As the title says really.  As has been well reported in other threads I just cannot get on with the wife's MX5.  OK they are a great little car but the operative word for me is 'little' and at 6' 2" I struggle to sit in it either seat and my head sticks up above the screen.  So I was looking last night at an alternative that fits me, is convertible and has a back seat of sorts for the dog and I came up with the BMW 1 series. 

 

I like the look of them and always have preferring them to the Audi.  I know BMW can be expensive to run but we do very little mileage and I am more concerned with reliability and comfort than anything else.  We had a BMW Mini Cooper S for a short time and again whilst it was a great little pocket rocket the ride was dreadful on the run flats. So how is the 1 for that?

 

I am not really bothered whether it is petrol or diesel but would be going for an auto.  So any thoughts as I know some on here have a BMW 1 and any advice would be helpful.

Awesome car. When you drive it, it feels like an old good E30 style but modern look etc. It seems to be tight inside but once you fasten your seat belt it feels like a well-made suit. I had an access to 1 series in past as a company car, and would buy one now if I can afford it. And yes, AUDI is not as good as BMW...

SWMBO has a 116i

 

She loves it to bits.

I think it's seriously overrated.

 

SWMBOs is a 2010 and she only does about 5k a year in it, mostly very short runs to work (2mile) although she does take it for a longer run regularly.

 

It does handle well, plenty of power (I think they're all 2l of varying powers). Not too bad on mpg.

 

Steering is a bit rubbery, silly return valve in the clutch make a smooth change very hard.

 

No dip stick which is very irritating.

 

Hers is 2010 with 35k on the clock and has some expensive pending issues that I think I are a bit ridiculous for the age and mileage.

 

BMW recommending brakes all round based on the computer reading of so many 'braking miles' left. When pushed the tech couldn't explain it but still recommended pads and disks all round for £1k.

Reluctor ring on the drive shaft is corroding and expected to fail (bit like the same on Octy hubs) - £1600 (v common)

Battery cable corroding - £1000 (cable is about £100 but about 10hr work to route it allegedly

 

BMW already backed away from any sort of goodwill.

 

Not all cars have run flats, base models have normal tyres and a tin of gunk.

 

Honestly I think it's a bit meh, but as said she loves it and will probably buy another.

Edited 7 August, 201510 yr by Aspman

A little feminine for me...

 

 

Will the budget stretch to a CLK?

 

Probably a silly question ref the MX5, but I find i have to tilt the seat back further when the ragtop is down compared to when we have the tin on.

I take it you have tried the seat in the unlimited recline & slide positions - it is a bit of a nuisance that steering is fixed in my MX5.

 

You looked around at the french options ? ( now everyone shouts lol  )

I think the 1 is a bit feminine for me as well but as it will be mainly for my wife as I use the motorbike if I can then I am not that bothered.  I have thought about a Merc but it has to be one of the bigger ones if it has any back seat at all hence it would be too big.

 

I cannot recline the seat any further nor move it back on iota!  So there is no more room to be had in the MX5 for me unless I shrink with age.

 

French options err noooooooooooooooo!

Just bear in mind that you may need to take it to a dealer for a battery change. There are two kinds of battery in the 1 series and one of them requires a reprogram of the car on replacement!

That is creating custom if I ever saw it.  Crackers!

If I wasn't already biased against the 1 series for admittedly largely subjective reasons, aspman's post above would certainly do the trick, not least the mention that pads and discs all round would cost a grand.

Everything worn out after 35k? They're taking the p!ss.

I did say that I realise BMWs are expensive to maintain earlier but to be honest I did not realise just how expensive in this case.  I would probably be buying something from a non franchise dealer and having it serviced by a garage with mechanics as opposed to technicians that know only what the manual tells them and not how to work out stuff for themselves.

 

My wife's son has his own garage and is an old fashioned sort of mechanic who thinks about stuff before just banging a grands worth of gear on then saying oh that hasn't worked we will try something else at your expense!  My experience of BMW in recent years with the Mini was shocking.  I went back to them because the flip up deflector on the sunroof was fraying.  No less than the Service Manager came out to take a look at it and promptly told me it was normal wear and tear.  Ever the sarcastic sort I explained to him that having spent that amount of money on the car I expected it to last beyond the two weeks I had it from new.  He did change it.

