BMW launches punchier 130i
M Sport variant adds visual impact but no extra power
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BMW has confirmed that September will see the launch of the most potent 1 Series to date -- the BMW 130i SE. Power is up from 258bhp to 265bhp, thanks largely to tweaking of the engine's breathing system.
There will also be an M Sport variant although BMW hasn't called it the M1 as the enhancements are largely visual.
Taking BMW’s lightweight magnesium-alloy six-cylinder 258bhp petrol engine as a basis, BMW reckoned it has made the 130i six-cylinder the most powerful engine in its class and the most powerful six-cylinder engine under a BMW bonnet, bar the M3.
The 1 Series engineering team has exploited the 1 Series’ air flow and cooling systems to extract even more performance out of the car at full throttle. As a result, the 130i now delivers 265bhp, seven horsepower more than the 330i, 530i and 630i. Similarly, torque has also been uprated to 232lb-ft from 221lb-ft.
The improvements in engine output enable the car to deliver a zero to 62mph time of 6.1 seconds while top speed remains limited to 155mph. Consumption is 30.7mpg on the combined cycle, while the EU4 compliant power train produces just 221g/km.
The new performance figures of the BMW 130i are due in part to the Vanos and Valvetronic valve opening and valve lift control mechanisms on the 2,996cc engine 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.
Additionally, for the first time on a 1 Series, you can specify Active Steering, which varies the steering ratio depending on road speed. This version has been tuned specifically to the 130i, said BMW.
M Sport models
There's also a new range of M Sport models across the 1 Series range and on other BMW variants.
At the front, M Sport models have a lower front spoiler styled for increased aerodynamic efficiency while at the side, sculpted sills change the profile of the car. At the rear, a venturi cut-out in the rear bumper further accentuates the sporting theme. Bespoke 17- or 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, M Sports suspension and high-gloss Shadow Line finish the exterior package.
Standard interior trim for M Sport models includes Sports seats in an exclusive cloth / leather combination, M leather steering wheel, M doorsill finishes and an Individual anthracite headlining.
Similar M Sport interior and exterior enhancements will be available from September 2005 on 3 and 5 Series and X3 models and the new styling is expected to be offered on more models in the future.
Only good thing to come of this will be a new president of RWD on smaller hatches, so hopefully Alfa etc will follow suit shortly. In fact the one good thing to come out of the mundane focus was it's ability to make cheap cars adopt rear independent suspension. A silver lining to the cloud.
If you need a 5-door hatch (and probably, many of us do), and don't want to drive either boy-racer-mobile or nasty FWD, this is a really good, drivers alternative. So what, about the BMW owner image, who's sad enough to care what other people think. Drive one and be pleasantly surprised!!
Matt
In the end...ordered a Golf GTi, just as well built, looks a lot better, a lot faster than the current 1 series (though not this one) and the ride is so good I don't even miss RWD.
The old Saabs were ugly, but had a kind of cool not everyone appreciated. Same with old 911's, Impreza's, the M Roadster.
I think they should just bring out a five-second M version and rake in the Euros. 6.1 seconds is still a bit tardy for true cachet. I hate the way cars have grown fatter over the years, and this would be a true step in the right direction.
And, yes, I agree, it's not pretty.
Blackangel
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