It's new car time and i've been weighing up all my options. It's boiled down to small/mid size hatch like a a3 or 1 series or an estate 3 series/a4.
To get the spec I want and miles etc I think the 1 series is the best fit, plus I really like the shape. It's going to be a diesel more than likely sport or M Sport spec. So the question, who has one and what's it like. Any must know things or must have options?
I've been and sat in one and really liked it, interior isn't the best looking but feels solid. Boots looks plenty big enough for 2 bikes but would be fitting tow car and rack.
A relation has an M1 goes like stink ride is extremely harsh. Good size for bike car. 3 better.
There are a few threads
We are thinking if an X1 - used say 3 years old, my wife throught X3 was too big. We want 4wd
Type this for example into google
site:singletrackworld.com bmw x1
http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/car-choice-audi-a3-or-bmw-1-series
I had a couple of them as great cars but rear leg room was poor for my children so gone 3 series this time.
Clunker, what milage did you do, bought from new, sold when, servicing etc ?
M1 would be a dream, looked at the M135i but it's a stretch too far at the minute. Maybe next time.
Thanks for the link to the thread, will give it a read.
I do like the look of the X1 in the right spec and I like the idea of the higher driving position too
We are thinking if an X1
If you do, don't bother with the M Sport, go for an X Line, I had one and it was a nightmare ride. Sold it after 6 months in favour of an Audi.
Plus run flats are the work of the devil at low profile like on the M Sports.
New X1s you can spec adjustable suspenstion which is worth it if you're going for the M Sport.
There are quite a few 3 series owners here who like them a lot as all round bike cars. My wife won't have an estate but a 4wd is not an estate 😐
somuk yes thnaks, definitely won't be an M, my wife has a neck problem and harsh ride cars are a major issue. If we get an X1 the runflats will be swapped out
[i]Anyone drive a 1 series BMW?[/I]
I think you need this forum 🙂
The has one of the latest models. Its a really nice car I think. The rear leg room isn't that bad, they've grown over the models and are no longer a small car. We've had 4 adults in it no worries. We went for the 1.6ltr turbo petrol engine, the same that's in the Mini Cooper S. Plenty enough poke for normal every day driving and reasonable mpg. The best bit about it is it drives really well, I like to get out in it as much as I can. Not much to say really, a really good competent car. This model is the last of the rwd chassis, the next model will get the FWD chassis of the Mini.
Anyone drive a 1 series BMW?
Yes plenty, they are mostly losers.
Have the M135i - no rear legroom issues at all, boot is bigger than on the A3 Sportback, 3 door gets frameless doors which are a big boost over the 5 door in tight spaces as double press on the remote drops the windows for you, etc.
Has the adaptive suspension which unlike most is fully adaptive so regardless of which mode it is in - it is constantly adjusting rather than just locking into one setting like others.
Ride on standard MPSS is good - traction insane once warm, on Sottozeros at the moment until temps stay above 10-12 and it drys and they are brilliant on it too.
Make sure you can hack the offset pedals though as many can't without lumbar spec'd.
Auto is sublime - the ZF8 box super smooth and ridiculously fast - again changes according to mode selected.
One thing you really must do if its new though - HAGGLE.
20% is a given and more available if you push.
A 140 (135 no longer available) can be had for a lot, lot less than you think.
jambalaya - Member
Clunker, what milage did you do, bought from new, sold when, servicing etc ?
The most recent 1 was 60,000 miles over two years, serviced twice. I got a good deal on a new 335d xdrive this time around
My local BMW dealer is excellent, although they have been totally sh@t with my Mini.
Yes plenty, they are mostly losers.
'Coz winners hang around on internet forums, innit? 😛
I've driven a couple of the earlier models. They were bad and put me off them. The cabin felt really small and the seats weren't very comfortable. The ride wasn't great either.
They felt a bit like a BMW for people that couldn't afford a 3 series but wanted the badge on their keyring. It didn't compete with the Golf or Audi A3. The Focus at the same time was a nicer place to be.
The new models might be better.
F20 120d MSport owner here.
double press on the remote drops the windows for you
My 5 door does that too.
