Potential new car - BMW 116i M Sport

Beerbaron · 3 Jan 2017 at 07:16

Looking at getting a new car as no longer use the train to commute to my new job. Never really used my current 10 year old Astra except for putting my MTB on the tow bar rack to hit the trails.

My budget is ~£14k and my current commute is only 17 miles each way and mainly motorway.

Anything to look for?

Thanks.

[TW]Fox · 3 Jan 2017 at 07:21

Why a 116i M Sport?

Beerbaron · 3 Jan 2017 at 07:33

[TW]Fox;30363655 said:
Why a 116i M Sport?

I liked the look of it

I haven't test driven this particular model yet which would be the next step. I have driven a 2 door diesel version before. Mainly need something newer, 5 doors and something with a bit more power as my 1.4 struggles with bikes/full car. I don't need something saloon sized though.

I am open to suggestions.

Thanks.

FurryLemon · 3 Jan 2017 at 08:09

I'd be looking for something with a little more guts. 2.0 focus/golf perhaps.

Beerbaron · 3 Jan 2017 at 08:13

I started off looking at the Focus, although the ST has a central exhaust so not option for a tow bar.

Armageus · 3 Jan 2017 at 08:17

FurryLemon said:
I'd be looking for something with a little more guts. 2.0 focus/golf perhaps.

Because 136bhp (or whatever the 2012 1.6 turbo version of the 116i has) is gutless right?

Skillmister · 3 Jan 2017 at 08:22

Armageus said:
Because 136bhp (or whatever the 2012 1.6 turbo version of the 116i has) is gutless right?

Yes if he was also considering a focus ST as above.

Armageus · 3 Jan 2017 at 08:26

Skillmister said:
Yes if he was also considering a focus ST as above.

Coming from a 1.4 Astra, the 116i will be like a rocket ship. Op didn't say he was looking at hot hatches, otherwise yes the ST and Golf GTI would be good choices

HangTime · 3 Jan 2017 at 08:29

If you "never really use" the car aside from commuting I would consider if it worth the expenditure; a 10 year old Astra presumably won't fetch much more than a grand so that's ~£13k to upgrade similarly sized car that you'll barely use aside from commuting (under 8000 miles a year).

Obviously it would be a better car for commuting and it could be that you have other plans for a new car but just playing devil's advocate.

FurryLemon · 3 Jan 2017 at 08:37

Armageus said:
Because 136bhp (or whatever the 2012 1.6 turbo version of the 116i has) is gutless right?

Yes.

wedrum · 3 Jan 2017 at 08:45

Use the Astra to commute, use the 14k for a weekend car.

Beerbaron · 3 Jan 2017 at 08:56

I don't have space for a second car as have allocated parking. I have a 6 month old so need something that has 5 doors. Astra SXi sport hatch only has 2 doors.

Janesy B · 3 Jan 2017 at 08:57

Armageus said:
Because 136bhp (or whatever the 2012 1.6 turbo version of the 116i has) is gutless right?

It's a heavy car and apart from the flattering 0-60 time it will feel breathless.

There's no point where there's no discernible price difference in buying and running a 118i instead.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201612010235375

Beerbaron · 3 Jan 2017 at 09:00

Janesy B said:
It's a heavy car and apart from the flattering 0-60 time it will feel breathless.

There's no point where there's no discernible price difference in buying and running a 118i instead.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201612010235375

Something definitely worth considering.

Armageus · 3 Jan 2017 at 09:01

FurryLemon said:
Yes.

I forgot though, this is Motors where everyone must have either a big diesel luxobarge or a high performance sports car, otherwise they are snubbed.

/reality
The OP drives an 88bhp N/A Astra - a 116i with the 136bhp Turbo 1.6 is not gutless (nearly twice as much torque) and running costs will still be manageable (while avoiding diesel related problems from the low annaul mileage).

Janesy B said:
It's a heavy car and apart from the flattering 0-60 time it will feel breathless.

There's no point where there's no discernible price difference in buying and running a 118i instead.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201612010235375

Which is a much better suggestion, rather than just "lulz slow".

HangTime · 3 Jan 2017 at 09:04

Beerbaron said:
I have a 6 month old so need something that has 5 doors.

I'd consider getting something slightly bigger then e.g. Octavia.

Beerbaron · 3 Jan 2017 at 09:14

What's the difference between the 118 and 116?

[TW]Fox · 3 Jan 2017 at 09:20

FurryLemon said:
Yes.

No it isn't.

Armageus · 3 Jan 2017 at 09:22

Beerbaron said:
What's the difference between the 118 and 116?

43bhp and 30Nm of torque

Same VED Band, but likely slightly more expensive insurance. Basically it's the same engine, but in slightly different state of tune (probably the 116i is artificially detuned for company car market etc.)

Uncle_Gravy · 3 Jan 2017 at 09:52

I'd check your insurance prices between the 116i and the 118i, I'd certainly be looking toward the 118i if insurance premiums is reasonable and if you're towing things.

Equivalent mpg figure and same tax price for more power. (The more power will certainly be a plus if you're towing things.)

That said, I wouldn't say 8.2s 0-60 for the 116i is gutless.