1 Series buying tips (pre owned)

My wife's boss is looking for a 1 series, and has asked me for some help.

I have an e46, but know very little about the 1 series.

She is looking for a convertible, pre-owned. Is there anything that she should look out for with these? The search that I did, did not come up with too much, although it would appear that the navigation system is not highly thought of.

I guess these cars came into the states in 2008, but went into production elsewhere in 2004, maybe they sorted any major issues out before we got them?

Thanks in advance!

I purchased a CPO `08 135i convertible in September 2011. The car had about 34K on the odometer and, since then, I've put in an additional 2500 mile. No problems so far and the car is pure enjoyment. Mine has the Steptronic and Sport Package...no nav, I bought a Garmin and would recommend going that route.

The first year for the 1 series coupe & convertible was 2008. I have 35,000 miles on the 128i 'vert purchased new in 2008 and it has been a delight. While the Navigation unit on my car is OK, the later models have been greatly improved so if she can manage a 2010 or 11, so much the better.

Tom

Thanks to both of you, it looks like she has found a 2011 with 2800 miles on it.

How do these handle in the snow?

Put on some winter tires and they are quite up to the job. I have a 2005 Range Rover on all seasons, and I feel equally - or rather more - comfortable with the 128 on winters (its because when it comes to braking on icy intersections, the better grip of winter tires just can't be beat by all seasons, 4wd being irrelevant when braking). On the other hand, ground clearance is not much... so the height of the snow bank will always be a factor.

But, if you are in an urban environment, then having the right rubber is the most important factor.

Thanks! Between your answer and some searching, looks likes snows are the way to go.

Originally Posted by alfabmw1

Thanks to both of you, it looks like she has found a 2011 with 2800 miles on it.

How do these handle in the snow?

Just curious, is it a 128i or a 135i that she's getting? These cars are well balanced and with the proper tires, I think either would do well in the snow.

Originally Posted by Leslierc

Just curious, is it a 128i or a 135i that she's getting?

It is a 128i, what a nice looking car! Now my wife is going to want one.....

In 2010 the base radio is the base model in the rest of the world. In 2008 and 2009, the base in the U. S. is the mid level system in the rest of the world. I have a 2009 vert with this base system and I like it. Mine got a recall on the tail lights and the seat belts but nothing else I remember. A 2010 will be under warranty so if these haven't been done the dealer should do them without complaint.

I also like the sport suspension and you have to order it to get the sport seats. The sport seats are much more bolstered and more comfortable to me. I would recommend she try it both ways - particularly if the vehicle she is considering does not have the sport (or Msport) package.

If the car does not have iDrive and she likes to have navigation available, she might want to bargain with the dealer - if that is the source of the car- about including the BMW Portable Pro GPS. This is a high end Garmin rebadged as a BMW part with the sound integrated with the car so it comes out the car speakers. It requires some reprogramming of the car. This would also give her bluetooth phone capability (if the car doesn't have that already). Full price would be $1,000-1200 installed. Dealer cost for the parts might be as little as $500.

Jim

I have a low mileage 2009 still under warranty. It looks and runs great. Aside from that, can't say anything positive about the car. Watch out for radio display issues (can't see when the interior is hot), freon leaks (no explanation), power seat issues (doesn't work when the interior is cold), seat heater issues (doesn't work when the interior is cold), center tail light cracking (twice now), and the sunroof leaking.

Sure BMW wants to take care of it and put me in another car but fool me once. You get $40,000 of my money ONE time. I already paid taxes and took a huge hit on depreciation driving it new off the lot. Time to buy American...again. At least their POS cars are made in the USA.

Originally Posted by jatbeni

Put on some winter tires and they are quite up to the job. I have a 2005 Range Rover on all seasons, and I feel equally - or rather more - comfortable with the 128 on winters (its because when it comes to braking on icy intersections, the better grip of winter tires just can't be beat by all seasons, 4wd being irrelevant when braking). On the other hand, ground clearance is not much... so the height of the snow bank will always be a factor.

