BMW 1-Series Hatchback (2004 - 2011) 130i M Sport 5d (07) (2007/07) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I don't know and I don't care. It's a bit of a Q car. It's debadged. All 1 series here have the M sport body kit fitted so it blends into the background nicely. Just how I like it. Until I get onto a nice open road and then it gets to flex its muscles. Great fun.

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

One friend loves it. I let him drive it on a trip back to the UK and he loved that the engine was effortless for overtaking. The wife couldn't care less. My mum loves it. She has a battered old Golf and thinks its posh inside.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would by the car but privately and outwith the warranty to avoid the necessity of going to BMW stealers. I mean dealers.

What are you likely to buy next?

If I had not been lucky enough to afford a second (classic) car for fun weekend driving I would have another 130i without hesitation. However I would buy privately as the dealers are beyond bad and the servicing costs are a truley a rip off. With that it will be either a Skoda Octavia RS or Golf Gti I suppose.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£26,000

When did you buy the car?

November 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

I don't know. I am in Germany and my language skills are not great. Probably not.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Wanted a small family car to replace a Porsche that still had a good soundtrack and handling.

What was the dealer like?

I am writing about German main dealers here mainly for expats. I had a BMW in the UK and the dealer was very good. The dealers here are about the worst experience in my 20 odd years of various car ownership. They courteiously filled my washers last time after charging a rediculous amount for an oil change. Filled with neat water and it was -25deg outside. I didn't realise they had done it until I cleaned my screen whilst travelling at 120mph on an Autobahn. It could have been the end of my life. Needless to say I switched dealer but they were also awful. Been to 4 dealers including the flagship dealer next to the BMW design centre and they are all off the scale bad. Its the only reason I will never own another BMW.

What's it like to drive?

The engine is phenominal. Flexible torque, loves to rev and sounds glorious especially at the red line. I had a 996 Carrera before and I reckon this car sounds better. Handling is very good too although the ride on the runflat tyres is unacceptibly bad.

What's it like to park?

Rear visibilty is very restrictive. The C pillar is huge and the rear window quite small. Park sensors on the rear at least I would say are necessary.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Clutch master cylinder failed. Being an automotive engineer I pointed out the clutch issue. They had the car for 3 weeks convinced it was a ECU issue. Finally got the car back with a new clutch cyl and bill for 2800euros. I hit the roof . Was reluctantly covered under the warranty. The drivers seat leather wore out after 15000km. The dealer said this was normal for a car with sport seats. Hit the roof again. Paid for reluctantly under warranty New leather has lasted until 55k km. It has a misfire that they can't sort out. There is a cluck from the rear brakes after they did the rear pads for the MOT. Its not a big issue. I have given up on BMW compitence.

What's most practical about your car?

The boot is surprisingly big for a RWD car. Rear seats are hopeless though. My son is only 2yrs old so not a big issue.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Park sensors. Never thought I would need them but they make city parking effortless and no scratches on the bumper in 5 years!! Auto lights are quite nice but not a necessity. Navigation was an expensive option but I really hate cables from aftermarket units. The i drive is unexpectedely good also.