BMW 1-Series Hatchback (2004 - 2011) 123d SE 5d (Dynamic) (2008/08) 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?
I think the car says that the owner prefers RWD over FWD and wants a hatchback that handles well, is very responsive and economical.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Most people like it. Some prefer bigger cars, but nobody can deny that it is a quality car.
Would you buy this car again and why?
I would buy again, but would like to see a 330d added to the range. Although the 123d has 4000nm torque at just 2,000rpm, it is not as responsive as one would like from a BMW hot hatch.
What are you likely to buy next?
BMW 330d (unless a 130d is added to the range).
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£17,250
When did you buy the car?
January 2009
Did you get a good deal and why?
Got it at the Glass listed trade price because dealers can not sell their stock. There was a 9 month old 120d SE with leather for sale at under £15K.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Best in its class (i.e. only RWD hatch making over 200hp from a 2-litre diesel engine)
What was the dealer like?
OK.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
It drives brilliantly. You can feel that it has a smaller wheelbase than a 3-series, but it has good torque from just 1,200rpm. You can keep it in 6th gear most of the time and still get good accelerator response. The handling is perfect and the sport suspension makes it grip the road very well (although you do get a firm ride)
What's it like to park?
It is a very small car, so parking is easy. It comes with rear parking sensors (but no front ones).
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Everything works fine (as expected with a BMW)
What's most practical about your car?
The car is more practical than most people realise. The front seats move up/down, forward/back, seat and back can tilt and it has electric lumber support. It is possible to position the seats (and steering wheel) for comfortable driving and to maximise the space behind the seats. I.E. By raising the height and angle of the seat it is possible to have it further forward and still have a comfortable driving position. I have more leg room in the read of my 123d than I used to have in my 320d just through sensible use of the seat adjustments.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The trip computer is useful.
