BMW

Date Acquired:

01 Jul 2009

Year:

2006

Cost:

£18000

Fuel consumption:

24.5mpg

Odometer:

52,000

Servicing:

£530

Annual Insurance:

£385

Other costs:

£3600

Well, the 130i showed a clean pair of heels to some mightily impressive machinery in Scotland - including a Ferrari 355, a Porsche GT3, and a Lamborghini Diablo.

The simple fact is that on tight, twisty, sinuous tarmac there is very little that can cope with a rear wheel drive hot hatch - especially one which packs a high revving straight six, limited slip diff, and huge brakes.

Thankfully i didn't have to use the 17" space saver spare which i had purchased, nor the jack and wheel chock supplied in a handy BMW leather(ette) case - it seemed prudent to take them along though.

Since then the car has been called into service to collect a friend's motorbike (on a trailer), retrieve a bed for another friend (roof rack), and frequently to tow my jetski (pictured) down to the coast on my occasional days off.

Sadly, apart from the brake fluid and microfilter service which the car required (£120, BMW main dealer) and a fresh MOT (perfect, not a single advisory), the little 130i did start making some odd noises towards the end of July. I quickly diagnosed a worn power steering pump and so put in a call to order a replacement part... for £500! It's both the smallest and the most expensive power steering pump i have ever seen.

Nonetheless, along with a new serpentine belt (£30) and some CHF 11S power steering fluid (£12) we were soon back in business.

Since this minor "issue" the car has returned to performing multiple duties in great comfort, with great speed, and without fuss.

Now the hunt begins for some winter wheels and tyres - just in case....

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