19 Jan 07
Nor is this car merely an exceptional engine in an otherwise merely effective car. I'm not keen on the M Sport bodykit, but the stiffened suspension that comes as part of the package gives the car terrifically responsive handling without compromising ride quality. I have another friend with a similarly M Sported 130i and he's so dissatisfied with its jarring ride, he's going to a tuning specialist to have softer springs fitted.
Just one major gripe has come to light since I last wrote about the car and it's something I'm staggered to see BMW get so wrong: the headlights are decidedly mediocre.
I had a couple of pretty cheap and cheerful cars over Christmas - specifically a Toyota Yaris and Fiat Panda - and both illuminated unlit Welsh lanes far better than the BMW. Anyone buying a 3-Series should regard the £440 xenon option as a compulsory purchase: the standard equipment is not up to the performance potential of the car.
Nor is the rear parcel shelf man enough to withstand a sustained attack from a three-month-old Labrador. I'm grateful for the optional £160 luggage compartment kit which incorporates a dog guard into said shelf, but she's only just discovered how delicious parcel shelf is, so I fear very much for its survival over the next few months. Already one of the corners has been nibbled into oblivion.
