SimonD

Anyone had much experience of these?

I kind of see it as a grown-up replacement for my MCoupe (humour me ). I know a Golf makes more sense but I really don't think I could live with FWD on anything but a local runabout.
I'll be putting kids in the back. Is the packaging really that bad? Shame it doesn't come in Estoril Blue. What difference did the facelift make?

The Chief

Not driven one so really cant comment but aren't they really cramped in the back if your gonna put your kids in?

What about going up and getting a 3 series? or an R32 Golf?

Just a thought!

Petem95

I was looking at these a little while back. '07 facelift means nice looking rear light clusters, but little else on the 130i. With the 120d etc they got all the efficient dynamics stuff, but I believe the 130 didn't get this stuff, so MPG still only quoted at 30 overall.

They look great with the optional 18" wheels

SimonD

OK, so the facelift doesn't matter too much. I'm sure the 130 will lose value far more quickly than the diesels and the running costs are largely irrelevent with the mileage I do.

I know a Golf or 3-series makes more sense but I do like little ugly cars with big engines.
I need to get the kids into one to see if it is a realistic proposition. A few of the mums at my kids' school use them so you never know.

Devildog

Facelift brought about a 3 door (I think) as an option (edit - but not 130i which appears to be available pre facelift only)

As much room in the back as an R32 with bucket seats (if not more)

Packaging is not that bad, but the interior is more cosseting than a Golf. Great driving position.

130i good fro 155mph (limited)

1 Series are great little cars. So much nicer to drive than the Golfs, etc, of this world.

SimonD

I'll get myself out and try one soon. If I were to go to the extra size/cost of a 3-series I'd probably plump for a Spec B Legacy instead.

billythekid

Had one for 2 years.

Great car, as I have said on here many times.

If you can live with the limited rear leg room (never a problem for me) and if you dont mind a fairly stiff ride then thats about all the bad points that I can think of!!

MPG, on a run, 35mpg. Boot it and you will struggle to see 30, but m-way its actually quite good.

Engine is a peach, super smooth, sounds and pulls like a train.

"Only" 265bhp, but they feel a lot more. 6 speed box is nice to use.

Handle great, optional Hartage LSD if that floats your boat.

The only other thing I would say is 135i Coupe is another option... another 50 ish bhp and a bucket full of extra torque.