86 or MX-5

[JBT]

There you go Keith. https://www.facebook.com/groups/140116323135272/?multi_permalinks=455111771635724&notif_id=1533807562937077&notif_t=group_activity

[Red_Bullet]

Thanks John, very interesting, now stop giving me ideas!

[Red_Bullet]

There is also the E82 125i and the E87 130i (5 door hatch). They run the 6 cylinder N52 NA 3 litre engine - will still give you a good kick in the pants and make a great little track car or daily.

Ok Ok! I'm listening.

[Red_Bullet]

Currently driving a BMW 130i home from Melbourne to Brisbane. Thanks JBT! I'm liking it, liking it a lot.

[JBT]

John Horton's? I would have been all over that like a rash if I didn't already have the 135i.
Give me a call when you get back Keith and we'll talk German.

[Red_Bullet]

:mrgreen: John Horton's? I would have been all over that like a rash if I didn't already have the 135i.
Give me a call when you get back Keith and we'll talk German.

Yes it was Johnny Nach'os car. Car looks pretty good and John was great to deal with. Currently staying in an old college next Mt Panorama, did a couple laps tonight after dinner, braking down Conrod straight to keep it to 60 kph. Off to Glen Innes tomorrow then a 2 hour trip up to Morgan Park for a round of the Australian Super Bikes. My first week of retirement is treating me well!

Sent from my Redmi Note 4 using Tapatalk

[Red_Bullet]

So, it seems that the correct answer to my original question is that a BMW 130i is a much better option to the 86. Cheaper, faster, more comfortable. Did I mention faster, that BMW N52 motor is a sweet thing indeed. Now what does the future hold for my MX-5's.

And, it averaged 8.1 litres per 100 km on the run up to Brisbane from Melbourne.

[JBT]

m4rnf5.jpg

[greenMachine]

So, it seems that the correct answer to my original question is that a BMW 130i is a much better option to the 86. Cheaper, faster, more comfortable. Did I mention faster, that BMW N52 motor is a sweet thing indeed. Now what does the future hold for my MX-5's.

And, it averaged 8.1 litres per 100 km on the run up to Brisbane from Melbourne.

I'd be interested on the cost of ownership - service costs, consumables etc, and how they stack up against what I would expect to be cheapish Toybaru costs. Do they both require 98?

[Red_Bullet]

From my understanding, the 86 needs 98 and even on that the thing is DEAD, the BMW 130i on the other hand is happy on 95 but it's full potential is only revealed on 98. On 95 RON the knock detectors must trim timing I guess if you really get up it. I've only run it so far on 98 cruising up the proverbial highway, plus it doesn't really care what gear you are in, it just pulls. Plus the cabin is a nice place to be.

Plus the 130i cost 65k new in 2006, that might go someway to explaining why it's a superior car to the 86. Is it superior to the MX-5? The answer is to be revealed. I think the two cars present a different version of "fun"

Edit: In front of me I have prices for oil filter $21.95, air filter $46, I rang Brakes direct for prices on rotors, front around $208 each for T3, rear $186. Pads I have no idea, quoted normal price for QFM A1RM, around $129 per set.

The biggest downside is it's on run flat tyres which will not be replaced when they are stuffed, it has no spare wheel at all, which concerned me somewhat driving out west from Melbourne to Brisbane. Gotta get a spare of some kind for long term use, I don't need all of the space so will be happy to stick a spare in it somewhere.

Also it's my hunch I could get a set of semi's in it to drive at the track, then stick road tyres on it to drive home again.

[JBT]

Tips:
Commit the last 7 digits of your VIN to memory
RealOEM https://www.realoem.com/ is your friend (enter the last 7 digitds of your VIN) for looking up part nos for your specific car and clues to how it fits/works.
Join the BMW CC Qld - get 10% off parts and service at any BMW dealer plus access to more track days, skid pans, social stuff at club member prices.
Everything BM will get OE parts much cheaper than the above but takes about 1 week delivered to your door.
https://clickableautomotive.com.au/ in Vic do excellent prices on filters, some parts etc. - delivery is cheap.
Join the BMW CC Qld Facebook page to get info etc.
Check out Jordan at http://www.Btuned.net for service and power flashes - what he doesn't know about them is not worth knowing.
Join 1 Addicts forum https://www.1addicts.com/forums/index.php for local and worldwide info, tips, DIys etc.etc.

[JBT]

In front of me I have prices for oil filter $21.95, air filter $46, I rang Brakes direct for prices on rotors, front around $208 each for T3, rear $186. Pads I have no idea, quoted normal price for QFM A1RM, around $129 per set.

Tip - compare with Clickable and Everything BM for all that stuff.

[Red_Bullet]

Great info JBT, thanks so much for your help.

[Rocky]

If only the BMW 1 Series 5 Door looked like a Ford Focus.
It really isn't an attractive looking small car.
My next 'family car' will need to be a small hatch in the BMW 1 Series/Golf GTi/Focus/Hyundai i30N category.
I would love to buy a BMW 1 series 5 door because of the front engine, rear wheel drive, and a Manual gearbox but I struggle with the styling. Looks like it was thrown together. A big re-style would be welcome.
Alternately the 2 Series with a hatch instead of a boot would be good.

[ManiacLachy]

I love the look of the 5 door 1 series, I'd take it over the others you mentioned any day. I wish they made an "M" in that body style - not that I could afford it, but I think it would be awesome. I also like the look of the coupe, but if I'm going to have the practicality of a roof, then I'm also going to have the practicality of a big boot!

I find it interesting the differences in our likes and dislikes in body styles. Take the massive divide over the MX-5 vs 124 styling, most people love one and hate the other. There's no right answer of course, only what you like.