REVIEW: BMW 130i

"hink of all the worst excesses of current BMW design in a smaller package, and you can see why the styling of the compact 1-series is so controversial. But looks aside, the 130i M Sport we drove recently is one rocking automobile.

The 1-series went on sale—fitted with four-cylinder engines—in Europe towards the end of 2004, but BMW made the car available in the fall of 2005 with its stellar 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder making 261 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, allied to a six-speed manual transmission. We aren’t slated to get the 130i hatchback in the States, but we will get a coupe version (not a 3-door hatchback), likely going on sale early in 2008."

Get ready for this car America!
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M53R - 10/24/2006 10:00:37 AM

-1 Boost

little cute beast :p

BMW530i - 10/24/2006 11:06:18 AM

-2 Boost

Well, it does what is expected of it.

Provides the BMW ride and the premium badge - and FUN.

matt635 - 10/24/2006 12:16:08 PM

-1 Boost

I've always liked the one series, the more I see them around, the more I like them.

People say it devalues the brand, but it's a much better proposition than the Shopping-Trolley like A2 used to be, and still a better looking car than the Roller-boot that is the Merc A class.

I cannot wait for the other variants to be released.

BMW530i - 10/24/2006 12:33:22 PM

-2 Boost

The Mercedes A-Class isn't that bad. I thought the car was a complete joke until I drove a rental in France last summer.

As a BMW fan, I was shocked how it handled: PRETTY GOOD to be honest. It was a fun car. And that 160 diesel averaged closed to 42 mpg!

However, it is no match against a BMW 1-series from a driving POV. I doubt A-Class buyers care about that aspect anyway.

DallasMR2 - 10/24/2006 12:24:06 PM

-1 Boost

i love it. bring it here (even in hatch form) price it from the mid 20's and you've got a major hit!

AmazingBimmer - 10/24/2006 1:53:40 PM

-1 Boost

it will cost way more than the A3 golf and will do a lot better. that much is guaranteed.

S4cabriofox - 10/24/2006 5:51:26 PM

-3 Boost

Actually, no. The A3 sells better than the 1 Series overall, basically because it's more practical, just as fast, of higher quality, and is just nicer to look at.

And the 1 Series has always been the most expensive (and worst value) in its class. I would expect a 130i or 135i to easily surpass 328i prices.

DallasMR2 - 10/24/2006 1:53:49 PM

+1 Boost

trust me, i WISH it would be about $17k...put me on the list NOW, but knowing BMW, i'd ecpect it to be about $24k or so...with pleather of course.

S4cabriofox - 10/24/2006 9:38:20 PM

-4 Boost

No, more like $30K. The 1 Series is the most expensive car in its class, for all the wrong reasons.

It's just horrific. No reason to buy one over an A3, let alone a Mini Cooper S or GTI five-door.

S4cabriofox - 10/24/2006 9:39:09 PM

-3 Boost

I would say over $40K for a fully-loaded 135ci or 235ci (whichever it's called). A loaded A3 3.2 quattro flirts with the $40K mark, and the 1 is more money.

NikolaiPetroff3333 - 10/25/2006 5:33:30 AM

+1 Boost

It is indeed a great car. How do I know? I own one. Mettalic black, M-Sport package, 18inch wheels, Xenons.
Here where I live it is the cheapest premium 6 cylinder you can buy. Sure you can get a 350Z for exactly the same price, but it is not practical. An Evo is up to 5KUSD more expensive.

AmazingBimmer - 10/25/2006 7:19:40 AM

+1 Boost

s4.. you and a few others here are the only ones who think the fwd audi is better. enjoy it. the rest of us can afford the bimmer, dont have penis envy and actually beleive that the brand is worth every penny. spend your money as you choose.

S4cabriofox - 10/25/2006 8:59:25 AM

0 Boost

Oh, please.

Like I can't afford a BMW.

I have an A3 as my winter car, actually. A 2.0T DSG Sportback. And it's a lot more fun than you think.

As for my financial situation, I'm considering a Carrera S convertible, XKR convertible and next-gen SL for my next car. A BMW will perhaps be my secondary car, but I don't want to end up like you.