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

  • Summary

    2 out of 5 2.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Had to compromise on style ie hatchback for quality, emissions and fuel economy, although the quality appears to be lacking as does the fuel consumption.

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

    They all like the car, think it looks classy and is more mature than my previous Mini Cooper S, Ive yet to be won over by this car, i doubt i ever will be.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Very highly unlikely, it would purely be for that tax band and running costs if i was to ever have a 1 series again. Audi next time thank you, as i hear they don't have a habit of falling apart.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    I would like a roadster or a coupe, perhaps an Alfa Spyder or maybe a TT.

  • Buying experience

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £14,495

    When did you buy the car?

    January 2010

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    I got a reasonably good price as i never seen any cars of that spec at that price range.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    I was aiming for the 50+ mpg range.

    What was the dealer like?

    He was more like a cowboy than a car dealer, which was somewhat unsettling but i had travelled 350 miles to collect the car.

  • Driving it

    1 out of 5 1.0

    What's it like to drive?

    It doesn't drive nearly as well as i thought, the engine is a tad lacklustre without a turbo below 3500 revs. The traction control often has to kick in due to the poor cornering ability of the car mixed with the rear wheel drive which i have decided i don't like after test driving a 120d coupe and an MX-5. Also the car has rather tall gear rations meaning you have to sit in 3rd at 30 and can't get into 6th gear until 60mph, why?

    What's it like to park?

    The car is fitted with front and rear audible parking sensors, so its about the only pleasant thing to do in it.

  • Living with it

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Front passenger seat no longer folds forward, and some electrical faults with the side windows jamming, leaving me unable to close my door or lock the car.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Ehh the size compared to my previous car a Mini though that does not mean to say its overly spacious.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Ehh dual zone climate control, or the puddle lights.