BMW 1 Series - SE or M Sport?

[Vpac1k]

Hi all, my first post on here and I'm currently looking at a 1 series.

I've seen two cars that I'm interested in.. one is a 2012 SE Model, diesel, has some nice extra features like reverse camera etc but normal seats and is much more affordable. I've test driven it and it was a really smooth comfy drive and I really like the car.

The other is a 2014 M Sport with some plush leather seats and obviously much more pricey but not test driven as it's quite far away.

Are there any big difference between an SE and M-Sport? The SE is more in my budget and I'm going to have the push the boat for the M-Sport, and just want to know if it's worth the extra cost?

[edd344]

M sport has performance suspension and xenons, if you're worried about cost then stick with the SE theres really not much difference (in my opinion)

[SteBrown91]

edd344 said:

M sport has performance suspension and xenons, if you're worried about cost then stick with the SE theres really not much difference (in my opinion)

M sport won’t have xenons necessarily

M sport will have the following over an SE:
Sports seats (better)
Bigger wheels (looks better but rides worse)
Lowered suspension (looks better but rides worse)
M sport body kit (better)

Now it then comes down to what options the SE has that the M sport hasn’t got ticked.

Basically it’s down to personal taste

[bracken78]

Look for a ‘sport’ as it’s a mix between and SE and an M-Sport. It looks like an SE has better seats (basically M-Sport seats with cloth). It does have a firm ride than an SE.

[va1o]

If you can afford the M-Sport then I'd go for that. It's by far the best trim level offered on the F20 generation 1 series. Lots of nice little touches like the better seats, nicer steering wheel and sharper looking body kit. Particularly good when combined with the Xenon headlights and leather seats to complete the package, makes it feel a proper junior exec car.

SE just feels a bit basic and looks underwhelming. Sport is better but apart from different alloys isn't a big improvement.

[cerb4.5lee]

If you like a comfortable ride go for the SE...if you don't like a comfortable ride go for the M Sport. That's the way I sum it up.

[silent ninja]

SE models don't look like BMWs...sort of old school without the M sport kit. I would only get M Sport - holds value better too

[Mr Tidy]

I had an E87 123d SE Dynamic, which was basically an SE but with the M-Sport seats and suspension (lower and stiffer) but the SE wheels - I found that a great combination.

It sounds like the F20 Sport has that sort of spec so is probably what I would look for - just to get the M-Sport seats.

But if you found the SE seats comfortable and are likely to be using it more for commuting or motorway miles the SE may suit you better. Just bear in mind it may be less desirable when you come to sell.

[edd344]

SteBrown91 said:

M sport won’t have xenons necessarily

M sport will have the following over an SE:
Sports seats (better)
Bigger wheels (looks better but rides worse)
Lowered suspension (looks better but rides worse)
M sport body kit (better)

Now it then comes down to what options the SE has that the M sport hasn’t got ticked.

Basically it’s down to personal taste

I've not seen a new shape M sport without Xenons but that must just be chance. In my opinion the diamond cuts that come with the SE are nicer than the Msport alloys again down to opinion. The body kit is definitely nicer, grilles are much more aggressive. Msport steering wheel is also much nicer...

[Vpac1k]

Thanks for all the comments guys. I'm getting the general jist that I need to test drive the M Sport before I make a purchase so I can compare the comfort of each. Also the sports seats have been mentioned are those really that much better?

va1o said:

If you can afford the M-Sport then I'd go for that. It's by far the best trim level offered on the F20 generation 1 series. Lots of nice little touches like the better seats, nicer steering wheel and sharper looking body kit. Particularly good when combined with the Xenon headlights and leather seats to complete the package, makes it feel a proper junior exec car.

SE just feels a bit basic and looks underwhelming. Sport is better but apart from different alloys isn't a big improvement.