It is easy enough to own and run Out of Manufacturers Warranty BMW's using good Independent BMW Specialists

or Competent Mechanics used to these types of cars, ECUs/ Software / Electrics.

 

Especially where a car did have the FMDSH ie BMW Servicing to Schedule / Guidelines in the Warranty Period and then the Big Service where All Fluids,Belts, Bulbs etc get changed.

But this is why Used BMW's can be bought as a Bargain, because the Lease / Hire / Private car was put out of the BMW Dealership Network when the Manufacturers Warranty or Extended Warranty Expired and then the Big Service was not carried out,cheaper fluids used etc.

 

If you buy used and any recent service history is suspect, then budget to have a decent Major Service done.

Good Oil / Filter and Fluids changed.

Checking things like Rubber (Wiper blades / Tyres) and replacing as needed.

Being sure the windscreen is all good and the External Tint is checked in bright sunlight for looking

through starlit stylee damage from stone hits or poor windscreen damage repairs.

 Where you might be needing a new Windscreen.

 

They are just cars, a bit more involved to look after than more basic and cheaper cars.

Discs & Pads replaced and a Brake Fluid change need not cost a fortune, neither does a Battery Replacement,

but you are as well having good parts fitted and by a good Mechanic / Independent that knows the vehicles and has the Gear & an Idea on how to use it properly, to diagnose and make adjustments.

So many people want to run what is or is thought of as Prestige or Performance orientated Vehicles at the running / Service & Maintenance costs of more Budget type vehicles.

 

Re Service Mangers.

Always ask them if they are also the After Sales Warranty Manager and have any Technical of Motor Engineering 

training or Qualifications, and if not do they maybe want to get someone that has to look at deal with matters.

Or take Pictures and send these to the person Providing the Warranty on the vehicle,

& see if they want a qualified person to check what the issue is with the Items causing concern.

I have found my 2004 BMW Z4 3.0i much cheaper to for routine servicing than my 2006 Octy TDI. 

 

Octy is a service every year or 10k (think it it too old for variable?) and the BMW is fixed every 2 years or 15k. Both have been serviced mostly by the main dealers on fixed price menu's and here is little difference in cost....other than twice as often for the skoda. 

 

BMW has a chain too so no cambelts every few years either. I've actually been shocked at how cheap it is to run....other than its appetite for 255 section tyres. 

I suppose I should add that the brakes were BMWs pricing. I could get Pagid disks and pads all round for less than £200 and any indy would probably fit for an hour or two's labour, so say £300 all in.

 

The reluctor ring may be fixable by an indy for much less than £1600, BMW like every other manufacturer doesn't seem to fit anything unless it comes as part of a kit.

 

I think the killer point with them is that it's labelled "the ultimate driving machine" that's the USM.

Any it's not, it's very ordinary to drive.

My old man's E36 318 was better to drive. Better than the E46 he had after. They've gone fat and soft.

 

SWMBO wants a convertible as well. I keep nudging her towards a decent used A4.

If nothing else I know a decent VAG indy that can fix it.

Edited 10 August, 201510 yr by Aspman

Well we had an A3 3 door but sold it for the MX5 as it just wasn't getting used enough.  So we changed a 13k car for one worth 2k and it doesn't matter as much if it is only doing short journeys three times a week.  That was when I was at work and using my car but now I am not and we are thinking of downsizing to one car as I have the bike.  So as the wife like a convertible I am loking at getting something that can be reasonably economical and fit me and the dog in when needed.

 

While I was looking the other day I came across the 1 series and size wise it would fit the bill and it looks OK to my eyes.  I think it looks better than the A3 and after that we are talking about far bigger cars which I don't have a problem with but the wife would be better with something smaller.  Had considered going back to a Saab as I have had two before and still consider them to be one of the better looking convertibles.

