Experience with 1Series BMW
 

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?

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

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.

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

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.:)

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

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)

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.

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. . .

Is that a compliment? :)

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

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. . .