I definitely know what you mean - put the SE and M Sport side by side and everyone would choose M sport but I'm looking at the cost as well. The SE does have some nice features like I said, reverse camera, heated suits (but no leather obviously), better colour (the M Sport I'm eyeing up is black which I'm not a fan of on BMW's tbh).

cerb4.5lee said:

If you like a comfortable ride go for the SE...if you don't like a comfortable ride go for the M Sport. That's the way I sum it up.

Is the M Sport really that bad in comparison to the SE for comfort? I won't be driving it a lot as my workplace isn't too far (less than 15mins) so it will be mainly weekends but I'm thinking I need to test drive the MSport as it's got me curious how much different it will feel on the road.

silent ninja said:

SE models don't look like BMWs...sort of old school without the M sport kit. I would only get M Sport - holds value better too

Yeah true doesn't look as good but the M Sport is going to cost me more initially anyway. The SE is about £4k less than the MSport I'm looking at so although it won't hold it's value it's not costing me as much so doesn't that sort of even things out?

Mr Tidy said:

I had an E87 123d SE Dynamic, which was basically an SE but with the M-Sport seats and suspension (lower and stiffer) but the SE wheels - I found that a great combination.

It sounds like the F20 Sport has that sort of spec so is probably what I would look for - just to get the M-Sport seats.

But if you found the SE seats comfortable and are likely to be using it more for commuting or motorway miles the SE may suit you better. Just bear in mind it may be less desirable when you come to sell.

I've seen the normal 'Sport' models but the price falls inbetween the SE and M sport and not sure it's justifiable. I'd rather spend a bit more and get the M Sport or save my money and get the SE but thanks for the idea.

[cerb4.5lee]

Vpac1k said:

cerb4.5lee said:

If you like a comfortable ride go for the SE...if you don't like a comfortable ride go for the M Sport. That's the way I sum it up.

Is the M Sport really that bad in comparison to the SE for comfort? I won't be driving it a lot as my workplace isn't too far (less than 15mins) so it will be mainly weekends but I'm thinking I need to test drive the MSport as it's got me curious how much different it will feel on the road.

In fairness on smooth roads the M sport is fine, its when you hit a pot hole or go over broken roads then the ride is really harsh/unforgiving.

[Jim AK]

If the Sport has runflat tyres it will be a lot harder riding. Id definitely drive it 1st as the difference is immense imo & would steer me to the SE.

[iSore]

There's also a Sport model, a halfway house. These don't ride as firmly as the M Sport and have much better seats than the SE. Shame they're so bloody ugly. That early F20 front end is a crime.

[cerb4.5lee]

iSore said:

That early F20 front end is a crime.

[Vpac1k]

Jim AK said:

If the Sport has runflat tyres it will be a lot harder riding. Id definitely drive it 1st as the difference is immense imo & would steer me to the SE.

How would I know if they are runflats? the SE is from a dealer so I'm hoping they will be straight forward but the M Sport is a private seller.

[Jim AK]

Vpac1k said:

How would I know if they are runflats? the SE is from a dealer so I'm hoping they will be straight forward but the M Sport is a private seller.

Tyres will have RFT on the sidewalls if they’re runflats.

Not sure if RFT equipped cars had an air compressor in the boot, non RFT cars have a compressor & a bottle of gloop to pump into a punctured tyre.

Some owners did have a spare wheel, usually space saver, or if you’re lucky a full size wheel.

Think I’m right to say the gloop has a use by date & if car has a wheel in the boot, make sure there’s a jack & wheelbrace too.

[DailyHack]

M Sport looks better it the 1 series PERIOD! - SE you can get away with on a 3 series or 5 series only!

Just get a 3 series, overall a better more comfortable car in any spec, feels more accomplished, wouldn't go back to a 1 series now.

I don't really like the M sport body kit if I am going to be honest anyway, too common (obviously because people like the aggressive looks) but SE is a lot more subtle and classy, wouldn't class an M-sport as classy/timeless.

If you want the best of both, get an SE and swap the seats (the seats are great), very easy retrofit also.