Not much to say really, a really good competent car.
This. Originally i purchased mine in a bit of a rush to get a car, and back on the BMW ladder after minimal research. The car is mainly for me as we have another largish family vehicle. . 12000 miles all over the South of England and i cant justify the extra cost to get the 320d Touring i originally wanted. Yes its grown, i can get 2 bikes and camping gear with me and a passenger without using the roof racks and/or towbar. The current shape / mine looks good especially in msport guise, its plenty quick enough, lots of torque and i regulalrly get 55mpg without trying - I've had 63mpg out of it. It also is £30 VED. Again, some day the interior is dull, I like logic and the fact that everything is automaically setup fo me including my phone charging and connected as soon as I sit in the seat, with no fuss.
Interior front end is basically 3 series and a nice place to be. They say the manual pedals are off set but it doesnt bother me. Again, the msport & runflat ride can be firm by thats to preference and I'm fine with it.
Personally I feel its a well made hatchback with a bit of performance, some frugality and there RWD to have fun / diffrentiate with.
Oh and contrary to popular belief BMW ownership is not as necessarily as much more expensive than other Marques as people like to make out, especially when you factor in the ability to work on the wifi and have breakfast in the Lifestyle cafe while your car gets serviced. 😉
Yeah I have driven one loads. Not a very nice car.
who has one and what's it like
got one, it's fine. I find the seats comfy they're heated which is cosy in winter, it's mostly squeak/rattle free, the idrive thingy for the telly is pretty intuitive, the speakers are good, the DAB radio means I can get Radio6, pretty economical, it's do 55mpg despite being a 125d, and it'll easily do double the speed limit should you wish, looks are divisive, I quite like them (and sit inside after all) other's hate the look. rear wheel drive means you can pretend to be on a rally stage when you go off road.
weird double post thingy...
An M1? Lucky [img] 
[/img]
Well, considering I just asked for car advice on STW that went surprisingly well.
Going to look at a test drive over the weekend after I've drooled over the cars at autosport show!
MPG figures sounds ace, my current car does 45 which I'm happy with so 55 would be great.
I have a decent 2006 120D sport , can't say I really like it that much. Heavy steering (around town) & horrible notchy 6 speed gearbox (tallish geared) are my biggest gripes. 167hp so it goes like stink tho, granny driving get's around 50 mpg.
No surprises in hearing it's small, I'm 5ft 6" so it's not too bad for me. Also it's low (standard) & dropping into it is not that nice. seats are comfy, it's very firm on the road & more prone to understeer than oversteer when pushed hard. I would also say that the steering rack ratio is fairly quick & booting along our highland A roads requires mucho concentrato.
I do like the way it looks & after a V6 petrol Alfa my pocket is so much happier. But really after 18 months the jury is leaning to disapointed!
You have rhe old one though ^^. Its not a good car and is quite different.
Ive had a 13 plate 120d M Sport as a company car for the last 18 months. Great little car, roomy enough for 2 adults and 2 kids, we've had 2 bikes in the back with the seats folded. It goes back to the lease company in July and I'll miss it.
Love my 120D, it's ace. Really reliable, quick, fun, frugal.
Seats are shit though, it's an M btw.
I have a decent 2006 120D sport , can't say I really like it that much.
As above, the F series is a much better car, quite a bit more room inside too. Not sure I'd ever say actually roomy though I think it's decent enough in its class.
Had a 116l Sport for a brief time, total of a couple of hours driving, on Friday and Monday. Now, I am not, and never have been, a fan of Beemers, but I have to admit it was a very nice car to drive, comfortable and well equipped.
September '13 first registered, 1600 petrol, very light, direct steering, and handling seemed very direct and precise.
Not much more I can add, like how it would be to live with on a day-to-day basis, but then a rest drive won't do that either.
If you're in the market, worth checking one out; it could almost convince me to want one, and that isn't something I would have thought possible six months ago!
