BMW 1-Series Hatchback (2011 - 2019) 120d M Sport 5d Step Auto (2012/12) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Probably nothing good!
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Most like it, usually the subject of jokes pertaining to snow or the fact it's always in the garage being fixed.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No, I refuse to play a part in the BMW accounts department's masochism! What a shame, perhaps they'll have upped their game by then.
What are you likely to buy next?
Maybe a Volvo, possibly back to Skoda. Let's see what the roads are like in 2015...
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
Yes
What price did you pay?
£0
When did you buy the car?
August 2012
Did you get a good deal and why?
7.5% off without asking on all options, the car is overpriced to begin with so there's good margin for negotiation.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
The automatic gearbox is fantastic, better even than the DSG in our old Skoda.
What was the dealer like?
Excellent, as ever. Long weekend test drives, felt looked after. After-care as to be expected, but notably worse in some dealerships.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Brilliant, a real feeling of being able to go anywhere. Trip to town or cruise to Europe, very capable. Getting 48MPG (calculated) and it's fairly easy to get low 50's if you try.
What's it like to park?
Easy, made easier by the optional extra parking sensors. Variable power steering (part of the same option) also helps though I think it dulls the steering.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Early model has teething troubles; rusty seats, noisy interior fan, parking sensors broken (all warranty). The wheels are very sensitive and will buckle at the sight of a British road, but BMW aren't interested. Feels like a car built by the accounts department.
What's most practical about your car?
Hatchback!
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The standard iDrive is fantastic, much better than the old system for navigating MP3s.
