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BMW 1-series mini review.....pass me the cream .........

  • 24-04-2013 10:53pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,748 ✭✭✭✭


    ....to go with my slice of Humble Pie............. :p

    ...let's get a few prejudice's out of the way first: I have never 'gotten' the appeal of BMW's. I dunno why. There's no doubt they make some, and in the past have made many, fine cars....

    But I have always found them wanting. Particularly in terms of interiors and design, generally. I admire their IL6's, and agree in petrol form they have tradtionally been the best of their ilk.

    But, the main bread & butter BMW's are, to me, uneventful, to put it mildly. I find their 'invention' of models to create, not fill, a niche, almost cynical - X6 et al.....

    Which brings me to my point: the 1-series. This car would normally never, ever even get on my radar.

    So, I had a work trip to Germany last week, and bolted on a few days to it, and took the family. I booked a factory tour of the BMW factory, visited BMW Welt etc etc. Another day at Bauma 2013 - a huge machinery show - and another half day at another (car) museum. You ordinary petrol-head holiday then :D:D

    I booked a Focus automatic, but on arrival, was handed the keys to a very recent 1-series automatic, a 118d. Another interesting aspect to my 'driving' holiday then, as I would have it for 5 days and deigned to give it a good test drive. As an aside, I actually think if you can, then to rent/borrow the new car of you choice for a week like that, then it's actually a great way to see past the shiney paint and 10 minute ooh-aah of the official test drive, but I digress......

    First impressions: bloody tiny boot. Oh, and no spare wheel, either.....hmmmm. There were Mr & Mrs Gtt, and the two small TT's with us - 1 suitcase and 3 carry-on's. Barely got them in the boot. If here was a buggy or car seat involved, or one other suitcase, then forget it...........

    The black colour of our hire car had the advantage of hiding to a certain extent, it's ugliness - because there's no other way to describe the 5-door other than as gawdawful.

    20130419_162246-M.jpg

    20130419_162253-M.jpg

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,314 ✭✭✭naughtysmurf


    Any chance of a full review or any second impressions?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,748 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    ...on the inside then, no prizes continue to be won.

    The instrument binnacle is very clear, and the instrument themselves nice, switches are.......switches..:D......and the central info display perched up on top of the centre of the dash whilst clear, certainly looks like it had just been 'left there' by someone, as distinct from being 'in' the dash. To be fair though, it was well placed for line-of-sight - and provided me a place to stand my Tom Tom against :P

    Starting it is a push-button affair, and I found it very smooth, and very quiet.

    The gearlever has this unlock button to press, and then you just select 'D' and off she creeps.....very smooth, very quiet, and gear changes imperceptible. All very good so far, then.

    I didn't like the steering wheel at all - the feel of it that is - it felt awful plasticky - and the top of the dash was equally unimpressive. I think the plastic in a KIA is geniunely better looking and better from a tactile sense. I daresay ticking the leather option on the shopping list would cure that easy enough.

    20130419_162406-M.jpg

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,748 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Any chance of a full review or any second impressions?

    lol - gimme a mo - I can only type so fast !

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,544 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Freddie and Adam never mentioned any of that in the ad :eek:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,907 ✭✭✭✭MetzgerMeister


    Nice review GTT :D

    I have to say though, I much prefer the "hills" type dash of the E92, E60 when it comes to the Nav housing. Looks so much better than the afterthought that is the new Renault-inspired way of doing it.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,748 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    My first few km's were on the ring road around Munchen, heading towards Salzburg, and I took my time getting accustomed to everything, but in general the car drove very well - I liked, and I think the automatic 'box complimented very well, the nature of the diesel engine.

    I actually don't know what BHP it has, but I suspect 120bhp ? Maybe it is the 140?, but it certainly proves anymore than that is entirely superfluous for normal driving, even in the land of the Autobahn. Once I figured out the cruise control, 120kms was supremely easy up hill and down dale. Indeed, facing up a steep hill at 120 and giving it some right foot showed it to be very eager indeed, and passing anything took no more than application of power and some steering input - the auto box is certainly the best I've come across so far. Not as slush as a Merc, and infinately smoother and more refined than Audi's woeful Multitronic - and quieter with it, too.

