Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 130i M Sport

The 130i made its trackday debut at the end of March when the evoactive circus arrived at Snetterton. Having never visited the Norfolk circuit before, and after getting questionable advice from Bovingdon on how to attack Coram Curve, my first few laps were understandably tentative as I learnt the lines and steadily built up the pace.

The 130i made its trackday debut at the end of March when the evoactive circus arrived at Snetterton. Having never visited the Norfolk circuit before, and after getting questionable advice from Bovingdon on how to attack Coram Curve, my first few laps were understandably tentative as I learnt the lines and steadily built up the pace.

The little BMW gives great confidence on super-smooth tarmac, its stiff set-up finding grip everywhere. With the traction control disabled, the lack of an M diff was noticeable, but the 130 still moved around on every corner, with Coram being the highlight, taken very quickly and slightly sideways.

The trackday also gave me my first chance to run with racers instead of trackday goers, and the difference is striking. When two trackday punters find themselves sharing the same piece of tarmac they quickly place themselves on opposing white lines until the overtake is complete; with the race boys you're lucky to keep your mirrors! Mind you, if your fancy race-car was being chased down by some kid in a road car, you'd be upset too...

Running Costs

Date acquiredNovember 2005
Total mileage9853
Costs this month£0
Mileage this month2058
MPG this month28.8mpg
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

This 900bhp Lotus Emeya has Bugatti specs, but carrying passengers reveals a problem
Lotus Emeya
Opinion

This 900bhp Lotus Emeya has Bugatti specs, but carrying passengers reveals a problem

A well-engineered electric performance car can be an impressive thing to drive but carrying passengers is very different from a petrol-powered equival…
2 Oct 2026
Aston Martin DBX S review – beating the Ferrari Purosangue to the top of the class
Aston Martin DBX S front
Reviews

Aston Martin DBX S review – beating the Ferrari Purosangue to the top of the class

Lots of tweaks and upgrades inside and out keep Aston Martin's SUV at the top of its game in DBX S-form
2 Oct 2026
Kia EV4 GT review – a budget Hyundai Ioniq 5 N?
Kia EV4 GT
Reviews

Kia EV4 GT review – a budget Hyundai Ioniq 5 N?

Kia says the EV4 GT is its first ever hot hatch. It’s not the last word in engagement, but a practical daily with an enthusiast’s flair
1 Oct 2026