A compact car with 190 kW/258 hp maximum output, 300 Nm/221 lb-ft maximum torque, 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, top speed 250km/h (155 mph), rear-wheel drive, 50:50 weight distribution? Yes, that kind of car is now available: the BMW 130i. Understandably, BMW's engineers could not resist the temptation to shoe-horn the brand-new, extremely powerful and innovative straight-six so far only to be admired in the luxurious and sporting BMW 630i Coupé into the compact BMW 1 Series. The result is a combination of supreme performance, thrilling agility and stylish emotion quite unparalleled in the compact class. Following the in¬troduction of the BMW 1 Series in September 2004 with two diesel engines (118d, 120d) and, in the meantime, three petrol engines (116i, 118i, 120i), the very sporting and dynamic 130i will be following in September 2005, after making its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. A highlight in technology - the power unit in the BMW 130i. The main sign of distinction setting the 130i apart from the other models in the BMW 1 Series is its six-cylinder power unit. Apart from large capacity of three litres, fully variable valve drive with infinite camshaft adjustment (VANOS) on the intake and outlet side as well as VALVETRONIC masterminding valve opening times and lift ensure superb power and performance as well as outstanding responsiveness to the gas pedal. The straight-six configuration guarantees turbine-like running smoothness with fascinating engine sound. For the first time in the history of the auto¬mobile, the new engine comes with a composite aluminium/magnesium crankcase. Together with other lightweight features such as the hydraulically moulded camshafts, the electrical water pump, and the magnesium cylinder head cover, this makes the engine the lightest six-cylinder in its class. And what is good in terms of weight, is also good in terms of fuel economy, the 130i consuming just 9.0 litres/100 km (equivalent to 31.4 mpg Imp) in the EU test cycle.
Superiority with style. The BMW 130i is targeted at the customer looking for the sporting per¬form¬ance of a top-end car in the compact class. And indeed, this new top-of-the-range model offers unpretentious superiority with genuine style. All signs of distinction versus the other BMW 1 Series are therefore discreet and not in any way exaggerated: Seventeen-inch wheels in V-spoke design developed especially for the 130i, chrome-plated slats in the BMW kidney grille, and dual tailpipes with chrome-plated rear ends show the connoisseur that this is a particularly powerful BMW 1 Series. The standard features inside the car, in turn, include sports seats, a leather sports steering wheel, and a special instrument cluster tailor-made for the 130i covering a wider indicator range on the appropriate instruments. As an option BMW Active Steering already well-known from the BMW 5 and 6 Series is also available. Safety of the highest standard: five stars in EuroNCAP test. Like all models in the BMW 1 Series, the 130i boasts runflat tyres, a tyre defect indicator, BMW's two-stage Brake Force Display, DSC Dynamic Stab¬ility Control including emergency braking recognition, an electronic differen¬tial lock and traction control as well as CBC Cornering Brake Control all fea¬tured as standard. Together with six airbags, this supreme level of equip¬ment only recently gave the BMW 1 Series the maximum number of five stars in the EuroNCAP crash test. As a result, the BMW 130i comes with all the features and qualities so cru¬cial to the success of the BMW 1 Series in the compact class, at the same time enhancing these assets to an even higher level. No other car in this seg¬ment offers the same sum total of outstanding concept harmony based on sporting driving characteristics and strong, convincing character. The retail price of this exceptional car has not yet been determined. The BMW 1 Series in general: premium class in the compact range. The BMW 1 Series is a five-door tailgate saloon with an extra-large rear door and overall length of 4.23 metres or 166.5''. Its drive concept typical of BMW, high-performance engines, and enhanced driving pleasure, together with the high level of equipment, offer a new alternative in the compact range. As a result, the BMW 1 Series appeals to the customer who, while appreci¬ating the practical aspects of a conventional compact car, has for a long time been looking for a very special car able to offer the utmost in terms of both driving pleasure and individual style.
The BMW 1 Series fulfils precisely these demands, while at the same time offering truly outstanding product substance in a modern body full of style and character. Sales going very well. Worldwide demand for the BMW 1 Series is developing very positively in¬deed, with 39,247 units being delivered to customers between the market launch in September 2004 and the end of the year. Introducing the BMW 1 Series, the BMW Group set the foundation last year for ongoing, profitable growth. Indeed, market researchers see the premium segment in the compact class as a market with large growth rate potentials the world over.
