Looking for a new car and I've decided to take a look at one series, just wondering of anyone on here could give me their own review if they have one themselves or have had one.
What engine size was it mate? Been told the 1.8 diesels are fantastic on fuel as well as having a good bit of power behind them.
I had one as a company car. I really liked it. But there isn't much space in it at all. My next company car was a Audi a3 and have to say it was alot more spacious and alot better drive than the 1 series.
Not a patch on a Volvo C30 IMHO having test driven both. My general impression was that Volvo now spank the lower end BMWs in terms of value for money and comfort. Plus the interior is a different league. All Volvos genuinely feel like a luxury car from entry level. Not sure the same can be said for the BMWs (though I had a ride in a top end 5 series recently and that was pretty awesome! )
Really nice car. Solid build, good inside, never had any problems with it. Had a 120d , very nippy and also economical.
been checking them out because our firm's decided they are our next company car and the general view is that they are great cars as long as there's no snow about and then they can be a right bitch.
I've driven '3's' for all but three of the last 20 years, Darfield (thereby disproving what Tomfun just said!). I've driven and ridden in 1's when mine has been in for service. First thing to say is that the 1 doesn't quite have the solidity of the bigger beamers, but it's nevertheless a quality car. I can confirm that the lower weight does make it a quick and nippy car. Being rear wheel drive, like all beamers it is absolutely useless in the snow, as has been said above. Don't know if you're plotting a new one, but if so, you'll presumably want to stick with dealer service initially. That's one of the drawbacks to me - because it means a trip to Donny, Wakey or Sheffield. My current 3 is older, so I take it local (non-BMW dealer) now. Nice cars, but I'd certainly take a look at the new Golf, judging by the reviews.
Keep away from petrol version. Bought one for my daughter, and after two years it has been traded in. Was a nightmare, low on mpg problems all the time, and electronics are a nightmare. Personally this BMW is not up to their standards, and there are better cars like for like
Got a 2 litre 118D. 59 plate. Would never buy it. It's quick, good handling and all that but it's possibly the most uncomfortable car I've ever driven on long journeys.
Thanks for the input, much appreciated! I did look at a 3 series but due to me being in my early twenties the insurance was a little higher than I was looking to pay hence the interest moving more to the 1 series. I've bought a car brand new before and I was left feeling far too light in the pockets so I have said ill look for a 07-09 plate for a fraction of the price, intact I'm just about to go have a look at one at Cundy Cross motors. I like the sound of the 30 quid road tax! I previously owned a Mini Cooper S (BMW manufactured) and I was caught off guard with a few things that ended up costing me big time! EPS broke, supercharge also went tots up so ill be looking for a full or decent looking service history. Just one more, as I said I owned a cooper s and parts and labour cost me a bomb, is it the same for standard BMWs? Or is it a mini thing?
Genuine Beamer parts are dear, Darfield. And dealer servicing is, too. That said, now mine is pushing 8yo I take it local, which is cheaper. I would think you could source parts cheaper off the net, if you can get someone to fit them for you. With newer beamer models, they have 'condition based servicing', which throws up an indicator light when individual parts need replacing, rather than a once per year 'all in' job. It breaks the costs down a bit, but I suspect it masks the true running costs. That said, with an older model you'd probably just go for the traditional annual service from a local garage, I guess.
Totally useless and dangerous in the snow and ice. For the same price range I'd go for the A3 or Golf.
My uncle went to look at one, and came home with a year old 3 series, £2k cheaper than a new 1 series. He may have got a special deal because he was trading in an 11 year old 3 series which he bought from them brand new. He actually paid £3k less than he did for his last car 11 years ago.