But, if you are in an urban environment, then having the right rubber is the most important factor.

Well, that and the driver.

Originally Posted by GaryI

I have a low mileage 2009 still under warranty. It looks and runs great. Aside from that, can't say anything positive about the car. Watch out for radio display issues (can't see when the interior is hot), freon leaks (no explanation), power seat issues (doesn't work when the interior is cold), seat heater issues (doesn't work when the interior is cold), center tail light cracking (twice now), and the sunroof leaking.

Sure BMW wants to take care of it and put me in another car but fool me once. You get $40,000 of my money ONE time. I already paid taxes and took a huge hit on depreciation driving it new off the lot. Time to buy American...again. At least their POS cars are made in the USA.

Actually, GM is producing some great cars that may be more to your liking. They have copied many European features and are quite driver-friendly. Definitely worth a try.

Originally Posted by alfabmw1

Thanks to both of you, it looks like she has found a 2011 with 2800 miles on it.

How do these handle in the snow?

I had Michelin XIce2 on mine, and it was fine this winter. Even with snow tires, remember traction is still not as good as in the wet let alone dry, but I did now have any problems (then again, we did not have a Snowmageddon this winter either ).

Well - the Blizzaks apparently do better on snow - particularly soft snow.

I went with the XIce for two reasons -

(1) I drive on roads that are for the most part cleared soon after a snowstorm (i.e. City of Chicago), and my worry was icy intersections.
(2) The XIce has the highest tread wear rating among soft winter compounds, so it has the longest life.

Of course, you should optimize for your own conditions and what you value most. If you want more sporty, you can get something like the Michelin Alpin...

But this discussion about tire specifics can start to get out of hand pretty soon, and is best left for the tire forum.

Suffice to say, if you put some thought into it, the RWD on a 1/3/5/7 etc. can do the job in the winter, provided you have a decent set of winter tires, and reasonable expectations. Note - some of the keywords:
(a) can do the job - not the same as - equal performance as your summer or all seasons in good weather
(b) decent set of winters - any winter tire is mostly better than all seasons on ice/snow
(c) reasonable expectations - your overall traction is still much lower, so you should be looking at safety first, and performance later, when it comes to winter driving.

Awesome resource. Thank you for sharing this with the rest of us.I would like to read you another informative post very soon.

Originally Posted by dthompson

I had Michelin XIce2 on mine, and it was fine this winter. Even with snow tires, remember traction is still not as good as in the wet let alone dry, but I did now have any problems (then again, we did not have a Snowmageddon this winter either ).

I have the same setup. I drives fine in the snow and ice.

when were you looking to buy? Because I am looking to sell my 2009 128i, e-mail me if you are interested at all, thank you
grenz2005@gmail.com

when were you looking to buy? Because I am looking to sell my 2009 128i, e-mail me if you are interested at all, thank you
grenz2005@gmail.com

Originally Posted by ProRail

Actually, GM is producing some great cars that may be more to your liking. They have copied many European features and are quite driver-friendly. Definitely worth a try.

Did I really say that? Must've been the guy who takes over my keyboard after I fall out of the chair. Disregard previous wire. Ignore the man behind the curtain. Whatever.

Originally Posted by ProRail

Did I really say that? Must've been the guy who takes over my keyboard after I fall out of the chair. Disregard previous wire. Ignore the man behind the curtain. Whatever.

I just thought you were being facetious

Originally Posted by ProRail

Did I really say that?

I never thought I'd buy another GM product, but our cheap little Vauxhall has been fantastic. The Corsa and Astra are both good at what they are supposed to be.

==============

Back on topic.


A used BMW is not going to be as inexpensive or reliable as some other brands. Best to get one that is still under warranty and budget for repairs and service when it isn't.

If you are driving an e46, you already know that. You also know that it is worth it.


Google HPFP if she decides to look at a 135i.

Thanks to all who answered! She is loving the 128i, she promises to bring it by so I can take it for a ride, looking forward to it.

1 series with 3 litre I6 is a pure BMW.....