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

  • Summary

    3 out of 5 3.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Can't afford a proper BMW

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

    Just another hack

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    No, fuel ecomomy is a lot less than it should be and the DTC module failure issue would prevent me buying another BMW. Mine has not yet failed but the prospect scares me to death

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Nissan 350Z

  • Buying experience

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £9,400

    When did you buy the car?

    October 2009

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    It was OK given the very high spec. Not many around at the time with leather cruise and zenons in the price range I was in

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Very Good spec - wanted an economical but sporty commuting car that was reasonably practical.

    What was the dealer like?

    Rougish - but I know my stuff

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Good on dry roads and quite a bit of torque between 2000 and 3500 RPM but its a pretty narrow band. Usless in the snow with run flats actually seriously bad!

    What's it like to park?

    OK with sensors to help otherwise would be difficult.

  • Living with it

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Washer pump noisy and ineffective (a leak somewhere but its buried in the wing so still a problem). Blown Halo bulb still to be investigated.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Its a hatch (a very small one but a hatch never the less) so has folding seats that inceases the load carrying capacity.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Cruise, Zenons, bluetooth, leather heated sports seats, auto wipers, auto dip mirror, puddle lights on door handles all cool