The Sport pretty much is the standard version - it's just a trim level. It even looks like a standard 1 Series, as Sport isn't the trim level on the 1 Series that has the bodykit and big wheels etc, thats the M Sport.

Whats your budget?

Thanks fellas,

My budget will be max of £6000 im looking to get one which is under 100,000 miles as my insurance will be pretty high because I am going to be on my own name from now on rather than on my dad's seeing as im working full time etc,

How much do the tyres cost on average to replace?
Generally speaking have your 1 series been reliable in terms of mechanical problems?
I guess im a little apprehensive about having problems with the car or buying one which is problem ridden, because my focus ran so well for several years

I have been told to avoid trade sellers and go for a private seller who can provide full service history, MOT etc.

I was consdering going for the three series M sport which my brother has, but I more of a hatch back person.

I think I'd buy something else if I had less than £6k to spend. It isn't going to get you a particularly great 1 Series.

£6k is probably a bit light to get a decent 1 series. I am selling my 118d (immaculate, FSH, 5dr) and even at 85k the going rate is around £7k. I do however think they are a cut above Focus's etc in terms of handling and I only pay £30 road tax and get 50mpg which is decent given it puts out 143bhp.

The one thing I would check if you are buying a 1 series with a N47 engine is the timing chain, especially around the 08 year. A batch of faulty camshafts with cranks that were too sharp have led to failure of chains. As the chain is at the back its an engine out job if you need to replace it - an early indication is a "swooshing" noise around 1500rpm (this is well documented over at babybmw and there is also a PUMA case open for it). I would consider a BMW drivetrain warranty (circa £275 a year) to give peace of mind.

The other issue is the original clutch design can cause judder (and in my case a less than smooth gearchange) - I recently had mine replaced under extended warranty with a redesigned clutch which is many, many times better (again, loads of info about this over at babybmw).

I am helping a friend to sell their 1 series. There are plenty for sale in the classifieds and the market is very slow, so haggle hard and you may bag yourself a decent car for your budget. As an example, the top trade bid I have received for my friends 09', 09 118d SE 5dr in metallic black with a full BMW SH (recent service), 12mths MOT, 58,000 miles was 8k. The BMW dealer offered 7,750.

intresting thanks for the advice fellas, will take it on board.

What do you guys think about buying from traders? I have heard horror stories about buying a car from them?

I know private BMW sellers can be dodgey too, but they are less likely to have contacts in the motor trade who can pass of MOT's etc

What is your basis for this claim? I can't imagine its true, especially as the 118d isn't any more economical than the 118d either. It's not as if it's a V8 and the 118d is the sensible diesel of the range is it?

I'd say it was the more accurate of iSore's statements. Given that the vast majority of the 118d/120d must have been sold new as company cars, I can well believe more of the (marginally but crucially cheaper) 118d were sold.

To the OP - bear in mind the M47 engine was replaced by the N47 in 2007 which was more powerful and economical in both 118d and 120d forms.

It means I read his post wrong. Ahem.

Mind you I'd still like to know why he doesn't think they're "very nice".

Being a BMW salesman when these were current. The 120d was okay but the 118d was fast enough for the majority of buyers and it outsold it around 3 to 1. Look on the AUC website and I would imagine the 118d's outnumber the 120d by a hefty margin. The 118d is better on fuel - I could easily get 5 mpg more, and the 118d is not slow with the 143 bhp version being quite nippy. They were also a bit cheaper to buy with the ES model being the most popular. I trust that answers your question.