[NSW] n00b - E87 130i - First Bimmer

[walkie86]

Hi all,

I've been driving RENAULTsport Clios for almost 10 years and contemplated upsizing to a 5-door Megane 225 but driving to work one day a blue 130i with tow stickers cruised past on the Anzac Bridge (I believe he's a member here from research) and I thought, "That's the car for me".

A few mates have owned 130is in the past, which I've driven plenty of times, so I began to suss out the market and evaluate what few examples were available - manual of course. I drove panza's silver one that's currently for sale (great car), came close to buying a mate's mint black 2005 model (but decided I didn't want black) and even made an offer on the blue one with BBS-style rims that was on carsales.

Then, while waiting to hear back on my offer last Wednesday morning, an immaculate looking Le Mans Blue example with low km and a great spec of options popped up - only problem was it was in Melbourne! I quickly called the owner and asked for more pics, more info - anything to help understand the car, its history and condition.

As it turned out he was an ex-BMW Master Tech (now working on the suit side at a dealership in Melbs) and was very OCD about his car! We agreed a price, subject to me flying down on Saturday and inspecting. I was confident the car would be as described but when I arrived it was even better! New rear tyres, near-new front brakes, no oil leaks, freshly serviced and detailed - it was immaculate.

We did all the paper work, handed over the cash and my mate and I began the long drive home (via lunch at Duttons for a perve and catch up with a few Renault friends), arriving home just after midnight.

She's on a unreg vehicle permit currently so sorting the blue slip and rego this week then I can take her for a proper drive on some nice roads! However, the long drive back on the freeway gave me plenty of time to get acquainted with the car in general and I can confirm it's all

Her spec from factory from what I can tell:
- 2006 Le Mans Blue, 6-speed manual
- 86,500 km (after the drive back from Melb)
- i-Drive Professional
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Logic7 hi-fi
- Heated front seats
- Hi-beam assist
- Folding mirrors
Plus the usual sunroof, bi-xenons etc.

No immediate major modifications planned (except window tint) as I want to get to know her and learn how to drive RWD properly, but possible upgrades in the future include ZHP gearknob, M3 front and rear sway bars, 135 rear muffler and some more intake noise. Maybe some different rims and non-runflats once the tyres wear out too! Oh and a Quaife + 135 brakes would be nice...

One pic from the drive home for now but there will be plenty more to come. My mates and I run a website chronicling our automotive adventures www.autofocus.net.au and associated Instagram page, so she'll receive plenty of coverage on there!

IMG_8277 copy by Alex Bryden, on Flickr

Also, a special thanks to a few members who have answered my questions and offered advice, particularly woosh - you're a champ!

Progress Update: 04/09/17

Chassis
- 1M/E9x front sway bar
- E9x M3 front upper (thrust arm + tension strut) and lower (wishbone) control arms
- Rear Nolathane subframe bushes
- 3mm spacers F / BMS 10mm spacers R
- Camber pin mod
- CDV delete

Noise
- 135i (N55) backbox
- Injen intake

Exterior
- Stubby aerial
- Carbon front splitters
- AC Schnitzer Type 3 18x8.5" ET43 wheels
- 235/40/18 Bridgestone RE003 tyres
- Rear LCI Darklines
- LED side indicators
- OEM Aero spoiler

Interior
- ZHP gearkob
- BMS clutchstop
- eBay aluminium pedals
- eBay gear and handbrake gaitors

Untitled by autofocus .net.au, on Flickr

[mr_130i_oz]

Congrats mate. Looks mint. Can't wait to see her in the metal.

[woosh]

Nice RC man #thatlongassantenna

Welcome to the club. You'll love every minute of it.

[Cheungs]

Car is in perfect condition and looks to be top spec!

Congrats!

[walkie86]

Thanks guys!

mr_130i_oz didn't realise you were on here, Dave!

Yeh, might have to do something about the antenna...

[mr_130i_oz]

Been here for about 7 years

[arthurtwp]

Looks good. Just got my second 130i recently too! And out of the country and can't wait to get back to have fun with it!

