USED BMW 1 Series Hatchback (04 - )

My car

I suppose only having bought this car, 2005 120d Sport, yesterday it may be a little early for a review but I always believe that first impressions last. After reading all the reviews (including all those on here, thanks everyone) I knew I wanted a diesel but 118d or 120d?. I decided that the extra performance of the 120d was worth the extra money as the mpg and emmissions are much the same. I traded my 2000 BMW 330ci convertible (after enjoying some unseasonably warm weather here in Northern Ireland) and must say, so far, I believe I got the better deal. Although I have only done around 100 miles in the car I think that the USABLE performance, and by usable I mean overtaking, sliproads etc. is on a par with the 330ci. Not bad when you consider the 330ci was Steptronic. But here is the best bit - on the same stretch of road (in opposite directions) at the same average speed for the same distance, 50 miles, through 3 villages and 1 town the 330ci managed 28.1mpg and the 120d 56.9mpg!!! The car is well equipped, safe, practical (after a conv. what wouldn't be) and in my opinion looks good. Challenge convention I say.

My car

I am very happy with this car except for the hesitation it has at low revs when you accelerate - almost feels likes petrol starvation.

After numerous complaints to local BMW garage, BMW have now agreed that it's a problem with some of the newer 1 Series petrol versions and will replace sensors to solve problem.

However, new sensors have not solved the problem totally.

My car was registered in April 2007 and has the auto stop/start facility which takes a bit of getting used to but I like it very much now.

My car

What an amazing car: sure, it isn't as well built as a BMW should be; it doesn't offer the room of an A3; and the ride is hard and the steering heavy.

However, it looks and drives like nothing else in its class - think of it as a sports car with people- and luggage-carrying capabilities and it starts to make sense.

Add a silky smooth diesel that goes to 60mph in just over 8 seconds and still returns 50mpg, then ask yourself why would you want anything else?

It also has the turning circle of a London cab - totally AMAZING!

My car

We have the Auto version of this. We bought this car second hand just less than 3 years old as an Approved BMW used car. The service was pretty good and the condition is great. The drive is fantastic, the quality of interior is great. It's really comfortable on the motorway. The suspension is a little stiff for inner city pot-holey and speed-bumpy roads, but is enough to give good cornering.

It's a powerful engine, although the consumption is lower than stated in brochures (even for the pre facelift model that it is).

BMW have been great (since it's under warranty) in trying to sort out any issues with it.

Would definitely buy it again. In fact, this is my wife's car - I might look into getting a 3 year old one in 2 years time!!!