BMW 1 series diary
Discussion
As a long time fan of BMW I’ve owned a fair few over the years. More recently though, a change of employment has meant my buying something from this century, as it just wouldn’t be right to inflict daily duties and a Cornish winter on my ‘72 1602! Added to which the 02 is still in the workshop being fitted with a 1.9 twin cam on throttle bodies and standalone management!
So, as I need a hatchback that’s reliable and gives reasonable MPG, I opted for an old 1 series. It’s a nice enough car and I actually like the minimalist interior, but it just looks a bit...Bland?
What I’m thinking is it needs the suspension sorting and some decent alloys? Maybe Compomotive TH or some 5 spokes?
Also being a diesel, am I right in thinking a remap could up performance? Although it’s styling and handling I’m most concerned with. I’m sure there’s a good looking car in their somewhere?! Suggestions welcome.
Meanwhile, I’m looking forward to collecting on Friday.
So, as I need a hatchback that’s reliable and gives reasonable MPG, I opted for an old 1 series. It’s a nice enough car and I actually like the minimalist interior, but it just looks a bit...Bland?
What I’m thinking is it needs the suspension sorting and some decent alloys? Maybe Compomotive TH or some 5 spokes?
Also being a diesel, am I right in thinking a remap could up performance? Although it’s styling and handling I’m most concerned with. I’m sure there’s a good looking car in their somewhere?! Suggestions welcome.
Meanwhile, I’m looking forward to collecting on Friday.
I had a diesel 1 Series for over 6 years some time age for the same reasons you are buying one, albeit a 57 plate E87 123d.
I really liked it, but not enough to start spending money on mods!
Once business use was no longer going to happen I discovered straight 6 petrol BMWs and have had 5 so far - now they might tempt me to consider modifications.
As for mapping, why not - but what can be done might depend which model you are buying.
But finding one with a sunroof is a real bonus, and I think the interior looks good.
Maybe run it as it is for a while before you think about any changes so you can work out what most needs attention - but I wouldn't go too mad when it sounds like money would be better spent on your "02".
I really liked it, but not enough to start spending money on mods!
Once business use was no longer going to happen I discovered straight 6 petrol BMWs and have had 5 so far - now they might tempt me to consider modifications.
As for mapping, why not - but what can be done might depend which model you are buying.
But finding one with a sunroof is a real bonus, and I think the interior looks good.
Maybe run it as it is for a while before you think about any changes so you can work out what most needs attention - but I wouldn't go too mad when it sounds like money would be better spent on your "02".
Thanks for the comments guys. 
Any mods will be strictly bargain basement as my 02 has become almost as much of a cash bonfire as my E30 M3 was. Almost. I've been offered a set of new lowering springs for £40, so am thinking those and a remap will do for now. ARM BMW, who are helping me with the 02, have quoted £200 and it'll give another 50bhp and 70ft/lbs of torque. I think that's a pretty significant gain for the money. I do like anthracite wheels on a white car so that's another thing I may do eventually?
Right now though, I am shopping around for insurance and the only quote so far is from BMW Car Insurance at £373.76 which doesn't seem too spiteful. Car is supposed to be ready for collection tomorrow and is currently in for pre delivery service and inspection, along with MOT. I've been running a 2019 base model petrol example for the past few months, so it'll be interesting to see how they compare.
Any mods will be strictly bargain basement as my 02 has become almost as much of a cash bonfire as my E30 M3 was. Almost. I've been offered a set of new lowering springs for £40, so am thinking those and a remap will do for now. ARM BMW, who are helping me with the 02, have quoted £200 and it'll give another 50bhp and 70ft/lbs of torque. I think that's a pretty significant gain for the money. I do like anthracite wheels on a white car so that's another thing I may do eventually?
Right now though, I am shopping around for insurance and the only quote so far is from BMW Car Insurance at £373.76 which doesn't seem too spiteful. Car is supposed to be ready for collection tomorrow and is currently in for pre delivery service and inspection, along with MOT. I've been running a 2019 base model petrol example for the past few months, so it'll be interesting to see how they compare.
The general ride can be a bit harsh; it's worth investing in some good dampers to better control the vehicle.
I think there are some mods to make the feel of the gearshift better as well. It'll likely have a clutch return delay valve on it, which might hamper quick shifts, so you could have that removed and then you can have some fun heel-toe.
I think there are some mods to make the feel of the gearshift better as well. It'll likely have a clutch return delay valve on it, which might hamper quick shifts, so you could have that removed and then you can have some fun heel-toe.
1602Mark said:
Thanks for the comments guys.