I've got a 65 plate 125d. I love it. Ok it's pretty small (95% of the time it's just me in it) but it can get 2 adults, 2 kids and a dog with a boot full of luggage at a squeeze. I like the seats, comfy and supportive, I also love the overall driving position, most cars I can only just reach the wheel when the seats as far back as it goes! The 8 speed box is sodding brilliant, it's got flappy paddles but I never use them. Mines got adaptive suspension which really makes a big difference. It goes like a stabbed rat when you want it to, but cruising at the speed limit to Lemans it returned 46mpg, I can get 50+ but not at motorway speeds. Oh, and the improved stereo is superb as well.
The problem can be the cost. Mine was £37k list... it's got a lot of options ticked but that's a lot for a diesel hatch! I didn't pay that for it though, it was a very well specked demonstrator with under 100 miles on the clock so was £10k cheaper
Surprising number of bellends hate you for having a BMW though, don't expect to be let out of many junctions!
OP this comment and maybe skim the whole thread.
I have a 15 plate 125d m-sport. It's a great commuter on the 180 mile work trip but if I'd been sensible a 118d would have been better. It's a sports auto and I'd not go back to a manual now. Ride is not that great but I've just got 37k from a set of run flats with mostly motorway driving. I can average 45mpg-50mpg on a run so it's not too bad and when you want to thrap it it's not too shy.
Think I'm going to trade it in for a m140i as the deals on them are too good not too.
Just returned a 1 series hire car I had for two weeks.
118 sport petrol - utter sh!te
1.5l 3 cylinder engine - how can they call this sport? OK if you leave it in second until the 3 cylinders are bursting out of the bonnet it starts to be vaguely amusing.
Non of the controls make any sense (auto wipers mean randomly on when you dont need them and off when you do), the DAB cut out every 5 minutes and the sat nav takes an age to get going.
Boot not big enough for a suit case, put the back seats down and it was a real struggle to get a bike in and out of.
I'll go and get back in bed to get out on the right side...
Well Sport is not all about POWWWEEEEERRRRRR!!!!! and 'Pressing on'. The Sport pack refers to the wheels, suspension and interior trim - all engine options are available in sport trim. For me sporty is not about power but how the car feels and handles. And that is what the 1 series has in spades. The 1.5ltr turbo model will be a damn sight more sporty than a Golf VR6 or similar - they're not sporty at all, just inelegant sledgehammers - point and squirt. Way too much power to use and it's all being electronically reigned back by the limitations of the chassis and the driver anyway. A small zingy engine in a competent chassis is the ultimate definition of what a sports car is. But each to their own and remember, other engine options are available if you do feel the need for a bit more oomph.
As for the boot - depends on the suitcase. I can get two of our big family suitcases in no hassle, but some suitcases are bigger than others. Having said that the boot is not as big as a Focus or Golf or similar, but some people don't need a boot that big. For us as long as it fits in the family weekly shop it's big enough. But If you need to accommodate two trunks for your holiday gear then obviously a 1 series is not for you. Doesn't make it a bad car, just not suited to your needs. As for bikes - well that is what roof racks are for. Why would you want to put dirty bikes in your car anyway.
tinybits - MemberI've got a 65 plate 125d. I love it. Ok it's pretty small (95% of the time it's just me in it) but it can get 2 adults, 2 kids and a dog with a boot full of luggage at a squeeze. I like the seats, comfy and supportive, I also love the overall driving position, most cars I can only just reach the wheel when the seats as far back as it goes! The 8 speed box is sodding brilliant, it's got flappy paddles but I never use them. Mines got adaptive suspension which really makes a big difference. It goes like a stabbed rat when you want it to, but cruising at the speed limit to Lemans it returned 46mpg, I can get 50+ but not at motorway speeds. Oh, and the improved stereo is superb as well.
The problem can be the cost. Mine was £37k list... it's got a lot of options ticked but that's a lot for a diesel hatch! I didn't pay that for it though, it was a very well specked demonstrator with under 100 miles on the clock so was £10k cheaperSurprising number of bellends hate you for having a BMW though, don't expect to be let out of many junctions!
Has davidtaylforth started a sideline of account hacking now?
I have an f20 m135i, its a decent car, a little on the small side,but we (family of 3) still manage to use it for camping trips.
Had mine for 3 years/32k, no issues so far,no complaints apart from its not an m4.
