hendem Posted February 26, 2006 Report Share Posted February 26, 2006 Still no dedicated 1 series thread eh? Hmmmm. (Hows about it moderators?) Anyway, GavR and James007,you might be intersted in this. Like you guys, I am the happy owner of a 130i. Last Saturday I did a BMW driver education day at Sandown Raceway. (Melbourne, Australia.) We were expecting to be using 325's all day but we got lucky. The M3's were available and we used them for everything except the braking drills. This was great for me because I've never driven an M3 before. I am pleased to report that in terms of roadholding, handling, ride, engine performance and cabin ambience, the 130i is not far off the M3. Not quite the same squirt off the apex, but really not far off. And certainly MUCH closer to the M3 than the 325, which I found to be a bit of an overweight soggy saloon. (Actually, I reckon my 130 would have been quicker in the slalom than the M3.) Interested to hear from anyone else who has driven both cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GavR Posted February 26, 2006 Report Share Posted February 26, 2006 Yeah mate, I work for BMW so have driven all kinds of them, Although I have not actually driven an M3 since I bought my 130 but the day I got it, I had a little 'DO' with an M3 Coupe and to be honest there was nothing in it at all. The M3 is a faster car but in that short blast I was stuck to his bumper, Like you say the M3 just has the bit extra squirt when you hit the throttle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphamail Posted February 26, 2006 Report Share Posted February 26, 2006 I've driven an M3 and a CSL. I can't really make an accurate comparison because of the time between (months)and different roads. When I drove the first M3 in the same day I drove a Vanquish and an AMG500 Merc, I have to say the m3 blew me away in terms of power and value for money. The CSL was a wonderful car too but I drove that much later. I think you are right though there is a marginal amount of difference between the m3 and the 130i. Maybe the difference is not disimilar between an M3 and CSL. You need a race track where you can time the laps or race to really get an idea. Maggot, that sounds like a great day's fun. I wonder if BMW do the same over here? Did you learn police pursuit lines? Gavr, that's handy, working for BMW the ultimate work place? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hendem Posted February 26, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Did you learn police pursuit lines? [/ QUOTE ] Not exactly. The day went like this: Briefing, plus discussion of entry point, apex and exit. Steering technique exercise. 5 or 6 laps around the course following instructor in line astern. Entry, apex and exit marked with cones. Instructor progressively upped the speeds as we got smoother. Oversteer exercise. Enter curve (watered down section of track) in second gear at 40 km/h (~ 25 mph) and give it a bootful, inducing huge oversteer, and then try to gather it up. Braking exercise. (In the 325's) Various emergency braking maneouvres with and without ABS. (Again, watered section of track.) The slalom - a bit of fun. Competition for fastest run through witches hats. We were supposed to finish off with another half dozen laps, but mid-afternoon a storm broke and it absolutely pissed down for about 3 hours. We were keen to go, but the instructors, for some unfathomable reason, seemed reluctant to let their M3's out in those conditions. Disappointing, but a great day, nevertheless. The day was conducted by Geoff Brabham, by the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphamail Posted February 27, 2006 Report Share Posted February 27, 2006 Sounds great fun. I didn't comment about the 1 Series dedicated thread. I agree, it is time for the admin to introduce it. There are enough of them around now to warrant it. Please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akira Posted March 10, 2006 Report Share Posted March 10, 2006 130i like an M3 Thats just too funny. I have an M3 coupe and got a loaner 130 the other day, apart from it being I did think the engine/handling was quite nice. Not even close to an M3 im afraid tho, 2 compltely different cars in how they handle. An M3 driven correctly would leave a 130 standing. I still think the 130 is way overpriced over here tho. You're into 330 territory, and given a choice i know which one i'd go for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveknott Posted March 10, 2006 Report Share Posted March 10, 2006 Jim O’Donnell, Managing Director of BMW (GB) Ltd, said: "The 1 Series has proved a real hit in a market where a rear-wheel-drive car is unique and the arrival of the 130i promises to shake things up further. Some have already referred to the model as a baby ‘M’ car - something that is not surprising given it can lap the Nürburgring in a time that wouldn’t disgrace an M3, (the BMW 130i lapping the challenging Northern Loop of the Nürburgring in an impressive 8 minutes 35 seconds)". - Considering the standard M3 does the northern loop in around 8 min 15secs I'd say they're reasonably close.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akira Posted March 10, 2006 Report Share Posted March 10, 2006 Personally i wouldn't see 20 seconds as close Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveknott Posted March 10, 2006 Report Share Posted March 10, 2006 Close considering the 130i M-sport is £26k, the M3 Coupe £40k. One source reckons a time of 8mins 35 is identical to that of the M3: web page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphamail Posted March 13, 2006 Report Share Posted March 13, 2006 Even though i've driven the Nurburgring I can't remember its length, I think it's about 20 kilometers. I'm guessing but an average race track is say 5 kilometers, that would mean an M3 based on the afforementioned would lap 5 secs faster at say Silverstone. That is still a respectable figure. Having driven an M3 and a CSL they are better cars. However, you'd have to be one hell of an M3 driver to lose a 130 on public roads. Driftgod is absolutely right, it is amazing value for money and for me a more practical purchase. It is as quick as most mid range sports cars like the TT's and Boxsters and you can use it as a work horse for shifting every day stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveknott Posted March 13, 2006 Report Share Posted March 13, 2006 Hi James, well I picked mine up at the weekend, and its absolutely awesome! I particularly enjoy driving around with all the windows down as it has a fantastic exhaust note! I'll post more views on the car soon + some pics, but for now I'm having too much fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphamail Posted March 13, 2006 Report Share Posted March 13, 2006 Hi Dave, great news! It's funny because it is only when you own one and have spent a bit of time dibbling that you realise what an awesome package the car is. I do the windows down thing, you have to have the heating on full blast otherwise you freeze! Tunnels are even better. I look forward to seeing yours and hearing the stories, meanwhile ..... enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woppum Posted March 14, 2006 Report Share Posted March 14, 2006 I would think below 80 mph there is less in it than you think. There really isnt much in it between my golf and an M3 before that. Id guess the 130 would be about the same... Handling wise i would have though the longer wheelbase M3 with the engine behind the front wheels would be far superior. