Other BMW 1-Series (2004 - 2013) models:

  • Summary

    3 out of 5 3.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Good question. Roof up or down, my wife gets hassled by lorry drivers in this more than in any other car she has had.

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

    Comments include "not as bad as I expected"...

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Probably not. Just too small and not really premium built. The aerodynamic problem in the cabin indicates a lack of substance in the design and development process.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Another BMW - whatever is in stock and is cheap when the time comes.

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchise

    Did you buy this car new?

    Yes

    What price did you pay?

    £0

    When did you buy the car?

    December 2009

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Very good. Why? We always buy cars from them just when they are a couple of cars short of their quarter or annual bonus. We open book costed the deal.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    My wife need a new car in a hrry and as it was mid winter, this was the car in stock with the most discount off list.

    What was the dealer like?

    Speedy and professional.

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    As long as you are wearing trousers (see what has gone wrong), very good. Over-tyred with good mid range punch, so huge fun on the mountain roads round these parts.

    What's it like to park?

    Fine, has PDC. Rear 3/4 blindspot is pretty large though.

  • Living with it

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    The 18" runflat tyres have been changed three times under warranty. The aerodynamics in th cabin, roof down, are very weird. Above 60 mph the driver's summer dress gets blown up around her waist and the rear passengers get a pretty rough time too.

    What's most practical about your car?

    I suppose that the boot is not as small as one might expect, but to be honest, even the weekly supermarket shop for the family is a bit of a stretch if you want to have the roof down on the way home.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    The Xenon lights are pretty powerful, being able to put the roof down on the move is pretty useful, too.