BMW 118d - opinions and advice

[Gruber]

I'm thinking a nearly-new 118d looks like an appealing replacement for the Fiat 500. Cheap to run, good to drive, quick enough to be interesting etc etc. It will be a work hack / daily driver / city runabout etc. I've considered various alternatives, particularly Golf and A3, but keep coming back to the BMW.

So...

There doesn't seem to be much difference in appearance / spec between the Sport and the M Sport versions, yet the Sport can be picked up for approx £3k less. What have I missed? Is the M Sport worth the difference?

They seem to be fitted with 17 inch wheels as standard, but quite a few have 18s. Is the ride too firm on 18s? Or do the RFTs mean there is very little difference in ride?

And if I wanted a remap, the Superchips Bluefin upgrade seems to offer good gains (an extra 40 bhp and 80 Nm) for about £500. Are they a good bet? Should I be looking elsewhere? I want reliability, refinement and a bit more go - but not at the expense of a knackered engine or much lower mpg.

Any opinions / experiences?

Edited by Gruber on Thursday 6th January 12:16

[Gruber]

Thank you! Very helpful.

Out of interest, how are you finding your 123d? And what sort of mpg are you getting from it "real world"?

[Gruber]

Thanks guys - useful stuff.

M Sport sounds like it might be worth the extra - the combination of better looks, better suspension and better residuals probably justifies the cost.

And I've just spotted a rather nice looking 123d on the AUC website, so I might have to take a closer look at those. D'oh! I'd pursuaded myself that a 118d and a remap meant a 120d wasn't worth looking at, and hadn't really considered the 123d as I assumed they'd be substantially more expensive to buy and insure. But a spot of research makes me think they're worth a second look.

But... the clutch judder problem is a real concern. There seem to be lots of reports of it on BabyBmw.net. Just how prevalent is this? Obviously, only those with problems will complain, but the sheer number of complaints gives the impression that judder is inevitable. Is this just internet doom-mongering, or is the problem really that endemic?

[Gruber]

Thanks for all the comments guys.

Just thought I'd let you know that I have done a deal for a "59" plate 3 door 118d M Sport in Le Mans Blue with black leather. Lovely car. Drove really well and I was very impressed by the eagerness of the engine. And to my relief, the clutch seemed fine.

Picking it up next weekend!

So thanks, all, for the helpful feedback.

Here's a picture:

Edited by Gruber on Saturday 8th January 15:20

Edited by Gruber on Saturday 8th January 15:20

[Gruber]

mattman said:

Gruber - is that Wood in Odiham??

If so - did you get Danny Stephenson as your salesman? lovely bloke but everything takes forever!

Yes - well spotted - it is Wood in Odiham.

Salesman was a chap called Simon Bryan, who I'd happily recommend.