Persuade me - 1 series diesel
Discussion
Okay folks, have been seriously considering changing wife's car for a (new/newish) 118d/120d. However, having shortlisted a few makes/models and then started looking on the forums, there seems to have been a lot of issues with 2 litre diesel turbos and clutches (have also read the babybmw.net forum).
It would seem that the clutches might still be a problem (anything to do with the dual mass flywheel?), what about the turbo issue? (aware of the need to let them tickover etc).
Quite liked the car when i had a test-drive, but reading the various entries has got me having second thoughts. Whilst problems might be covered under warranty (clutch??), I tend to keep cars for at least 5/6 years, so inherent problems are a major issue.
What are the views out there?
It would seem that the clutches might still be a problem (anything to do with the dual mass flywheel?), what about the turbo issue? (aware of the need to let them tickover etc).
Quite liked the car when i had a test-drive, but reading the various entries has got me having second thoughts. Whilst problems might be covered under warranty (clutch??), I tend to keep cars for at least 5/6 years, so inherent problems are a major issue.
What are the views out there?
Hated mine, as I've said before, most disappointing car I've had since my 1973 Vauxhall Viva! I'd thought it would be the ideal mix of performance, economy and quality, albeit at a price.
Performance didn't feel as quick as stated, my friend's Goldf felt quicker (and roomier) ecomony was disappointing, trim fell off regularly, price, well, see what else ou can get for your money. For the same price as my 120d at 3 months old I got a similar spec 11 month old TT 3.2 Coupe Quattro. Guess which I like better.
Ok, not what you want but there's a lot of better cars for the money imo.
Performance didn't feel as quick as stated, my friend's Goldf felt quicker (and roomier) ecomony was disappointing, trim fell off regularly, price, well, see what else ou can get for your money. For the same price as my 120d at 3 months old I got a similar spec 11 month old TT 3.2 Coupe Quattro. Guess which I like better.
Ok, not what you want but there's a lot of better cars for the money imo.
I have a 5 door 120d that I bought nearly 3 years ago, I have done just under 60,000 miles in it. Its been absolutely perfect and has not been back for warranty work once.
I rate it so highly I am swapping it this week for a new 120d Coupe.
My better half bought a 118d in 2005, she did 90,000 miles and the only warranty work that had was the rain sensor packed up after a windscreen swap, she swapped it a few months ago for another 118d.
I've had some nice cars but the 1er has been the most reliable, and I find it very rewarding to drive, granted its a diesel, but it gives lots of feedback and its plenty quick enough. Its an ideal motorway cruiser.
Its not a performance car, and the back seats arent roomy, but I find it perfect for me at the moment.
I rate it so highly I am swapping it this week for a new 120d Coupe.
My better half bought a 118d in 2005, she did 90,000 miles and the only warranty work that had was the rain sensor packed up after a windscreen swap, she swapped it a few months ago for another 118d.
I've had some nice cars but the 1er has been the most reliable, and I find it very rewarding to drive, granted its a diesel, but it gives lots of feedback and its plenty quick enough. Its an ideal motorway cruiser.
Its not a performance car, and the back seats arent roomy, but I find it perfect for me at the moment.
You've not mentioned which year you've driven? The facelift models (particularly on the diesels) are much improved, with revised suspension, more power and better economy. The engines are are more refined than the equivalent VAG diesels, although initially feel less powerful as the delivery is much more linear without the all-or-nothing wallop which you get from the VAG engines. The later 118d qualifies for £35 tax iirc..
I personally think the 1 series is the best non M car BMW are making at the moment if you don't need a bigger car.
We had a 120d M-Sport that was mapped to 205bhp for 2 years, longest I have ever kept a car, during that time I also had a 535d sport touring, Audi S4 avant, 335i sport touring and an M3 CSL, and the little 1er only came second to the M3.
We swapped for an E91 320d sport touring and regretted it straight away, hardly a gain in space, not as fun, and just didn't enjoy it anywhere near as much, in the end I swapped the 320d touring for an A6 avant, again a step back in overall package but we needed the space, and bought another SMG M3 to sit along side it.
Now, 18 months later it was time to sell the M3 again, so what did I replace it with?? Well I needed something to rack the miles up in without M running costs and something that was not going to get me pulled over all the time (the E46 M3 was!). I narrowed it down to another 335i or a 130i, in the end the baby BMW won the day, the only reason I would have gone with the 335i is for the image, just seems a little more grown up, but I have got passed all that now and realise that I have to buy a car because I really enjoy it, otherwise I get bored too quickly.
I did however end up with a 123d and a remap, which is a nice quick car that is doing 43mpg round town and 55mpg on a run.
Not sure if not getting the 130i was the right move though, already hankering after 7000rpm and something that doesn't sound like a Delhi taxi!!
But all in all the 1 series is what BMWs have always been about, they started off as small, nimble, fun cars and this is taking them right back there again.
We had a 120d M-Sport that was mapped to 205bhp for 2 years, longest I have ever kept a car, during that time I also had a 535d sport touring, Audi S4 avant, 335i sport touring and an M3 CSL, and the little 1er only came second to the M3.
