Soon to be 130i owner

[cameronhudson]

Hey guys and girls, I have been reading through the forum over the past weeks soaking up lots of E87 knowledge.

My E30 bmw was destroyed in a crash and I have a 130i in mind as a suitable replacement.

There are three cars that I am considering at this stage. Just wondering if any of them are ex forum member or current forum member cars?

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d.../?Cr=0&sdmvc=1

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d.../?Cr=2&sdmvc=1

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d.../?Cr=5&sdmvc=1

I am more than happy to do all of my own servicing for the car but wondering if there is anything in particular i should be looking for?

Hopefully I meet up with you guys for a drive shortly,

Cam

[TS135i]

I like the 2007 model, sparkling graphite

[Giveway74]

I haven't had any issues with mine except for the rear washer getting blocked up. I still haven't bothered fixing it.

I track it regularly, so i change the oil at least every 10000KM but usually sooner and don't wait for the Computer to tell me to do it.

If you can find one with the LSD and or M3 rear subframe bushes already done then there is a few $$$ saved there by having it done already. But that also means it has probably been tracked or driven hard.

[dk130i]

Nothing wrong with the ones that were driven as intended.

[dk130i]

Cam, those 3 are very similar mileage and price.

The only common issue I can think of these cars have is the flywheel rattle (only noticeable when it gets hot) and it is only noise, does not affect the performance.
I would pick one that has had regular oil changes, as in more frequent than 25000 km intervals..

[GJA003]

If your looking at one with the Bluetooth feature the (Mulf) Module tends to fail in pre lci versions.

[flinchy]

Originally Posted by Giveway74

I haven't had any issues with mine except for the rear washer getting blocked up. I still haven't bothered fixing it.

I track it regularly, so i change the oil at least every 10000KM but usually sooner and don't wait for the Computer to tell me to do it.

If you can find one with the LSD and or M3 rear subframe bushes already done then there is a few $$$ saved there by having it done already. But that also means it has probably been tracked or driven hard.

I saw one with a drexler and m3 bits once for $25k or something (less) with pretty low km

Woulda been a steal

[flinchy]

Originally Posted by dk130i

Cam, those 3 are very similar mileage and price.

The only common issue I can think of these cars have is the flywheel rattle (only noticeable when it gets hot) and it is only noise, does not affect the performance.
I would pick one that has had regular oil changes, as in more frequent than 25000 km intervals..

They have a dmfw dont they? My flywheel rattles like a milo tin full of marbles out if gear/clutch in

N52's also have the hydraulic lifter tap when cold... NEVER idle the n52 when cold... It'll get louder and louder lol

[cameronhudson]

Great, thanks for the help people.

Hopefully I will own one of these three after the weekend is done.

I am already contemplating the quaife LSD and a few other bits and pieces. What do you guys think is the best value for money modification for the 130i?

[arthurtwp]

I picked mine from melb. 48k clicks on it. 24500 all up. just as a rough guide. its got a fee cosmetic damages on it. but all up its mechanically perfect.

this one looks good. lowest mileage of the lot.

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/BMW-130i-2006/SSE-AD-2419607

[Giveway74]

LSD is expensive but worth while if you are looking to drive on track or aggressively

M3 front control arms give a more direct feel and don't require too much labour but you will need a wheel alignment afterwards.

M3 rear subframe bushes or inserts as well. inserts are the cheaper way to go. It removes the slop in the rear end and makes it more predictable.


I have M3 sways bars too and Bilstein PSS10's. But if i had my time again i would probably spend the extra to get adjustable swaybars. Front is easy to change but the rear is a bitch. I have 225 tyres all round and LSD and with the front and rear bars it is quite taily at the track in high speed corners. At ECR i have to have the Billies adjusted full hard at the front and full soft at the back to removed most of the oversteer . It was quite and adjustment in driving style but once i get used to it i think it will be faster. I need a slightly softer rear bar.

After the safety mods are done it will be the 135 brake upgrade i think. Also the 135 rear hubs will give a slightly wider track and guessing this will reduce some of the over steer

[smilebrian]

ABS module failed in mine, as did the bluetooth MULF. Suspension is the weak link. Ditch run flats obviously, change suspension and add LSD.

[cameronhudson]

Yes the run flats wont be staying on the car long.

What spring and damper combo is working well for 1 hatchbacks? I had Koni adjustable dampers and Eibach springs in my last BMW and that was very good. Contemplating a trying a bilstein pss10 kit though.

