daveknott Posted February 17, 2006 Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 Here's an interesting review I found on the 130i web page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moff S3 Posted February 17, 2006 Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 That was a good review! I just had a 130i M Sport for 3 days and had a whole lot of fun. Currently driving an S2000 (ex S3 owner too) and I'm looking at the options, the 130 being one of them. Up to now I have test driven the Golf GTI (too slow. didn't bother with the R32 as I think its ugly), new Scoob STI 2.5 (amazing car, just getting old now), and the 130i. My final option is to get the new 2006 S2000. I really liked the 130, very fast (same speed as the S2000) and it didn't really feel liked it weighed 1485kg which my old S3 always did. I loved the interior, its so much nicer than the Z4's and much nicer than my wife's 330 cab. My only issue is the looks. In M guise its much improved, the wheels looks great and the front and rear bumpers are an improvement. If I could change two things it would be the front headlights (to open looking) and the curve under the doors. I have been speaking to my dealer as I was keen on the new 2 door, but it won't be launched until the end of the summer I need a car for April when my current lease runs out. I have chosen the spec - black, grey leather, Prof Radio, Hifi spkrs, darkened glass and lumbar. Decided against bluetooth as it seemed to work sometimes and not others. I really want Xenon's and I am disgusted that they are not std at £745 a complete rip off too! Also considering a sunroof to replace the lack of soft top! But not seen any pics of it. Any advice on extra's would be greatly appreciated! Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveknott Posted February 17, 2006 Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 Hi Moff, interesting to see that you thought the GTI was too slow in comparison to the 130i. They're very close on quoted performance stats (GTI DSG = 0-60 in 6.9, 147mph Top Speed, 130i = 0-60 in 6.1. 155mph Top Speed). Was there really that much of a difference between them? - and do you feel that the 130i is really that much better than the GTI? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphamail Posted February 17, 2006 Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 I test drove the GTI and it was very impressive, however, the traction/torque of the 130 is extraordinary and certainly gives it a more powerful feel. I read an article recently ( was it Car mag?) where they compared the r32 with the GTI and the latter got the plaudits? So maybe you've got a point there. My business partner has an S2000, lovely car. Possibly a little too much fuss to get it to perform ie too revvy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gizze Posted February 18, 2006 Report Share Posted February 18, 2006 [ QUOTE ] They're very close on quoted performance stats (GTI DSG = 0-60 in 6.9, 147mph Top Speed, 130i = 0-60 in 6.1. 155mph Top Speed). Was there really that much of a difference between them? [/ QUOTE ] I have only driven a remapped GTi and driven the 130i quite a few times, and I would say the remapped GTi feels about the same as the 130i, so going on that and how everyone reckons the remap transforms the car I would say that the 130i would definitely feel quicker. Nearly a second is alot when you are talking 0-60, another second on the GTi time and you are into TDi territory. A second quicker on the 130i time and you are into Porsche Cayman, M3 Coupe CS territory. On paper they look similar, on the road they are not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHRISSAW1 Posted February 19, 2006 Report Share Posted February 19, 2006 Own a standard Golf Gti and are good mates with gav, and have to say his 130 is a great car. Performance wise there isn't a lot between the two until you reach 3 figures and then the 130 has a big advantage. All depends how much this matters, because in most situations the golf has enough performance to keep in touch with the bm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moff S3 Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 Yeah the 130i is in a different league to the GTI in my opinion. The Golf is quite a quick car, even though the 0-60 is close, the 0-100 isn't. The BMW knocks 3.3 secs off the 0-100. 14.6 secs to 100 is a very respectable time, the GTI only manages a 17.9 (EVO figures). 14.6 is the same as my Honda S2000, but the power is obviously more accessible, the cars are very similar in performance - BMW 183bhp /ton S2000 190bhp / ton. For reference the R32 is not far behind with a 15.2. IMO 0-60's do not account for much. I drove both cars with only a week apart and had each for 3-4 days. The Golf is a good car, handles very well, but FWD is just no substitute for RWD. In a RWD car you can get the power down earlier, traction is better off the line etc. The 130 really does hide its 1485kg very well. Still not decided what I am going to do yet, going to Sytner at the weekend to have another look. I might wait for the 2 door version and see what happens with the new 3.5 bi-turbo engine. Really did love the 130i, just the looks that I am unsure of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphamail Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 Moff, I bought my 130i Msport from Sytners in Wycombe. Before my final purchase decision I test drove all the relevant Audis in the 4 and 3 categories (not the RS4), the Golf GTi and R32. I drove my mate's M3CSL, I decided to go for one myself. Firstly, I couldn't find a good one at the right price, I was willing to pay up to 35k. I also couldn't get insurance below 2.8k. I gave up in the end and got my sanity back. The other thing about the CSL which is an awesome car, is so many of them have intensive track day history. I eventually decided on the 130, while it is a compromise, in terms of value for money and practicality (golf and shooting)it's an absolute bargain. I am extremly happy until they bring out a pukka M version with LSD. As far as styling is concerned the 130 isn't perfect but looking at Gav's pics it has redeeming qualities. Overall it has character and originality. I do find the Golf looks too much like a lowered A Class and the result of too much computer aided design with out a human touch. The Honda is a fantastic car, less practical than hatchback competition but you know that already. Good luck with your final purchase decision, I'll be interested to see what you buy in the end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveknott Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 Well James & GavR, I've taken the plunge! The deposit is down and my 130i M-Sport should be ready for collection on March 11th! It's Metallic Le Mans Blue, Xenons, Bluetooth, Prof CD and all the usual M-Sport goodies. Can't wait!