1 series buying advice

[madmover]

Hi all I did already put a post up this morning but I can't seem to view it the title has changed to (1) And you can't click on it to view at all - strange!?! So sorry admin if this appears twice!

Due to a change in health which was unforeseen I'm no longer physically able to have a low car as a daily as the only way of getting jn and out is on my hands and knees. I was considering a range rover then it has been brought to my attention how 'cheap' 118d and 120d's can be picked up for with around 60-80k on the clock - half what I was going to spend on a range rover thus i was hoping for some buying advice on the following?
 
Servicing costs
Anything to look out for specifically aside the usual second hand car bits and pieces
Peoples experience with regards to having one which has covered 80'000 miles and potential service items which will arise sub 120000 which are notably expensive
And peoples views on a 118d sport compared with a 120d sport - insurance is considerably more for the 120d and I'm failing to see the benefits/justification as a simple remap on a 118d I'm lead to believe will take it to a nippy 160bhp with epic mpg? Although the 120 would go to 202bhp which is tempting!
And anything else you guys feel is relevant?!

All in all they appear great value for money and pretty solid cars, I hope these thoughts are shared as I would love to have one :/ I'm looking at a 5dr as I can't justify spending the extra cash to have a 3 door and can't afford a coupe at present :-( 

Thanks in advance!

[bikealarmblair]

They drive great, but have a habit of eating steering columns & traction control units.....

[Bebee]

My sis bought a 56 plate M sport, she loves it, nice motor, she drove a standard 118d but thought the M was way better.

[grayr]

Great car but vary greatly depending on model/engine/spec
Check out babybmw.net

[eztiger]

It would be worth going to look at one if you're thinking of going for the m-sport trim. They're still a bit lower than a 'normal' car, enough so my grandparents find it hard getting in and out as a result.

[madmover]

Ruled out msport because of insurance purposes, looking at a 118d sport with just about every extra you can think of and leather at present - what's the servicing like on them? As for ride Hight i should manage fine sat in one before and it's much higher than my TT (lowered by 90mm) and the Mx5 :-)

Thanks all!

[Sticks.]

Not sure what your health issues are but I found the ride of the TT more comfortable than my old 120D M Sport. I'd consider the electric seats a must have too - for the smaller adjustments as well as the memory function.

FWIW my 120 had plently of quality issues, trim mainly, and, mush as I love BMWs, I wish I'd looked at what else I could've got for the money.

[tim2100]

[StottyZr]

How much does the insurance rise between a 118d and a 120d?

Surely the depreciation of the car will far outweigh the difference in insurance cost. I would expect an extra £100p.a (depending on circumstances) which IMO is worth the extra grunt. Also, try running a quote for a remapped 118d, apparently insurance companies aren't a fan of remapped cars.

[madmover]

havent done a quote on a standard 118d only a remapped one vs a standard 120 and the difference is £900 im 18 still) so to me ive made the decision after much shopping around that if i go for the 1 series then it will be a 118d. thanks for all your advice guys!

[JNW1]

Sticks. said:

Not sure what your health issues are but I found the ride of the TT more comfortable than my old 120D M Sport. I'd consider the electric seats a must have too - for the smaller adjustments as well as the memory function.

FWIW my 120 had plently of quality issues, trim mainly, and, mush as I love BMWs, I wish I'd looked at what else I could've got for the money.

I'd agree with your last sentiment as I bought a 123d as a daily driver back in June and really wish I hadn't! Indifferent build quality and an awful ride are my main complaints and, while I daresay a move away from run-flats would help the latter, I feel it would be throwing good money after bad and I'm more inclined to put it all down to experience and get rid. A friend of mine has the new shape Astra and frankly the interior in that feels far better screwed together than my 1-series while the ride quality is vastly superior. The only bit of my car I'd rate is the engine which is pokey and pretty smooth for a 4-pot diesel; sadly, though, BMW have given the 123d relatively low gearing so unless you drive like a granny you'll never see anything approaching the claimed mpg figure. If I was buying again at this size of car - and leaving aside more niche models like the 130i, 135i and 1M - I'd be more inclined to look at something like a Golf, Astra or Focus to be honest....

Edited by JNW1 on Friday 2nd December 14:18