So it seems like many of the E92 suspension components will fit the 130s, is this correct? What about brake components?

[froop]

Originally Posted by cameronhudson

Yes the run flats wont be staying on the car long.

What spring and damper combo is working well for 1 hatchbacks? I had Koni adjustable dampers and Eibach springs in my last BMW and that was very good. Contemplating a trying a bilstein pss10 kit though.

So it seems like many of the E92 suspension components will fit the 130s, is this correct? What about brake components?

Quite a few rave reviews of Koni Yellows with swift R spec springs.

BC BR or ERs are also a cheap and good alternative, easily sourced in Australia.

But yeah, a lot of the E9x M3 suspension gear can be swapped straight over. Check out my build thread if you want some more info. If it was swappable, I've done it on my car except for the hubs and brakes.

[skyscraper_g80]

Don't forget the KW lineup of coilovers too I've done a fair few handling mods on my 130i, including Quaife, M3 Lower Control Arms and subframe bushings, E92 M3 FSB, 1M RSB, KW V2s.

[Giveway74]

EVO42 are you doing the Wakefield SSprint in December?

[kaitan]

Originally Posted by evolution42

Don't forget the KW lineup of coilovers too I've done a fair few handling mods on my 130i, including Quaife, M3 Lower Control Arms and subframe bushings, E92 M3 FSB, 1M RSB, KW V2s.

Just curiious what sort of timing are you doing in wakefield with that set up?

[Giveway74]

I've done a 1:12.44 on Bridgestones re002
With the following mods.
Stock suspension, m3 Control arms and m3 front bar. Conditions were perfect and the tyres were brand new.

I've not had good weather the last two attempts since the PSS10's and rear subframe bushes went in. First was too hot and the second time it was raining and slick.

Even when it was at it hottest i've done a 1.13.88. I'll comfortably run 1:14's all day on a dry track.

The last time i was at SMP on the GP track i did a 1:56.9340 with all the current mods but on half worn Bridestone re002's
A lot more time in that as i was braking early for turn 2 and i think there is some time turn 7-8 with bigger gonads.

[Cam 130i]

Go for it Cameron,
I have only change to non run flats 225 on 8 inch fronts original rears and 255 on 8.5 rears from LCI model (Standard rims).
I have also done 135 brake upgrade front and rear including coupe drive flanges which increase rear track by 10mm each side.
I have owned it from new April 2006 and have covered 118,000 k's with the only real issue being one faulty coil and I did have a blocked rear washer which was not difficult to fix.
I intend to do some suspension work soon as it is the weak point of the car but as it is only a street car I have lived with it,( I have a E36 that I have developed into a track/club car and it keeps me happy) I was thinking of a new M135 but the finances will not stretch that far I think a little bit of money on suspension will keep me happy in the 130 for a little longer.
It is a great car and i am still happy after 7.5 years of ownership.
Good Luck Cameron L

[skyscraper_g80]

I won't be able to make the next supersprint unfortunately- I'm returning from an overseas trip on the same morning. A friend of mine has recently bought a 130i and I think he'll be participating though

In terms of Wakefield laptimes, I was there last week but for a fun (slidey) day, not a supersprint. I was running stock Potenza RE050A and did 1:13. It was a hot day (30+) and combined with the on-track traffic, the rest of the laps were 1:14+

I was at SMP with Giveway74 for the last Supersprint and did 1:57.3 I think. That was on Advan AD08s. As he said, there's room for better times if you're ballsy on the brakes

Other Supersprint laptimes from memory are SMP South (1:08), Philip Island (2:04), Winton (1:45)

[skyscraper_g80]

Originally Posted by Cam 130i

Go for it Cameron,
I have only change to non run flats 225 on 8 inch fronts original rears and 255 on 8.5 rears from LCI model (Standard rims).
I have also done 135 brake upgrade front and rear including coupe drive flanges which increase rear track by 10mm each side.

Cam how much was the 135i brake upgrade if you don't mind me asking? And the wider rear rims?

[flinchy]

Originally Posted by evolution42

Cam how much was the 135i brake upgrade if you don't mind me asking? And the wider rear rims?

my 135i bits were about the $1k mark, though i've heard of people getting them for more like $600-$700.. + the hubs and a few other bits i wanted like better pads, SS lines etc.

probably get away with it for $1250-$1500 as a ballpark?