Used 1-series - it's a minefield... What spec is desirable?
Discussion
Hi... I'm looking for a 1-series diesel. Very flexible on spec, i.e. not fussed whether 3-door or 5-door, can be 118, 120 or 123, etc.
From the cursory research I have done and with a say £12.5k budget I'm not sure whether to go for a later car with efficient dynamics, what colours are best, whether leather is essential, etc.
Happy to go for a full-spec 118d rather than a more spartan 123d but not sure given the plethora of combinations. Resale value is also a consideration.
I started off with a 120d SE 5-door in mind, but as I got further into my research I became less sure about it (e.g. 118d with ED and uprated 2007 engine is also an option). Therefore thought I should ask for some thoughts from PH as well.
Any hints/tips much appreciated, thanks.
Id probably go for an ED 118d over a pre facelift 120d if thats all that comes in under budget, there's not a lot in the performance between an ED 118 and a pre FL 120, and the newer engines (even the 120d and 123d) do seem to be quite a bit more frugal than the earlier ones, although the stop start itself makes very little difference. A 123d would be ideal but you're looking at extremely high mileage private sales to even get close to budget.
As to spec, make sure its at least SE, but M Sport is better visually in most people's eyes (especially pre facelift), and comes with slightly more kit as standard. Be careful over the differences between Sport and M Sport models as they're completely different. There's 1 M Sport model which is top of the range, but in addition to that there's two versions of the Sport, the first was the original sporty 1 series which was superceded by the M Sport around late 2006, the second was bought out in about 2008 that was below SE spec. The first Sport had fairly crap suspension compared to the later M Sport which made it quite crashy on bumpy roads. The SE was better in that respect, as is the firmer M Sport, although none can be described as "plush", especially with runflat tyres still on the rims.
If you do go for an ED 118d, check the log book to make sure it's a 119g/km emissions engine so it qualifies for £30 road tax, as the early facelift ED 118d was something like 121g/km so just put it in the £120 bracket.
HTH
As to spec, make sure its at least SE, but M Sport is better visually in most people's eyes (especially pre facelift), and comes with slightly more kit as standard. Be careful over the differences between Sport and M Sport models as they're completely different. There's 1 M Sport model which is top of the range, but in addition to that there's two versions of the Sport, the first was the original sporty 1 series which was superceded by the M Sport around late 2006, the second was bought out in about 2008 that was below SE spec. The first Sport had fairly crap suspension compared to the later M Sport which made it quite crashy on bumpy roads. The SE was better in that respect, as is the firmer M Sport, although none can be described as "plush", especially with runflat tyres still on the rims.
If you do go for an ED 118d, check the log book to make sure it's a 119g/km emissions engine so it qualifies for £30 road tax, as the early facelift ED 118d was something like 121g/km so just put it in the £120 bracket.
HTH
Edited by LocoBlade on Thursday 16th September 23:25
Mnonsense all the way.
Wife has a nice 120d Msport with 18's. She has had a few loaner 1 series due to her 116d Msport being a lemon and you really do miss the Msport touches especially the steering wheel and suspension.
Also 120d economy is very good. 50+ on a semi rural run with some motorway driving.
I really love that car of hers, it's a cracker.
Try and pick one with Xenons. Not only is the light better but they look much better.
Wife has a nice 120d Msport with 18's. She has had a few loaner 1 series due to her 116d Msport being a lemon and you really do miss the Msport touches especially the steering wheel and suspension.
Also 120d economy is very good. 50+ on a semi rural run with some motorway driving.
I really love that car of hers, it's a cracker.
Try and pick one with Xenons. Not only is the light better but they look much better.
We have an 118SE but's it an ex-demo car and has the sport seats, wheels and suspension from the MSport model so don't rule out SE's.
Go for one with the comfort pack otherwise you won't get any cup holders IIRC!
I love the auto-dimming rear view mirror and the electric wing mirrors as well.
Actually, I LOVE that car but wish it was a 130! Must but myself that 330i at some point! :-)
Go for one with the comfort pack otherwise you won't get any cup holders IIRC!
I love the auto-dimming rear view mirror and the electric wing mirrors as well.
Actually, I LOVE that car but wish it was a 130! Must but myself that 330i at some point! :-)
mekondelta said:
We have an 118SE but's it an ex-demo car and has the sport seats, wheels and suspension from the MSport model so don't rule out SE's.
Yup, SE Dynamics had the M Sport suspension and seats, the 5 spoke wheels are different though, but IMHO they're nicer than the stock 17" multispoke M Sport wheels, and a lot easier to clean Id imagine!Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff