| BMW's Revolutionary Active Steering - now also in the BMW 1 Series
Available for the first time in this class, Active Steering* in the BMW 130i ensures unparalleled, ultra-smooth and precise steering qualities at all times, the steering transmission ratio and steering support automatically adjusting to the current speed of the car on the road. Hence, the driver is able to guide the car precisely into every new bend, regardless of his road speed at the time.
The driver also finds it a lot easier to change direction at low speeds, since he only has to turn the steering wheel slightly, for example, when parking. At high speeds, in turn, the steering transmission also ensures optimum precision, maintaining a less direct reaction geared to the current road speed of the car.
The Power Unit - an Outstanding Achievement not just in the Compact Class
The BMW 1 Series excels in particular through its unusually active character and all round performance on the road. Through its unique concept, it now offers all the fascinating qualities of a BMW also in the compact class. And the BMW 130i, in particular, guarantees an all-new dimension in terms of dynamic performance, the generation and transmission of power by and from the engine going far beyond usual categories and standards.
The BMW 130i owes this supreme position in particular to a power unit setting a new milestone in the area of engine construction not only in the compact class: Displacing 2,996 cubic centimetres, developing maximum output of 195 kW (265 bhp), and generating peak torque of 315 Nm throughout a wide speed range from 2,500 - 4,000 rpm, the straight-six power unit featured in this unique car is among the most sophisticated, powerful, effective and, at the same time, lightest engines of its kind the world over. Here, therefore, the customer benefits from spontaneous power and performance combined with exemplary smoothness and economy to provide a mixture of qualities never seen before.
Weighing just 161 kilos or 355 lb, BMW's new straight-six is the world's lightest engine in its class. Inter alia, the weight of the engine has been optimised by an innovative magnesium / aluminium composite crankcase. Another 27 per cent lighter than aluminium, the magnesium used in the crankcase reduces weight most significantly in comparison with conventional grey cast iron components.
BMW's fully variable VALVETRONIC valve drive, together with infinite camshaft adjustment (VANOS) on both the intake and outlet valves, guarantees a particularly fascinating rendition of all round efficiency. Featured in a straight-six for the first time, VALVETRONIC, as opposed to a conventional throttle butterfly power unit, ensures a significantly improved response and, at the same time, far greater efficiency in the economic use of fuel. As a result, every movement of the gas pedal in the BMW 130i is translated directly and with supreme accuracy in the dosage of fuel into driving dynamics on the road. And at the same time the car's fuel consumption and emission figures are exceptionally good for a vehicle with this kind of performance.
A further feature deserving particular attention is the specially designed exhaust system with two chrome plated tailpipes adding exactly the right sound effect for each and every movement of the gas pedal and, through its sporting but rumbling sound, contributing significantly to the unique thrill of the new BMW 130i.
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