We swapped for an E91 320d sport touring and regretted it straight away, hardly a gain in space, not as fun, and just didn't enjoy it anywhere near as much, in the end I swapped the 320d touring for an A6 avant, again a step back in overall package but we needed the space, and bought another SMG M3 to sit along side it.
Now, 18 months later it was time to sell the M3 again, so what did I replace it with?? Well I needed something to rack the miles up in without M running costs and something that was not going to get me pulled over all the time (the E46 M3 was!). I narrowed it down to another 335i or a 130i, in the end the baby BMW won the day, the only reason I would have gone with the 335i is for the image, just seems a little more grown up, but I have got passed all that now and realise that I have to buy a car because I really enjoy it, otherwise I get bored too quickly.
I did however end up with a 123d and a remap, which is a nice quick car that is doing 43mpg round town and 55mpg on a run.
Not sure if not getting the 130i was the right move though, already hankering after 7000rpm and something that doesn't sound like a Delhi taxi!!
But all in all the 1 series is what BMWs have always been about, they started off as small, nimble, fun cars and this is taking them right back there again.
gizlaroc said:
But all in all the 1 series is what BMWs have always been about, they started off as small, nimble, fun cars and this is taking them right back there again.
well put. It's just a shame they couldn't make them lighter at the same time, that would've really made them stand out!Go for a 123d 
I have had mine for about 6 months and 6.5k miles now (from new) and absolutely nothing has gone wrong with it. It hasn't even used any oil.
It is an absolute hoot to drive and, in M Sport spec, comfortable up front and goes well. Good mpg too.
A remap takes it to 255 bhp too.
I have had mine for about 6 months and 6.5k miles now (from new) and absolutely nothing has gone wrong with it. It hasn't even used any oil.
It is an absolute hoot to drive and, in M Sport spec, comfortable up front and goes well. Good mpg too.
A remap takes it to 255 bhp too.
Got an ex demonstrator 120d about three years ago and not regretted it for a second. Engine is solid although make sure you get climate control as winding the windows down in summer is not advised... "Has an invisible bus pulled up?" is a common comment.
Only problems I've had have been the rain sensor - temperamental is the polite term..., and the auto tyre pressure sensor, it seems to detect non-existent punctures at 5am in the morning when its cold - of course, not getting up at 5am soon cures that issue.
Only problems I've had have been the rain sensor - temperamental is the polite term..., and the auto tyre pressure sensor, it seems to detect non-existent punctures at 5am in the morning when its cold - of course, not getting up at 5am soon cures that issue.
Thanks for all the feedback folks. In answer to the question about which one I drove, it was a demo. 118d.
All comments noted, including Sticks's, still in contention at this stage, but might have another look at a petrol version as well. Diesel appeals as we do quite a few miles abroad and diesel is quite a bit cheaper than petrol over there (funny that!).
Thanks once again
All comments noted, including Sticks's, still in contention at this stage, but might have another look at a petrol version as well. Diesel appeals as we do quite a few miles abroad and diesel is quite a bit cheaper than petrol over there (funny that!).
Thanks once again
I've owned a 120d Sport for the last 3 1/2 years. I bought it at 12 months old with 7k miles on the clock, and as of today it had done 84.5k miles.
In that time it's had a few minor warranty repairs, the usual window seals / door rattles which were sorted after one trip to the dealer, a leaking front caliper and some other very minor niggles. The dealer has never quibbled any warranty issues, and has in most part resolved the problem at the first hit. (Well done Sytners in central Birmingham!)
Oil consumption I've measured as 1L between oil services, that's 22k miles, which is excellent.
Over that mileage it's averaged c43-44 mpg, measured off actual fuel vs mileage, as opposed to the computer. A typical run to work of 82 miles is mainly a mix of fast NSL A roads & Motorway.
It fit's us perfectly, we have two children aged 10 & 5, and it'll comfortably accomodate all of us, plus enough luggage for a long weekend at Centerparcs, plus two bikes on the roof.
Ride can be a litte choppy over broken surfaces, but it's very enjoyable in the corners, handling wise. Refinement is excellent too. COmpare's very favourably with the wife's MINI Cooper S for handling.
As others have stated, performance is very linear, which in a way I prefer to the all or nothing VAG diesels. It doesn't feel that quick, until you gauge your acceleration against the car behind, which tends to disappear quickly once you plant your right foot.
Condition based servicing is my only gripe, as when I first had the car I was doing 30k miles a year. This meant frequent trips to the dealer for one service item after another, rather than them being grouped into mileage related groups.
An example is brakes, the warning light came on for the front brakes at 75k miles, I had the pads and discs changed, only for the light to reappear after 2k miles for the rears needing doing!
Some of the parts can be pricey, a set of front / rear pads and discs will set you back c£500 for parts only - likewise oil if bought from the dealer is c£90 for the 6 litres you'll need for an oil change. In reality you buy online or elsewhere for a better deal, and then get the dealer to use the oil you've supplied. My dealer is happy to do this, and ensures I get the proper stamp.