 

It will be at the end of the year when we do anything as the MX5 is insured until then anyway so we may as well have the summer out of it, MOT it and put it up for sale even though a soft top is worth less in the winter.  So there is no rush so in the meantime I may well go and find a secondhand 1 series and have a run in it to see how we both get on with it.  I drive if we both go out unless I am having a drink but if I have a choice we go on the bike so the amount of miles I would do in it would be negligible anyway.  Main problem for me would be getting rid of the Octavia VRS but it is pointless us having two cars when I can have two bikes!

http://honestjohn.cmail2.com/t/r-l-fmldkk-tulhhyjdm-il/

Sounds like a modern classic might suit.

 

What about one of the Merc convertibles front the 80s.

 

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C333525

 

http://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/top-10s/top-10-1980s90s-four-seater-convertibles/

 

Actually on that last link most of them are stinking bar the BMW  and Saab 900 (Skoda in there too :p ).

 

Volvo C70 as a leftfield suggestion?

Edited 10 August, 201510 yr by Aspman

I love my 320d, the feel from the steering alone was enough to move me away from Skoda and VAG.

 

Dealer prices are always going to be steep... I can't imagine many people on here getting things like brakes changed at a Skoda dealer? That's what good Indy garages are for!

 

Mine is booked in for its 30,000/4 year major service next week at a BMW dealership. £390 gets me.

 

- Oil / oil filter change

- Fuel filter change

- Air filter change

- Cabin filters change

- Full vehicle check including underside inspection

- Courtesy car

- usual inside and out car clean

 

I personally don't think that it too bad.

 

So far it's cost me nothing apart from a set of new tyres (that I changed out of choice and personal preference)

 

Basically what I'm trying to say is, don't be put off by service/ running costs. They aren't as bad as you think.

I had thought of the Volvo C70 but again it is perhaps a bit too big for the wife to use on a daily basis.  She isn't what you would call confident and her car park at work is a mare!

 

Ally I am not put off that much about the price of servicing as I say the wife's daughter and son in law have their own garage and he is more than capable of fettling anything I throw at him. 

 

Other option is a sunroof but had them in the past and it is nothing like having a convertible so that is a no no as well.  As regards something a bit more classic I have in the past had many 3 series and quite fancy a Bauer convertible as it is something a bit different.  There are many options out there and as tempted as I am by a Stag or Scimitar GTC I want something that can be a daily driver that I know will start when it is half six on a winter morning.

I think the killer point with them is that it's labelled "the ultimate driving machine" that's the USM.

Any it's not, it's very ordinary to drive.

My old man's E36 318 was better to drive. Better than the E46 he had after. They've gone fat and soft.

 

The problem is you need to compare like for like. Cars are only getting fatter the more eco crap and sound deadening we want fitted, I doubt there are many cars that feel more nimble for an extra xxx KG of weight added on. I've got a E90 320D, feels lovely and taught compared to even my mates 2011 Golf GTi, a proper driving machine vrs understeer heaven. (All IMO of course)

right, i have had 3 of the 1 series, first things first, its a BMW which means the lowest seating position you will have in any road car, always loved this with Beemers as you can sit on the floor and it feels great.  So no worries there, plus i'm 6ft 3 and i had no problems wearing a helmet on trackdays in mine with loads of room.

 

So next, which one.  Diesels are good, but timing chain issues are there and to be honest they are very real issues compared to the faults you see on other cars.  but seeing as you have no issues with milage i would say you get a petrol, forget the 4 cylinder crap, you need a straight 6.

 

Now i had a couple of 130i's after my 120d,  the engine is quite simply one of the best NA engines of the last 10 years.  It's quick with 270bhp, it's the lightest 6 cylinder BMW ever done ( bar the bike engines) and has fancy magenesium heads etc.  Also it's bullet proof, theres a alight issue on some with the tappets, but its only a noise thing, nothing else and most were fixed under warranty.  Many will cover 200k without issue and have done.

 

 

However,,, you want cabriolet which rules out the 130i...........or does it????

