[S44mvp]

right the time has come for me to buy a new car, I've been looking through the market as i want a car that is a practical/comfortable daily but i can still enjoy a few laps of the Nurburgring in when i make my trips over. The obvious choice for me was an e46 m3, but after filtering through the market of old tired cars, smgs, convertibles and the remaining good ones being price driven i decided to broaden my search and found myself thinking that an e87 130I would fit the bill nicely. Now from what I've read online so far they seem like a well put together car and fairly solid / reliable in all areas, but are there any common faults / issues i need to look out for when buying one? I've found one local to me I'm going to view and potentially buy, spec is as follows:
2005 (55) 130i m sport 5dr
54k miles
fsvh
black leather
xenons
auto wipers/lights
parking sensors
bmw pro sound
18" 208m alloys

 

[marco_polo]

Sounds like a nice car.

Statistically very strong cars. If there are zero errors / warnings, every last thing works, and it drives nicely (razor sharp throttle response - no hesitations), I'd probably say buy it!

Do you have access to an OBDII code scanner?

 

[S44mvp]

so just the normal general checks for when buying a car then, thats always good news! yes i own a obd II scanner, it only reads engine faults though not srs or abs etc

 

[DC11]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

As Marco says they're a fairly bombproof car, although they can fall prey to a few niggles...

• A 'tappetty' sounding engine on cold starts tends to be the Hydraulic Valve Actuators. Which, as I understand it, is generally nothing to worry about and usually caused by short journeys.

• A hesitation when using heavy throttle from low revs is normally related to the Vanos Solenoids, often remedied by a simple clean or resetting of the throttle adaptations.

• Brake calipers are known to seize.

• Rear washer jets fail.

• PDC (Parking Distance Control) issues are normally down to the module getting wet in the boot area.

All fairly simple stuff really, and nothing in comparison to the M3 boot floor, SMG pump, head gaskets you'll no doubt have been worrying about!

 

[0l0dom0l0]

Just buy it.

Low mileage car with service history and factory xenons is going to be worth what you pay for it all day long as long as it's not silly money.

There isn't anything much that's worth worrying about that can't be sorted at a later date. Not compared to an E46 M3 anyway.

 

[S44mvp]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

As Marco says they're a fairly bombproof car, although they can fall prey to a few niggles...

• A 'tappetty' sounding engine on cold starts tends to be the Hydraulic Valve Actuators. Which, as I understand it, is generally nothing to worry about and usually caused by short journeys.

• A hesitation when using heavy throttle from low revs is normally related to the Vanos Solenoids, often remedied by a simple clean or resetting of the throttle adaptations.

• Brake calipers are known to seize.

• Rear washer jets fail.

• PDC (Parking Distance Control) issues are normally down to the module getting wet in the boot area.

All fairly simple stuff really, and nothing in comparison to the M3 boot floor, SMG pump, head gaskets you'll no doubt have been worrying about!

sounds great so nothing really major at all then, I've spoke to the current owner on the phone now and I'm going to view the car this weekend. he's seems like a genuine guy so fingers crossed the car is all in order and i can make a purchase!

 

[Cupster]

Good luck, I made the same compromise after researching E46 M3's (plus the mrs wanted 4 doors). My 130 has been the best car I've ever owned. You will love it!

 

[JohnKimble]

Not much I can add here but mine has been the most reliable car I've owned by a country mile. Also by a fair amount I've found it the easiest to work on myself at home. 1 year in and I haven't had to put it in a garage other than for tyres and MOT. Its a pretty well built thing.

 

[S44mvp]

nothing but good feedback! thanks guys, I'm looking forward to viewing the car now

 

[Tommo]

I echo what has been said already. Will be sad to see mine go shortly, but my replacement will satisfy my needs.

 

[blingers]

Recommend scanning for error codes.

Not so easy to inspect but the n52 uses an electric water pump which tend to fail under 100k kms (mine died at 87kkms). Check if it has been replaced and if not, budget for potential replacement in the future.

