1 Series 3 door vs 5 door hatchback?

[Skywalker]

Just shopping around at the mo, and would appreciate ant advice that you can give me on this.

Is the 5 door easier to live with than the 3? We're looking at being able to throw teenage son into the back - so starting to think sensibly - and having had 3 door motors before, it has become a real pain getting him in and out. Are the bigger front doors of the 3-door big enough to make a difference?

Also - the sports front seats to seem to be sodding narrow on my back (barrel chested rugby front row). Are the "normal" ones comfier?

Thanks

[dibbly dobbler]

5 door is definitely a bit easier to live with imho.

Although having said that we had to go from a 5 door 1er up to a 3 series as our lad was finding the back of the 1er a bit tight (they just keep growing don't they !) ...

[macp]

We have a 120d Sport 5dr and the sport seats are superb with almost too much adjustment.The bolsters have electrical adjustment so you can have them as snug or as loose as you need them.

[gizlaroc]

The bolster open right out, button on the side of the seat.
The SE seats are crap!!

I wouldn't buy a car with the SE seats, the sport seats are the best seats I have had in any car, beating things like the Recaros in the S4 hands down.

We have had a 5 door and now have a 123d in 3 door, and with regards to teenage kids can't say it really matters, however we now have am 18 month son and that can be a bit more effort, but not terrible.
Plus the 3 door looks a lot more sporty imho.

Without doubt our 123d M-Sport auto has been the best all round car I have owned, it does everything apart from carrying massive loads, and for that reason only I am swapping it for a Merc E Class estate, have been fighting the swap for 3 months but our other car is an A6 3.2 quattro avant and I keep using that for work, but being a petrol I can't get away with using the company fuel card.
So decided to sell the A6 and the 123d and buy an E320cdi estate for work duties and mile munching and get a 130i so I still have the little BMW, I just couldn't be without one anymore. That sounds stupid, but we have had 2 now over the last 4 years and they have out lasted a 535d, 335i, Audi S4, M3, M3 CSL and now the A6 avant, I could get a 335i again for the same sort of money as a late 130i but they are just so dull in comparison, so has no appeal at all for me.

Get one, you will love it.

[Funk]

I think a 1-series would be cramped in the back for anyone over the age of 4, certainly behind an 'average-sized' driver. There's not a lot of room back there.

I personally like 3dr cars, but the 5 is certainly more practical. Having said that, the rear door apertures on the 5dr 1er are a slightly odd shape.

[macp]

Well im nearly six foot and I have sat behind the wife whilst she is driving fairly comfortably and she is around 5ft 8inch.Mind you in fairness im not sure how I would go on if it was a long distance jaunt.

Edited by macp on Monday 3rd May 22:21

[DavidLScott]

After having 3 door cars for so long I do notice the 5 door seems a bit bulky when looking out to the right as the frame gets in the way compared to the wide view of any 3 door and does feel slightly claustrophobic.

Only really use it for 2 people but the 5 door was the only 130 available at the time and it does have it's advantages for the occasional rear seat passengers.

[macp]

Once you get behind the wheel you will find that 3dr,5dr nonsense goes out the window.Its all about the drive

[cpufreak]

Coupe looks much better

[macp]

Cracking pic

[snorkel sucker]

I have a 5 door 130i m sport and have to echo the comments regarding the seats - by far the best i have sat in; even better than the superb recaros in my old focus ST. Infinitely adjustable so its worth a sit in some to see if they suit you. Not sat in the normal seats but if they have anything like the lateral support (or lack of!) of the seats in my old cooper s works they are useless when pushing on

practicality wise, the 5 door is useful in the obvious way of letting people in and out independently, but the shape of the doors is slightly odd and the rear room isnt really the best. that said, for younger passengers it is fine

also worth a check on the boot space for your needs. with the rear seats down its huge, but the width isnt the best in normal circumstances. that said it can fit in a set of golf clubs, as a point of reference

[Funk]

I'll echo the comments about the M-Sport seats, I too found them better than the Recaros in my Focus ST.

[Skywalker]

Thanks for the feedback folks. We have a 520d saloon as the family motor and we are looking at swapping in my MX5 mk3 for a 1er so we can take the whole family along. I obviously want something which drives well. Really encouraging comments - but by the Lord Harry, I'll miss open top motoring!!

[camp freddie]

I had a 3-door M-Sport with every option ticked, including the rather rare electric seats. Avoid these if you go for a 3-dr, the back flips as normal then you have to press and hold a little button for them to slide forward to allow access to the rear. Once the novelty wears off you'll find it annoying and women generally aren't too pleased on a rainy day waiting for a seat to move!