 

Good news for you is there is a model called the 125i in the cabriolet model. it's a 3.0 engine and its 215bhp........oh no you say, only 215bhp,,,,, well heres the magic bit,  BMW in typical BMW style have used the 3.0 N52 engine from the 130i, but to keep it in the ranks for badging they detuned the engine down to 215bhp.  which means you simply remap it at evolve or another tuner and you can retune it back to the 270bhp the engine was designed to have ( yes a 55bhp on a normally aspirated car cool eh).  they also come with an auto option, in fact i think he auto was more common.  i have driven the auto and its actually good, its no DSG but with the torque and smoothness of the 6 cylinder lump its lovely.  Fuel economy is just over 30 ish and i regularly got that on mine.  on long runs i had it up to 38mpg......!!!

 

Go try one, m-sport spec will be the best and most common which means, parking sensors, 18's the sports seats with the electric bolsters ( the inflate on a switch) 

 

about 10-11k is what you will pay , heres an example of what you might get.

 

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201508105926766?postcode=me103bb&model=1_series&make=bmw&sort=default&page=2&body-type=convertible&engine-size-cars=3l_to_3-9l&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&channel=cars&search-target=usedcars&radius=1500&logcode=p

oh and BMW parts are still the cheapest i have ever had to source, amazingly cheap and easy to source thanks to REALOEM.COM, but get the right one and you won't require anything. go have a look, the engine is a peach and its as safe as houses,

 

Also listen to the engine note, this was my 130i standard out the box

 

 

https://youtu.be/7zGqNBO8Fps?t=4m43s

As the title says really.  As has been well reported in other threads I just cannot get on with the wife's MX5.  OK they are a great little car but the operative word for me is 'little' and at 6' 2" I struggle to sit in it either seat and my head sticks up above the screen.  So I was looking last night at an alternative that fits me, is convertible and has a back seat of sorts for the dog and I came up with the BMW 1 series. 

 

I like the look of them and always have preferring them to the Audi.  I know BMW can be expensive to run but we do very little mileage and I am more concerned with reliability and comfort than anything else.  We had a BMW Mini Cooper S for a short time and again whilst it was a great little pocket rocket the ride was dreadful on the run flats. So how is the 1 for that?

 

I am not really bothered whether it is petrol or diesel but would be going for an auto.  So any thoughts as I know some on here have a BMW 1 and any advice would be helpful.

I'm on my second 1 series and love the model. I had the original 123D model, but found the M Sport on the run flats to be too harsh and so imho compromised the handling on bumpy British roads, but some people like the very firm ride, but my guess is in a convertible it might make the scuttle shake a bit :( My second 1er is on non-run flats and the ride is superb as well as the suspension being reasonably firm I think Any pretty much said it all about the 6 cylinder engine it is a lovely thing indeed and feels like it comes form a high class altogether (which it does I suppose as it can be found in everything up to the 7 series )

 

I'd say take the plunge as it's the last of it's kind and we probably wont see another like it again :( It's probably nearest to the things you will like about the MX5, with added room. I'd see if you can find one without the run flats though, but that might be just me and my middle aged problems

In the past I have had a number of 6 cylinder 3 Series and it is one of the smoothest sweetest sounding engines out there for me.  So I would much prefer one of them to a diesel as the short journeys will cause havoc anyway.   Work for the wife is less than 2 miles away so not ideal and in fact that was the only thing that stopped me buying a MazdaRX8!

 

There are a couple fairly local at non franchised dealers so I may go and play ​have a test ride next week. 

 

I agree about the run flats that don't anyway not when you hit a kerb like she did with the Mini and had to be rescued on a Sunday when we couldn't get a replacement locally.  As it was our only car at the time we had a 21k car sat useless leaving us stranded.  Never again plus I prefer my fillings in my teeth to stay in!

 

Once again thanks all for your input.  It has given me some good info and a few things to consider.

keep it updated, but if you turn up saying you bought a diesel EOS then don't bother

SWMBO has a 116i

 

No dip stick which is very irritating.

 

 

More alarming than irritating for me....combine that with the battery issue mentioned above. No wonder more and more cars suffer in the hands of owners relying on electronic gizmos to determine health and oil condition rather than a little bit of routine weekly maintenance checking. Scary.

 

Plus the manufacturers have you by the short and curlys regarding servicing. Not good.