    The seats were remarkable for being...........unremarkable, but I have to say, if I got cloth seats for free I wouldn't take them: it has brought home to me how good, how resilient and how easy to care for leather seats are. The charcoal black cloth showed up every speck of dust, Tayto, crumb and what not. No, for me it would have to be leather. I mean, it even had heated seats - I have never come across heated without leather before...........most.........curious

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,748 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Over the course of the next few days, some things came to be of note:

    1. Starting it was by means of button - you just need the key on your person:

    20130419_162423-M.jpg

    It's not that this system is confined to BMW, but I'm not a fan. On one occasion we couldn't find the bloody key, and were afraid to knock it off - we thought we'd left it at the apartment we'd rented or something so mini-heart attack at that: but actually one of the kids had it: they'd unlocked the car to get their stuff in.

    2. This was an Efficient Dynamics equipped car - stop/start, in other words. Jeebus - I'd actually pay €€€ to have it removed. It is, frankly, awful. I do not for one second believe that it saves 1cc of juice. Add to that that I personally think it'll eat starters as it get's older. Compared to a manual car, which uses the operation of the clutch pedal as the 'signal' for auto-start to stop/start (say, at a junction), the auto merely relies on wheels stopping to cut out, and taking your foot off the brake to restart. Being an automatic, as soon as it restarts it rolls forward. I know someone with a Mini with the same system and it is on starter #3 already. You can disable the feature by pressing the 'A' button over the stop/start button, but every time you knock the car off and get out of it, it defaults to going back into Ed mode. This I'd have to have switched off - I don't know if that's even possible.

    And it's all very well when the car is new, and the engine starts within 1/2 a revolution. But it when it gets older, and it takes more cranking to get it going, I don't know how ED is going to cope.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,748 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    ....we were staying in a rural village, some 80 minutes outside Munchen, off the autobahn, so I got a lot of rural R-road driving in on it. I have to say, it definately drives very well. It handled well (on good roads at any rate), and I loved throwing it around - and I think the auto 'box was a help as it kept up and down shifts very smooth and the car stayed well planted.

    Brakes were good, too.

    On the economy front, this I was most curious to see - driving it for 5 days only took 3/4 of a tank, and at €1.34/litre, the week's driving was very cheap - €53.

    The display showed a consumption of 5.6l/100 km's - when I refilled it I noted the mileage, and worked it out manually, and it came out at 48mpg. I was happy with that, tbh - it's good for an automatic at any rate.

    So, to sum up: in a land where it's pitched against the Focus market, it's a good alternative, but a little bland. It has a well-hewn feeling to driving it, is very quiet, the engine is very good, smooth & quiet, and it's economical. I'd say, minded, it will probably stay together well too.

    But, and here's the €26,000 question: would I spend my own money on one......?.....in A Other World, possibly, but not here, not at Irish pricing. To spec it to a standard commensurate with both the brand and my own expectations of what a quality car would be, would, i fear, work out v.expensive.

    But it would be good used buy, I'd wager.

    In fact, I'd be very tempted by the 1-Series Coupé or Cabrio, instead. The idea of a quality car, in a smaller package, is very appealing right now, so the 1-series certainly has the capability to be that car.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,748 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    ...like I said at the start........looks like I'll enjoy the Humble Pie, now..... :)

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,748 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    ...and another thing I forgot: I found the cruise control to be very good: works in lovely small 1km increments, and the way the speedo illuminates the CC speed, outside the needle tip is very clever.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,730 ✭✭✭✭R.O.R


    The 118d is 143ps which is more than enough for that size of car (and a 3 Series) for day to day driving, and can certainly keep pace with Irish traffic. Much more than that in a 1 Series, with little weight over the rear axle, it can become a bit of a handful in the damp (drove a 120d in the wet and there was a lot of yellow light flashing on the dash).

    I've found the stop/start system works very well in general on the BMW's - especially on the Autos. I'd be more used to the system in 5 Series Auto's where it's pretty seamless.

    The 5 has an electronic handbrake (3 has a manual one, and I think the 1 does too) which also comes with Auto Hold. Unlike the Audi's with similar systems, on the BMW they don't argue with each other as the trigger to restart the engine is via the throttle. On the Audi it's via the brake, so the engine stops when you have your foot on the brake, then to engange hill hold you take your foot off the brake, but the engine restarts even though you aren't moving. Engine doesn't restart on the 5 Series until you hit the throttle, so no fuel being used while not moving, but does take just a touch longer to actually get moving.

