it for a test drive again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wallachie Posted December 11, 2005 Report Share Posted December 11, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Chris, see if they've got a set of alloys lying around in 17" and without Run-Flats on... Swap 'em over and take it for a test drive again. [/ QUOTE ] The ride was firm, but I didn't find it anywhere near as dramatic as MrMe commented. Firm Yes, but teeth shattering definitely no, and believe me the roads around Edinburgh are certainly not smooth! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hendem Posted December 19, 2005 Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 Thanks for your review MrMe. I took delivery of my 130i this week. I ordered it on the basis of a drive of a 120i, and knowledge of the 6 pot. I agree with most of what you say. I'm going easy on it at the moment, so I haven't explored the top end of the rev range, but even at low to middling revs, the engine is a pure delight. Unlike you, I find the ride perfectly acceptable. (Which is just as well, since this is my commuting car.) Knowing how our roads are here in Melbourne, I opted for the 17" rims. Maybe that's the difference. I find it compares more than favourably to my previous vehicle, an Alfa 156 on 17" rims and sports suspension. On the debit side, I'm a little disappointed with the gearchange which I find a somewhat notchy, especially downchanging into second. Maye this will smooth out in time. As for the looks - well, maybe its an acquired taste. (Which I haven't fully acquired yet.) The 130i looks distinctly better than the 120, with a purposeful, predatory squat. I have to say it's growing on me, but not quite there yet. The car is well appointed with all the bells and whistles. (Whether you want them or not.) Here in Australia it's at least $15,000 less expensive than the 325, and at $30,000 less than the 330. I think it's pretty good value. Overall, more than happy, and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who wants a well appointed performance hatch. Can't comment on the R32, which doesn't arrive here for another 12 months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hendem Posted December 19, 2005 Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 I might also add that, when I took delivery of this car I was worried it might be a bit of a handful. But its very easy to drive conservatively. Below 4000 rpm, it's all decorum. It's not until you get to the top end that it goes feral. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted December 19, 2005 Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 Welcome to TSN Maggot. Get some pics up of your motor. You can upload them into the gallery and then link them back to this thread if you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chav Posted December 19, 2005 Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 [ QUOTE ] well, maybe its an acquired taste. (Which I haven't fully acquired yet.) [/ QUOTE ] Credit to ya, for not picking a car solely on looks then! Hope you enjoy it mate! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Doe Posted December 19, 2005 Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 Welcome and good luck maggot ....A little respite for those quiet nights in beside the fire... Only joking...really! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ari Posted December 19, 2005 Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 I'm sorry to be rude about someones pride and joy, but those front and rear valances look a mess don't they? Just a mish mash of random lines, no style there at all. Where did BMW lose their way so dramatically? They used to be amongst the most descreet and elegant cars on the road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark_90 Posted December 19, 2005 Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 Crap plate too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wallachie Posted December 19, 2005 Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Crap plate too [/ QUOTE ] Plate is silly looking, but I think the car looks great - I wouldn't choose that colour but I've seen two 130i's at my local dealers, one in silver and one in blue, both looked fantastic IMO. It's personal taste I suppose, but some people have very bland tastes..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ari Posted December 19, 2005 Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 [ QUOTE ] It's personal taste I suppose, but some people have very bland tastes..... [/ QUOTE ] I think the word you're looking for is "discreet", or maybe "subtle"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wallachie Posted December 19, 2005 Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] It's personal taste I suppose, but some people have very bland tastes..... [/ QUOTE ] I think the word you're looking for is "discreet", or maybe "subtle"? [/ QUOTE ] If that makes you feel better, then yes I suppose so! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ari Posted December 19, 2005 Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 Hahaha!! No I agree, each to their own, but this kind of styling belongs on a whizz bang Japanese hot hatch, not an expensive quality German performance car. Mind you, given the shape of the thing in the first place, anything that distracts you... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Doe Posted December 19, 2005 Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 Incidentally does anybody recall what Mr Clarkson et al said about the 130i M Sport??? Or has he yet to make comment? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted December 19, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 I don't think there is anything whatsoever wrong with the front valance on the red 1-series above. The rear one looks a bit odd though, I'd agree with that. Ultimately though, welcome to Maggot, and credit to him for being brave enough to post in a forum that seems happy to support the constant slagging off of one particular car. Maggot, I like them, and I can imagine the drive of yours is much much better with the 17"s on it. Welcome to TSN. Stick around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorburn Posted December 19, 2005 Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 Agreed MrMe, hope you enjoy it and it and all the Audiphiles don't scare you off Did you go for an M-Sport model or do those come with the 18" wheels? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ari Posted December 19, 2005 Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 Yes welcome Maggot, and apologies for being rude about your car. It'd be a dull old world if we all thought the same. And I'm sure it's an awesome drive! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avus_Bub Posted December 19, 2005 Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] It's personal taste I suppose, but some people have very bland tastes..... [/ QUOTE ] I think the word you're looking for is "discreet", or maybe "subtle"? [/ QUOTE ] Funny Isn't it? When a young lad fits a snow plough to his Corsa he's a Chav. When someone fits one to a late BM' it's cool,sporty and bold................. [ QUOTE ] Incidentally does anybody recall what Mr Clarkson et al said about the 130i M Sport??? Or has he yet to make comment? [/ QUOTE ] Not sure about the 3.0 but I remember him saying the only reason people would buy a is for the blue and white propeller on the bonnet.......... Badge blindness. Emperors new clothes and all that BUB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Doe Posted December 19, 2005 Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Incidentally does anybody recall what Mr Clarkson et al said about the 130i M Sport??? Or has he yet to make comment? [/ QUOTE ] Not sure about the 3.0 but I remember him saying the only reason people would buy a is for the blue and white propeller on the bonnet.......... Badge blindness. Emperors new clothes and all that BUB [/ QUOTE ] Hi Bub, I mentioned his eminence JC because there are some amonst us who take his word as being gospel with respect to what is cool to be seen in....however and in all fairness most of the jocular comments about the 1 series are generally "tongue in cheek" as most if not all of us have never driven one and should therefore keep it low level and not of a personal nature. Maggot is new in these parts, he has himself a shiny new motor and is obviously delighted with his steed...so lets keep this professional and above board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wallachie Posted December 19, 2005 Report Share Posted December 19, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Hi Bub, I mentioned his eminence JC because there are some amonst us who take his word as being gospel with respect to what is cool to be seen in [/ QUOTE ] JC is not someone I would consider as cool, nor would his opinion on any car sway me one way or another when it came to buying a car (or even deciding if I thought it was cool!). He often says things to provoke controversy, and he's prone to talking a lot of bollocks! Bub - badge blindness?? Go and have a drive in a 130i, and you'll see why they're so good. It made my S3 feel a bit pants when I got back into it after the test drive... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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