motor

MBDriver · 08-03-2005, 04:24 AM

Taking BMW's lightweight magnesium-alloy six-cylinder 258hp petrol engine as a basis, BMW engineers have wrung every last drop of power from the revolutionary powerplant, making the BMW 130i six-cylinder the most powerful engine in its class and the most powerful six-cylinder engine under a BMW bonnet, bar the M3. It is also the only car in its segment to offer a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout - the optimum set-up for on-road dynamics.

Taking BMW's renowned attention-to-detail to the extreme, the 1 Series engineering team have exploited the 1 Series' exemplary air flow and cooling to extract even more performance out of the car at full throttle. As a result, the 130i now delivers 265hp, seven horsepower more than the 330i, 530i and 630i. Similarly, torque has also been uprated to 315Nm from 300Nm.

The improvements in engine output enable the car to deliver a class-leading zero to 62mph time of 6.1 seconds while top speed remains limited to 155mph. Consumption is still frugal with the 130i recording 30.7mpg on the combined cycle, while the EU4 compliant power train produces just 221g/km.

The exciting 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, customers are able to specify Active Steering. BMW's innovative steering system varies the steering ratio depending on road speed and has been tuned specifically to the 130i.

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TT · 08-03-2005, 05:05 AM

Can't wait to see the first tests for the 130! 265 hp is a lot, but this ain't your regular FF hatch, so it could really crush the rivals if everything is well sorted out

astonmartinandy · 08-03-2005, 05:44 AM

Don't mean to rain on the parade here, but I just think this is a pointless car;

Yes I love Hot Hatches, but I don't think you can ever really class this as a hot hatch due to the fact that it's a BMW to start with, but more importantly the price this "mini BMW" is going to set you back.

I have no idea of the exact price, but it genuinely wouldn't surprise me to find it comfortably over £20k before options. Yes of course you will get a well sorted RWD hatch, but I think that sort of money is much better spent on other cars.

Quick look on Autotrader - £21,950 for a 2002 e46 M3 with 50k miles. I just cannot understand who would want to spend that amount of money for a big engine in a small BMW, when alternatives as strong as used e46, let alone an older M3.. :roll:

LotusGT1 · 08-03-2005, 06:14 AM

Different strokes for different folks....

Some people want just new cars. And all said and done, this lighter, more nimble 130i would come quite close to a heavier M3. I think as a drivers experience this car is one to look out for. Not many crisp RWD everyday cars are built these days....

Sir_GT · 08-03-2005, 06:17 AM

Suggested price is £25k actually. Most of the options come standard, such as the rims, climate control, special seats, etc.

It's the same engine as in the E90 330i and the 630i, the lightweight one which sounds brilliant.

I would pay for this car if given the chance. It's brilliant as a diesel, so I could imagine it would be bonkers with a petrol engine of that size.

dutchmasterflex · 08-03-2005, 08:42 AM

man I would love to test drive one of these.. 30mpg from a inline 6 with 265hp thats awesome..

Nick6 · 08-03-2005, 11:19 AM

wow! The 130i sounds sweet.

I have been kind of loss interest in the newer BMWs since they started to get heavier and uglier, but this one has me interested. 8)

Just_me · 08-03-2005, 11:45 AM

In some countries , 130i is cheaper than Audi A3 3.2 Q

911GT1 · 08-03-2005, 12:27 PM

The 1 series is a good drivers car... a bit pointless and overpriced but a nice handling car. The 3L version of this car could propel it to the ultimate Q car status. Love it, but wish it had a better front end.

5vz-fe · 08-03-2005, 12:33 PM

I guess the 130 is really for ppl who like the body style/configuration rather than it's price advantage. (Note 330 is only a few grand more)

The price would definitely throw the 130 out of it's class of competition.

pharzo · 08-03-2005, 02:11 PM

This will probably be a great city car...it's small(sort of), light, great to drive. Frankly that fuel economy is quite amazing. If it's true, definitely not a car to discount

rk331 · 08-03-2005, 04:05 PM

I think that it is the car that I've been waiting for, I was thinking to buy a 120i but, now I want a 130, it's a big price, but it's a big car in a small package, in my country the 120i is not a best seller but, who wants that? respect a "city car" our speed average is 23mph, and in a 1/4 mile with 265hp you can get a lot of fun in the traffic!

Just_me · 08-03-2005, 04:30 PM

This car will handle very well. Nordschleife in less than 8.35 min according to BMW.

Just_me · 08-03-2005, 06:19 PM

Originally Posted by brembo

Originally Posted by Just_me

This car will handle very well. Nordschleife in less than 8.35 min according to BMW.

Im sure it will be fast and all, but damn its ugly......

I respect your opinion and I hope you respect mine when I say this. The car isnt ugly.

Just_me · 08-03-2005, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by brembo

Originally Posted by Just_me

Originally Posted by brembo

Originally Posted by Just_me

This car will handle very well. Nordschleife in less than 8.35 min according to BMW.

Im sure it will be fast and all, but damn its ugly......

I respect your opinion and I hope you respect mine when I say this. The car isnt ugly.

beauty is in the eye of the beholder.....

You got that right