    I don't think we've had any issues with alteratnators in anything fitted with start/stop yet. It's been in the BMW's since late 07 so we've got/had loads on the fleet doing both massive mileage and fairly low town mileage. Few years down the line may be a different story, but up till now it's not causing issues.

    Standard SE seats in BMW's are pretty woeful (might be OK in 6 or 7 series - don't know though as we don't get them in) and tend to give me back ache fairly quickly. They need lumbar support adding at least to make them any way comfortable. Sports seats are much better. Sports seats with Lumbar is the ideal situation.

    I don't like the keyless start as I hate driving with keys in my pocket. There is a holder for the key near the cupholders on the 5 Series, but nothing on the 3 and the 1 looks similar. Leaves you with the option of either having (a fairly large) key in your pocket, or throwing it in to the cupholder/door pocket/any other cubby hole, to rattle & slide around.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,487 ✭✭✭alexmcred


    I have the extended storage in my 1er and the extra bits that fit into the cup holders act as a key holder.

    The 118d is rated by BMW as 143bhp when I had it dyno'd mine was putting out around 153 I think.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,718 ✭✭✭Matt Simis


    With MSport Kit and Wheels and lowering they can look far better in fairness.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,487 ✭✭✭alexmcred


    Matt Simis wrote: »
    With MSport Kit and Wheels and lowering they can look far better in fairness.

    The 135i looks like a cracking car especially in estoril blue.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,748 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    R.O.R wrote: »
    The 118d is 143ps which is more than enough for that size of car (and a 3 Series) for day to day driving, and can certainly keep pace with Irish traffic.

    .............

    The 5 has an electronic handbrake (3 has a manual one, and I think the 1 does too) which also comes with Auto Hold. ............

    ..................

    Standard SE seats in BMW's are pretty woeful (might be OK in 6 or 7 series - don't know though as we don't get them in) and tend to give me back ache fairly quickly. They need lumbar support adding at least to make them any way comfortable. Sports seats are much better. Sports seats with Lumbar is the ideal situation.

    I don't like the keyless start as I hate driving with keys in my pocket. There is a holder for the key near the cupholders on the 5 Series, but nothing on the 3 and the 1 looks similar. Leaves you with the option of either having (a fairly large) key in your pocket, or throwing it in to the cupholder/door pocket/any other cubby hole, to rattle & slide around.

    I agree, whatever power it had, it was plenty.

    This 1-series had a conventional handbrake (yay :) )

    Seats were.....unremarkable - which means they must be o.k.. Longest trip in one go was 2 hours.

    God I hate the key-in-the-pocket thing too - and you're right, this 1-series had nowhere on/in the dash to put them anyway.

    I'd be interested to know if the car is noisy on Irish roads, given our shoite surfaces - in BMW-Welt-Land it was peachy quiet.

    Looking at it again, in the right colour and maybe some graphics, you could do something with it. In plain Silver it was brutal entirely.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,520 ✭✭✭Tea 1000


    alexmcred wrote: »
    The 135i looks like a cracking car especially in estoril blue.
    You mean it'll go like a cracking car, but it'll still look kak! :)
    galwaytt wrote: »
    I agree, whatever power it had, it was plenty.

    This 1-series had a conventional handbrake (yay :) )

    Seats were.....unremarkable - which means they must be o.k.. Longest trip in one go was 2 hours.

    God I hate the key-in-the-pocket thing too - and you're right, this 1-series had nowhere on/in the dash to put them anyway.

    I'd be interested to know if the car is noisy on Irish roads, given our shoite surfaces - in BMW-Welt-Land it was peachy quiet.

    Looking at it again, in the right colour and maybe some graphics, you could do something with it. In plain Silver it was brutal entirely.
    I must say I absolutely love the keyless thing. Hate routing in pockets, especially when the arms are full!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 361 ✭✭peter barrins


    This post has been deleted.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 361 ✭✭peter barrins


    This post has been deleted.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,748 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Tea 1000 wrote: »
    You mean it'll go like a cracking car, but it'll still look kak! :)

    I must say I absolutely love the keyless thing. Hate routing in pockets, especially when the arms are full!

    You say that now. Wait 'til it lets you down........or you let it down by forgetting where they are and driving off ........ :)

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,718 ✭✭✭Matt Simis


    Tea 1000 wrote: »
    You mean it'll go like a cracking car, but it'll still look kak! :)

    Dunno, looks "correct" for a sporty hot hatch:
    https://www.google.ie/search?q=m135i&safe=off&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=8El5Ua6XJIKFhQf054GgBg&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1544&bih=766#imgrc=_


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,206 ✭✭✭Zcott


    Someone pointed out to me once that the 1 series looks like a baseball cap, which is all I can see when I see them. Still, I quite like them and I'd definitely drive one.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,748 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Matt Simis wrote: »


    from your link : Yum.

