Fleet Update: A New Look For My 2007 BMW 130i, and Should I Keep It?

Today we're looking at my BMW 130i, getting a few jobs done and also discussing the issues I have with the car and whether I can fix them or not.
#BMW #VLOG
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[@octane_adventureroca9581]

Keep it! You like it, it’s a great little car, you said you’d struggle to replace it, so sounds like you’ll regret selling it straight away, only leaves you with one option. Keep It!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Great video again buddy! Loved my 130i, massively unsung hero back in the day, but awful ride on it's first gen plastic run flats. New Wheels look great and contrast well with the LM blue 👌🏼PS I hope those M badges are coming off soon 😉

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Cheers for stopping by Joe. Yeah I love the 130i, the M badges will probably stay for now - any idea if they were factory fit?

[@JoeAchilles1]

@@JayEmmOnCars haha fair enough! My 2006 130i M sport didn't have M badges on the front wings, I think BMW started introducing those on most M sport models from 2010-2011 ish, must have been previous owner mod. That N52 is one of the greatest engines ever produced, I can still hear that mettallic rasp today 🙌 Will have to check it out one day, hopefully you hold onto it 👌

[@davidhaygarth648]

Im currently on a weeks test drive with an 120i 17 reg with adaptive suspension and 18" s and ride is smooth which is contary to internet opinion !

[@JoeAchilles1]

@@davidhaygarth648 yeah 10 years and adaptive suspension made a massive difference, my 2018 M140i on 18's with adaptive had a decent ride too, although on decent non run flat PSS's.

[@Boozna]

Regarding the M badges, I think you should let James May unpimp your ride :) . Great car in a very nice color. I prefer the 5door for a more cohesive design and because it’s slightly more practical. S65 NA it’s the ultimate swap for the little E87.

[@kringlefanten]

130i is a future classic.

[@kirbyswarp]

Totaled in 2035 because you cant find someone to program the battery for you.

[@steffenkawa8374]

it is a real hatchback. RWD, inline 6, light. To bad they cost 10k in Germany with a shitload of miles.

[@derin111]

I had that engine in a Z4 3.0Si and it’s really good. Powerful, smooth yet economical and robust. Therefore fulfilling the requirements for a daily driver very well, I think.

[@TheMadTatter]

The hard top Z4 with that engine is an absolute stunner to drive if you ask me

[@derin111]

@@TheMadTatter I still own a Z4M and an Alpina Z4 Roadster S. I actually owned all three Z4s at the same time. In the real world the 3.0Si was actually the easy to live with.

[@E_tiBEAMERBOY]

@@derin111 that S54 power tho😏❤️

[@MikeSmith-rd9fi]

@@derin111 Does the M have a harsher ride?

[@derin111]

@@MikeSmith-rd9fi Compared to the 3.0Si yes. But, compared to the Alpina no actually because although the Alpinas were fitted with the same springs as the 3.0Si they have 19" wheels compared to 18" on the Z4M. So, overall the Z4M and the Alpina feel about the same suspension-wise. I'd same the Z4M does feel a bit more powerful but with both cars at 300+ bhp it's a little bit academic to me because I only drive them on public roads and not the track. Both are 'fast' enough! 🙂

[@antj29]

Stick a diff in it, m3 arms , some half decent suspension, bilstein b12 or coil over b14 , get the gel set up and then it’s job done , stealth baby m3 without the running costs. Prices are going up all the time

[@ArmadaAsesino]

This would be a great idea!

[@wrevilo]

I agree. I had mine fitted with the B12 Pro Kit, M3 arms front and rear, drop links, camber plates, sub frame bush inserts and ancillary parts just before Christmas. Was about £1,500 for parts, fitting and alignment. I think the Birds kit is overpriced.

[@missogyny4921]

The price you were quoted for batteries seems very high. I can highly recommend Tayna Batteries of Abergele, North Wales. I have bought two Bosch AGM batteries from them for my Z4 and Golf GTI, for around £130 each, delivered in a day or so, with great help and advice to go with it.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I shall certainly be using them next time

[@itsjoel]

Nice to see you’ve got some space on that driveway now! 😉

[@JayEmmOnCars]

quite a big space

[@ashleymerritt9461]

I’ve got an e90 330i, same engine. I absolutely love it, it does what it does as the last of the revvy breed so impeccably well! Either keep it or replace it with something totally different because it does what it does so well that you’re unlikely to replace it with something that beats it at its game.

[@Rascularvideos]

Umm, your enthusiasm for car DIY is precisely the same as mine. Or any DIY in my case. Speed of completion is my main aim. Yeah, I know.