Drove a brand new 116 in 2014 for 10 days (hire car).
I was nice to drive. Nice to sit in. Just all a bit 'nice'. Not inspiring in the least and smaller inside than you'd've thought.
I've never really understood the fuss about BMWs (besides an M6). A 535 was a big let down and driven back to back with an E320 they didn't seem to be in the same league.
I'd be looking at well specced Golfs or an A3.
Yes plenty, they are mostly losers.
Surfmatt is that you?
Has davidtaylforth started a sideline of account hacking now?
???
having said that the boot is not as big as a Focus or Golf
havn't looked at the volume but by MK7 golf was wider but not as deep. Certainly long items will fit diagonally in the 1 series and had to go across the back seat in the golf.
Reading with interest. My Golf GTD is up for renewal later and I was thinking about a M140 to replace it.
lowey, I tried a GTD and Beamer when I was getting mine. You'll miss the suspension on your golf if you decide to swap, it's better (less crashy) than the Beamer, but in most other stuff it's pretty similar in terms of kit, comfort, space and so on. there's really not much in it. I would have been happy either way, the Beamer I got came at a price I couldn't ignore for the wish list car I wanted
I was after a GTD when I got the 125d, but the driving position of the BMW (for me, very long legs, silly short arms) meant the BMW won. I still feel vaguely embarrassed about the 1 series with it's bright blue paintwork, the blacked out windows and bright blue brake calipers... It's a chav mobile no mistake!
Oh, and I can get my bikes inside but I put them on the roof mainly - it's just easier.
I went from a Mk6 Golf GT Diesel, to the 120d M Sport. I would say that the Golf is probably an easier car to drive smoothly, the gearbox on manual BMWs can be a bit notchy, and the Golf steering had more feel. My M Sport 1 does have a tendency to tramline but overall it's a well balanced car and is the first company car I've had that I haven't got bored with after 6 months.
gastromonkey - MemberI've driven a couple of the earlier models. They were bad and put me off them. The cabin felt really small and the seats weren't very comfortable. The ride wasn't great either.
They felt a bit like a BMW for people that couldn't afford a 3 series but wanted the badge on their keyring. It didn't compete with the Golf or Audi A3. The Focus at the same time was a nicer place to be.
The new models might be better.
Do you know what? I drove a couple of the early ones for a week here and there and thought the exact opposite.
I was given them as hire cars, wasn't so keen (BMWs of my youth had the same sort reputation as Audi seems to have to suffer now) expected them to be "cheapest way to get the badge" cars, but they weren't.
The compromise for them was room, making a small RWD car means smaller boot, less rear leg room and less cabin space in general, but if you don't have lots of people or stuff to move around all the time it's hardly an issue. (or you spend more on a 3/5) the upside was a very balanced car that feels nice to drive - all that 'perfect weight distribution' stuff they bleat about does isn't just hyperbole, the upside/downside of that was the first 116i I had was frustrating because it cornered like a little sports car, but couldn’t pull a greased stick out of a dog’s arse – but you start to drive it like a van, never brake, carry speed and it was nice. The 120d was better.
I’ve never been tempted to buy one, on balance I need space more than neat handling and it would cost too much to get a 3 Touring I’d like.
Plus run flats are the work of the devil at low profile like on the M Sports.
The F series cars ride really well - certainly compared to the last E series cars. Our E90 m Sport was bloody awful.
I like the current 1 series and came pretty close to ordering one for a company car but I couldn't get an M Sport with a half decent engine. I had a 118d M Sport for a day and really liked it. It seemed OK inside size wise and was a big step up from the previous generation.
There are good discounts to be had - try Coast 2 Coast cars as a starting point.
I've got a F20 116D, 2 years old, ~20K done so far and have essentially no complaints. The ride is nice, its pretty economical (can easily get more than 600m on a full tank even with a roofbox on), the interior is a nice place to be (although I wish I'd gone for leather). I can quite happily do a 6 hour drive and get out feeling great and I'm 6'2, never even noticed that the pedals were offset before.
