BMW 1 SERIES COUPE REVIEW

My car

Bought my 118d coupe brand new from dealer in Aberdeen and managed to get about £1700 off the list price. Had it for 5 months and 6000 miles now so time for a review: Firstly performance is not that wonderful and I often think the 120d would have been a better choice, its not slow but trying to accelerate in 6th at motorway speeds on an incline doesn't work! need to shift down to 5th or 4th to get going. Fuel economy after 6000 miles is about 49mpg and this doesn't seem to change much based on what kind of roads etc - this figure is a long way off BMW figures and a major disappointment. They claim 70+ mpg on a long run! So its costing me more to run than I would have liked especially at 142p a litre! However I find it really comfortable and have no problems with the run flat tyres - but I am quite tall and find the clutch pedal is further away than the brake and gas pedal so need to sit closer than I would like - its also impossible to stretch out my legs on a long run because of the foot rest! But in general its a pleasure to drive on long runs - sports seats are excellent. Managed two adults in the back without too much fuss, and the boot is pretty big with the back seats folded down - I was amazed how much stuff it swallowed - provided you can fit it under the boot lid! So in general a good little car, but consider going for the 120d for better performance, and no doubt very little difference in mpg.

My car

I purchased my 1 Series Coupe 5 months ago as approved used from a BMW dealer, it has now done nearly 28 000 miles . I am a car enthusiast who enjoys fettling his posessions. The car is superb to drive, and has possibly the best 2 litre 4 cylinder diesel engine in the world. It is plenty quick enough with good torque, and the fuel economy which is 45-55 mpg depending on use is also good, no car achieves its offical combined cycle figure day in day out, whatever the advertisements say. Noise levels are low. The throttle response is very linear, not that different to a gasoline engine, the brakes are powerful and not over servoed, the steering has some feel and the handling is better than most front wheel drive cars. The handling is 'firm' in part due to the run-flat tyres which are a good safety feature The interior is not that roomy, not an issue for me as I am over 50! but the seats and driving position are comfortable. I find the trim quality generally good but Audi are marginally better in this area for similar prices. The BMW however is better to drive than the competition. The looks will not be everyone's cup of tea - I like the chunky shape myself. I have been fortunate to have some good cars over the years and this is one of the best.

My car

I received this car in the middle of April and have already completed 2,000 miles commuting to and from work (80 mile round trip). I ordered this car from the fleet company due to its low co2 emissions (ie low tax) and good mpg stats plus it also looks great on the road. Yes, the ride is firm due to the suspension and the run-flat tyres but that’s what I like in a car.

Inside, all of the finishing touches are done well and with the M Sport you get all the finer details such as the inside trim, leather sport adjustable seats and the multifunctional steering wheel. There’s enough room in the back for a decent sized person as I car-share with colleagues and they don’t complain of the space in the back two seats – plus the boot is surprisingly big for a saloon/coupé.

Fuel consumption is 48.68mpg (fill to fill) which is a mix of A-road commuting and around the town at the weekends. On long runs will be 55+ but you can guzzle the petrol if you’re not careful whilst still not driving like a granddad! But 570 miles out of 51 litres is good going.

Inside, I chose the optional extras of the USB port, upgraded to Professional Radio which works well with my iPod Nano but my iPhone requires a £50 Y-Cable from the dealership. So overall, I’m very impressed and pleased that I chose this car from the other options and people were surprised that they loved the ‘sporty’ look of the 1 Series Coupé - including the girlfriend who offers to be the designated driver at every opportunity.

My car

best car I have owned to date.

The engine is amazing it's so smooth and insulated from all noises. Acceleration is so even across the rev range. Incredibly quick - but smooth

It is a relaxed and comfortable motorway cruiser (though the seats require fiddly adjustments), but through it at a windy road and you'll be grinning the entire way. this diesel car even has enough power to swing its rear out if you accelirate aggresivley out of a junction - and though the steering is light it is very very easy to control the car.

The SE spec with sports seats is very comfy and supportive when driving quickly.Everything in the car is placed well with the exception of the ignition. Space is impressive - i am 6ft3'' and have bags of room. Space in the rear is limited - but way closer to a normal hatch than the Audi TT! Boot is very useful in size and shape.

I've had golf GTI's and Mini cooper s's and numerous other cars and this is the best. The ride comfort is shamefully better than my other car (a passat new shape), and the build quality and switch gear is better than any VAG or merc. Perfomance and handling is far easier to live with than the mini cooper s which it replaced, and very nearly as sharp.