[@rhiantaylor3446]

I had an E81 (120D) and it developed the same fuel flap problem. Having seen that it was a tricky fix I glued 6 small magnets around the area by the catch which did a fine job of holding the fuel door shut - bit of a bodge but it worked.

[@GameCornerYT]

I would keep it.. always liked the look of these + the engine is a gem.

[@daysofgrace2934]

Best car ever, why, because it still looks modern on the outside, it’s going on 17 years, it was a 2004 design. Look at an A3/Golf/Cupra from 2004...To my 120d I have fitted an uprated FMIC, SuperPro poly bushes, Koni FSDs, Eibach Pros, 1M suspension arms, Goodridge hoses, SuperSport tyres, a small remap 200BHP takes me to the station, motorway and now instructor led track days. I sold my 987.2 Boxster so I can spend the money on learning to track drive. The 1er has risen to the occasion...

[@5alm0n]

It’s nice seeing a KZbin video where someone is working on there car and there finding it hard and fiddle ! Feels more like real life

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I prescribe @Hubnut

[@wolvoman1]

A Couple of button magnets glued in place should help the fuel flap problem

[@Paulie_____]

She's a soon to be modernish classic, if you can financially afford to keep her (having spent 2 years knowing her rarity) keep her and enjoy her, she's a beaut btw. You never know @JayEmm she might just start to appreciate in a few more years?? Food for thought ;)

[@theliberatorszen2916]

If you are thinking out parting with it James as it is not worth spending money on a new suspension set up that you will never get back - then it is time to sell and reinvest the monies on a new vehicle. That next car you can then use and promote on your website here and keep the content fresh. You get to the stage with too many cars that if they sit outside and are unused they start to rot and if they're all kept indoors somewhere then the rent outstrips their values!

[@fromallaspects5339]

Believe me, Jay. You'll regret selling your 130i. I did a number of years ago when we replaced it with an E90 M3. Fantastic car in its own right, but the nimble and fun nature of the 130i can't be beaten. That's why I ended up purchasing another one. Fantastic specification that will be getting a slow restoration soon. (a full respray among other things) Oh and by the way, like Joe Achilles said, please remove those M badges. The power output doesn't increase with them on. Hahaha

[@maverick4177]

I always find working on my cars far far easier if i wear a Camel coat 🧥 👍🏻

[@davekennedy6315]

Definitely keep it, they're a great little car. Plus theres plenty to modify if you're that way inclined.

[@JonJon-dk3nh]

Keep this future classic I want to see more videos on it. The wheels look surprisingly nice on it too - I'd change the centre caps though.

[@Fee.1]

I was very scared when you said bronze...it’s a couple shades away from being unacceptably close to WRX spec but it looks good

[@dannywhite132]

This is a car I really want but as a student still I cant warrant owning/cant afford. Oh and get used to that rear washer getting clogged every 5 minutes. I have to clean mine once a week on my 116i

[@altspitfire]

The nearside front wheels looks slightly curbed already at 7:34

[@yoshi879]

That's what I noticed, they look like they've been scuffed already 😬

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Soap from the tyres being fitted

[@panthers865]

I wish the hatches came to America in the 135 and 235. I currently own a M235i in estoril blue with a manual. It would be sweet to own its hatch sibling.

[@TheActionslaxx]

Side M badges need to go, they weren’t factory fit no

[@austincaley5007]

Loved my 130i Superchips remap sharped it up.great fun little motor.

[@kennymakavelli]

Love your channel, hate BMWs but always enjoy watching, mate :-) I forgive everyone who drives BMW so no hard feelings :-)

[@jackj0nes]

Car looks great. Nice to see someone in the UK switching tyres over winter 😄

[@miff227]

I hope it snows again, just had all 4 Michelin PS4s put on mine. Was a bit iffy with 4 worn out ones. Still tons of grip in the massive rainstorm yesterday but wasn't necessarily too cold for them.

[@Thanos.m]

The michelin Crossclimates are an excellent tyre had them for 2 years and they work great in the UK's climate the main drawback is they wear out quickly

[@Pete_1986]

Keep it! They are holding their value if not going up.

[@lewisbrooke393]

Keep it if you can, unless the option you’ve been offered is more interesting/appealing. I’d have kept all my previous cars, bar one, if I had the money and space :)

[@jonathangarner3893]

I’d be interested in the 130i, if you do decide to sell further down the line. Great content as always, keep it up. 👌

[@shawnmungur4875]

If you truly love your BMW, keep it! I replaced my Honda CRX for a new GTi and have been crying when I found out just how hard it is to come by a CRX.