I have for the following parts coming in:
M3 perf steering
BMWP ssk
BMWP handbrake
BMWP pedals

Sourced most of the items from southernbm or ramp automotive for decent prices. Oz dollar is down now so everything is heaps more expensive!

Have a look at the bmw oem sports aerial. Approx 40 to 50 including delivery. Has it on my previous car. Very good reception. Looks short and neat. And a simple screw on.

[PG]

Congrats mate, that is an almost identical story of how I purchased my le man's blue car form Melbourne haha

[evolution42]

Congrats on the new car, fully optioned too I think the LMB 130i you saw with tow stickers would've been Giveway74

Let us know if you need any advice about modding the 130i

[walkie86]

Originally Posted by evolution42

Congrats on the new car, fully optioned too I think the LMB 130i you saw with tow stickers would've been Giveway74

Let us know if you need any advice about modding the 130i

Thanks mate. I've also been speaking with Drew (who bought mr_130i_oz 's black car from Sydney a few weeks back) who mentioned he'd spoken to about them too. Small world!

Will definitely be picking your brain at some point and yes, I think you're right about giveway74 too.

[hks200]

welcome I've got a 130i as well though very standard so I'm quite envious of all the options yours has come with!

[walkie86]

Originally Posted by hks200

welcome I've got a 130i as well though very standard so I'm quite envious of all the options yours has come with!

Thanks mate. Got very lucky with the spec, colour and condition! It only went up on carsales Wednesday morning and I collected it 3 days later

[Giveway74]

Yep that would have been me with the 130i with tow stickers on the anzac bridge.
It is a rare sighting as i usually only drive to the track in it.

Congrats on the purchase

[walkie86]

Originally Posted by Giveway74

Yep that would have been me with the 130i with tow stickers on the anzac bridge.
It is a rare sighting as i usually only drive to the track in it.

Congrats on the purchase

Very lucky then as it was seeing your car that made me decide I had to have one! Keep an eye out for me in it on Anzac during peak hour then

Also, if anyone has woodgrain trim they've swapped out let me know - I kinda have a soft spot for it and want to see how it looks in my car

[Cheungs]

Originally Posted by arthurtwp

...
Have a look at the bmw oem sports aerial. Approx 40 to 50 including delivery. Has it on my previous car. Very good reception. Looks short and neat. And a simple screw on.

Reception should be unaffected. Radio is on the rear windscreen,

[Orangee94]

Mint (Y) very nice pick up keen to see what the future holds

[walkie86]

Straight after collecting the keys, we met up with an online friend, Drew, who we'd helped with his purchase of a black 130i from a friend of ours only 2 weeks prior. It was good to meet in person and chat all things BMW and automotive!

IMG_8141 copy by Alex Bryden, on Flickr

IMG_8146 copy by Alex Bryden, on Flickr

A few pit stops on the run home to Sydney:

IMG_8263 copy by Alex Bryden, on Flickr

IMG_8265 copy by Alex Bryden, on Flickr

IMG_8271 copy by Alex Bryden, on Flickr

I seem to like taking photos of the 130i from rear 3/4 angle... will post some front ones soon!

[walkie86]

She's regoed! Personal plates to come, in the meantime I couldn't stand the thought of yellows so stumped the extra cash for whites...

Untitled by Alex Bryden, on Flickr

And then straight to OP for some speed dating:

Untitled by Alex Bryden, on Flickr

She goes well! RWD it totally new for me so I've a lot to learn. An enjoyable challenge for sure

Back to the daily run for now:

Untitled by Alex Bryden, on Flickr

Few soapy shots trying to remove all the bugs following Sunday's drive home:

Untitled by Alex Bryden, on Flickr

Untitled by Alex Bryden, on Flickr

Already compiling a list of little things to fix up, improve or add and have just bought some roof racks on eBay, which I'll collect on Saturday.

[walkie86]

Really enjoying it so far!

[Iceman21]

Congrats mate.

[walkie86]

Thanks mate.

Bought some roof racks off eBay a few weeks back. Actually had a use for them on the weekend so fitted. Will remove for daily use though as they're too noisy with the sunroof open! Ordered a ZHP gearknob yesterday, so can't wait to get that fitted.

[mr_130i_oz]

Looking good AB