Still on the original tires (runflats) and other than the iDrive LCD dying after about 10K we've had no issues. Despite not getting round to putting winter tires on and the originals are looking a bit low we've had no issues with traction at all this winter. Once the lease is up we'll probably hand it back as we'll be probably have child #2 around that point at which point it'll be too small - having a rear facing car seat in means there's not a great deal of room left in the front passenger seat. Can easily get an 85L holdall and large suitcase in the boot - I was surprised at just how big the boot is.
I got an M135i for a day when the LCD was being replaced, that was really something, I'd have one in a heartbeat if I could justify it. Quick, balanced and a decent engine note - that was a fun day.
I've got a '62 plate 135i. I've had it since Xmas eve and its flippin ace. Previously had a Mk5 Golf GT TDI and this is light years ahead, apart from the fact that I worry more about it when parked in the station car park.
It helps that mine was mega low mileage and owned by a bloke who really looked after it (compared to my Golf that had been owned by me!) but it just does everything really well - easily takes a bike, comfy, fast, handles well. I've got an M6 that's spent more time broken that it has running and comparing the two, speed wise there isn't much in it and the 1-er is far easier to live with.
The only downside (if I'm being picky) is that an 8-speed gearbox is one too many gears - the autobox is always changing up or down. However I'd imagine this is why it gets better fuel economy that it should all things considered. I'm also not sold on the stop/start business but i'm sure there's a way to turn it off.
Got a 118d M sport, won't be getting another one.
Golf or A3 is a much better option (had all 3 at some point) although the extra space in an Octavia estate would be my preference.
In that sort of size car I really like the volvo V40 and especially the blue R-design one *dribble*
I don't know why, I just really like it haha.
It's probably crap.
My wife has had an E82 120d Coupe M Sport Auto (6 spd) for a few years now, zero issues and the ride on run flats is a damn sight more comfortable (and reliable) than the Mini she had before it which we'd but on standard tyres. Boot storage isn't the biggest but we've had 2 cases in quite easily, limiting factor is the boot opening size on the Coupe, probably not a problem for the hatch. The 1 series coupe don't exist now as they have made the even number series coupes now.
I was that impressed by her car that I looked at BMW's to replace the piece of shit Octavia that is a firm favourite on this forum. Looked at the 2 Series and it is one of the best handling cars I've driven for a while but boot wasn't big enough. The 4 series boot was big enough but not as much fun to drive as the 2 series so ended buying a 3 series M Sport which was the the sensible choice. All the cars driven were M Sport on 19 inch wheels and very low profile tyres and felt like a magic carpet ride compared to the Octavia. Didn't entertain any VAG cars as a replacement due to crap build quality.
I'm also not sold on the stop/start business but i'm sure there's a way to turn it off.
The large "off" button by the ignition start/stop?
I do not understand people's complaints about the stop/start - it literally "just works". Engine goes off, engine starts when you put the clutch in and is sorted by the time the car is back in gear, what is there be not be sold on?!
I do not understand people's complaints about the stop/start - it literally "just works". Engine goes off, engine starts when you put the clutch in and is sorted by the time the car is back in gear, what is there be not be sold on?!
Me niether. It's pretty unintrusive on either or our cars.
only issue seems to be that it turns back on pretty quickly compared to a VW system, however as I do a country road commute it doesn't bother me in the slightest.
Get the auto with the diesel engine would be my advice having extensively driven both auto & manual
Old model, but we had an E87 118d SE for a couple of years and it was a great car. No issues at all apart from the price BMW wanted to change the rear brake pads ! So I did it myself.
I'm 6'4" and found it very comfortable to drive, and also had no problem sitting in the back, so I'm not sure how big these people are who say it is too small. Especially if the F20 is bigger. The E87 boot was pretty small though.
Re: the X1, we looked at an E84 recently and I felt underwhelmed tbh, it didn't have the BMW "feel" I was expecting, seemed a bit cheap.
Re: the X1, we looked at an E84 recently and I felt underwhelmed tbh, it didn't have the BMW "feel" I was expecting, seemed a bit cheap.
