[HoT-MetaL]

Hello everyone.

This is my first thread, I think its customary to post a brief introduction. Im 22 years old, have just landed my first job after uni (I did a BA Film and Television Production degree and now im a Detention Officer!) and am looking to buy my first BMW.

The 1-Series is appealing because its got that whole Hot-Hatch, Rear-Wheel Drive thing going for it - I dont need to use the back seats, but I know theyre there if I need to, etc etc etc.


Im looking to buy an 05/06 reg 118d or 120d.

Ive read one or two bad reviews about a specialist BMW dealership in Kent but they seem to have the best deals, offering an 06 120d with FSH and just 45k on the clock. Im umming-and-ahhing about using them, they have a high turnover and so are bound to get the occassional bad review?!

I will pay for an RAC review but as far as I can see they just check standard things that I could check, tyre-wear etc.

What specific things should I look for when buying a used 1series? What are the common faults, and how do I tell if the dashboard is in good condition, etc? Are there any recalls to check for?


Thank You!

 

[DSK]

You'd be much better off with an A3 2.0TDi/S3, VW Golf GT TDI/GTi turbo, they are far superior cars in terms of quality and equipment and ride. With the 1 series BMW made a pile of sh!t and stuck a BMW badge on it along with an overpriced price tag.

If you want a BMW, look at a well specc'd 3 series.

 

[Jhenry1]

Hi there

I have recently bought a 1 series 116i. I did a lot of homework on it before I bought it. I guess you may not want to name the dealer you wre talking about. I live in Kent and may have knowledge to pass on?

Re anything to look out for. There waa a recall on the 1 series regarding the Cam chain tensioner. Well worth when you find one to call up local dealer with registration number. They will run it through and let you know if it needs to have work done... The good news is it's free of charge to have it done. This work is merely precautionary and not a fault witht the vehicle as such.

Apart from that I am really happy with mine. Drives like it's on rails. Diesel will give good return if you put the miles in. Mine is petrol and returning 29.1mpg and circa 330 miles to tank compared to circa 500 with 2.0 diesel!!

No other points from me...Good luck