2007/2008 118i- buying advice

[sparks_E46]

My sister in law has got her eyes on a 57 plate 118i with 70k on it, circa £3k. I don't know much at all about that generation of 1 series. Are there any major issues to look out for with these? It's a manual, and seems pretty tidy.

Cheers!

[mekondelta]

I wouldn't if I were you. We had one for 9 years. Very slow and while that's not important to everyone it wasn't particularly refined otherwise. The engine is quiet but the flywheel is very heavy meaning you have to wait a long time between gear changes and it's hard to get right. Coils were replaced a few times and I think BMW finally started making some that worked. Ours had 70k (&fbmwsh!) when we sold it last month and I don't feel the engine would have lasted much longer.

If you're set on a 1-series a 118d is much better. A 120d is perfect for the car.

[sparks_E46]

Thank you, as mentioned I wouldn’t consider one, it’s for my sister in law. Doesn’t sound too promising though!

[iSore]

Avoid like the plague. These have the N43 engine that is a complete disaster. Coils, injectors, high pressure fuel pumps, timing chain/guides, oil pressure control valve, oil leaks, Vanos units, NoX sensor. Everything can go wrong, all of it expensive.

Just don't go there. The bills these can generate are impressive. A 118d is superior in every way.