Any mods will be strictly bargain basement as my 02 has become almost as much of a cash bonfire as my E30 M3 was. Almost. I've been offered a set of new lowering springs for £40, so am thinking those and a remap will do for now. ARM BMW, who are helping me with the 02, have quoted £200 and it'll give another 50bhp and 70ft/lbs of torque. I think that's a pretty significant gain for the money. I do like anthracite wheels on a white car so that's another thing I may do eventually?
Right now though, I am shopping around for insurance and the only quote so far is from BMW Car Insurance at £373.76 which doesn't seem too spiteful. Car is supposed to be ready for collection tomorrow and is currently in for pre delivery service and inspection, along with MOT. I've been running a 2019 base model petrol example for the past few months, so it'll be interesting to see how they compare.
BMW insurance are really competitive but are not mod friendly unless an M Performance part fitted by a dealer. They were the most competitive for my M140 but wouldn’t cover me because I’ve fitted sone stuff myself (like the M Performance spoiler which is stuck on with tape).Any mods will be strictly bargain basement as my 02 has become almost as much of a cash bonfire as my E30 M3 was. Almost. I've been offered a set of new lowering springs for £40, so am thinking those and a remap will do for now. ARM BMW, who are helping me with the 02, have quoted £200 and it'll give another 50bhp and 70ft/lbs of torque. I think that's a pretty significant gain for the money. I do like anthracite wheels on a white car so that's another thing I may do eventually?
Right now though, I am shopping around for insurance and the only quote so far is from BMW Car Insurance at £373.76 which doesn't seem too spiteful. Car is supposed to be ready for collection tomorrow and is currently in for pre delivery service and inspection, along with MOT. I've been running a 2019 base model petrol example for the past few months, so it'll be interesting to see how they compare.
1602Mark said:
What I’m thinking is it needs the suspension sorting...
I'd suggest living with it first & see what you think. I find the steering a weak point, as in directional stability, but it's better in Sport mode.1602Mark said:
Also being a diesel, am I right in thinking a remap could up performance? Although it’s styling and handling I’m most concerned with. I’m sure there’s a good looking car in their somewhere?!
£200 and the world is your oyster! Just check & double check that the tuner has the ability & know-how to remap via the OBD2 port. Until not long ago the ECU had to be removed / opened, but that's no longer the case.1602Mark said:
Meanwhile, I’m looking forward to collecting on Friday.
I assume it'll have a fresh MOT by then - it's currently not MOT'd. The MOT history for this car is ok, usual tyre damage but nothing else.On the plus side, the EGR cooler recall isn't showing against that plate, so that's good.
Edited by BFleming on Friday 4th October 09:53
Nice.
My F20 owning experience has been ok. I added cruise control to mine, as it came with only the stupid limiter feature - easy job. I also added rear parking sensors as mine came without, again not too bad.
The main expenditure on my petrol N13B16 was a timing chain at 66,000 miles. I've not had to do that on either of my N47 diesels, despite internet hype saying the sky is falling & the chain will break.
Otherwise clogged washer jets are common, and an easy fix (it's the bottom of the tank that clogs, so you remove a hose & blow back into the system - job done).
I also had a spontaneously cracked iDrive screen. The later variants are glass-to-edge, so that was easily sorted out with a secondhand unit.
I see you have a sunroof. Rare option, but a great one to have.
My F20 owning experience has been ok. I added cruise control to mine, as it came with only the stupid limiter feature - easy job. I also added rear parking sensors as mine came without, again not too bad.
The main expenditure on my petrol N13B16 was a timing chain at 66,000 miles. I've not had to do that on either of my N47 diesels, despite internet hype saying the sky is falling & the chain will break.
Otherwise clogged washer jets are common, and an easy fix (it's the bottom of the tank that clogs, so you remove a hose & blow back into the system - job done).
I also had a spontaneously cracked iDrive screen. The later variants are glass-to-edge, so that was easily sorted out with a secondhand unit.
I see you have a sunroof. Rare option, but a great one to have.
Unfortunately not. 
Basically I'm buying what is an ex fleet car and it turns out this one was just as example of their stock. On hearing that I actually walked away from the deal but as white 1 series aren't exactly rare, I found myself another. It's higher mileage, although you'd never know from the condition, plus considerably cheaper!
I've only done about 4 miles in it so far but it drives really well and certainly quicker off the mark that the base model petrol version I've been running till now. I just need to swap in the dog guard and rubber boot mat. Unfortunately I also need to buy floor mats as the original ones have gone. I may get rubber ones as with autumn, dogs and beach walks, they'll get quite a hard life.
I must admit I like the 1 series way more than I ever imagined I would. They feel pretty good through the Cornish lanes and even motorway miles are perfectly relaxing. I've heard some folk say the ride is a bit hard and crashy but it feels pretty good to me. Mind you, I like a firm ride. I'll take some pics once the housework is finished. Mrs 1602 is heading home from a week in the sun with her friend and it was my mission to use every bit of crockery we own!