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphamail Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 Fantastic news, you won't regret it. I'm jealous of the colour. where did you buy it? Obviously we expect to be inundated with high art photographs of your new 130. Believe it or not I have only just hit the red line with mine due to the fact I live in central London and haven't had the chance to put pedal to the metal. Last weekend I took it down the A3 and gradually took it to 7000 rpm. I must say I am very impressed with its powerband, it really is a quick car...and then there's the sound.... But you've got all this to come! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveknott Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 I bought it from Vines of Gatwick. They offered me a fantastic deal When I pick it up I'll post some pics of it here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphamail Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 Great, actually it's not that long before you take delivery. Do you plan to run it in as per BMW Diver's Manual? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveknott Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 Its already run in. It was a company car for one of the sales guys there. By the way, I wasn't aware it came with a "Divers" manual Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphamail Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 I got a free pair of flippers, mask and snorkel with mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GavR Posted March 3, 2006 Author Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 Congrats Driftgod, welcome to the dark side, you will enjoy every minute, oh and good choice of colour ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hendem Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 From the review posted earlier: >>Even in third gear, on a dry road, you'll light up the traction light if you plant the foot.<< I don't know about that. The only way I can light up the traction control in 3rd gear is to find a little bump to launch off. Maybe I've got a dud. Incidentally, my experience of the upper third of the rev range is that it doesn't get delerious. It just gives you more of the same, all the way to the red line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pincher Posted March 4, 2006 Report Share Posted March 4, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Well James & GavR, I've taken the plunge! The deposit is down and my 130i M-Sport should be ready for collection on March 11th! It's Metallic Le Mans Blue, Xenons, Bluetooth, Prof CD and all the usual M-Sport goodies. Can't wait!!!! [/ QUOTE ] Pick it up on Saturday, get used to it on Sunday and then take it to Bedford Autodrome on Monday. A perfect 3 days Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphamail Posted March 4, 2006 Report Share Posted March 4, 2006 Pincher what are you picking up? Autodrome looks fun,let us know how you get on. My favourite is the Nurburgring Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pincher Posted March 4, 2006 Report Share Posted March 4, 2006 I'm not picking anything up mate. Driftgod is picking his up on the 11th and I was tryin to lure him into going to the trackday on the 13th Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphamail Posted March 4, 2006 Report Share Posted March 4, 2006 Sorry, I misread "pick" up as "picking up". My only excuse is a serious hangover from last night. Having said that I was playing a game of darts with two mates, I am useless at darts and have played maybe 20 times in my life. I actually scored 180 with three darts, called a triple twenty or something like that. One of my mates witnessed it, the other who is a serious player wouldn't believe me at first. Apparently it's rare phenomena among amateur players. Normally I play like Stevie Wonder. Apologies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveknott Posted March 6, 2006 Report Share Posted March 6, 2006 That Bedford Autodrome trackday looks great - and a bargain too. I'm afraid I can't make it though (work )- and I'm not gonna be driving my new baby like I stole it right out the box. I think I'm going to relish the 'getting to know you' stage for a little more than 1 day before I give it the full beans on a track. Have fun though Pincher!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regulator Posted March 6, 2006 Report Share Posted March 6, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Doesn't it get an //M badge? [/ QUOTE ] Would you be adding the famous 'M' badge? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveknott Posted March 8, 2006 Report Share Posted March 8, 2006 eh???! Its not an M car, so I won't be doing a cheesy Halfords boy job by buying a badge and sticking it on!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m4ttm4son Posted March 9, 2006 Report Share Posted March 9, 2006 I figured it was badged as a 130i M. Because that's what it's called. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveknott Posted March 9, 2006 Report Share Posted March 9, 2006 Yep, this is true, but BMW have used the M-sport brand on other cars in their range e.g., 330 ci M-Sport - The cars get loads of M detailing (e.g. M-sport suspension, M kick plates, M gear stick, M steering wheel etc), but aren't fully fledged M cars. The M division within BMW hasn't tinkered with the engine, added a LSD etc on "M-sport" models. They only do this with fully fledged M cars. BMW won't be making an M1 for instance because the original M1 was a mid-engined supercar. Hope that clears things up.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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