[@antoniofra1455]

Same spec as my 57 plate 318 M sport 😍

[@neilfensome5032]

Track car build!. Birds expensive b12 will do and lsd bigger brake calipers on the front

[@4pevans]

Great looking wheels on a great looking car! One we were never offered in the States.

[@paulrobinson3528]

Not a bad looking car for a Rover 45 replacement!!!

[@sleepercell9926]

That fuel filler pot job was a bitch to do. Ended up having to jack the car up and remove the inner arch liner to do it.

[@aust8243]

Keep it James, love the colour!

[@pqvid]

No way! I have re-acquired my M140i (after owning one of the first M135i), I chose bronze Sparcos (although Asseto Gara) as my winter wheels -- and the Cross Climates in square 225 / 18 setup (which is btw the standard winter setup for the car where I am). Too many matches to be a pure coincidence! 🤔🤣🤣🤣 To be honest, I didn't like the Cross Climates at all... Very stiff and very loud for my liking. But well, they'll do the job as the winter and the "general beating tyres" for the time when I'm not on track. And truth be told, I'm asking myself the same question. I believe, the whole point of M140i/130i is that it's a very good combination of very different things. It's compromised, yes. But it's probably the least compromised from all cars I know. It's small, fun, nimble -- but also quite usable, while very powerful and capable on track. It maybe doesn't excel in any specific category -- well, besides the engine, it's almost perfect -- but it's really _the_ _master_ of compromises! But this is also its downside. Because of these compromises, it's an almost perfect single car. But as soon as you start owning multiple cars, which are then more "fit for purpose" and less compromised -- you start feeling like there is actually no area where M140i especially excels... To put it differently, it scores 8/10 in many, many areas for myself. There's basically no car I can easily tell that would win so many categories for me. But as soon as you start getting yourself some 9/10 cars for specific categories, the less you will take this "king of compromises" out for a ride! I still really like it, and still haven't decided yet... P.S. And it also DOES spoil you. So many times I looked at a different car and then said: "Well yes, it has a somewhat better steering -- but you can't put your Ikea shopping into the back. And this one is much better balanced and not so nose-heavy... but you don't have a second row for comfortable long-distance ride if you would want to travel with friends..." 😏

[@thisisadebrown]

Loving the new wheels

[@g9icy]

Turn it into a fun and cheap(ish) track car. Or give it to me. I kinda want one.

[@Edd90k_]

not a fan of the colour to be honest! but taste is not something you can argue about haha! :) I'd say a nice lip kit and a small spoiler on the bootlid would be great

[@288gto7]

Thats a really nice greatcoat

[@rossmiller7741]

They'd look ok on an Impreza.

[@paulrobinson3528]

0:57 Why are you incorrectly fitting a 096 AGM when your should be fitting a 115AGM. & that 096AGM fitted by a Rac patrol and coded in is £215, not £250 like you paid?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Because 096 is what the internet, unhelpfully, told me I would need. And I don't use RAC.

[@sc1837]

Think you mixed up the cleaning b roll

[@jackh1457]

Nice F.E.A.R poster!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks! Got it at a games competition years ago

[@mikenorris5378]

What is it with BMW and batteries? My M3 has had 2 new ones in 18 months, both replaced under warranty. First one from Yuasa lasted 6 months before throwing up low charge errors. Very odd.

[@DragosDreamer1989]

5:20 - Is that a Ferrari 450 Maranello I spy back there? EDIT: 6:52 - Cool FEAR poster :D !

[@Janshevik]

haha I noticed that too :D

[@rogermanvell4693]

The problem with these is that there's nothing anywhere near as good for the same money as such there's an objective case for keeping it. Also forget birds put a b12 kit and some eagle f1's on it.

[@stewartmacdonald601]

Love the F.E.A.R. banner. Excellent game...

[@s200rey]

I'm keeping mine (2005 130i M Sport, Manual) even if it ends up getting 3rd car / weekend car duties. Appreciating asset. Sold in limited numbers, legendary N52, nice chassis. Values will continue to slowly rise over time...mines going nowhere.

[@MikeSmith-rd9fi]

It's not really appreciating much and unless you do all your own work, you're kidding yourself that its free to run.

[@s200rey]

@@MikeSmith-rd9fi My 1990 E30 318is would argue that point. Back in 2010, it cost me very little money, and has cost a negligible amount of money to maintain (bought a good clean example) and today, a mere 11 years later, its worth 4/5X the money I have invested in it (and values continue to rise) My 130i, and E30 are not "daily drivers" circa 2000 - 3000 miles per year, and no doubt this helps for future value and ownership costs. I don't think I'm kidding myself...lets see how much a good, low mileage example of the early 130i's are a few years from now...guarantee I'll spend less on it, than what it appreciates by...