The only major issue I've had is when my local BMW Indie left all the rear wheel bolts loose after fit the new discs / pads, needless to say I won't be returning there!
Sorry for the ramble, but that about covers it!
Robert
In that time it's had a few minor warranty repairs, the usual window seals / door rattles which were sorted after one trip to the dealer, a leaking front caliper and some other very minor niggles. The dealer has never quibbled any warranty issues, and has in most part resolved the problem at the first hit. (Well done Sytners in central Birmingham!)
Oil consumption I've measured as 1L between oil services, that's 22k miles, which is excellent.
Over that mileage it's averaged c43-44 mpg, measured off actual fuel vs mileage, as opposed to the computer. A typical run to work of 82 miles is mainly a mix of fast NSL A roads & Motorway.
It fit's us perfectly, we have two children aged 10 & 5, and it'll comfortably accomodate all of us, plus enough luggage for a long weekend at Centerparcs, plus two bikes on the roof.
Ride can be a litte choppy over broken surfaces, but it's very enjoyable in the corners, handling wise. Refinement is excellent too. COmpare's very favourably with the wife's MINI Cooper S for handling.
As others have stated, performance is very linear, which in a way I prefer to the all or nothing VAG diesels. It doesn't feel that quick, until you gauge your acceleration against the car behind, which tends to disappear quickly once you plant your right foot.
Condition based servicing is my only gripe, as when I first had the car I was doing 30k miles a year. This meant frequent trips to the dealer for one service item after another, rather than them being grouped into mileage related groups.
An example is brakes, the warning light came on for the front brakes at 75k miles, I had the pads and discs changed, only for the light to reappear after 2k miles for the rears needing doing!
Some of the parts can be pricey, a set of front / rear pads and discs will set you back c£500 for parts only - likewise oil if bought from the dealer is c£90 for the 6 litres you'll need for an oil change. In reality you buy online or elsewhere for a better deal, and then get the dealer to use the oil you've supplied. My dealer is happy to do this, and ensures I get the proper stamp.
The only major issue I've had is when my local BMW Indie left all the rear wheel bolts loose after fit the new discs / pads, needless to say I won't be returning there!
Sorry for the ramble, but that about covers it!
Robert
Edited by wobert on Monday 23 November 20:14
I have a 120d auto ED ,if it was not for the choppy ride,flippin runflats I guess, I would go for my next car, a 123d coupe.But until the runflats are no more thats me and BMW finished sadly ,I think their diesel engines are faultless, and the car is rock solid but the run flats give you no confidence,it's like they are just skimming the road.
I thought the newer generation run flats were supposed to be better!? I admit, im not keen on them either. As they give a choppy ride at low speed and slide about in the wet very easily. Still, with no spare wheel, i'll live with them.
To the OP, just try one and see if it floats your boat? My only gripe with them is the runflats, poor rear access on the 5 door hatches, and the fact that at idle the diesels sound like a bag of spanners chucked down the fire escape. But then what 4 pot diesel doesn't? Once on the move however, they are actually quite refined as 4 pot diesels go.
Good cars on the whole though, and always a nice drive compared with just about any of its obvious rivals.
To the OP, just try one and see if it floats your boat? My only gripe with them is the runflats, poor rear access on the 5 door hatches, and the fact that at idle the diesels sound like a bag of spanners chucked down the fire escape. But then what 4 pot diesel doesn't? Once on the move however, they are actually quite refined as 4 pot diesels go.
Good cars on the whole though, and always a nice drive compared with just about any of its obvious rivals.
Yes, the ride is bad on the Pirelli Euforias I had, and that's even compared to the rfts on my Z4 (18s).
Make sure all the interior trim is there and works, I had glove box, int light and storage bin replaced, and door seals (3x) as has been said. And check the paint. I queried the flaking and was given an estimate for repair.
Make sure all the interior trim is there and works, I had glove box, int light and storage bin replaced, and door seals (3x) as has been said. And check the paint. I queried the flaking and was given an estimate for repair.
B3pete said:
I have a 120d auto ED ,if it was not for the choppy ride,flippin runflats I guess, I would go for my next car, a 123d coupe.But until the runflats are no more thats me and BMW finished sadly ,I think their diesel engines are faultless, and the car is rock solid but the run flats give you no confidence,it's like they are just skimming the road.
New BMWs can be specced with real tyres now. However.....I am now on my 5th BMW with run flats, every other one I have changed within 1000 miles, however this one, a 123d M-Sport, has Goodyears on it and they are fine, I was thinking that when the temps got colder (around 6°c or less) they would start to get really bad, but they haven't.
This is the first time I am not going to change them.
I have a 118d 09 Plate that I have had since July - its now done 14.5k of hard driving all over the country and NEVER missed a beat. Its a great car, it doesnt feel as quick as my old 2.0tdi focus but it is in reality, as previously said, just very linear.
I have a right hoot in mine, love it, get one
I have a right hoot in mine, love it, get one
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