BMW introduces 130i and M Sport in Europe
The little BMW that has yet to cross the pond just sprouted a pair of very interesting models in Europe. The new 130i hides BMW's 3.0L in-line six-cylinder beneath its bonnet, which has been optimized with better airflow and cooling management to make 265 horsepower. This makes it the most powerful version of the brand's 3.0L six to date. 0-62 takes 6.1 seconds, which seems a little slow to us for such a small car with a big engine. The M Sport model adds a lower front spoiler, new sills and a "venturi cut-out" to the rear, as well as a specific M Sport suspension and attactive 17- or 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels. While the 1-series has always appeared to have been beaten with a Bangle stick once or twice, its BMW DNA, high utility and relatively low price (for a Bimmer) place it high on the list of vehicles we're waiting for in the U.S.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Ed 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
PLEASE COME TO AMERICA!!
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Motorin' 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
They'll probably keep an eye on the A3 before deciding to bring it to the U.S. Also, it poses a slight threat of canibalizing MINI sales since the price ranges would overlap if they truly position it below the 3-series. It would be nice to have them here...more options is always good.
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adam 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
you want a little Bimmer that is cheap(ish), fast, and fun to drive? if you don't absolutely need RWD, get a MINI.
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Ed 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
you want to not look like a fag, then get the 130i
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SG 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
#4: You want to not sound like a fag? Then stop talking.
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Ed 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
"#5"
you would call the Mini a mans car?
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Ed 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
"#5"
you would call the Mini a mans car?
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Boss Sauce 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
It's too bad BMW NA is so hell bent on being a luxury brand-- i'll drive my '98 318ti into the ground waiting for them to sell something here that I want. The Mini is great, but too much of a trendy fashion piece for my taste. The 1 series is exactly what I want-- please oh please, Mr./Ms. BMW NA representative reading Autoblog comments, PLEASE bring this car over here?!
Also-- I'm surprised that, despite its superior engineering and forward thinking environmental policies, BMW has not come up with any super-efficient power system gimmick that work *today*.
p.s.-- Ed-- stfu.
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sam 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
This car is cheaper than the 3, but way more expensive than the mini. There should be no overlap there. I mean, the 3-series has gotten ridiculously expensive. I mean, a new 325i with premium package, cold weather package, and automatic is like $36k MSRP. A similar 330i is over $41k MSRP. I think that the 1-series is priced closer to $30k well equipped, whereas a mini is around $20k well equipped.
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Ed 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
to keep to the topic at hand, the mini is no substitue for the 130i.
this car is better in every aspect, and the only competitior that one can think of would have to be the recently released A3.
ps--"boss"--stfu
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Jerry Rosenau 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
RE: #4 and #6 (Ed):
You're undoubtedly some pseudo-macho moron who drives a Tahoe/F350 and has serious underlying issues with his manhood. You probably think anything other than a lane-hogging, gas-guzzling P.O.S. American turd is feminine. Go back to the www.suvdrivingbushvotingmasculineissues.com blog and stop cluttering up the comments here...I'll be the one passing your lurching, belching crapheap in the outside lane
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AJ 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
Hey...any1 who would call the mini a girls car....has never driven one....appearances can b very deceiving...it mite have a "cute" look...but it drives like a bat outta hell..so watch urself b4 u classify it as a fags car
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Ed 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
no, actually i dont have a Tahoe/or any SUV for any matter. i have a 330i, honestly you can keep your metrosexual crap to yourself. The mini is a small car, that has no merits. its FF and a bad one at that. puts very little power down and doesnt handle all too well. Im just old-fashioned like that.
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Brian 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
Hmmm, not sure about the looks. Based on appearance I'd probably opt for the A3, but I'd be curious to see how that drives. I imagine it'd be pretty fun driving around in a relatively small car with a six cylinder engine under the hood. I also wonder why BMW's most powerful 3.0L is in this car and not something farther up their line.
Oh, and the "girly" Mini comment from #4...have you ever been to an autocross? There's a reason there's so many Mini's there, they handle amazingly well and have some punch in the S. They dominate the clsas they're in. Why don't you learn about cars before passing judgement on them?
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Robert 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
I just checked and if you ignore the front and rear overhangs the e90 is within an inch of the e23 7-series in wheelbase, height, and front and rear track. BMW has a real need to fill the void that was once occupied by the 2002, e21, and e30 3-series. I just wish the styling was as handsome as the e90. BMWs were never pretty, but thats one ugly duckling.
One last time, #4 get a freakin clue.
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David Thompson 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
"0-62 takes 6.1 seconds, which seems a little slow to us for such a small car with a big engine."
At nearly 3100 pounds with the I6, it may be many things but small isn't one of them.
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Jerry Rosenau 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
#13: No, you're not 'old fashioned like that,' just ignorant and a perfect example of why I'd never be caught driving a 3 Series. They're great cars in every way but unfortunately have become the primary choice of poseurs who know nothing about driving, handling or really anything other than which latest gold watch/necklace is in. Too bad for those few who really buy the 3 for how good a car it is - makes them look bad.
#14 is so right about why there are so many at autocrosses...
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SG 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
"They're great cars in every way but unfortunately have become the primary choice of poseurs who know nothing about driving, handling or really anything other than which latest gold watch/necklace is in."
If ED thinks that the Mini doesn't handle too well, then this he is probably one of those posers who only care about the badge.
The Mini S has a lot of pep for a small car, thanks to its lighter weight and that supercharger. It's a favorite for automotive purists, male or female.
And I'd rather be seen in a Mini that a BMW 3er. There are better choices for the price of a 3-series, anyways.
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Sid Ghosh 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
Agreed SG. The S40/Acura TSX/A4...heck, even then Mazda6 Sport GT are better choices than the 'as-common-as-an-Accord' BMW 3-Series.
If you want a 5-door, get the A3 or wait for the Mazdaspeed3.
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SOhp101 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
Kudos to #17. I completely agree with you. It irritates me when people think that FF automatically implies a bad handling car. Some people obviously never drive in the real world and seem to think that all roads out there are track quality in bright, sunny weather ocnditions.
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