Test drive BMW 1 E87 2004 - 2007 hatchback

Home among the first

I managed to love a single twice. The first love wore the 120ia index and conquered a rare combination of compactness and running characteristics inherent in large sedans. Then there was the simplest version, with a nameplate 116i. It turned out that even with a modest engine this machine is capable of a lot
 

Looking ahead, I admit that the third date gave birth to the strongest feeling - primarily thanks to the amazing 3 -liter engine. The traditional BMW trump card is a 6 -cylinder in a row unit. By the way, version 130i set a new power record for golf class hatchbacks. The former leaders - ALFA 147 GTA and AUDI A3 Sportback 3.2 had 250 horses under the hood, and BMW have 265. What to say, decent energy supply.
 

In connection with the modest size of the hatchback, a reasonable question arises - how did Bavarian engineers fit a large engine under the hood of this crumbs? In fact, the car was originally developed with an eye on the installation of a 6-cylinder unit, and therefore the appearance of such a powerful one looks quite logical. Anyway, a 6-cylinder motor in a golf class is not news for a long time. Even the V8 - tuningers from Hartge proved this in the motor compartment of the first BMW series.
 

Outwardly, distinguishing a powerful 130i from the younger versions is not so easy. It is given out only by the completely transparent caps of the front optics, 17-inch wheels, chrome strips in nostrils, double exhaust nozzles. Well, the most inconspicuous distinctive feature is the 130i icon
 

Indeed, the car looks restrained, but for the one who knows its content, such restraint acquires additional shades. For example, a shade of hidden madness. Or hidden aggression. Look at the outlandish eyes of a penny - it is difficult to say what exactly they express
 

Inside - without unnecessary sports attributes. Frankly, I was even a little surprised. Here, the top version is not much different from the well-equipped ordinary. Leather chairs of a good profile, a convenient steering wheel. But the GPP drive is special - with a shortened switching mechanism. The lever with a flat end looks, like much in this machine, avant -garde, but convenient. Manipulating them is a pleasure. True, by the clarity of work, he can hardly claim the position of a leader. For example, the mechanism on the Audi TT Quattro Sport is more precise. But BMW has such pleasant efforts on the lever, and the inclusions of the programs are so elastic!
 

There is no color display and I-Drive here, so the central console looks simple. Ergonomics is impeccable - this applies to both landing and car controls. Great sound insulation, the quality of materials is one of the best in the classroom.
 

The round button wakes up the motor. At idle, it is not heard at idle, only the release gives rise to a restrained bass rumble and a small trembling runs along the lever gearbox. The floor gas pedal is slightly sorted - it is felt at low speed. The clutch is well tuned in effort and information. The car is small, the motor is large - its traction is enough to move off from idle revolutions and move in traffic jams in increased gears. Well, if you need to rush, then - a short nudge, step down and forward!

 
Unfortunately, severe frost actually set the cross on the exercise acceleration. 265 horses on the rear -wheel drive and perfectly rolled snow that turns into ice, even with spikes, is not the best option for drag racing. And if there are no spikes? In general, full -fledged overclocking managed to enjoy only a couple of times.

 
But nothing prevented the car from opening in motion. In any gear - assertive acceleration with almost idle revolutions. And the closer the arrow of the tachometer is selected to the red zone, the frantic acceleration! Acceleration continues until the speedometer show 250 km/h (the maximum speed is limited by electronics). From under the hood, meanwhile, the singing of in -line six is \u200b\u200bheard - exciting and incomparable. In general, the car was given exclusively correctly. However, it's time to besiege the car. The brakes work effectively, but the weather conditions mentioned more than once have not allowed to evaluate their entire potential. Let's wait for the summer

 
However, the movement in a straight line is not the main advantage of 130i. Only in corners can the driver get the maximum of the pleasure that the car is able to give. Of course, the 3-liter version is heavier than 2-liter (about 100 kg), and this is felt-insufficient rotation is more obvious. Nevertheless, 130i's axes are almost the same as on 4-cylinder versions. The car writes the arcs almost perfectly.
 

On the test sample there was a regular version of the steering. Active Steering with a variable gear ratio can be obtained for a surcharge. However, I have never regretted the absence of this system. The steering wheel makes a little more than 2.5 revolutions from the stop, and such acuity is quite enough. The force is adequate, only at high speed the steering wheel is slightly empty.
 

The stabilization system is traditionally for BMW models has 3 operating modes. The first is the main one: DSC is watching and, when he considers it necessary, strangles the motor, and also interferes with the machine control in the bend. The second is intermediate. You can hang a little with the stern at starting and sliding with the wheels in the turn. The third is complete freedom. You are left alone with a small, evil, powerful, rear -wheel drive car with a short base. Here you need a solid hand and some skill to confidently control the machine. In sliding BMW 130i is predictable. But does not tolerate overslections either. A small error in the supply of fuel, incorrect movement of the steering wheel, and now you need to take emergency actions in order to catch the stern striving to break forward!
 

It remains only to guess how this car will go, if you put the standard suspension more than M GmbH, change the transverse stability stabilizers, and install wide wheels of a larger diameter. And melt the snow with ice. I am sure this will be a delicacy for gourmets drivers.
 

Speaking of tuning. They will not accidentally buy such a car. The one who chose it should flow gasoline in the veins. And becoming the owner of the BMW 130i, he will probably want to improve the design of the machine a little. However, even in stock form, BMW 130i is an unprecedented version of hot hatchback. Such a choice can only be respected.
 

BMW 130i prices and equipment

 
The car can be purchased for 41,600. In the basic configuration from ordinary units, the top version differs, in addition to the engine, the following features: the color of the metallic body, electroregulated front chairs (driver's-with memory), BMW Professional audio installation with a CD-changer for 6 discs, xenon headlights, washer of headlights of high pressure.
 

Text: Leonty Tyutelev

 
 
 

Source: Motor magazine [March 2006]