I bought. BMW...

Bluefoam

It's a 10 year old 1 series Coupé... And here's my observation:

I was never really interested in them as a brand, even though my dad had a couple over the years as has my younger brother, including an i3.

I had never paid attention to the number/identification system, but I find it really disturbing. BMW have a way of making you feel great about buying your car and in the very next moment making you feel like ****e.

You but a 3.18, get all the specs you need, but then immediately you are told that it's not as good as a 323 or 335... What's the difference? **** all, and I've yet to meet someone who can explain it properly even though they are so excited to point it out...

The indicators are a mess... So complicated and unnecessarily so. Still not an excuse not to use them.

So why did I buy one? I like small cheap slightly sporty feeling cars... There's not much on my radar at the moment and the BMW on paper has reasonable fuel economy.

I do feel like a bit of a fraud. I don't covet this car, but I do kinda like it. However the interior is awful.

My last car was a Giullietta, it was a wee rocket, 170bhp in a small package. The interior was a great place to be. Didn't miss a beat over the two years of ownership. Plus it only cost me €1500 in depreciation over that time.

The BMW is now in the garage. I've done less than 200km since picking it up in January and there is making worrying noises. It came from a reputable garage, has a clean record and came with a two year warranty. However, it causing me problems, I don't have much time to be back and forth to the garage. I don't like the bus that they loaned me in the meantime..

The car is grand to drive and live with. It's not entertaining to drive like the Alfa, it's not a beautiful interior, it is highly spec'ed for it's age, but nothing works so well that it's very compelling. Is it nice? Yeh, it's grand. It's not an engaging drive, its got enough power for me, but less fun. It pulls too strongly in low gears and munches motorways better than it deals with smaller roads.

So far, I don't get the BMW experience, but it's a grand car.

road_high

An old relatively basic BMW isn’t anything special tbh. Why would it be?

Bluefoam

road_high wrote: »

An old relatively basic BMW isn’t anything special tbh. Why would it be?

But that kinda plays into my point... The Alfa was slightly older, but was so much fun to own, to drive, to sit in... The experience was great and hassle free.

The BMW experience has been similar to your comment above. A bit snobby and elitist, but lacking any real substance. What shouldn't I enjoy owning a 10 year old car.

PsychoPete

There's no difference between a 318 and 335....

Take off the 318 badge and add a load of M badges and it will instantly feel better and faster to drive

Personally BMW never did anything for me either there's more interesting and better looking motors for the same money

Buddy Bubs

Did you buy a 10 year old 116i or something? You bought the cheapest car bmw sold 10 years ago.....hardly going to be special really is it?

artanevilla

When I read the bit about you liking small slightly sporty cars I was going to reply, "Why didn't you get a Giulietta?"

Muppet Man

That's interesting. Not a bmw fan myself. Sounds like you are underwhelmed and might have sellers regret. Maybe you bought the wrong car in terms of your needs / expectations

Bluefoam

Buddy Bubs wrote: »

Did you buy a 10 year old 116i or something? You bought the cheapest car bmw sold 10 years ago.....hardly going to be special really is it?

No, it's a 118, 2l, fully spec'ed with a TV and all that ****e. The spec isn't the problem... But again, you are using that numbering system to denegrate what you consider lesser cars... The whole ownership experience seems to be based on the fact that your not as good as someone who's one level up etc... You should by a better model, with better numbers and newer...

The closest I got to liking a BMW enough to consider buying was either a white 3 series or 5 series coupe (its been a few years), but mostly they leave me cold. A 335 or 535 (i or d) would be decent performance wise but never really considered them.

I've only ever drove a 3 series loaner, but that was low powered/spec, so can't say what they are like to drive. My own history would be SAAB, Alfa and Audi. I've owned more audi than any other brand. Currently a MK3 petrol TT.

The one series is not terrible. It's hardly a Toyota Corolla.

Bluefoam

Bluefoam wrote: »

I.....

You but a 3.18, get all the specs you need, but then immediately you are told that it's not as good as a 323 or 335... What's the difference? **** all, and I've yet to meet someone who can explain it properly even though they are so excited to point it out...

.....

Is this a p1ss take?
Double the power is more than fnck all difference.

A 1 series coupe is a nice little bus IMO. Fingers crossed yours doesn't have much wrong with it.

Bluefoam

Muppet Man wrote: »

That's interesting. Not a bmw fan myself. Sounds like you are underwhelmed and might have sellers regret. Maybe you bought the wrong car in terms of your needs / expectations

The car is grand. Is suits me fine. I've just got a good history of car ownership and have always enjoyed the experience of owning the cars I've bought. But I think it's the faux eletism I don't like.

