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

  • Summary

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Tricky one, I suppose it varies with different people's perceptions. I think it simply says that I've got a nice car and that I look after it.

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

    Everyone I've spoken to likes it, I don't honestly see what there is about it that anyone could dislike!

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Absolutely 100% would buy this car over and over again. It's a perfect combination between everything.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Probably something like an M3. But I don't plan on getting rid of this any time soon!

  • Buying experience

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchised

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £15,840

    When did you buy the car?

    September 2014

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Yes I did. Because the car is immaculate, full BMW service history. Over £8k's worth of optional extras. Only covered 27,000 miles. It came with 1 years warranty, 1 years MOT, 6 months tax, almost new set of tyres (£1100 worth) and I think it cost around £41K when new and it shows no wear what so ever. Definitely the best car I've ever bought and at a very reasonable price too!

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    I fell in love with it at the dealership.

    What was the dealer like?

    Fantastic. That's all I can say. No criticisms what so ever. And the coffee machine is brilliant! (Bowker in Preston, Lancs).

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Sublime, so refined and effortless. It covers miles but feels like it's standing still. It's pretty quiet for a 3 litre but makes a nice noise when you use the loud pedal. It makes for a sensational drive, the steering, balance, poise and response from the car is second to none. In regular drive mode it's effortlessly smooth but when you engage sports mode it totally transforms the drive of the car. The engine feels really responsive and you feel the benefit of the sports suspension working beneath you especially whilst accelerating round corners. The inflatable side bolsters work really well in holding you tightly in the seat. It certainly doesn't run out of guts easily, you just press the accelerator a little more and it always satisfies.

    What's it like to park?

    It's easy to park, mine has PDC front and rear with a display on the satnav screen. It takes a little time to get used to the exact position of the wheels and the extremities of the car through the mirrors though.

  • Living with it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Electric window needed calibrating to travel upwards automatically. Fixed under warranty.

    What's most practical about your car?

    It's more spacious than you'd think. With the seats folded down you'll surprise yourself at what actually fits in it! Also I'm 6'2" and can fit an adult, granted not one quite as big as me behind me and still retain a comfortable driving position.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Where can I start? The red leather sports seats are brilliant. Adjustable in every conceivable direction and heated too. Xenon headlights are some of the best I've ever seen on a car. Auto box is effortless to drive.