My experience as well. However, the new bigger shape is much more refined and polished. Should BMW phone me and convince me to extend my PCP in the next year, the new shape X Line with 4x4 would be the perfect me / bike vehicle IMO, as the only bug bear I have with mine is mincing it across a field/forest track with humps & gullies at Gorrick events.
[i]I'm also not sold on the stop/start business but i'm sure there's a way to turn it off. [/I]
On my 435d there's the off button or you can also put it in to 'Sport' mode, then it doesn't stop/start.
I do not understand people's complaints about the stop/start
From a sample size of one (step-mother) it's because she can't carve people up at junctions or nip out unsafely at roundabouts in town. Mr(s) Toad toot, toot.
[img] http://www.m3post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=924198&stc=1&d=13813532187 [/img]
I thought I would ask in this thread rather than start another one...
Looking at getting an older one series E8x 2006-2008. I have a full susser 29er, can you get one or two of these in the back with the seats down? Preferably with only the front wheels removed? I have to torque my rear axle. 🙄
Probably. I can just about get my full suss (26er, but XL frame) with front wheel out into the back of my old E46 Compact, and the 1-Series is bigger than that.
I wouldn't like to bet actual money on it TBH
It's a squeeze with 2 650b (large) full sussers in the F20 I have, so I'd reckon rear wheels on a 29er would need to come off, as I think the e81/87 is a smaller car.
EDIT - helps if you can move the passenger seat forward, but obviously not great if the person sitting in it is tall
I drive a 57 plate E87. I can fit my large Horsethief in the back with the seats down, seatpost out and the front wheel off. It's tight but workable. Never tried two bikes before I'd say you'd manage it.
Beaker - Can you get your Horsethief in without taking the seatpost out? I can't remove my dropper post. I'm guessing it's easily do-able with both wheels out.
Thread revival is to be applauded. 2 29ers front wheels off is going to be a mesh of metal and potential damage. By the time you've put padding / sheets etc between everything maybe just taking the rear wheel off will be easiest or putting them on the roof (I hate that idea but needs must)
In that sort of size car I really like the volvo V40 and especially the blue R-design one *dribble*I don't know why, I just really like it haha.
I was looking at one this afternoon, a Polestar version, in a rather attractive medium metallic blue that really suited the car. Surpring amount of space in the back, I was driven to my car pickup in one, I'm six foot, and my knees weren't touching the seats in front. Mind your head getting in and out, though.
We have a 65 reg 118i M Sport and I think it's ace. Boot is decent enough, plenty of room up front, quality superb compared to friends cars and it is a lovely car to drive. I had a 62 reg Focus previous and although that was a great motor, the BMW is better.
Bad points, the rear seats are tight although it is our second car so not too much of a problem.
@Milkie- Seatpost has to come out, it's one of those old fashioned non dropper ones. If you have a dropper you'd be ok. Not tried to put it in with both wheels out but I think there'd be plenty of room.
THanks guys, so it would seem it will be possible, maybe with the wheel off! I will just have to remember to take my torque wrench with me. 😉 I'm going to look at one this weekend, I'm not sure the seller would appreciate me bringing my bike to see if it gets in the back. 😆
I can get my 29" Orange Segment in mine with the wheels off.
I ran a E82 125i (on 130i power) and could easily put a MTB at the back flat with just the front wheel off.
I am a loser and a hairdresser but I still got under 3:00 at Spa in a totally stock 3dr M135i manual on passive dampers. I couldn't even cook the OE pads. An astonishing car for the money, further helped by M4 LCAs at £300 which gave 2 deg of neg camber and neutralise the handing.
If you value RWD and the engine behind the front axle, then those cars are for you. The next gen will probably be front drive and 4-pot so hurry, even if you cut hair for a living.
I have an '06 E87 130i SE, which I've owned for about 3.5 years and 50,000 miles. I like it very much. 🙂
I can get a medium 650b Lapierre Spicy in the back with the seats folded and the front wheel out. I normally drop the seatpost but don't have to.
Just out of interest, does anyome feel the value of the the RWD cars will hold / go up when FWd arrives?
Possibly the top end 135i's almost certainly my 125d will continue to depreciate, and anything lower powered will as well. No point having rear wheel drive and an oil burner up front for a cult classic!
