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Overall reader verdict 4 out of 5 stars

  • What's it like to drive
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Running costs
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Quality, practicality and equipment
    3 out of 5 stars

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149 reader reviews for BMW 1 Series Hatchback.

  • 116d Sport 5dr

    Keith Bowran , North Yorkshire . Date: 31/08/2011
    • Overall verdict
      4 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Average MPG
      60

    My car

    I have owned my 1 series BMW for just over 2 years and done 30,000+ miles - It is beautifully put together with quality materials,no rattles and totally reliable. It has a very smooth gear change and fantastic miles per gallon at over over 60 mpg on a run. It's very quiet and even though the smallest diesel engine, has more than enough power. Running costs for fuel and tax are very low. The only down side is the poor performance in snow being rear wheel driven.

  • 118d M Sport 3dr

    Richard Hall , . Date: 26/05/2011
    • Overall verdict
      5 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Average MPG
      48

    My car

    I have been running this car for the past 3 months and 8,000miles as a temporary company car. I must admit that I have never really liked BMWs but this has really changed my mind. The Performance is really strong, the gearbox nice and positive if a little heavy and the handling is excellent - I don't want to go back to front wheel drive now (although come the winter and I am sure I would change my mind) Build quality on mine has been a litte suspect - dashboard trim needed gluing back on and the passenger door central locking failed. However it feels wonderful inside, especially the M-Sport steering wheel and I can get out after a 400 mile trip without any aches and pains. Rear seat space was okay for my 3 children (8-10 yrs) but the boot is cramped. Main downdside is the ride quality on rough country lanes and speed bumps are best avoided. Av MPG has been 48mpg which is not too bad but much less than the 58 I got from a previous Audi A3 1.6TDi. Would I buy one with my own money - Yes I would and there are not many current cars I would say that about.

  • 116d SE Dynamic 3dr

    mark darke , surrey . Date: 10/04/2011
    • Overall verdict
      4 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      3 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Average MPG
      41

    My car

    2010 model , with about 3000 miles currently on it. Fuel consumption tends to prove that BMW do tend to lie!!!. If you intend to buy this car for its superior fuel economy then best you dont... The car I have is fitted with satnav and bluetooth as well as cruise, and I'm now getting used to how it all works, BUT a word of warning with regards the Voice control for the (Bluetooth)telephone.... It's absolutely RUBBISH, and using voice control will see you probably taking an axe to it at some stage if you try and use the voice activated "Dial number" function. Due to the road noise in this car its completely unworkable unless you physically stop the car and then make the call.Even with the fans off the radio off the windows shut and no background noise it still REFUSES to work. I'd quite like BMW to rip it all out and replace it with the Touch phone kit I had in my passat estate, which worked first time every time, even voice dialling!!!.Call me a cynic but I always though that if something is fitted to your car it should at least do what it's supposed to do, wonder how I'd fare if i went down the "this is not fit for the purposse for which it was intended " route with BMW. I find the car to be quite comfortable and if anyone could fix the Voice dialling issue (which really is an issue in an age where we are all being told not to use our phones while we are driving) then I think Would buy another one.

  • 120d SE 5dr

    Ian Snelling , Pembs. . Date: 08/04/2011
    • Overall verdict
      2 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      1 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      3 out of 5 stars
    • Average MPG
      47

    My car

    So sorry I bought this car a few months ago, I bought a 2 year old car assuming I'd get quality and reliability - I've got neither and BMW Head Offices complaints department just refuse to discuss anything - see your dealer. Unfortunately its the dealer that I have some of the issues with - and when the salesmen laughs and walks away what can you do If you really don't want to shout and scream. Don't get me wrong - driving it is pure pleasure, the ride as its the SE isn't bad although it would improve If I ever went over to "normal" tyres, the roadholding and the handling are pretty decent - I've bought wheels for next winter but am thinking of getting rid of it already. I'm in the dealers almost every week with small issues, rear mirror doesn't dip is on its own nothing BUT when you need two new air bags and you car fails to start as the electronic steering lock doesn't disengage is not a good sign ( ofcourse the starting has resolved itself so far but doesn't show up any error messages BUT I'm dreading when the warranty runs out and I'll either have to stump up thousands for the well known steering column issue or engage a solicitor) I previously had a Honda CRV and only ever saw the dealer once a year, the seating area was small, the tv tiny and the coffee was instant and in a plastic cup but thats OK, they were friendly, gthey were helpful- BMW have big flat screen TVs, real coffee in china cups BUT you'll not get a replacement car as its acceptable to wait 4hrs

BMW 1 Series Hatchback

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