BMW 1 Series, whats all the differences?

Soldato
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Hi, I really want to get one of these cars but can't figure out what all the differences are even by going on the website.

Ideally i'd like the 118D simply because it has the best fuel economy, but whats all the differences between:

118d
118d SE
118d ES
118d M Sport

All helped appreciated, what packages do I need for heated seats, bluetooth and ipod thing?
 
Soldato
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The 120d only suffers a 2.5 MPG decrease in fuel economy versus the 118d, yet offers significantly better performance - the 118d has average pace, whereas the 120d is faster than many cars on the road. Yet, even over 25,000 miles per year, it would cost less than an extra £100 to fuel. If you are purely going for a 118d over a 120d because of fuel economy, then the 120d is a much better choice.

118d ES > 118d:

Air conditioning
Style 229 16" alloy wheels

118d SE > 118d ES:

Illuminated vanity mirrors
Rear parking sensors
Steering wheel mounted audio controls
Leather steering wheel
Two zone climate control
Front centre armrest
Auto dimming rear view mirror
Front fog lights
Style 222 16" alloy wheels on 205 tyres (Instead of 195)
Interior lights package
Heated exterior mirrors

118d M Sport > 118d SE:

M Sport suspension
M Aerodynamic package
Sports seats
Style 207M 17" alloy wheels on 225 rear and 205 front tyres (Instead of 205/205 on SE or 195/195 on 118d and 118d ES)
 
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Soldato
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Ok ta, i'm only young (21) been driving 3 years and have had a crash before lol so I wouldn't know how a 2litre diesel effects my insurance, not much from a 118d?
 
Soldato
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Vegeta said:
Ok ta, i'm only young (21) been driving 3 years and have had a crash before lol so I wouldn't know how a 2litre diesel effects my insurance, not much from a 118d?
I wouldn't have thought that would make much difference. The 118d's are either Group 11 or 12 (For M Sport), and the 120d's Group 14 or 15 (For M Sport). Just the fact that you are >21 and have been driving 3 years will keep your insurance low enough, I'd imagine :)
 
Soldato
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paradigm said:
I hate to point out the obvious but the 118d is a 2.0 litre diesel too ;) Majoratively the same lump as the 120d.
Exactly. The 120d and 118d are really very similar and will be in terms of running costs. The only thing to be concerned with going from a 118d to a 120d is the purchase price going up ~£1400 - it would certainly be worth it for the extra performance, in my eyes anyway.

118d:

Kerb weight: 1395kg EU DIN
Power: 143 DIN HP (103 HP/TON)
Torque: 300 Nm
Combined fuel economy: 60.1 MPG
Top Speed: 130 MPH
0-62 MPH: 9.0s

120d:

Kerb weight: 1450kg EU DIN
Power: 177 DIN HP (122 HP/TON)
Torque: 350 Nm
Combined fuel economy: 57.6 MPG
Top Speed: 142 MPH
0-62 MPH: 7.6s

Take the 120d to a remappers and one hour and £300 later and you'll be seeing the fun side of 200 HP and 0-62 MPH in sub 7s :D
 
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Soldato
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Thanks for the info, want the SE as a minimum ideally, i'd want leather seats and heated seats also, will check out the site more.
 
Associate
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What ever you do...do not buy a 116i SE

You have to rev the ass of it to get it going anywhere quick. I had a Mini Cooper S and got a 120d when it was in for a service. Great engine in it. I wanted a bigger car and decided to go for it!

Its great on the motorway...ive done 30,000 miles in 2 years. Only problem i had was with break disks. They use modified 3 series disks and pads for it and it kept rubbing against the wheel.

Get a decent engine!

I wish i had got the bluetooth kit and the SatNav kit but it was another £2k
 
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Man of Honour
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AthlonTom said:
As someone who's new to the forum - I'd be careful what you say around here - fox will eat you for breakfast!

No becuase I agree with him.

Having had the misfortune of a 118d on a few occasions I implore you to buy something else. It's a cheap car with a high price tag becuase it has a BMW badge. It's not bad, but you can get the same for less without the premium badge, or better for the same money if you get something with 4 rings on it instead of a blue and white propellor.

The 118d is underpowered, the specification on most of the models is poor and essential items like cruise control are on the OPTION list of all bar M Sport specification. Even the 120d Sport doesn't exactly set the world on fire.

Ask yourself - why do you want to buy a 1 Series?
 
Man of Honour
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kilvano said:
Buy a Golf instead.

Same build quality, better engines and a LOT cheaper. My next car is a 2.0 TDI Golf.

Mk5 Quality is not as good as that in the MkIV so unlikely to be on a par with 1 Series. The sensible alternative is a 2.0 TDI Audi A3.
 
Associate
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I had a Mk4 150Bhp GTi diesel. 5dr with all the toys

Apart from when i cracked the oil sump on a speed bump (i was doing 60) it was the best car ive even owned.

After that i got the Cooper S which was fun but rattled like hell and was rubbish on the motorway.

The A3 is very plasticy
 
Man of Honour
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kilvano said:
I had a Mk4 150Bhp GTi diesel. 5dr with all the toys

Apart from when i cracked the oil sump on a speed bump (i was doing 60) it was the best car ive even owned..

I dont doubt that - but the Mk5 isn't quite as good.
 
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