BMW 1 series 2008?

98q76e12hrflnk

Hi guys,

Im looking at a 2008 BMW 1 series. The milage is quite high 190,000km. its a 1.6 petrol. The reviews are ok. Ive read there are some problems with the "old" type but not sure what make of it. Is there anyone who has one or know experience with them. Are they a reliable car. Is it hungry on the fuel. Any insight would be great. Im decided whether to get this car or stick with a volkswagen golf.

grogi

Kristopher Icy X-ray wrote: »

Hi guys,

Im looking at a 2008 BMW 1 series. The milage is quite high 190,000km. its a 1.6 petrol. The reviews are ok. Ive read there are some problems with the "old" type but not sure what make of it. Is there anyone who has one or know experience with them. Are they a reliable car. Is it hungry on the fuel. Any insight would be great. Im decided whether to get this car or stick with a volkswagen golf.

If you want BMW for driving dynamics - 1.6 seems a bit underpowered: 122 bhp and 10.7s 0-60.

If you don't expect driving dynamics - the RWD setup eats a lot of cabin space...

So either go for something faster (120i) or something more spacious... BMW are not known for cheap maintenance either.

98q76e12hrflnk

grogi wrote: »

If you want BMW for driving dynamics - 1.6 seems a bit underpowered: 122 bhp and 10.7s 0-60.

If you don't expect driving dynamics - the RWD setup eats a lot of cabin space...

So either go for something faster (120i) or something more spacious... BMW are not known for cheap maintenance either.

Ok thanks, im not pushed on driving dynamics, Im more concern to know they are a sturdy reliable car that isnt know to hard lots of problems

colm_mcm

That's not a great reason to buy a BMW to be honest.

goochy

You could ask yourself then why you want to buy one ? Badge ?
Better cars out there for money

98q76e12hrflnk

colm_mcm wrote: »

That's not a great reason to buy a BMW to be honest.

I like the look of the car and I want make sure its a solid car.

Bit lost on what else would be a reason?

colm_mcm

You'd normally (in my opinion) buy a BMW for a combination of driving dynamics, image and technology.
Pretty much every car is safe these days with a 5 star NCAPrating being the norm. In my opinion packing a car and making it good to drive creates compromises in terms of durability, parts prices, suspension parts, complex electrics etc.
Not saying the 1 series is a bad car or that BMWs are bad.

mossy50

DO NOT BUY A BMW 1 SERIES they are a bucket of SH1TE trust me you are only paying for the badge
we had a 116i es 2 timing chains snapped 1 head skim, 1 second hand engine constant electrical problems ABS, DTC, coils, run flat indicators going gaa gaa, water getting in thhrough back door seals, central locking going mental and windows dropping wash wipe pumps packed up,
the ride is hard as a rock and run flats are bloody useless plenty better cars to buy out there would never touch a BMW (big money worries] again

goochy

buy a nice spec. Golf instead

ironclaw

I drive a 1-Series myself, but I'm at the other end of the spectrum 'performance' wise.

I'd disagree with mossy50, they are not a rust bucket but do have their problems. Overall, the chassis is quite sound and its share a good deal of its parts with the other series, in fact the entire suspension is pretty much swapped with a 3-series. It means you can get certain parts a good deal cheaper if you shop around. That said, there are some known issues which equally effect cars of a similar year and mileage e.g. Water pumps, clutches etc. And speaking of which, your mileage is high but not astronomical. Mine is pretty much the exact same but from 2007, and the car is running perfectly.

I feel the 1-series is heavily dependent on what is under the bonnet in front. If you want to pay the premium for BMW and live in Ireland, you may as well try get a 123d from 2008 or later. Very capable car, came in the saloon variant mostly in Ireland and has great power under the bonnet. Tax will be lower and your fuel economy can be north of 50MPG. Down side, they are very rare here but you will pick one up for sub-€10k if you look hard and are willing to wait.

As regards water ingress, they have been known to do this do to some poorly design water run offs. Its pretty uncommon on the whole, I've never actually see it myself, but a quick sweep of the drains once a year will do it, slightly more if you live in an area covered in trees or is very dusty. The rear doors also let a little water onto the step but not into the car. I've never been able to figure out why but a wipe of a cloth each time I clean it is more than enough to see it right. Its just more noticeable as the step is quite wide by comparison to other cars its size.

Lastly, remove the run flat tyres if fitted. They were a terrible addition by BMW and I'm not sure why they kept fitting them.

I'd suggest the BabyBMW forum if you are considering buying, lots of info there.

bazz26

Current generation of run flat tyres are way more comfortable than the earlier ones.

ironclaw

mossy50 wrote: »

never said it was a RUST BUCKET just a car with SH1TE LOAD of problems

Well, I was being polite with my phrase. Each to their own but I've never had a problem with mine that wasn't expected or standard for a car of that mileage.