BMW 1-Series Hatchback (2004 - 2011) 118d SE 5d (2006/06) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I think it says your a young professional who likes their cars.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

If your not driving it then it does seem to put peoples backs up, some don't like its looks, some don't like the badge, some are jealous and the passengers reckon its cramped and the ride too firm. All of those objections disappear the minute you actually drive it, who cares what they think I don't like coffee but I don't have to drink it !

Would you buy this car again and why?

No but only because my circumstances have changed, I'd have made the same choice back again if thats what the question means.

What are you likely to buy next?

Already ordered a new Skoda Superb.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£15,285

When did you buy the car?

March 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes I think so, I got it on an operating lease so have to hand it back next month with no option to take ownership. The dealer in question was tendering for our fleet contract of a dozen cars, I knew they weren't going to get it but explained I was opting out for tax reasons so was offered the same pricing structure as the firm had on the table. My price included ALL maintenance and Tyres for 20000 miles a year with minimal deposit.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Opting out of the company car scheme and taking an allowance I was looking for something a bit different to the fleet of Golfs in the car park. There being just the two of us and this being the first time I had much choice in the car I drove I wanted something sporty with a premium badge but needed it to have a degree of practicality.

What was the dealer like?

Really really friendly, nothing was too much trouble, got given a 118d M-Sport for the weekend to test drive. Top class service through-out.

What's it like to drive?

In a word awesome, the 120d would've have been better for outright pace but its got more than enough poke for me, its very refined (Having swapped from a Pump Duse Golf Diesel I had to check it was an oil burner) on motorway its only when you first start it you'd know its diesel. Its party piece is the ability to handle with absolute precision, perfectly weighted, a real drivers car. The only drawback is the firm ride wears you out on very long journeys or on poor roads.

What's it like to park?

Not too bad but without the rear parking sensors it would be almost impossible, visibility is very restricted out the rear but its not a big car.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes, late last year the windscreen wipers packed up whilst driving, luckily it wasn't raining but it took 7 days to get the car fixed. Other than that its been rock solid.

What's most practical about your car?

Thats the rub its fine for two but when my son came along it quickly became clear it wasn't up to the job in the boot and as he has got bigger its really really difficult putting him in the car seat through the small rear doors - hurt my back a couple of times doing it.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

automatic lights are great, I couldn't live without the rear parking sensors as the rear window is tiny and cruise control is a must.