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

  • Summary

    3 out of 5 3.0

    What does this car say about you?

    That I have worked hard to buy a premium car and that I am stingy with road tax at £30.

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

    Always garaged. Friends liked it though.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    No, to sport orintated for UK roads. If you don't want a visit to the osteopath avoid. Never got anywhere near the advertised 60+. Averaged at 50mpg.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    I'm going back to my comfy seats... already sourced a Volvo.

  • Buying experience

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchised

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £19,500

    When did you buy the car?

    March 2011

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Very difficult to do a deal and only on the extras did I manage to do anything but even that was limited.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    The badge - Advertised fuel savings Low Road Fund.

    What was the dealer like?

    Very helpful professional and not at all pushy.

  • Driving it

    3 out of 5 3.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Well the M-sport handles brilliantly. The 18 inch wheel look great but the firm ride with the run-flats has worn me down and I'm px it. Whether its a manhole or a pot hole the M-sport it just too firm for UK roads. Find a nice smooth road and its fine but I can't live with it anymore. Very noisy on Mways and RF at £250 each hurt the pocket. I found the B pillar a major blind spot for me.

    What's it like to park?

    Very easy with parking sensors.

  • Living with it

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    No.. but uneven tyre wear at the front is now evident.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Nice compact hatch, split rear seats drop down with one catch.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Start stop.. fine when you get used to it.