[@MikeSmith-rd9fi]

@@s200rey 'guarantee' eh. Why don't you sell your house and buy them all if its such a strong investment?

[@s200rey]

@@MikeSmith-rd9fi I'll stick to crypto and precious metals for my "strong investment" my cars are more like an asset to me (there is a difference) albeit an appreciating asset, rather than a depreciating asset. For example, if you were to buy say, 2014 VW Golf GTD something along those lines, you would LOOSE money, month after month for next few years till its price 'bottoms' where as, something like a BMW 130i, has already lost its maximum amount of value and in turn is now appreciating in value (so long as you bought at the bottom of the market price) ....Thanks for your baseless advice never the less LOL.

[@MikeSmith-rd9fi]

@@s200rey LOL HE HE so funny

[@jeffdoell5064]

Take it from me, when you’re in your 50’s you look back fondly on 1-2 cars and you wish you’d never parted with them. However, within the next 10 years you’ll probably have kids so will need more room (pram, porta cot) plus a lot more rear legroom as baby seats are massive. Only you can decide what to do. If it were me, don’t waste any more $$$ on a depreciating asset; just have fun with it for a few more years & move on when you’re circumstances change.

[@nathant8951]

I'm not too keen on the wheels, but wheels are very subjective. Love the car overall, great engine, great looks, great colour.

[@miff227]

I'm thinking, the car has kinda chunky lines, the spokes look too thin?

[@TheActionslaxx]

I would have just had the originals refurbed back to OEM colour. Wouldn’t have anything to declare to my insurance company either

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I don't have to worry about insurance

[@miff227]

@@JayEmmOnCars the advantage of slipping £1000 into the local plod Xmas party fund every December 😉

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@miff227 or, less excitingly, trade insurance

[@CovKid2K10]

Wtf have u done with the rims. Should have just refinished the original alloys in silver.

[@Steven-qi4gm]

How can I tell the difference between e81 and e87? I’m looking at buying one

[@chappy2121]

Keep the motor. Skip the rest. Buy a rolling shell and stick the engine in that

[@XclusiveAaron]

3:32 that's scary I wouldn't wanna do that 😂

[@catkin1671]

Love that little blue car x

[@Punisher9419]

That's a crazy amount of money for a battery. I paid £89 for my Varta battery in my Jaguar XKR X100. Varta batteries are made by Bosch apparently.

[@miff227]

AGMs are more expensive. I think they are OEM for auto start-stop cars. But yes, also paid around £90 for both batteries I've done this year

[@wrevilo]

Yeah I fitted a Yuasa YBX9115 80 Ah 800 A AGM battery to my 130i for £160

[@Punisher9419]

@@miff227 Start stop that must be why. My XKR doesn't have that shit thankfully. The car industry hadn't gone full retard in 2003 yet.

[@Punisher9419]

@@wrevilo That's not cheap. My Varta I think is 830A and 100Ah. It was £89 just checked it to conform. People with stop start really get fucked over it would seem.

[@louisscott6214]

Where is the S2k content!!!! Can't wait for that.

[@spainter1985]

If it were a 5 door I'd be trying to twist your arm to buy it, great little cars!

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420]

Why put new wheels on a car you're considering selling? Did they come to you for free?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

The wheels were ordered quite a while ago, the possible reason for selling is I have been offered something else but can't afford to have too many cars

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420]

@@JayEmmOnCars I see. I would sell the car with the wheels it had on before. I don't think the ones you've just put on will add any significant value.

[@gazzashields3]

Let me know if you ever plan on selling!! Would love a 130i

[@guitarb26]

I’d love to buy that. Can’t imagine I’d be able to offer you anywhere near enough, though haha

[@iantownsend500]

I’d love a manual version but what’s the auto like or is it only good as a manual

[@huzaifachunara2396]

Put the oem wheels back on

[@coastalrider1155]

I have been looking for a 130 for a while I love the 3.0 straight six I would be interested in buying if you were to sell keep me posted thanks

[@Holdeenio]

Collab please guys 🤓

[@GeorgeAusters]

Have you seen any of my 130i videos?

