Haggisman

2 hours ago, Herbmiester said:

The ZF6 Speed Auto is a very good box. Service it every 50 to 70k and it will treat you well. Add an XHP tune and you will have a very fast shifting box.

Thanks for the comment, who does the chip tune. Cheers

I mean the xhp tune

3 hours ago, M3AN said:

Well, as you know I have an auto but that was a conscious choice, not a matter of budget or availability. In Auckland, especially on my various regular commutes, a manual just wouldn't suit me. And I have the M3 if I need to shift manually.

I used to be a "it must be a manual" guy but I softened on that when I got the auto 328 and the 130 has convinced me that auto's have their place. This box is so good that it's fine for a daily. My opinion would probably be different if I didn't have the M3.

The NRW paddles have totally transformed my experience, I can drive it as hard as I want in manual sport mode and I reckon the box is at least as fast as an early 2000's SMGII "manual" box (e46 M3).

I'm not here to convince you either way, just to say that the 6 speed auto really does seem quite a good gearbox, it's not detracting from my experience, it's actually making my daily commute more enjoyable.

Having said that, manual 130's do pop up from time-to-time at really reasonable prices (sub 9k), there were a few about 4-6 weeks ago so if that's really what you want and you can afford to be patient then I'd say wait.

It's worth noting that I do not know if my transmission software has been changed (the engine software has) and once we're out of lockdown I'm keen to try a known stock auto back-to-back with mine.

Edit: regardless of what you get, 130's are a bucket of fun and I think everybody here who owns one would concur.

Enjoyed your thread and hoped you would reply. Good info and comforting to hear the auto is pretty good. Soon as lockdown is over I’ll have a look at a couple. I believe there is an Alpina flash for the gearbox.

1 minute ago, gjm said:

I do like a Z4!

Thanks, under rated imo. Have taken it round Manfeild and surprised how well balanced it was. Ditched the run flats and have Schnitzer version 3 in 18” x 8.5. 

Hi, have a 2 owner Z4 as above in Toledo Blue with 54000 miles. Now retired and losing my racing budget bought the open top Z4 about a year ago for some road driving fun. So far so good, after an E36 M3 thought it would be a bit lame but the 6 cylinder engine is hard to beat, great linear power and the convertible adds another dimension to road driving. Handles very well. Have put a Dinan air box, braided brake line, mogul fluid, CDV delete and front strut braceDoes raise occassional derogatory comments from the bogans unfortunately, each to their own.

Just joined the BMW club and considering a 130I as a daily, roll on end of lockdown. Please see my other post that I should have placed in the correct forum.

Considering a 130i as a daily and looking for comments from the members re how good the auto gearbox is. Prefer manual but so few around and those that are (apart from IainR’s recent purchase) appear to be a bit untidy with doubtful history. More auto’s for sale and much lower priced so considering an auto and if I don’t like it could do a manual conversion which ballpark appears to be around 4K +/_ 

Have raced various cars over the years including a 3.0 E36 M3 so need something engaging.

Some really good threads here, the one from M3an seems pretty relevant to me.

Look forward to the comments, cheers.

Hi Iain, congrats on your purchase, should have looked at the car you’ve bought but procrastinated grr.

Have decided to consider the 130i as a daily but prefer manual though some nice auto’s around.

From Scotland as well and agree that there is a limited choice of models over here. However, other advantages.

Look forward to reading your posts. Should consider joining the BMW club, quite active down here