what 1 series to buy?

[andrews]

I need a new car and think I want a 1 series coupe - I'm currently in a boxster s but its not exactly fit for the school run and general commute. My yearly mileage is actually quite low (maybe 4,000) but much of it is crawling through bristol traffic with the fuel consumption gauge reading out 10mpg!. Do I go for the 120d, 123d or even a small petrol?.

I still get the occasion to have a blast so I would also like something with a reasonable level of poke!

[rastamanblues]

No point at all getting a diesel with that sort of mileage. Chugging through a town it doesnt really matter what your driving its not going to be that economical.

[jimbooo]

ive had my 135i msport coupe for a month now. cant recommend it enough.
and when you get bored you can tune it to 380ish BHP without spending more than a grand or two.

easily as fast as a boxter but with (almost) 4 seats and a large boot. what more could you ask for.

average MPG is around 22 so not bad especially with that mileage.

Edited by jimbooo on Thursday 7th October 17:31

[Sticks.]

Will you need to use the back seats? Best check them for size if so.

[andrews]

yep, need to get one kid in the back..

[fredd1e]

I hsve a 123d Coupe M-sport, engine is probably the best 4 pot diesel out there but its not a straight six. For low mileage use look at the 135i and if you can hang on and afford it wait for the M1. Rear space is pretty good if the seats arent fully back/dropped. The dervs M-Sport Suspension is a little unresolved (underdamped and undersprung IMHO) over bumpy northern roads so may be a dissapointment compared to the porker.

[mekondelta]

These are cosy cars. More of a 2+2 really, expect more and be disappointed..

Anything from a 120d+ or 120i+ will be nice to drive. We drive a 118i and love it. If you're buying used, make sure you get some toys with them. Check the options list. There are some desirable items and some others which should be standard (cup holders!)

[LordGrover]

Have you been in one yet? I fancied the idea of one of the cooking 135s but the interior left me cold.

[andrews]

Haven't been in one yet, looked at a nicely spec'd 3 series coupe but its actually a big car and hence looked at the 1 series. Maybe I should look at a TT.....

[Sticks.]

andrews said:

Haven't been in one yet, looked at a nicely spec'd 3 series coupe but its actually a big car and hence looked at the 1 series. Maybe I should look at a TT.....

When I bought my 120d I wished I'd just taken time to see what 3 Seried I could get for the same money. On paper the 120 seemed the ideal mix of practicality and enjoyment, partly because the 3 was big, but in practice I hated mine. The TT is def a 2+2 with a max height of 4'6" in the back iirc. I'm 5'11" and there's no leg room at all behind my seat - maybe 2-3". I did get a fridge freezer in the back though (ok a small one) as the seats fold flat etc. Btw (anorak mode) 3 Series Coupe is slightly narrower than the TT, though about 1' longer.

[edition]

I've just bought a 130i and think it's great!!

Was questioning wether I was doing the right thing but so glad I went with it!!