    Colour IS everthing on a car like this

    F20-BMW-M135i-1.jpg

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,016 ✭✭✭lomb


    Black looks cack on audi saloons also (ok on the TT though). The 1 series in silver or blue looks spot on. Fuel consumption looks good from what you say especially for an auto. A manual one would be perfect I reakon especially adding another few mpg.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 874 ✭✭✭Gosub


    I hired one of those in Ireland recently. I found the fuel economy to be great! The engine cut-out can be turned off in the settings IIRC. Like the golf, the five door looks a lot worse than the three door. I found the B pillar to be too far forward, making the front access too tight. The three door should sort this out.

    The car suffered some very rough roads down the south-east and it handled them very well. Solid and rattle free. The handling was a dream and it was very chuckable.

    I found the best place for the key was in a little slot just ahead of the gear selector. Looked like it was for a cigarette packet. The car wouldn't start if I was at the driver's door with the key in my pocket. It seemed to need the key close-ish to the dash.

    The auto box was a dream also. Changes were smooth and almost imperceptible. Not sure how many gears were in there. Six... maybe seven?

    In short; I liked it a lot. :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,520 ✭✭✭Tea 1000


    galwaytt wrote: »
    You say that now. Wait 'til it lets you down........or you let it down by forgetting where they are and driving off ........ :)
    Not sure how it could let you down, there are ways around forgetting to heed the "low key fob battery" warning for a few weeks and letting it go completely dead, and also if you forget the key it won't start! Only issue to remember is if you're meeting the wife with the kid in the back and swapping cars to go in two seperate directions to give her the key or she'll get stuck if she stops at a shop!! You could just make a habbit of turning it off every time you stop, that way no one will drive off without it!
    I don't mind the key in my pocket. I hate bunches of keys. I have the car key and the front door key on one ring, that's it. Any more and I don't want it in my pocket. Never understood this lark of 300 keys on the keyring and it cutting a hole in the jeans pocket or clanging off the side of the car while driving.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,384 ✭✭✭pred racer


    Matt Simis wrote: »

    I dont like it, in the side view the bonnet is too long for the rest of the car, back and front looks ok though.

    And the saloon is just mingin.
    Not for me I'm afraid.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,748 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    pred racer wrote: »
    I dont like it, in the side view the bonnet is too long for the rest of the car, back and front looks ok though.

    And the saloon is just mingin.
    Not for me I'm afraid.

    ...heh heh: ever seen a Capri......it's like an aircraft carrier, that is.... :)

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,748 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Tea 1000 wrote: »
    Not sure how it could let you down, there are ways around forgetting to heed the "low key fob battery" warning for a few weeks and letting it go completely dead, and also if you forget the key it won't start! Only issue to remember is if you're meeting the wife with the kid in the back and swapping cars to go in two seperate directions to give her the key or she'll get stuck if she stops at a shop!! You could just make a habbit of turning it off every time you stop, that way no one will drive off without it!
    .

    That's exactly my point : that, or similar WILL happen, eventually. Hopefully you won't be far away when it does - but if you are............

    It actually happened to me this week - Tuesday -for the first time ever, on my 'bike. On my Harley there's a fob for the alarm, immobiliser. So, I went to garage, started the bike to warm it up, and went in and put on my gear. Came out, got on the bike, and went for my spin. Tootled around for about 40kms, and headed home, stopping at the local shop on the way home for bread/milk/chocolate :pac:, and when I came out, couldn't find the key anywhere. Tried every pocket, thought I'd lost them out of the jacket on the road on the way.

    So, phoned home (5kms), and Mrs Gtt came out on her bike, with the spare for mine. A double-click of the fob, and we're off home. Put the bike in the garage, still annoyed at losing the key, and got out of my leathers etc to put back on regular jeans..............and then I found it. The key was in my regular jeans. I'd started the bike whilst wearing them, and went back for the the leathers, and as bike was still running, just sat on it and drove away.

    Would have been bloody annoying if I was the 40kms away when I twigged it. Or on the motorway to Dublin..........or Cork.............