PsychoPete

PsychoPete wrote: »

There's no difference between a 318 and 335....

17 :P

Snotty

You bought a 2011 car in a dealers with a 2 year warranty?? how did it feel being violated that badly, are you able to walk normally yet?

Bluefoam

Bluefoam wrote: »

....But I think it's the faux eletism I don't like.

I reckon when folk were growing up in the 90s and early 00s a 5 series or even a 3 series was a decent sign of having a few quid.

From 08 onwards 520d became a common car as it was cheaper to buy and to tax.. You now have some folk thinking they've made it by driving the modern equivalent of an 80s Ford Sierra.

Many folk in 3.0 diesel BMW's are worse again.

IMO

Bluefoam

Augeo wrote: »

Is this a p1ss take?
Double the power is more than fnck all difference.

A 1 series coupe is a nice little bus IMO. Fingers crossed yours doesn't have much wrong with it.

I think the more apt comparison would be a 118 to a 123.... Or similar.

theteal

Isn't "the BMW experience" just setting the repair place as a favourite on the sat nav? That doesn't sound like an exciting model either

Rackstar

Think this is more suited to personal issues forum.

Bluefoam

Bluefoam wrote: »

I think the more apt comparison would be a 118 to a 123.... Or similar.

Indeed.... But you mentioned " it's not as good as a 323 or 335... What's the difference? **** all "

Bluefoam

This thread has been an eye opener... With most car brands, you get various comments; oh you own a Honda, they go forever; you drive an Alfa, I have no personal experience, but I'll repeat some ****e about reliability I overheard in the pub in 1987; a Toyota, there's a reason farmers and malitia's use them around the world, they do a great job... You own a BMW... We'll it's not the right one, yours ismt new enough or have the right spec... You shouldn't enjoy the experience of owning it, because you haven't a high enough status, that can only be achieved by buying the higher spec and newer model...

fryup

good luck with the beemer OP, but don't expect to let out at junctions

Bluefoam

Bluefoam wrote: »

This thread has been an eye opener...

To be fair, you've not changed your mind one bit. You had these views before logging into boards this morning. Confirmation perhaps, but hardly eye opening.

Buddy Bubs

Can I do the Audi thread?

Bluefoam

Deleted User wrote: »

To be fair, you've not changed your mind one bit. You had these views before logging into boards this morning. Confirmation perhaps, but hardly eye opening.

No, I honestly didn't think I'd get comments like: you bought a 10b year old car... What do you expect. Or you probably bought a lower spec model...

I thought I'd get more encouraging discourse... Like some comments have been upbeat and positive... But then others were just pure arrogant.

Buddy Bubs

Buddy Bubs wrote: »

Can I do the Audi thread?

Only if you think you're hard vorsprung durch technik enough.

fryup

Bluefoam wrote: »

I thought I'd get more encouraging discourse... Like some comments have been upbeat and positive... But then others were just pure arrogant.

don't mind them they're just jealous, or embittered by the lockdown

anyway post us a pic, that we can salvate over

Bluefoam

fryup wrote: »

don't mind them they're just jealous, or embittered by the lockdown

anyway post us a pic, that we can salvate over

Lol, I can't... It's in the garage being fixed

fryup

well, that's put a damper on things

can you find a similar pic i.e. model & colour online?

Bluefoam

fryup wrote: »

well, that's put a damper on things

can you find a similar pic i.e. model & colour online?

Almost exactly the same

Where exactly was your expectation of this car coming from OP?

There's a myriad of options for any number of car makers- from Toyota to Audi to Mercedes to VW to Lexus etc etc

You can have anything from a small petrol engine to a 3 litre diesel in many models- from basic poverty spec right up to hand-stitched leather interior - sunroofs, tech & entertainment-

So you purchased a fairly basic spec 10 year old 1 series BMW- and you're not mad about it- I'm really searching for why you started a thread here, or what point do you want to make?

Your previous car had 170BP, it made you feel good maybe because it was an alpha, and it apparently didn't give you much trouble.

It's not the fault of the spec of your current car that it's giving you trouble- age coupled with how it was treated coupled with any built-in design faults are what's influencing how your current car is performing.

I'm not getting at you but really, what's your point?

Coralcoras

What does a skoda octavia say about the owner

micks_address

Coralcoras wrote: »

What does a skoda octavia say about the owner

Solid reliable boring. That’s what my last one said to me

micks_address

micks_address wrote: »

Solid reliable boring. That’s what my last one said to me

Your Octavia spoke to you??? :eek::eek::eek:

*runs off to look for Skoda's*
:P

road_high

Bluefoam wrote: »

But that kinda plays into my point... The Alfa was slightly older, but was so much fun to own, to drive, to sit in... The experience was great and hassle free.