Edit: check the professional radio lcd screen for pixel fading and also test the bluetooth function if it works as the old MULF module in the boot also fail with age.

 

[S44mvp]

Recommend scanning for error codes.

Not so easy to inspect but the n52 uses an electric water pump which tend to fail under 100k kms (mine died at 87kkms). Check if it has been replaced and if not, budget for potential replacement in the future.

Edit: check the professional radio lcd screen for pixel fading and also test the bluetooth function if it works as the old MULF module in the boot also fail with age.

i will be sure to check these that you, ill be having a good look through the cars history while I'm there anyway so hope its had or doesn't need a water pump. does the pro stereo have bluetooth streaming or just bluetooth hands free?

 

[0l0dom0l0]

i will be sure to check these that you, ill be having a good look through the cars history while I'm there anyway so hope its had or doesn't need a water pump. does the pro stereo have bluetooth streaming or just bluetooth hands free?

At that mileage I doubt it's had one. But check anyway. I'm at 70k now and mine is the original.

I wouldn't worry about it. It's an expensive but easy enough repair and if you got stung with it then you'd be very unlucky.

It has neither. The Bluetooth is an additional option so check that it has it by actuslly getting the guy to show you his phone connected or connecting your phone.

It should have aux though.

 

[S44mvp]

i will be sure to check these that you, ill be having a good look through the cars history while I'm there anyway so hope its had or doesn't need a water pump. does the pro stereo have bluetooth streaming or just bluetooth hands free?

At that mileage I doubt it's had one. But check anyway. I'm at 70k now and mine is the original.

I wouldn't worry about it. It's an expensive but easy enough repair and if you got stung with it then you'd be very unlucky.

It has neither. The Bluetooth is an additional option so check that it has it by actuslly getting the guy to show you his phone connected or connecting your phone.

It should have aux though.

ah ok thanks, aux is fine atlas i can plug my phone into it lol

 

[rm1]

over 100k budget for suspension repairs and as above water pump. Beware I have looked at a lot of these cars and many are badly maintained examples that will cost you money also they seem to attract crap drivers not since the eighties hot hatch phase have I seen so many accident repairs.

 

[swanny71]

Mines on 123k, only had ever had regular servicing and one set of discs/pads replaced. Failures limited to a DSC unit, a Xenon control unit and the low tone horn - all replaced under the excellent BMW warranty? Everything else is original, it's by far the most reliable car I've owned (touches wood).

Suspension is still 'OK', no knocks/bangs or advisories at MOT/service time but I'm slowly gathering the the parts for a bit of a refresh in the next couple of months - Had mine almost 5 years/80k miles and just can think of anything I'd rather be in for daily driving, it's brilliant. Tried M135i, new shape Golf Gti etc. and they just don't appeal (even ignoring the extra cost).

Find a good one that's been cared for and you shouldn't have any problems. Good luck in your search.

 

[Ulster neil]

Love my 130i one of the best cars I have ever owned had a few issues but all work done under warranty so not bad exhaust solenoid required replacement the biggest issue was when it was in for the solenoid replacement they said they noticed wear on the cam so as a precaution they replaced that .
Had an issue a few weeks ago with the airbag light on but turned out to be a loose clamp on the battery which triggered the light coming on .
I do also suffer from the rear washer issue but isn't a major .
I love the little car and being in Germany a lot have enjoyed the joys of the autobahn in it
Hope your one turns out to be a good one and you get it don't think you will regret it

 

[S44mvp]

Hi guys thanks for all the help and advise, A quick update I bought the car and absolutely love it! I'll upload some pictures this weekend hopefully

 

[Italiandave]

Good chocie,

Had mine 5 months and have experiance every common fault mentioned so far but still love the car.

 

[Ulster neil]

Congrats on your purchase yea get some photos up but more importantly enjoy it