    I've had the bike for 5+ years and this is the first time that's happened. Funny it should happen the week I have the 1-series....... :cool:

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,502 ✭✭✭bidiots


    Tea 1000 wrote: »
    Never understood this lark of 300 keys on the keyring and it cutting a hole in the jeans pocket or clanging off the side of the car while driving.

    You need to adjust your driving style before you give yourself whiplash:P


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,520 ✭✭✭Tea 1000


    galwaytt wrote: »
    That's exactly my point : that, or similar WILL happen, eventually. Hopefully you won't be far away when it does - but if you are............

    It actually happened to me this week - Tuesday -for the first time ever, on my 'bike. On my Harley there's a fob for the alarm, immobiliser. So, I went to garage, started the bike to warm it up, and went in and put on my gear. Came out, got on the bike, and went for my spin. Tootled around for about 40kms, and headed home, stopping at the local shop on the way home for bread/milk/chocolate :pac:, and when I came out, couldn't find the key anywhere. Tried every pocket, thought I'd lost them out of the jacket on the road on the way.

    So, phoned home (5kms), and Mrs Gtt came out on her bike, with the spare for mine. A double-click of the fob, and we're off home. Put the bike in the garage, still annoyed at losing the key, and got out of my leathers etc to put back on regular jeans..............and then I found it. The key was in my regular jeans. I'd started the bike whilst wearing them, and went back for the the leathers, and as bike was still running, just sat on it and drove away.

    Would have been bloody annoying if I was the 40kms away when I twigged it. Or on the motorway to Dublin..........or Cork.............

    I've had the bike for 5+ years and this is the first time that's happened. Funny it should happen the week I have the 1-series....... :cool:
    But if you did that with the 1-series there'd be a "No key detected" alarm on the dash when you sat in and a beeping noise to alert you!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,748 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Tea 1000 wrote: »
    But if you did that with the 1-series there'd be a "No key detected" alarm on the dash when you sat in and a beeping noise to alert you!!

    What's the range on the key fob ? I mean, how far from the car before it alarms ? (curious)

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 874 ✭✭✭Gosub


    galwaytt wrote: »
    What's the range on the key fob ? I mean, how far from the car before it alarms ? (curious)
    Well, I was standing at the open driver's door, with the key in my pocket, and the car wouldn't start for my son. It gave the 'no key' message IIRC.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,733 ✭✭✭SnowDrifts


    Was looking for some input on either a 118d or 120d circa 2005-06. Any known reliability issues among boardies? Quick google search highlights problems with the timing chain and that it is prone to snapping. Any thoughts?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,733 ✭✭✭SnowDrifts


    Anyone?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,520 ✭✭✭Tea 1000


    galwaytt wrote: »
    What's the range on the key fob ? I mean, how far from the car before it alarms ? (curious)
    Only saw this now. Yep, it's literally outside the car. It'll only unlock the front door that you're standing beside, so if you stand beside the drivers door someone's hand on the passenger door won't work, and when you're inside the car it know the key is inside from the signal strength, so the minute you get out it can't detect the key. If the battery is going dead and you have the key in your pocket between your wallet and your thigh then it might actually briefly warn you also!


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,163 ✭✭✭robertxxx


    I really love the look of the new 1 baby.

    Yes please.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 58 ✭✭neeb03


    SnowDrifts wrote: »
    Was looking for some input on either a 118d or 120d circa 2005-06. Any known reliability issues among boardies? Quick google search highlights problems with the timing chain and that it is prone to snapping. Any thoughts?

    Have a 118i and no trouble at all. Never had issues with chain.

    Have to admit, I prefer the older model 1 series to the latest one and definitely only is a 2door. The 5 door looks over crowded but the 2 door is just perfect. In terms of colour - Le Mans blue all the way!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,479 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    neeb03 wrote: »
    Have a 118i and no trouble at all. Never had issues with chain.

    Have to admit, I prefer the older model 1 series to the latest one and definitely only is a 2door. The 5 door looks over crowded but the 2 door is just perfect. In terms of colour - Le Mans blue all the way!!

    OP is asking about the diesel version though which the 2007 onward ones could develop timing chain issues. The older pre 2007 diesels didn't suffer from timing chain issues.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 58 ✭✭neeb03


    My one is the 2007 facelift (newer) model and no trouble at all except for people parking close beside it and hitting their doors off it:(

    Other than that no trouble with chain:D


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