BMW 1-Series Hatchback (2004 - 2011) 118d 3d (07) (2007/57) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That you enjoy driving more than the average hatch back owner, and you are willing to pay a premium in terms of price and practicality.

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

Bigger people who have been put in the back are not too impressed. Others who don't appreciate driving think its a silly car.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Not the hatchback model, but definitely another 1 series. Even though the diesel is excellent, the car is more suited to a petrol engine.

What are you likely to buy next?

The new 1-series coupe is a prettier version of the hatchback. But unfortunately the coupe is not available with a 2 litre petrol, which I think would be the most suitable unit.

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?

September 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Dealer claims to have given the maximum discount possible.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

If you want a mid size, rear wheel drive car, that has four seats, then there is nothing else available. It also looks well for a hatchback and can mange 60mpg.

What was the dealer like?

The dealer found it very hard to believe that anyone would buy a BMW without spending thousands on extras.

What's it like to drive?

The main advantage the 1-series has over its rivals is that its rear wheel drive. That means no torque steer, and none of the understeer associated with hard cornering in a front wheel drive car. The suspension set up is good for everyday driving but not to the detriment of handling. which is excellent. The diesel engine produce 143bhp, and as you would expect pulls strongly from low revs. Overall the car never feels lacking in power, and acceleration is brisk in any gear.

What's it like to park?

The long font bonnet and below average rear visibility can make parking difficult.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Only ten thousand miles covered so far, but no problems.

What's most practical about your car?

Despite being a relatively quick car, it returns well over 50mpg regardless of how its driven.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Run flat tyres are very convenient. Its nice to know that you won't be changing wheels on the side of the road. It also frees up space in the boot, which is already made smaller by the rear differential. With the standard suspension set up, the run flats don't make the ride to hard.