Discussion
Here is my 2017 S1.
I have been looking at small hatchbacks (Fiesta ST, Mini) and some larger ones (i30N, Civic Type-R) and excited thoughts of the Nurburgring-honed Honda sitting on the drive were about to come to fruition. And then I saw an S1 on Readers Cars a couple of weeks ago and thought this is what I actually want. I liked the idea of a nimble hatch with some rearward drive and well this pretty much fits the bill. My last Quattro was an A3 3.2 which handled like a transit van with a pile of bricks over the bonnet (VR6 upfront) but the Quattro credentials made it a quirky companion; so in theory the S1 would be a lighter and more balanced version of my past blast.
A bit about the car it is replacing, albeit temporarily - my 2012 E92 M3 glistening in the glow of the night (you may even recognise the venue in Guildford).
As the song goes .."Carried away by a moonlight shadow, Sing a song of sorrow and grieving." .. well i have stopped grieving about my E92 M3 which awaits engine replacement (yes, crank bearings) but the MX-5 was getting a bit cramped on the odd trip to shops and weekend duties so something a bit more practical was needed to fill the void.
I haven't had enough time to explore the dynamics of the S1 (or lack of it - if reviews are to be believed) but it feels incredibly torquey coming from a small displacement naturally-aspirated V8 - even if the red line starts just above 6k RPM. A quick browse of the forums for reliability issues didn't set off any alarm bells but rear driveshafts were mentioned a few times. I have considered a Stage One modification to release some more power from the EA888 powerplant but will probably leave it alone to keep it in warranty.
Edited by fido on Saturday 18th May 16:07
Very nice, on my list to test drive when I look to replace my r53 mini later in the year.
Have heard that standard clutches aren’t up to much, with very premature failures reported. Of course you never know if that’s because those particular cars have spent their lives being launched from the lights...
Have heard that standard clutches aren’t up to much, with very premature failures reported. Of course you never know if that’s because those particular cars have spent their lives being launched from the lights...
Nice car. Would be ideal as a family run around but Mrs Survivalist won’t entertain a manual.
Semi O/T - Worrying to see how many M3s are seeing rod bearing failures as they get a bit older. I’m in the market for one at the moment and am considering limiting my search to BMW approved used cars. Either that or get the bearings replaced as soon as I buy the car.
Good luck with the engine replacement. Is it BMW warranty or third party?
Semi O/T - Worrying to see how many M3s are seeing rod bearing failures as they get a bit older. I’m in the market for one at the moment and am considering limiting my search to BMW approved used cars. Either that or get the bearings replaced as soon as I buy the car.
Good luck with the engine replacement. Is it BMW warranty or third party?
survivalist said:
Nice car. Would be ideal as a family run around but Mrs Survivalist won’t entertain a manual.
Shame. The manual is one of the better features of the car - gearchange feels nice even if the throw is a bit long.The boot is quite small - just enough to get my karting stuff in.
My first issue with the car is that it does not always start unless I press the clutch pedal right to the floor. I don't think it's the clutch switch (unless there is more than one) as the annoying stop/start function is working fine.
survivalist said:
Good luck with the engine replacement. Is it BMW warranty or third party?
It's third party but because of the low mileage of the car BMW will contribute - just sorting out the amounts from each at the moment.With hindsight I would just get the bearings changed first and be less bothered with the warranty. The cost of a new engine will make your eyes water.
Great Purchase there! I purchased mines about a month ago now, coming from a Ford KA, absolutely love it! 
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
^Nice backdrop - where was that taken? I hope to take mine on a trip around Oxfordshire this weekend.
Not really an update but the M3 has received a new engine and needs to be run in gently for the next 1200 miles; Jazz has taken care of the utilitarian stuff. Thus the S1 has been a bit neglected in recent weeks - just the occasional trip on a rainy evening. Also the Audi garage has fixed the slightly annoying clutch switch issue on starting.
Not really an update but the M3 has received a new engine and needs to be run in gently for the next 1200 miles; Jazz has taken care of the utilitarian stuff. Thus the S1 has been a bit neglected in recent weeks - just the occasional trip on a rainy evening. Also the Audi garage has fixed the slightly annoying clutch switch issue on starting.
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