BMW 1 Series - only for small people
Discussion
My mom had a 1 Series as a courtesy car a few years ago and she complained about it being too small to live with and shes about 5'3, no idea how others live with it if she thought it was too small.
Its probably to do with a longitudinal engine/gearbox setup and RWD drivetrain taking up space in the cabin, the engine sits much further back than in other hatchbacks and I assume the rear and bootfloors are higher to house the drive underneath. A compromise for the balance and handling.
Its probably to do with a longitudinal engine/gearbox setup and RWD drivetrain taking up space in the cabin, the engine sits much further back than in other hatchbacks and I assume the rear and bootfloors are higher to house the drive underneath. A compromise for the balance and handling.
I'm 6'2 and fit ok. Seat height and steering wheel need adjusting from their mid-position.
The seats aren't made for the wider person and don't expect an adult to fit in the back with the seats in their rear most position.
Overall the package is quite compromised, especially compared to a Civic, but it does drive very well.
The seats aren't made for the wider person and don't expect an adult to fit in the back with the seats in their rear most position.
Overall the package is quite compromised, especially compared to a Civic, but it does drive very well.
I'm 6'4" and weigh in at the fat side of 100 kilos.
I had a 118d in 2009, which we kept for 3 years. It replaced a mini for my 90 minute daily commute. It was comfortable and a good car. My knees weren't behind my ears, even without the driver seat fully back.
Space in the back was good for my daughters who were 8 and 3 when we said goodbye to it.
Boot space was small and I remember we asked the shop if we could borrow the pushchair we wanted to buy to check it would fit. We learnt not to carry loads of crap around and space was never an issue.
I had a 118d in 2009, which we kept for 3 years. It replaced a mini for my 90 minute daily commute. It was comfortable and a good car. My knees weren't behind my ears, even without the driver seat fully back.
Space in the back was good for my daughters who were 8 and 3 when we said goodbye to it.
Boot space was small and I remember we asked the shop if we could borrow the pushchair we wanted to buy to check it would fit. We learnt not to carry loads of crap around and space was never an issue.
I can't see where the OP is coming from either- I'm 6'1" and had a 1-er as a rental company car for a few months- I fitted ok, admittedly there was not a vast amount of space (especially in the rear), but the comment about it being 'snug' is spot-on, it felt like you sat 'in it', rather than 'on it' which is the case with so many modern cars. If it only had some semblance of steering feel it would be a super little car (IMO of course).
I am 6ft and find a current 1-series very roomy for my needs. I went for 3-door anyway to limit the chance of having rear passengers.
Smaller inside than a Golf but a small compromise in relation to the benefits of RWD and longi engine mostly behind the front axle.
For us even a Golf is too small for family use anyway, so might as well have the better handling car.
Smaller inside than a Golf but a small compromise in relation to the benefits of RWD and longi engine mostly behind the front axle.
For us even a Golf is too small for family use anyway, so might as well have the better handling car.
darren f said:
I can't see where the OP is coming from either- I'm 6'1" and had a 1-er as a rental company car for a few months- I fitted ok, admittedly there was not a vast amount of space (especially in the rear), but the comment about it being 'snug' is spot-on, it felt like you sat 'in it', rather than 'on it' which is the case with so many modern cars. If it only had some semblance of steering feel it would be a super little car (IMO of course).
You't won't. You are 6ft 1.The model I sat in was a 125d Sport. I moved the seat to the best position possible and the steering wheel was still rubbing my thighs. The one in question was a manual too, which would have been even more difficult to drive than an auto.
Even though others are of similar size to me, the leg to body ratio may be different. If you have longer legs and a shorter body than someone of similar size, this may be the issue.
Anyway, it didn't work for me so I won't even be considering looking at any other similar models. If I do go BMW, I guess a 3 series would be the minimum model size for me. Saying that, I do tend to find modern German cars less roomy inside than other makes. Must just be the way they pack the interior.
funkyrobot said:
Finally sat in one of these today. Found it to be terribly small. Steering wheel was rubbing the top of my thighs! Seat doesn't go back very far either.
Are these cars only designed for small people? My friend has a Micra k11 with much more legroom and space.
