Experience with 1Series BMW

[N Fotouhi]

If we ever get back to going to the office, I need something for my daily besides the dually because the round trip commute to the new office is 120 miles 3x a week.
Does anyone have any experience with 1 series BMW, either 128 or 135? I see used ones with less than 50K miles for less than $20K.
I realize the repairs would be BMW money, but do they frequent visit to the shop?

[BlackTalon]

Might want to see if anyone has contact info for Alan Herod.

[good hands]

Following. I am in a similar position needing a reasonably cheap DD. 3 year old certified Q3's and A3's are around 20k with low miles. Wonder how Audi's compare to BMW's? My daughter just got her license and has claimed the old Cayenne. 185k and going strong.

[Dr K]

A car to try before you turn your nose up at it - GTI. I paid $19K for a 2-1/2 year old car with 17K miles and it's a blast to drive stock, and easily modified (mine will stay stock). Fun car because you can wind it out rather than an overpowered street car that's just loafing along 95% of the time.

[N Fotouhi]

Might want to see if anyone has contact info for Alan Herod.

I know that Alan really liked that car. I figured with all the BMW people around, others have more recent experience.

Following. I am in a similar position needing a reasonably cheap DD. 3 year old certified Q3's and A3's are around 20k with low miles. Wonder how Audi's compare to BMW's? My daughter just got her license and has claimed the old Cayenne. 185k and going strong.

I am not thinking SUV, but there are lot's of options as you mention. I wonder if she reminds you that she had to drive your old junker when she hands you the bill for her wedding.:)

A car to try before you turn your nose up at it - GTI. I paid $19K for a 2-1/2 year old car with 17K miles and it's a blast to drive stock, and easily modified (mine will stay stock). Fun car because you can wind it out rather than an overpowered street car that's just loafing along 95% of the time.

I guess I could always try the 2017 one that is in the garage. :( I prefer to see I find a RWD.

[racer]

I looked for a 1 series car about a 18 months ago. Imho, same issues as any modern bmw:

1) Plastic parts
2) Vanos leaks
3) Turbo and or HPFP issues on some cars

In particular I was looking at a Lemans Blue (love that color) 128 (3.0 6cly, 230ish hp?) that was on a used car lot. Loved its looks.. was worried about Vanos.. didn't like the oil leaks I saw under hood.

I found the 1 series to be a lot more snug insidethan I imagined. I knew the exterior dimensions were seemingly closer to an earlier 3 series, but with all the width tied up for safety, I found the cockpit tight. It made me start to consider a 3 series (E90/F30 car instead)

[jerome951]

I bought a '13 135i convertible, manual transmission ~2 years ago. Has ~60k miles.

Likes:
Strong, smooth engine (300hp, 300 ft lb)
30mpg highway
Decent manual transmission
Good suspension. Firm but not harsh for a daily commute (ditch the run-flats and just put a spare in the trunk)

Dislikes:
Doesn't have the connected steering feel of old BMWs
Plasticy, creeky interior
Oil leaks
Other reliability issues (the PO had replaced the water pump and catalytic converter. Expensive at a shop)
Intake valves get buildup and have to be walnut blasted occasionally
It's more of a highway cruiser than back road stormer, which might be what you need

Because not many were sold and the current low price, many cars have been neglected, but be patient and you can find a decent one.

[DonNewton]

Bought an M2 about 18 months ago. Felt exactly like my 1985 325e. Until you hit the loud pedal. Space folds, dogs and cats live together and republicans and democrats talk to each other. OK, maybe I lied about that second one. . .

[cmartin]

1985 325e

Is that a compliment? :)

I've only been in one briefly, size reminded me of an e36. Much better than the newer, bigger 3s.

[DonNewton]

The BMW was what I took to the piers (while in the Navy). The 911 stayed home in the garage. I do love the M version, though. At 6'4", it's a bit tight, but if you've driven a dedicated race car, you adapt really quickly. I have to admit that there are times I think I'd sell the 911 and buy an M4. . .

[tomfree]

F31 Touring owner...

Early 135i with the N54 - lots of challenges, lots of maintenance, stay away unless the car is documented extremely well.

Late 135i with the N55 - pretty bulletproof in comparison, but still plenty of "death by 1000 papercuts" maintenance issues that you're used to with modern BMWs.

The early F3x 3 series cars like mine are getting way more affordable now. My wagon has been no-brainer reliable. The 2.0l turbo gets 30+mpg on the highway and has enough power to get out of it's own way. It does NOT sound like a BMW, nor does it sound as good as the competition's 2.0l turbos.

Driving dymanics are a firm "meh." Steering is OK, but not good compared to BMWs of the past. Ride/handling balance is not good for my car. The back is oversprung/overdamped so it skitters around a bit on rough pavement.

Interior quality - pretty good. My car is a '14 and nothing has broken or worn excessively.

[Dr K]

I found the 1 series to be a lot more snug inside than I imagined.

I bought a '13 135i convertible, manual transmission ~2 years ago. Has ~60k miles.
Interesting that Racer finds ti snug and Jerome can fit in it - Jerome is like 7' tall!

At 6'4", it's a bit tight
I had no idea you were so tall. How do you fit in a 914? I absolutely don't fit in a 914 and I'm only 1" taller.

[racer]

Interesting that Racer finds ti snug and Jerome can fit in it - Jerome is like 7' tall!


I had no idea you were so tall. How do you fit in a 914? I absolutely don't fit in a 914 and I'm only 1" taller.

