BMW 1 Series....

R.O.S.S.I

R.O.S.S.I

R.O.S.S.I

Soldato
Joined
16 Nov 2002
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Hello all, we've just found out that my Dad is eligible for the disability allowance and it just so happens that my Mum was in the process of looking for a new car for her and my Dad so I think they've decided to get a car on the Motability scheme.

Now she's pretty much got her heart set on a 5 door BMW 1 Series hatchback, I think its the SE trim. Am I right in thinking the ES is the entry level trim, then there is the SE, Sport and M Sport?

She's opting for the 118d which I think is ample for her to be honest.

Just wondering are there any extras that she should look at getting for the car? And can anyone tell me the actual differences between the trim levels, or point me in the direction of a site that does?

She'd much rather go for comfort than 'sporty' I guess, thats why I'm not sure if the sport trim or M Sport trim is a wise option, but if any of you chaps could advise otherwise I'd greatly appreciate it!

Thanks.
 
Given that its a disability car it might be best to badge last and fitness for purpose for your Dads disability first. There may be more suitable cars from 'lesser' manufacturers.
 
[TW]Fox;17189650 said:
Given that its a disability car it might be best to badge last and fitness for purpose for your Dads disability first. There may be more suitable cars from 'lesser' manufacturers.
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Correct. And given the state of the nation's finances and need to cut, you may well want consider something well under the benefit budget.
 
[TW]Fox;17189523 said:
None of the 1 Series range offers 'comfort' really, but you are right in your appraisal of the trim levels.
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Of course not...:rolleyes:

Your generalisations amaze me sometimes. Especially as you give no justification for them

Why do they not offer comfort? They may not have massive amounts of room in the back (still, I've never had anyone complain), but for the driver and main passenger there's plenty of room.

In fact, sitting in the 1 series, my head is a good distance from the roof, sitting in my mates 3 series, I'm close to touching it. If I was any taller I'd be very uncomfortable indeed. Secondly, the interior can offer as many luxuries as you spec it. Get a basic car with no options like A/C, leather etc, yeah probably not so comfortable, but then that could apply to a 3 series or entry 5 series if you didn't include some of the toys.

I've done a fair few long journies in this car since owning it, and it's always been a pleasure. Driving on the motorway is a joy with this car, engine is so refined and cabin noise is next to nothing once at cruising speed. Driving position is great too. Unlike a couple of other cars I've been in where I've simply had to pull over to stop my lower back from imploding

Anyway OP, suspension on the SE is very good, absorbs a lot of the bumps in the road and offers surprisngly good handling considering how soft it is. Ditch the runflats as well if you get one!
 
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As you have never driven anything else and bought your 1 Series using the same purchasing approach as most people use for a pizza I am not surprised you don't get it. The point is that there are more comfortable alternatives on the market.

The 1 is a good car (well, some are) but what makes it good in areas such as driver appeal do it no favours in the comfort stakes. Short wheelbase being a biggy. The ride is often joggly.
 
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Small car not comfortable for motorway cruising is a common generalisation, generally to do with levels of sound proofing, tyre noise and weedy engines.

I'm sure a 118d would be okay for motorway cruising and if BMW have actually bothered to sound proof it to the level of a 5 series I'm sure it would be fine for 2 people.

Of course I'd still get a big exec barge for 'waftyness' because I'm easily led by stereotypes :)
 
[TW]Fox;17192241 said:
As you have never driven anything else and bought your 1 Series using the same purchasing approach as most people use for a pizza I am not surprised you don't get it. The point is that there are more comfortable alternatives on the market.
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What does the way in which I bought my car have anything to do with it?

Yes of course there are more comfortable cars, not the point! Again, what a ridiculous thing to say. So on that basis, would you say a Ferrari F430 isn't fast? Because of course there faster cars out there
 
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I am not led by stereotypes I am led by practical experience of many 1 Series. Are you?

It's nothing to do with sound proofing nor is it anything to do with exec saloons either as I doubt one of those is on the motability list!

I am saying the 1 is not, compared te other cars available through the scheme, The comfortable choice. The seats in the normal model are not supportive, the ride is joggly, etc.
 
Steedie said:
Oh sorry Fox, not all of us get hire cars for a day then claim to be experts in the field for that single car.
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:rolleyes:

I've done several thousand miles in 1 Series, actually. Through which I have formed what I hope is an informed opinion, I'd like to think its more informed an opinion than yours!

The 1 Series has many strengths. It handles really well. It's frugal. It's quite the drivers car of the class. But cars that handle really well don't tend to transfer this onto the road with a fantastic ride quality - the two are usually mutually exclusive. Surely you can see this?!

What does the way in which I bought my car have anything to do with it?
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Because it provides context to your opinion. You are claiming the 1 Series is 'comfortable' yet you have nothing to relate that to as you drove nothing else before buying it, you thought it looked pretty by the side of the road and bought it on impulse. You've even admitted this on this forum before as well as complaining you made the wrong choice.

Yes of course there are more comfortable cars, not the point!
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Of course its the point?! How can it not be? He has a list of cars to chose from on Motability, has a disability and wants a comfortable car. More comfortable cars exist on the list, so how can this not be a point?

Again, what a ridiculous thing to say. So on that basis, would you say a Ferrari F430 isn't fast? Because of course there faster cars out there
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Wow, this forum is SO frustrating at times. All you are doing here is proving my point to those on here who can actually read things properly. Is the Ferrari being offered in a class full of similarily available yet faster cars? No.

Is the 1 Series offered on a list of MORE COMFORTABLE CARS?

OH, WHY YES, IT IS

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
 
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