1 series, SE vs Sport vs M-Sport?

[5678]

Off to find a car for my Dad at the weekend so would like some help clarifying the differences between the 3 trim levels other than the obvious front and rear bumper differences.

I've had a look on BMW.co.uk but cannot find a direct comparison.

[5678]

Ta.

Shows how well I looked on bmw.co.uk though, I've since found this: http://bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/carcomparator/0,,1156_14873...

There are 4 trim levels it seems, ES/Sport/SE/M-Sport which exist in that order too. It's going to be between an SE and M-Sport.

[5678]

I'm getting him to drive an SE and M-Sport this weekend. He wants the seats from the M-sport but doesn't necessarily want a "sporty" ride now-a-days.
If the M-Sport isn't too firm then I think that's what he will go for.

[5678]

snorkel sucker said:

5678 said:

I'm getting him to drive an SE and M-Sport this weekend. He wants the seats from the M-sport but doesn't necessarily want a "sporty" ride now-a-days.
If the M-Sport isn't too firm then I think that's what he will go for.

ditching the run flats on an m sport car improves the ride somewhat, but there is an ongoing debate about whether this invalidates ones warranty/insurance

I'm aware of the debate, personally I think its a load of BS.

[5678]

LocoBlade said:

To the OP, there has been 4 main specs over the years (S, SE, Sport and M Sport), but confusingly there's 2 different "Sport" models depending on year. The original Sport was the predecessor to the M Sport that came out at launch in 2004, similar to SE spec, no exterior bodywork differences (apart from wheels perhaps) but with harder, lower (and not very good) suspension and different seats IIRC. The M Sport then arrived with its bodykit and with better suspension but there was an overlap in ~2006 where both the Sport and the M Sport were sold alongside each other, as well as the S and SE. The Sport was then dropped until roughly late 2008 when it was reintroduced as a lower spec model that seemed to sit between the S and the SE spec wise, but with a few sporty bits. I think that model had standard SE spec suspension but I might be wrong.

There's also the SE Dynamic to look out for which is a facelifted SE spec car but with M Sport suspension and sports seats.

Edited by LocoBlade on Friday 15th October 13:26

Thanks for that

[5678]

M-Sport it is in the end. The ride was firm but not crashy and those seats are superb.

[5678]

Hasn't yet. Looks like it will be a 118d though. He likes his Golfs so wants to try a 2.0Tdi and a 1.4TSI before buying anything.

[5678]

Thanks, but he wants a 5-door.

[5678]

I had my Dad set the drivers seat as he would have it (I'd guess he is about 5'9"?) and I (@ 6'1") could sit behind him OK. Not sure I'd be up for hours in there but it was fine. The most he will be planning to carry is my Mum and himself, plus their parents or a baby seat when they have the Grandchild with them. It's more than big enough for that.

Any potential purchase will get the fine tooth comb before anything is signed. Most cars we looked at were running Bridgestone tyres too?