2006 BMW 130i M Sport Pictures, Specifications, Information

Following the announcement of the six-cylinder BMW 130i, BMW UK released an even more potent 1 Series – the 265 bhp BMW 130i.

Taking BMW’s lightweight magnesium-alloy six-cylinder 258 bhp petrol engine as a basis, BMW engineers wrung every last drop of power from the revolutionary powerplant, making the BMW 130i six-cylinder the most powerful engine in its class and the most powerful six-cylinder engine under a BMW bonnet, bar the M3. It is also the only car in its segment to offer a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout – the optimum set-up for on-road dynamics.

Taking BMW’s renowned attention-to-detail to the extreme, the 1 Series engineering team exploited the 1 Series’ exemplary air flow and cooling to extract even more performance out of the car at full throttle. As a result, the 130i delivers 265 bhp, seven horsepower more than the 330i, 530i and 630i. Similarly, torque was also uprated to 232 lb-ft from 221 lb-ft.

The improvements in engine output enable the car to deliver a class-leading zero to 62 mph time of 6.1 seconds while top speed remains limited to 155 mph. Consumption is still frugal with the 130i recording 30.7 mpg on the combined cycle, while the EU4 compliant power train produces just 221 g/km.

The exciting performance figures of the BMW 130i are due in part to the VANOS and VALVETRONIC valve opening and valve lift control mechanisms on the 2,996 cc engine that ensure optimum combustion and engine breathing at all times. An electrically driven water pump also cuts down on internal engine friction and improves efficiency. Power is transmitted to the road via a standard six-speed manual gearbox.

Additionally, for the first time on a 1 Series, customers are able to specify Active Steering. BMW’s innovative steering system varies the steering ratio depending on road speed and has been tuned specifically to the 130i.

M Sport Equipment

At the front, M Sport models have a lower front spoiler styled for increased aerodynamic efficiency while at the side, sculpted sills change the profile of the car. At the rear, a venturi cut-out in the rear bumper further accentuates the sporting theme. Bespoke 17- or 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, M Sports suspension and high-gloss Shadow Line finish the exterior package.

Standard interior trim for M Sport models includes Sports seats in an exclusive cloth / leather combination, M leather steering wheel, M doorsill finishes and an Individual anthracite headlining.