Basically I'm buying what is an ex fleet car and it turns out this one was just as example of their stock. On hearing that I actually walked away from the deal but as white 1 series aren't exactly rare, I found myself another. It's higher mileage, although you'd never know from the condition, plus considerably cheaper! I've only done about 4 miles in it so far but it drives really well and certainly quicker off the mark that the base model petrol version I've been running till now. I just need to swap in the dog guard and rubber boot mat. Unfortunately I also need to buy floor mats as the original ones have gone. I may get rubber ones as with autumn, dogs and beach walks, they'll get quite a hard life.
I must admit I like the 1 series way more than I ever imagined I would. They feel pretty good through the Cornish lanes and even motorway miles are perfectly relaxing. I've heard some folk say the ride is a bit hard and crashy but it feels pretty good to me. Mind you, I like a firm ride. I'll take some pics once the housework is finished. Mrs 1602 is heading home from a week in the sun with her friend and it was my mission to use every bit of crockery we own!
Well my Mrs took over the white 116d and as it was just about ideal for our needs I opted to get another. Mine is a 2013 116d with the sport trim and Imola red paint, which isn't quite so common as the white down here. Or so I thought anyway. The first morning I took it to work I pulled up behind 2 identical red 1 series at the roundabout joining the A30!
The only thing the new car is lacking is Bluetooth for music. It's there for the phone so it seems daft that the stereo relies on an aux lead input. I bought a cheap eBay adaptor for a tenner though, so all is well. It probably isn't the greatest sound quality but I only really wanted it for podcasts and the like. This car also has AC, which is a bonus and the interior is a pretty nice place to be. I've never been one for having lots of buttons and things so BMW's basic interior styling suits me. The sport seats are pretty firm and supportive although it's lucky I'm losing weight as they're not overly wide. The one change I do plan on making is the steering wheel though. I hate the feel of cheap plastic so am going to go with something in suede or alcantara eventually.
As I have dogs the hatchback is idea. That said, I don't want the interior to get skanky from wet dog hairs etc and opted to get a genuine BMW guard. It was a bargain buy at £20 used and it's a doddle to fit. I also bought a proper fitted liner for the boot space that covers every inch of interior boot trim. It's vinyl and strong enough to withstand regular use. It also has a bit that covers the top of the rear bumper and protects it when the dogs get in and out. It wasn't cheap (£70 used) but it's much better than just having a couple of old blankets.
I'm not really a fan of diesel but averaging 48mpg has swayed me. I've also mapped the ecu and instead of having 117bhp and 220 ft/lbs of torque, it now has 191bhp and 333 ft/lbs of torque! 3rd gear overtakes take far less time than they did and mpg has remained much the same. It's no M3 but it's still pretty good fun around the lanes of Cornwall. I would like it to sit a bit lower than it does though and when the dampers need replacing I intend fitting Bilsteins or similar. It's a daily driver though and it's my 02 I drive for fun.
The only thing the new car is lacking is Bluetooth for music. It's there for the phone so it seems daft that the stereo relies on an aux lead input. I bought a cheap eBay adaptor for a tenner though, so all is well. It probably isn't the greatest sound quality but I only really wanted it for podcasts and the like. This car also has AC, which is a bonus and the interior is a pretty nice place to be. I've never been one for having lots of buttons and things so BMW's basic interior styling suits me. The sport seats are pretty firm and supportive although it's lucky I'm losing weight as they're not overly wide. The one change I do plan on making is the steering wheel though. I hate the feel of cheap plastic so am going to go with something in suede or alcantara eventually.
As I have dogs the hatchback is idea. That said, I don't want the interior to get skanky from wet dog hairs etc and opted to get a genuine BMW guard. It was a bargain buy at £20 used and it's a doddle to fit. I also bought a proper fitted liner for the boot space that covers every inch of interior boot trim. It's vinyl and strong enough to withstand regular use. It also has a bit that covers the top of the rear bumper and protects it when the dogs get in and out. It wasn't cheap (£70 used) but it's much better than just having a couple of old blankets.
I'm not really a fan of diesel but averaging 48mpg has swayed me. I've also mapped the ecu and instead of having 117bhp and 220 ft/lbs of torque, it now has 191bhp and 333 ft/lbs of torque! 3rd gear overtakes take far less time than they did and mpg has remained much the same. It's no M3 but it's still pretty good fun around the lanes of Cornwall. I would like it to sit a bit lower than it does though and when the dampers need replacing I intend fitting Bilsteins or similar. It's a daily driver though and it's my 02 I drive for fun.
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