[@termit520]

It's almost a same thing with my Audi Sportback, design of a rear end is similar but much more complicated ....a same thing with a rear wiper , with a fuel flap is off course more complicated because there's an actuator inside......it's not expensive but a bit of a pain to replace it....but a fuel flap will not open by itself, luckily. I'm too lazy to wash my car, i think that i've washed my car last year........last summer (i think). But that's not a bad situation because i'm driving a car with three colours now. Before rain it's white, after the rain is black and when i wash it once in a year, it's blue. I like it. Like

[@klasseact6663]

Where did he apply the ceramic coating to your car Jay? Your garage looks a little tight🤔

[@JayEmmOnCars]

On the drive - it isn't one which needs baking on

[@petergrifff]

Don't sell it James, especially now with those wheels !

[@MilitaryHistory2011]

4:28 I Agree!

[@stevesas632]

Nice video Jay, but why throw £800 on wheels when you're not sure if your keeping?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Life occasionally throws you surprises

[@toysandgameswithesmeeandis4096]

Love the car. Clean? Didn’t they do the front kidney grills?

[@m4xww]

Clean them? I thought that.

[@beetleything1864]

Is he wearing a dressing gown ?

[@stefanbadass5357]

HubNut has finally got a rival in the spanner incompetence department, but at least he wears spannering clothes

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@HubNut will always be superior at being inferior when it comes to mechanical stuff. I dont have the willpower he does

[@andrewcubbage1007]

Have you done a review of its latest younger brother, the M135i? I have been scrolling through your previous videos but haven't found one

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Not the current abomination, no

[@kenw1295]

@@JayEmmOnCars Not fair, it's a grower, interior is excellent and in the right colour looks great. As a single car family the M135i makes for a perfect daily driver. Love your videos though.

[@andrewcubbage1007]

@@kenw1295 I hope you are right, because I have just decided to buy one!

[@andrewcubbage1007]

@@JayEmmOnCars oh dear, I am planning to get one

[@kenw1295]

@@andrewcubbage1007 I'm sure you won't regret it. Best of the current crop IMO, Golf R, S3 etc. Check out Offset detailing on YT

[@TheShinyShow]

Do love bronze wheels on a blue car, great colour.

[@BenB91]

Sell in the spring I think. Get winter out the way and move on.

[@jdcarguy1242]

Send it.

[@lpiavelino6598]

clio williams.

[@paulleggett9735]

Re Battery. You were robbed. Check out Tayna batteries in future. That exact Varta E39 battery is £121 delivered.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Damn. Gonna use that site next time.

[@paulleggett9735]

They are excellent, very quick delivery too.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

KEEP THIS FOR A LONG TIME! Didn't you regret selling one in the past??? ALso now is the worst moment to sell them. They will appreciate a lot in the future, 100% guaranteed. You would be throwing away money.

[@timelesskeeper]

No

[@kciffolillo]

sell it to me in the states

[@okambambo]

well you just got it back, it would defeat the purpose of buying it back

[@apowers7783]

Straight six bimmer engines are juicy

[@anthonyjarvis9472]

personally i think the original wheels looked a lot better, but hey its not my car.

[@neilcollins5930]

Should have stuck with original wheels

[@Janshevik]

I like them, although about the bronze color not sure if they go well with this blue.

[@lawless5004]

I think bronze alloys look best on black or graphite grey cars

[@jashugg]

Clearly he is not thinking of selling it if he just spent £800 on new wheels to suit his personal taste but which don’t add much if anything to the value of the car.

[@neilcollins5930]

@@jashugg I’d give him my winnings from the England v Scotland game ....

[@billymonkey111]

2:55 you're talking and pointing, but we're seeing detailing....

[@Fee.1]

I’m sure there was a reason...the man is a pro.

[@RickFishUK]

Keep it, or you will regret losing it!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

That's my worry

[@MrSteveo114]

Future classic, last of the rwd hot hatchbacks so I wouldn’t be in any hurry to sell.

[@Theycallmedoorway]

@@JayEmmOnCars I'll buy it :)

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@Theycallmedoorway email me on [e-mail]

[@DavidCrosland42]

In that coat looks like you are already trying to sell it #arthurdaley 😉

[@seanhershey3390]

I would’ve glued on a few magnets to the fuel door..:)

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I considered it, but I thought I would just be lying to myself

[@ppppugh7892]

OEM 99% of the time is the way to do BMW.

[@seanhershey3390]

@@JayEmmOnCars agreed...:)..

[@andrewf7822]

Thanks James. Sell it and concentrate your fire power on your Ferrai and toyota.

[@sionjones1257]

I'll swap you with the promise to sell it back if you ever want it again

[@RumblestripDotNet]

The one where James contemplates building a 40'x60' pole barn to store cars and have a larger workshop area.

[@superseven7947]

You need a garage for your Cars especially your Ferrari!

[@georgepaone7767]

How’s the s2000 coming along? I’m excited see the finished product 😍