The BMW experience has been similar to your comment above. A bit snobby and elitist, but lacking any real substance. What shouldn't I enjoy owning a 10 year old car.

Didn’t the Guielletta come out circa 2010- why did you change it if it was so good? I don’t get it

road_high

Bluefoam wrote: »

No, I honestly didn't think I'd get comments like: you bought a 10b year old car... What do you expect. Or you probably bought a lower spec model...

I thought I'd get more encouraging discourse... Like some comments have been upbeat and positive... But then others were just pure arrogant.

But that is the reality- it’s a basic model with now outdated tech. It is what it is. Nice for what it is I’m sure but nothing special in any context really.
I’d be more worried about big potential repair bills tbh

Bluefoam

Deleted User wrote: »

Where exactly was your expectation of this car coming from OP?

There's a myriad of options for any number of car makers- from Toyota to Audi to Mercedes to VW to Lexus etc etc

You can have anything from a small petrol engine to a 3 litre diesel in many models- from basic poverty spec right up to hand-stitched leather interior - sunroofs, tech & entertainment-

So you purchased a fairly basic spec 10 year old 1 series BMW- and you're not mad about it- I'm really searching for why you started a thread here, or what point do you want to make?

Your previous car had 170BP, it made you feel good maybe because it was an alpha, and it apparently didn't give you much trouble.

It's not the fault of the spec of your current car that it's giving you trouble- age coupled with how it was treated coupled with any built-in design faults are what's influencing how your current car is performing.

I'm not getting at you but really, what's your point?

Have a read back and you'll understand more.

BTW, it's not a poverty spec, but you and a few others have alluded to that. It's not a small or underpowered engine, but you seem to be saying that I shouldn't have reasonable expectations of a 10 year old car... Bollix, of course I should.
BTW, I choose not to spend much on my cars. If I wanted, I could easily finance bigger more expensive cars... But what's the point, they don't offer more value. What I am disappointed with is 1. The ownership experience 2. The snobbery around the brand developed by the brand 3. The snobbery around the brand based on my experience, socially (and in this thread) 4. They reliability of a car that has a consistent service history and has just completed a service and check.

This is just my review of the ownership experience. It it bothers you, then tough luck. But I do have an expectation and am entitled to it. There's no reason to think a newer BMW would be any better. But this thread has clarified that I'm not a BMW person. I'll keep this car as I had intended, like I said, it's grand... But...

Bluefoam

road_high wrote: »

But that is the reality- it’s a basic model with now outdated tech. It is what it is. Nice for what it is I’m sure but nothing special in any context really.
I’d be more worried about big potential repair bills tbh

Yeh... That's why I extended the warranty. It only cost me the price of a night out, but is worth the piece of mind. But never had that worry with any other car.

This concept that people keep trotting out that you shouldn't expect quality from a ten year old car, is ridiculous... Are BMW's throw away items now? Seems like it...

Buddy Bubs

The thing is, bmw are an expensive brand but to get the market share from other manufacturers they brought out some very ordinary models for some very ordinary prices. In these cars you won't get the level of a more expensive car. The 1 series was brought out to take some sales from the likes of vw golf, focus etc....sure they were a little bit more expensive but not massively so. Then they made a couple variant of it

Bluefoam

Buddy Bubs wrote: »

The thing is, bmw are an expensive brand but to get the market share from other manufacturers they brought out some very ordinary models for some very ordinary prices. In these cars you won't get the level of a more expensive car. The 1 series was brought out to take some sales from the likes of vw golf, focus etc....sure they were a little bit more expensive but not massively so. Then they made a couple variant of it

I get the fact that BMW sell cars in various categories... Historically they have had plenty of cars in various price ranges. It doesn't make a 1 series owner a lesser buyer than anyone else... I find this fascinating, that people look down their noses because you cheapen the brand somehow....

You don't get this with most or car marque's...

Widdensushi

Bluefoam wrote: »

Have a read back and you'll understand more.

BTW, it's not a poverty spec, but you and a few others have alluded to that. It's not a small or underpowered engine, but you seem to be saying that I shouldn't have reasonable expectations of a 10 year old car... Bollix, of course I should.
BTW, I choose not to spend much on my cars. If I wanted, I could easily finance bigger more expensive cars... But what's the point, they don't offer more value. What I am disappointed with is 1. The ownership experience 2. The snobbery around the brand developed by the brand 3. The snobbery around the brand based on my experience, socially (and in this thread) 4. They reliability of a car that has a consistent service history and has just completed a service and check.

