V-Flyer

Hi All

Does anyone own a 5 door BMW 1 series ? If so just wanted an honest opinion as I'm thinking of buying one .....

Cheers

Mark

Originally posted by mas66
Hi All

Does anyone own a 5 door BMW 1 series ? If so just wanted an honest opinion as I'm thinking of buying one .....

Cheers

Mark

I considered it a couple of years ago but I didn't buy one as (a) the rear seemed very cramped and (b) the build quality wasn't that great. Mind you, in black it had shades of the Batmobile and that was a plus...

Paul

Just a note on the 1 series, a face lift is due very soon on this model so you can expect prices of the current style to be coming down, but if you wait for the face lifted model then prices will be very much rigid.

I have just bought a new 3 series, which is my first bmw and I am very impressive with the drive, cabin etc.

Neil

Thanks Guys

Im very tempted with what I read about the face lifted model ...... new engines in some etc as well as the cosmetic stuff....... anything factory ordered now will be a new model ..... BMW are also doing a deal on 5 years servicing for £190 !! ..... Im looking at a 118d SE with some 'packs' added ....... its come down to this or the A3 ...... the A3 is more expensive if you match the spec and extras .....

Cheers

Mark

The A3 also due a "update" at the beginning of next year. The SE model comes with an iPod adapter, something that is very handy and a must nowadays!

Originally posted by Attitude23
The A3 also due a "update" at the beginning of next year. The SE model comes with an iPod adapter, something that is very handy and a must nowadays!

A3 range is due to be refreshed as you say, a new Cabrio version is coming as the current A4 Cabrio will be discontinued. The stunning new A5 is out now, which will be enhanced with a cabrio offering next year.

A3 range offers Ipod adaptor option on all vehicles, along too with a USB option so you can just plug USB memory sticks in with your MP3's on. The Concert CD player plays MP3's CD natively now, and so to does the enhanced Symphony in-dash 6 CD multi-changer.

If it was me, I'd go for the A3 as they tend to hold value better and they are very good all round (but then I am biased as an Audi owenr). My first company car was a 01 Audi A3 1.8T which was really great, true it was not the cheapest of cars but never had any issues at all with it. The SportBacks (5 door) are really great, especially the diesels and the T-FSI engine ranges.

Thanks,
Richard

Now you've got me scratching my head again .... [:?] ..... I think another test drive in both is in order....

Cheers

Mark

Interesting, I've got a 1 series (120d) and other half has an A3 sportsback - each of us having had them about 18 months. No problems whatsoever, A3 is clearly the more practical of the two in terms of space in rear but if kids aren't in the equation then rear legroom isn't really an issue. For long journeys we tend to take the BMW as the drive is much quieter than the A3 and overall if feels just that bit more solid! He'll no doubt post words to the contrary when he reads this

One Word RX8:D

Originally posted by infrequentflyer
One Word RX8:D

Doesn't the Wankel engine upset the tree huggers with its huge CO-2 output?

Thanks,
Richard

Originally posted by RichardMannion

Originally posted by infrequentflyer
One Word RX8:D

Doesn't the Wankel engine upset the tree huggers with its huge CO-2 output?

Yes you've hit the nail on the head. And thats why I love it[^]

Buy a BMW and be hated by all motorists [}:)]

If I were you I'd go for the Audi A3...from what I've heard its the better of the two.

Neil you should have got an Alfa Brera, but enjoy your new 3-Series!

Originally posted by VS075
Buy a BMW and be hated by all motorists [}:)]

If I were you I'd go for the Audi A3...from what I've heard its the better of the two.

Neil you should have got an Alfa Brera, but enjoy your new 3-Series!

I just got rid of an Alfa 147, and whilst it was a lovely looking car, a very fun car to drive, its reliabilty/build strength wasn't the best by a long shot and with it coming up to being 3 years old I didn't fancy it being in the garage more than me driving it, hence my move to one of Germans.

Get an AUDI [oo]!!

I am on my 3rd (2 x A3's and currenty an A4 Cabriolet) and they really are the best. They don't depreciate as much as some cars either.

Only negative point is that some of the dealers are appauling, but that all depends on where you live.

Originally posted by lovetoholiday

Only negative point is that some of the dealers are appauling, but that all depends on where you live.

Yes some are truly awful, the list of good dealers is a bit short unfortunately. Some I wouldn't give a model of an Audi to look after, let alone a proper one.

Thanks,
Richard

Am also on my 5th Audi (A4, A4 Cab, A4 Cab, TT Roadster, A4 Cab) and deal with West London Audi. They try bless 'em. The worst sales guy fortunately left to join Merc.

Originally posted by Vegascrazy
Interesting, I've got a 1 series (120d) and other half has an A3 sportsback - each of us having had them about 18 months. No problems whatsoever, A3 is clearly the more practical of the two in terms of space in rear but if kids aren't in the equation then rear legroom isn't really an issue. For long journeys we tend to take the BMW as the drive is much quieter than the A3 and overall if feels just that bit more solid! He'll no doubt post words to the contrary when he reads this

[:0]James, how could you say that? The A3 is a much better car all round[:p]

We have a 120d which is pretty good - fairly quick, but if I were you I wouldn't go for a slower model or low spec. Overall, it's good and back legroom hasn't been that much of a problem. I'd definitely recommend it over an A3. However, we're selling it now; over 30K miles[:I]

VS.

Sorry FWIW I think the 1 series is a hideous abomination (and nearly as bad as the ridiculous Merc A and B classes).Give me the A3 (or anything else Audi)anyday.

Sorry FWIW I think the 1 series is a hideous abomination (and nearly as bad as the ridiculous Merc A and B classes).

[y]

Originally posted by DragonLady
Sorry FWIW I think the 1 series is a hideous abomination (and nearly as bad as the ridiculous Merc A and B classes).Give me the A3 (or anything else Audi)anyday.

Here here !! [^]

Sorry but I totally disagree, Audi's are BMW wannabee's, and are still miles behind in terms of ride/steering quality. Yes they are very nice looking cars and priced more resonably, but you have the remember this is BMW's first shot at the Hatchback market and they are already upahead of the A3, which Audi has been devolping over many years, just wait until the 2/3rd version of the 1 series arrive...

Originally posted by Attitude23
Sorry but I totally disagree, Audi's are BMW wannabee's, and are still miles behind in terms of ride/steering quality. Yes they are very nice looking cars and priced more resonably, but you have the remember this is BMW's first shot at the Hatchback market and they are already upahead of the A3, which Audi has been devolping over many years, just wait until the 2/3rd version of the 1 series arrive...

I have to say that Audi's are better looking cars than BMWs, evne with the new style grille they've introduced to facelifted/new models. The 5 Series is too extreme for the market it is aiming at, the 3 Series is boring (except the Coupe) and the 1 Series, I am sorry to say, looks hideous. The car looks a bit like a Chrysler PT Cruiser but made shorter, smaller and more ugly.

Speaking of the 1 Series, whats the depreciation rate like after 3 years comapred to the A3 and the Focus?

Beauty is on the eye of the beholder Alex;), and I have found as I have got older its more important what the car is like/how it drives/extras included etc from inside rather than just the looks (although it is still a factor).

Depreciation wise, after 3 year, the 1 series will hold abt 60% of its value, the A3 very similar, although probably slightly more and the Focus is pretty rubbish only holding about 40-42% of its value!!

Sorry but I totally disagree, Audi's are BMW wannabee's

Think I would take a sublime A8 over a butt ugly 7 series, especially with the V10 lambo lump in the S8.