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kuks Posted March 16, 2006 Report Share Posted March 16, 2006 Agree with Andy on this....I have owned an M3 Coupe for 2 years and I have driven a 130 (my relative owns one) and i have raced it, frankly the M3 blew it away. Yes the 130 is good value for money and goes well, but to say it close to an M3 in terms of performance - I have to totally diagree. The m3 is in a different league IMO... get on the M-way and the M3 will trounce a 130 hands down... even on public roads there is no competition. If you are stating that there is not much it in between an M3 and a 130 then there it is fair to say that there is also not much in it between a 130 or a Porsche 997 Carrera, or Cayman S or even the new RS4!!! Talking about noise...then again a 130 cannot compete with the induction howl of an M3!! Ok it may be more grunty sounding - but the metallic rasp and noise of an M3 at 8000 rpm is amazing. I would say the performance of the 130 is more comparable to a Audi TT or Golf R32 - which is the car JC on Top Gear compared it with - and overall the R32 won Brummie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveknott Posted March 16, 2006 Report Share Posted March 16, 2006 Just look at the facts Brummie. They both lapped the Nurburgring northern loop in 8mins 15 secs, and on the Top Gear Power Laps Power Lap Times the 130i M-Sport was only 0.1 secs slower than the stock M3. Obviously, the M3 has 80Bhp more than the 130, but c'mon, that's irrefutable evidence..... I do agree though that the M3 is a more focussed car - has more power, a proper limited slip diff etc, but in the performance per pound stakes the 130 runs it close. The R32 on the other hand, due to its superior 4WD traction, lapped the track even quicker than a 911 Turbo! V impressive, but it certainly didn't look half as much fun as the 130... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kuks Posted March 16, 2006 Report Share Posted March 16, 2006 I agree with you looking at those particular figures, Driftgod, but when I have toyed with a 130 or something similar I have always left it pretty easily. For example on the way hoome recently a Z4 3.0 wanted some action and I pulled away from him with no probs... ...but what must be agreed on however, is that the 130, as a package is very appealing - its the old magic formula - lots of power in a small, well handling and sorted, body. I forgot to say congratulations on your recent purchase I like the colour combo you have chosen - I have sold my M3 and am missing it badly Brummie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveknott Posted March 16, 2006 Report Share Posted March 16, 2006 Cheers Brummie. What's next for you then?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphamail Posted March 16, 2006 Report Share Posted March 16, 2006 I've just read your posts Brummie. I think it says more about your driving skills versus the 130 driver(s) you've encountered. I have been on a number of rallies, track days with cars of different performance potentials. One track day a guy in a golf was overtaking punters in their Ferraris, it was road worthy and sorted but hey did he show them how to do it. I've had the same on my motorbike at Brands, there was a guy on a supermotard I just couldn't get rid of and I was on an R1 and he was on a 600cc bike. I dusted him on the straights but his late braking and cornering were just amazing. On the publice roads I would be very surprised if an M3 could dust me, in fact a mate of mine has a CSL and I'll challenge him to a dibble next time I'm in Wiltshire. I'm assuming you are pulling away on sountry roads and not motorways? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kuks Posted March 20, 2006 Report Share Posted March 20, 2006 Well at the moment I am doing without my own car - and travel in luxury...well ok an N reg Toyota Hi-lux pick up ...but this is hopefully just a stop gap to greater things Will keep you posted Brummie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kuks Posted March 20, 2006 Report Share Posted March 20, 2006 James007 - I agree with you that alot of it is down to driver ability and I take that as a compliment I mean look at the Top Gear show where JC was going round the ring in a Diesel Jag and that bird just thrashed him!! I think she came close to his time in a blumming Transit van! Maybe I have just always come up against the not so skilled (or not so stupid!! ) If I still had my M3 I would be prepared to put your statement ("On the publice roads I would be very surprised if an M3 could dust me") to the test If you do "toy" with your mates CSL - let me know how you get on - IMO that thing should blow any atock 130 into the weeds. Brummie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAYDR32 Posted March 20, 2006 Report Share Posted March 20, 2006 If you are comparing car for car then the M3 will leave the 130 for dust, I had the R32 before my M3 and the 130 is more on a par with that than the M3. The M3 has the clear edge but in the twisties it could be closer,but again and its been covered many times, driver ability can make all the difference. Not really a fair comparison on the whole though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphamail Posted March 20, 2006 Report Share Posted March 20, 2006 Your on. Do you have a racing licence or do track days? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphamail Posted March 20, 2006 Report Share Posted March 20, 2006 Brummie take a read of the last posts from this guy http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137966 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kuks Posted March 21, 2006 Report Share Posted March 21, 2006 I read that post on bimmerfest - but this does not convince me The car he says is "pretty much stock" - meaning it has been modified to some degree - obviously to make his times look better he is going to remain shy about how many performance enhancements have been actually carried out! Secondly he beat a E46 M3 Convertible, which overall is not as fast or as well handling as the Coupe - so this does not help progress our debate IMO Thirdly he is American (I think - correct me if I am wrong) - so he has blown everything out of proportion and greatly exaggerated everything PS James007 - I would accept your challenge if I still had my M3 - but I sold it!! Brummie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphamail Posted March 21, 2006 Report Share Posted March 21, 2006 oh well! Good to have a debate anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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