It's not a big car. Why the surprise? Are these cars only designed for small people? My friend has a Micra k11 with much more legroom and space.
I'm 7'6" and weigh 38 stone and have 3 really tall children and a missus that is 6'11" and we all fit in ours no problem. And with enough storage space in the boot to fit the tent and enough food for a couple of weeks camping as we don't trust foreign stuff.
So basically OP, you're either telling lies, or you actually test drove the new 0.75 series without realising it.
So basically OP, you're either telling lies, or you actually test drove the new 0.75 series without realising it.
yonex said:
funkyrobot said:
Finally sat in one of these today. Found it to be terribly small. Steering wheel was rubbing the top of my thighs! Seat doesn't go back very far either.
Are these cars only designed for small people? My friend has a Micra k11 with much more legroom and space.
It's not a big car. Why the surprise? Are these cars only designed for small people? My friend has a Micra k11 with much more legroom and space.
From the outside, you would expect a K11 to have less room.
Sorry, did I criticise a German make? Definite PH no-no.
northwest monkey said:
I'm 7'6" and weigh 38 stone and have 3 really tall children and a missus that is 6'11" and we all fit in ours no problem. And with enough storage space in the boot to fit the tent and enough food for a couple of weeks camping as we don't trust foreign stuff.
So basically OP, you're either telling lies, or you actually test drove the new 0.75 series without realising it.
So basically OP, you're either telling lies, or you actually test drove the new 0.75 series without realising it.
I should have gone for a Mini.
As others have posted, I'm a smidge under six foot with long arms and legs but have no issues. Seat goes further back than I need and I "could" sit behind myself.
SWMBO likes the seat jacked right up but I drop it a couple of notches when she isn't looking. Seat base "rocks" as well as up/down so I would be suprised if most could not get comfy.
Not found the sweet spot for long drive yet but only had it 2 weeks. Rear and boot space compromised compared to FWD but comes with the territory
SWMBO likes the seat jacked right up but I drop it a couple of notches when she isn't looking. Seat base "rocks" as well as up/down so I would be suprised if most could not get comfy.
Not found the sweet spot for long drive yet but only had it 2 weeks. Rear and boot space compromised compared to FWD but comes with the territory
funkyrobot said:
It isn't that small.
From the outside, you would expect a K11 to have less room.
Sorry, did I criticise a German make? Definite PH no-no.
Others don't appear to be struggling, it's the smallest ICE that BMW make, as I said what did you expect, room for a drinks cabinet? From the outside, you would expect a K11 to have less room.
Sorry, did I criticise a German make? Definite PH no-no.
Tomorrow on PH midget drives a Range Rover and declares;
'Range Rovers, don't they cater for midgets'
funkyrobot said:
yonex said:
funkyrobot said:
Finally sat in one of these today. Found it to be terribly small. Steering wheel was rubbing the top of my thighs! Seat doesn't go back very far either.
Are these cars only designed for small people? My friend has a Micra k11 with much more legroom and space.
It's not a big car. Why the surprise? Are these cars only designed for small people? My friend has a Micra k11 with much more legroom and space.
From the outside, you would expect a K11 to have less room.
Sorry, did I criticise a German make? Definite PH no-no.
As others say, I'm 6' 2" and fit in my 118d no problem. Steering wheel not at highest or furthest out from dash setting. Seat isn't fully back or on lowest setting. First time I've found a small hatchback I fit in without any issue. The sports seats are nice and comfy which is great. I tried an Abarth 595 with sports seat and even on lowest seat setting and highest wheel setting, the stearing wheel brushed my legs.
They are BMWs entry level/smallest car in the lineup so I'd expect minimal space tbh.
I've owned 135i (the first gen coupe) and at 6'2" I have enough room but found the seats too narrow - the side bolsters pinched my back and I could never really get comfy.
Lady trumpton owned an X1 for 3 years and although more roomy, still had the same s
t seats
I've owned 135i (the first gen coupe) and at 6'2" I have enough room but found the seats too narrow - the side bolsters pinched my back and I could never really get comfy.
Lady trumpton owned an X1 for 3 years and although more roomy, still had the same s
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