This is just my review of the ownership experience. It it bothers you, then tough luck. But I do have an expectation and am entitled to it. There's no reason to think a newer BMW would be any better. But this thread has clarified that I'm not a BMW person. I'll keep this car as I had intended, like I said, it's grand... But...

2 and 3 are all things that are in your head though, most people won't feel that way, 1 and 4 are more to do with buying a 10 year old car.

Larbre34

BMWs produced now have one of the worst reliability records of any modern maker. They are also scabbily equipped and way overpriced.

I've been looking out for a 30 year old 6 cylinder model in the UK to drive as an everyday classic, because they were exceptional and still really great to drive. But I wouldn't buy a modern one.

ToxicPaddy

I'm not a major BMW fan but I do like the brand.

Haven't owned one but both my parents have had them over the years which I drove regularly and drove many different bmws over the years as rentals as I used to rent cars for a week at a time 20 about times a year with work.

The 1 series 3 door hatch always caught my eye but it definitely would have been the bigger engine I would be going for if ever buying, a 130i or similar.

However I would definitely be buying a slightly older model and getting an independent to service it for me. Dealing with BMW dealers and their arrogance would put me right off.

OP if you're not happy with the car then it's time to change it. No point driving something that you deep down don't like or are disappointed with.

JimCore

Deleted User wrote: »

17 :P

Boards summed up in one post.

Toxic place

Bluefoam

ToxicPaddy wrote: »

their arrogance would put me right off.

That's the thing... It's the arrogance...

BMW aren't really that premium, the majority are poverty spec and the brand certainly don't have an exclusive appeal anymore, but some owners are just so far up their own hole... They think they're something special & by having a lesser car to theirs somehow detracts from them... The whole ownership experience is based around this bazaar sudo elitism... But they don't understand that they just aren't that elite.

As I keep saying, it's a grand car. It'll get me around for one or two years...

Buddy Bubs

Bluefoam wrote: »

I get the fact that BMW sell cars in various categories... Historically they have had plenty of cars in various price ranges. It doesn't make a 1 series owner a lesser buyer than anyone else... I find this fascinating, that people look down their noses because you cheapen the brand somehow....

You don't get this with most or car marque's...

Who is looking down their nose at you?
You've invented this in your own head.
Off the top of my head, Hyundai do the same thing
I10 i20 i30 i40.....guess which is the more expensive car
Audi a1,a2,a3, a4,a5,a6,a7,a8, and the q models the same
Merc a class, b class, c class, e class, s class
Gla, glb, GLC...

Bluefoam

Buddy Bubs wrote: »

Who is looking down their nose at you?
You've invented this in your own head.
Off the top of my head, Hyundai do the same thing
I10 i20 i30 i40.....guess which is the more expensive car
Audi a1,a2,a3, a4,a5,a6,a7,a8, and the q models the same
Merc a class, b class, c class, e class, s class
Gla, glb, GLC...

Not quite... Those models generally define a size or type... But BMW emphasise the 3 series,
316, 318, 323, 335

5 series
518, 523, 535

Etc... I still don't fully understand the numbering system and don't really care to.

Bluefoam

Buddy Bubs wrote: »

Who is looking down their nose at you?

Literally, documented in this thread:
You can't have expectations of a 10 year old car
They are a luxury brand, but made some lower spec cars to compete against a focus
Yours must be low spec etc...

If I was in from of a computer I'd compile all those comments...but I'm not

Buddy Bubs

Bluefoam wrote: »

Literally, documented in this thread:
You can't have expectations of a 10 year old car
They are a luxury brand, but made some lower spec cars to compete against a focus
Yours must be low spec etc...

If I was in from of a computer I'd compile all those comments...but I'm not

Mad

JimCore

JimCore wrote: »

Boards summed up in one post.

Toxic place

Wah? Did you get a sense of humour bypass when you bought your Beemer?

And you've come to your assessment very fast Mr 12 posts, reg/rereg.

Bluefoam

By the way kids... While I don't like the wankersim around the brand, the car is grand. It's fine, it's just not as interesting as I expected... No Biggie, it's still a car that serves a purpose... So for those commentators who say I should get rid of it... Eh no, that's just silly.

I'll reiterate, I don't hate this car, I don't even dislike it. Just read the original post. It's just a simple review of my initial ownership... Seems to have peque'ed a few people though.

maddness

Bluefoam wrote: »

The car is grand. Is suits me fine. I've just got a good history of car ownership and have always enjoyed the experience of owning the cars I've bought. But I think it's the faux eletism I don't like.

faux elitism? You have to be taking the piss.

You mentioned that your Alfa had 170bhp was a rocket too...