I found it snug width wise (I am kinda "husky"). I had plenty of leg/headroom.
Jerome bought a convertible.. he has loads of headroom ;)

914's with the seat mounted to the floor like in a racecar, can fit a pretty tall body. I had one with seats mounted super low an dI had about 4 inches of headroom with my helmet on (I'm 6'0) I was surprised you fit in a Miata.. cause I don't height wise on a stock early car (NA?)

Anyway..

How's the 1 series search going?

[N Fotouhi]

I am learning that 128 with manual and M-trim are sought after and hard to find since BMW enthusiasts are hanging on to them. So, they are priced accordingly. 135 are not as well considered. Both have their issues.
I am also reading about E9x variety, especially the 3L normally aspirated engine cars which also came with manual and are well liked with price reflecting desirability.

[DonNewton]

Dr. K: In my 914, I found that the way to go was to mount my seat directly to the floor of the cabin. I've done the same thing with my "new" factory seat that I've installed in the conversion process. If anyone else wants to drive, they have to bring their own pillow. . .
I will tell you that being mounted to the floor makes for tremendous sensory input when you're driving with the red mist threatening to close in.

[vranko]

What about a 2-series? Should be able to get around the $20,000 number and there seem to be plenty available.

[Dr K]

Dr. K: In my 914, I found that the way to go was to mount my seat directly to the floor of the cabin. I've done the same thing with my "new" factory seat that I've installed in the conversion process. If anyone else wants to drive, they have to bring their own pillow. . .
I will tell you that being mounted to the floor makes for tremendous sensory input when you're driving with the red mist threatening to close in.

I got you. The Miata seat is mounted 2 washers-thickness off the floor (room for the sub-belts to slide a little). Since I got the car, the rules for my class have been changed allowing for the floor to be lowered another inch or so. I'm still thinking of doing that, and will definitely do it if I ever need to change my (now modified) seat.

[DonNewton]

I ran in the Mazda Cup series at Laguna and points north a few years ago and was taken by just how competitive that series is. I'm sad to say that my series run ended at Laguna when I, in the throes of the red mist, turned in way too early at turn 3, of course off at track out and then did a lazy spin down the straight towards turn 4 and ended in the tire wall track right. A sad day, indeed. After 20+ years, I'd never had an incident like that and basically sold the car for scrap. Engine and trans were good so I got some cash for them, but that's the last of the competition. SCCA license lapsed that year and obviously not renewed. The meeting with the team CEO DID NOT go well. . .

[Dr K]

SSM is a regional series, run on RA-1s and cars all dyno'd on the same dyno and limited to 107 HP. So cars are about $8-10K in very good condition. This goes over very well with the team CEO (especially not buying a new set of HoHo's every race weekend!). The class was designed to run with a junk yard engine, although to run up front you'll have a +.010 to improve torque, data with analysis, adjust ride height for track (no idea how to determine that but then I don't run up front), and of course, skill.

[Patrick3000]

Any update on the search? One of our kids laid claim to the Volvo. We ended up adding a E60 535i, 6 speed manual as the new beater/commuter. I’ll post a picture in a few weeks after it arrives.

[hoophead]

Following. I am in a similar position needing a reasonably cheap DD. 3 year old certified Q3's and A3's are around 20k with low miles. Wonder how Audi's compare to BMW's? My daughter just got her license and has claimed the old Cayenne. 185k and going strong.

+1 on the Q3 - my daughter loves hers. The 2.0T engine gives good mileage/power. Small enough to park easily.

[N Fotouhi]

Unlike Patrick3000, I am not wheeler dealer, so I have made not made a move toawrds purchasing a car, but have been looking a lot.

I do not see any 1 series that meets my desirable criteria of RWD and manual, at a reasonable price and have been considering 3 series (328i/320i/330i variety based on BMW E/F designation). Either 2007-2010 variety with 3.0L six or CPO with 2.0L turbo.

Does anyone have insight on comparing the reliability of the older 3.0 L to newer 2.0 L cars?

There are a couple of 2018 320i sedan manuals CPOs in CA and a 328i coupe manual near me in PA. Asking prices are $19,000-24,000K. They all look nice enough for a beater.

[Patrick3000]

^^^ Quick point of reference, this one just crossed the block last week. IMHO it would have been a very good spec for a commuter, only missing the M suspension.

The 128i, is the reliable, low maintenance car of choice for a commuter, just missed it last week but should give you an idea of the current market as it was a no reserve auction.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2010-bmw-128i-6-speed-manual/

This one is coming up in a few days. It is a 6 speed manual sedan but is an okay spec for a commuter.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2010-bmw-328i-sedan-6-speed-manual/

[Patrick3000]

One more that would be perfect right here.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2008-bmw-z4-3-0-si-coupe/

It has all of the “right” specs, the auction ends today and I suspect it will sell slightly outside of your budget.

If you are concerned about a warranty, Fidelity Platinum, is a good aftermarket option. I purchased one for my 997.2 and may add one for the 535i.

[N Fotouhi]

^^
Not a bringatrailer buyer. :vomit:

I have looked at below. I like the sport seat, but I still hear a lot of negative about the FX or more specifically, the 2.0L turbo cars. All of these are in CA which means paying $$ for shipping. And no, I am not driving across the country :twisted:

Any feedback on these models?

https://www.bmwusa.com/certified-preowned-search/#/detail/WBA8A9C57JK622836

https://www.bmwusa.com/certified-preowned-search/#/detail/WBA8A9C59JK623308


https://www.bmwusa.com/certified-preowned-search/#/detail/WBA8B9G52JNT89874

I should just grab the 2007 that is near me. I think 3.0L E92 has good reliability.

[N Fotouhi]

I ended up buying a manual 2013 328i coupe non-turbo 3.0L with 58XXX miles. It ticked the 3 most important boxes on the list. We'll see how it goes.