Wednesday 9th February 2005

BMW 130i

Six pot 1 series laps 'ring in 8:35

---

BMW GB has announced the introduction of the BMW 130i powered by the world’s lightest six-cylinder petrol engine. The new car boasts 258bhp!

Performance is brisk, with the 130 reaching 62mph in 6.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 155mph. BMW boast that the performance beats rivals such as the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA, Audi A3 3.2 V6 Sport Quattro Sportback and the Mercedes C320 SE Sports Coupé.

So pleased are they with the performance and balance of the car that they even quote its performance at the 'ring. It lapped the northern loop of the Nürburgring in an impressive 8 minutes 35 seconds.

Jim O’Donnell, Managing Director of BMW (GB) Ltd, chirped: "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."

Technological bragging rights include VANOS and VALVETRONIC valve opening and valve lift control mechanisms that ensure optimum combustion and engine breathing at all times. An electrically driven water pump also cuts down on internal engine friction and improves efficiency. Power is transmitted to the road via a standard six-speed manual gearbox feeding power to the rear wheels.

Setting the six pot apart from the lesser models are chrome kidney grille slats, 17-inch alloy wheels and large twin chrome exhaust pipes. These are more than a styling enhancement though, as the last section of the exhaust system also plays an important role in the performance of the car thanks to a valve in the rear section opening and closing depending on throttle input. At rest and slower speeds the valve is closed for better emissions, while at higher speeds it is opened fully for improved engine breathing and a better noise!

Standard interior trim for the 130i includes Sports seats, leather steering wheel, BMW Business radio with single CD player and six airbags. Customers will also be able to specify BMW’s Active Steering system that ensures the optimum steering ratio at any speed.

An unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in March heralds the first public appearance of the 130i before it goes on sale in the UK in Autumn 2005. Prices will be announced at a later date.

[hoganscrogan]

That sounds like a fun car! Would consider this.
When was the last time a small rear drive hatch/saloon was available in the UK with such decent power? I can't think of anything [not talking about TVR's etc.]

[shirkin]

Z3 MCoupe?

[pauly]

Still looks like a dogs breakfast though

[dinkel]

They are big and actually quit good looking / compared to the photographs . . . hard to sell from a pic cos they look real yuk.

[donatien]

The problem is BMW would probably sell more 301s - Which if they existed would be something along the lines of an entry level 3 series with a moped engine.

"It's got the badge you see and I've put the M body kit on so people will think it's top of range"

[crazydave]

I was hoping they'd put a six in the 1 series. Should be an entertaining drive! I'd like to see a 321BHP M version though!

[FesterNath]

I went out for a beer the other night to pass some time. At the bar I was in there was a guy from BMW UK. He spotted me reading a copy of Evo and we got chatting. Turns out that BMW are planning to fit the M5's V10 at some point during the 1-series' life, probably in a CSL version. Can't wait to see that!

[t0ny99]

Still looks like a van, though!



>> Edited by t0ny99 on Wednesday 9th February 11:40

[xm5er]

This is what I want.

Scoobyzoom, you taking deposits on this yet?

[Zod]

FesterNath said:

I went out for a beer the other night to pass some time. At the bar I was in there was a guy from BMW UK. He spotted me reading a copy of Evo and we got chatting. Turns out that BMW are planning to fit the M5's V10 at some point during the 1-series' life, probably in a CSL version. Can't wait to see that!

How many pints had he had? Sounds like bollocks to me.

[off_again]

Hate the 1 series with a passion..... until they decided to drop the new 6 cylinder 3.0 engine into it. Not is all of a sudden become interesting and damn fast......

Much needed credibility to the 1 series?

[errek72]

t0ny99 said:

Still looks like a van, though! >> Edited by t0ny99 on Wednesday 9th February 11:40

Nail on the head. Why does it have to look so ugly? Impressed by the neat ring time 'though.

[Rob_the_Sparky]

I notice a distinct lack of price, I beleive this is what the other 1 series have been taking some stick for. I wonder how much this one will be. DOes sound like a giggle though even if I hate the looks

[bor]

FesterNath said:

BMW are planning to fit the M5's V10 at some point during the 1-series' life,

I'm sorry, Fester, but I think you've been had.LOL

[Roaders]

It's going to be about £24k I think.

I hate people who say the 1 looks ugly - I think it is a fantastic looking car:

http://rc.giles.roadnight.name/index.cfm?fuseaction=gallery&categoryID=38

[pauly]

FesterNath said:

I went out for a beer the other night to pass some time. At the bar I was in there was a guy from BMW UK. He spotted me reading a copy of Evo and we got chatting. Turns out that BMW are planning to fit the M5's V10 at some point during the 1-series' life, probably in a CSL version. Can't wait to see that!

It´s been in the motor mags here in Germany that there will indead be an M1 but it will use the M3´s V8.There was an article a few weeks back in Autobild about it.

[burwoodman]

"Disgrace an M3"- What cr*p. And as for 24k id say more like £30K when all the bits you expect are added

[Mr Whippy]

Who cares about the V10 anyway. Hartge have already shoehorned the E39 M5 5.0 V8 into the 1 series, and Hartge do that engine to 450 bhp anyway if you want.

Voila, ~450bhp in a 1 series... No need for that farty V10 with a button to make it 500bhp instead of 400bhp


http://magazine.avtoindex.com/detailsnews.php?id=683

Dave

[ed.]

24k can get a late Z MCoupe which looks far nicer unless you want the rear seats IMHO
Ed

[FesterNath]

I'm thinking that if the rumoured 330 turbo comes about it's engine will be slotted in to become the most high performace '1'.