2006 BMW 1 Series 130i Sport from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

I am Tim again, the original reviewer of the 130 I sold.

Its been while since I sold my 130 but I keep reading this forum.

The weel grabbing is normal due to run flat perhaps if they negative camber it, I think could solve the issue.

BMW 130 is built primary for performance, it's a cheap package for bmw with lot of power. BMW x3 is built for comfort, it's a sepereate car.

I think there are still excitement of BMW, but it's a unique car and problems are expected. It was not for me because I dislike issues.

Although I didn't say much nice things about the 130 but it probably is one of the fastest car in its size. And for european badge its good price.

I believe in the future BMW will be better at making small cars in areas of quality. Until then I recommend you all to stay with larger models.

I am still saving up my loss from my bmw 130 for a Subaru Wrx STI.

I am a hoon so STI suits me better, the 130 was a bit too polite for me.

I agree with what everyone said and probably many won't like my comment made about the 130 but for others who thinks about 130 if you are a hoon, you better of buying a turbo charge wrx sti with lots of room to make it go even faster..

If you are in germany than AC shchnezzer may have package for u, sorry cont spell well..

Good luck

hope you all happy with your car and not to make the same mistake as I have..

Tim.

Has anyone heard if the new 2008 135i will have resolved some of the issues mentioned in previous comments?

Hi there I doubt that 135 will have the issue resolved.

My neighbour bought a 335 personally I think its not that fast.

I think you should look other brand.. if you really want bmw make sure you think carefully.

I mean don't get me wrong I love those night owl lights, very characteristic design, but I think BMW have lost the drivability, the dynamic, the communication between driver and car. I hate the new steering system.

Thanks

Tim

Original 130 owner.

Hello to all.

I agree with Tim's comment and sentiment that BMW has lost the plot with its most recent models.

BMWs used to put the driving experience ahead of most other considerations and as such produced very driver focused vehicles, but such is not the case any more.

That silly i-Drive, Active Steering, run flat tyres, omission of a proper temperature gauge, lack of a dipstick on some engines, automatic brake dry out and many other silly gizmos that add cost, weight and unnecessary complication to a car while delivering very little, if anything at all, in driver enjoyment shows how far off the path they have strayed.

Look at most recent media reports where the same comments have been expressed and where rival models have been rated better and it's clear to see how far off the mark BMWs of today are.

These opinions are not only gleaned from media write-ups but also based on ownership experience of a 120d, which was a constant source of annoyance and was disposed off at great loss after less than a year of ownership. During which time, I lived with various courtesy cars like the new 320i, 320d and even a MINI Cooper Auto, all of which lacked the sparkle of their predecessors and were fraught with idiotic design compromises.

BMW, you have been warned - watch it or your rivals will be sweeping the floor with your current offerings.

Hi.

In terms of the peculiar steering, tram lining and uneven tyre wear people are reporting, this is all down to a particular brand of runflat. If you have a look at the offending tyres, I'm sure you'll find they are Pirelli Eufori's. I had these on my second 1 series (120d), and they were absolutely awful. The dealer tried to fob me off with incorrect tyre pressures when I got feathered edges on the front and uneven wear on the back, but I had checked them monthly. Also I had never curbed the wheels. In the end the went halves on new tyres. I had only gotten 12,000 miles before needing a new set! The replacement tyes were excellent for the remainder of the time I had the car - Bridgestone RE050 runflats. To give you an idea of how bad those old Pirellis were, I have had my new 130 MSport for a year now with brilliant Goodyear NCT5's. I drive it the same roads (mostly on motorways to work, but drive even harder on the twisties and accelerate much harder) I'm just coming up to replacing the rears for the fist time and have 33,000 miles on the clock - the best wear I have ever experienced - especially for such a powerful car.

My advice would be steer clear of the Pirelli's at all costs. Stick with Goodyear NCT5s or Bridgestone RE050's and experience massive improvement in handling, grip with a fraction of the wear!

Squeaking? what squeaking! I listen to my Ipod at 95 dB, so I've never noticed any squeaking. LOL.

Got 35,000 km already on my 120i sport edition and still loving it.

Great service from the dealer (friend of mine works there).

True that the Pirelli's are not that good. Changed mine for Michelin after 20,000 km. and the drive is smoother. (35 pressure on all tires, checks every 2 weeks) I take the highway quite a lot every week.

By year's end, I think I'll move up to a 3-door 130M. I like the extra punch, and it sure looks pretty.

Serg.