Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
BMW introduced a model below the 3-series in 2004: the 1-series.
Now a lot of these cars are available second-hand.
About 900 are for sale, of which 70 are a convertible and 30 a coupe.
The rest are hatchbacks with 3 or 5 doors.
The 3-doors was a facelift version, which came in 2007.
The interior got an upgrade and EfficientDynamics was introduced.
You see it everywhere now, but back then it was pretty new.
It was available on the 1-series, making it more efficient and cheaper for daily use.
There's a lot of 118d, the lower range of the gamma.
The biggest engine was the 123d. There were some varieties in between.
Gasoline engines start at the 116 and go up 'til the 130 for the hatchbacks.
For the coupe and convertible the 135 was available as well.
Then you're talking about a real party animal.
ENGINES gasoline
ENGINES diesel
Automatics are rare.
Less than 15% of the cars on AutoScout have an automatic gearbox.
The rest has a manual. That's no problem for people who like to drive.
A manual gives you more of an experience than an automatic.
The listing varies. The cheaper ones are the 118d, starting at 5,500 euros.
Those have millions of miles on the clock.
PRICES minimum, average, maximum
1-series are bought by people who like driving cars better
than someone who buys a FWD clunker.
It's a RWD car, they're great cars to hoon with, so keep that in mind.
Even with the weaker engines, but especially with the bigger blocks.
Stuff like shock absorbers, brakes and tires shouldn't be too worn out.
If they are, it paints a clear image of the last owner, who was rather enthusiastic.
POIs for the diesels: the 118d after the facelift (the N47)
has problems with the timing chain, tensioners, etc.
This becomes apparent when you hear a rattle at 1,500 rpm.
There's also problems with the 130i, which has to do with the steering angle.
When going for a test ride, park the car and turn the wheel all the way.
When you hear a crunchy sound near the stop,
there's a problem with the tensioners or a free running dynamo.
They don't know what it is exactly at BMW, but it is annoying.
Things can break.
Then there's the ignition coils in the injectors on the gasoline 4-cylinders.
Check if everything runs smooth. They can cause trouble sometimes.
It's not a very expensive fix, but rather avoided.
The last POI-- When you Google you find a lot of things.
Use that info.
Last thing I want to say is about the steering lock, which can be a problem.
Sometimes a software upgrade can fix it.
In other cars, the whole steering column or lock needs replacing.
That's more expensive, of course.
After the facelift, the BMW got a prettier interior.
The sports seats were a popular feature.
They're a bit narrow, so if you doubt sitting comfortably, just try it.
Try both versions.
The sports seats are narrow for bigger people.
This car doesn't have them. It's a more subtle edition.
Cloth upholstery on normal seats.
Business Line so a nice radio/CD- player, but no satnav.
It's a nice car. It still looks great without and within.
THIS CAR
Thanks to BMW Amsterdam BV
Subs - Maru