Hey guys! I'm seriously thinking about upgrading the 330ci to a 130i m-sport. Has anyone driven them back to back? Do you think it's worth the £2k extra investment?
I’ve driven a 120d M-sport and the suspension was fantastic and the size of the car is just right. Feels less of a boat as an E46 + more modern and safe. The only thing you’ll miss is your LSD ;)
It can’t fit a nuclear warhead tho…
chirp chirp
If you have a low milage 330ci i’d hold on for it for now as they are bottoming out in prices. 1-series BMWs are still depreciating fairly quickly.
I’ve only driven one for a 15min test drive (not the m-sport) and although I did love the engine the handling feels somewhat twitchy, the ride was quite uncomfortable and from what I’ve heard it’s not very reliable. This is just my personal opinion so I would recommend watching the Top Gear and Fifth Gear reviews on it.
Just got rid of a 330ci in favour of an E82 1 series, Things you will like: Way more modern interior, more efficient, lower weight, more playful handling, firmer ride. Things you may not like: Interior feels a lot cheaper, not as spacious inside ( but at least there are cup holders!)
You may want to consider a 125i coupe, they have exactly the same engine as the 130i, the power can be brought up to match that of the 130i with a simple remap, and the coupe looks way more sporty and modern in my opinion!
Great insight! Thanks Nathan.
I have recently sold a 330ci coupe and purchased an e87 130i pre lci. The sentiments above from Nathan are bang on. The biggest difference, however is the engine. Different league compared to the M54. The N52 is mega torquey and loves to be revved. Also averaged 38 mpg on the journey home from Harrogate to London. I also have the BMW carbon intake, performance exhaust and a Quaife lsd which are all fantastic.
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I’ve driven a 120d M-sport and the suspension was fantastic and the size of the car is just right. Feels less of a boat as an E46 + more modern and safe. The only thing you’ll miss is your LSD ;)
It can’t fit a nuclear warhead tho…
chirp chirp
If you have a low milage 330ci i’d hold on for it for now as they are bottoming out in prices. 1-series BMWs are still depreciating fairly quickly.
I’ve only driven one for a 15min test drive (not the m-sport) and although I did love the engine the handling feels somewhat twitchy, the ride was quite uncomfortable and from what I’ve heard it’s not very reliable. This is just my personal opinion so I would recommend watching the Top Gear and Fifth Gear reviews on it.
Just got rid of a 330ci in favour of an E82 1 series,
Things you will like:
Way more modern interior, more efficient, lower weight, more playful handling, firmer ride.
Things you may not like:
Interior feels a lot cheaper, not as spacious inside ( but at least there are cup holders!)
You may want to consider a 125i coupe, they have exactly the same engine as the 130i, the power can be brought up to match that of the 130i with a simple remap, and the coupe looks way more sporty and modern in my opinion!
Great insight! Thanks Nathan.
I have recently sold a 330ci coupe and purchased an e87 130i pre lci. The sentiments above from Nathan are bang on. The biggest difference, however is the engine. Different league compared to the M54. The N52 is mega torquey and loves to be revved. Also averaged 38 mpg on the journey home from Harrogate to London. I also have the BMW carbon intake, performance exhaust and a Quaife lsd which are all fantastic.