bmw 1 series 118i - Should i buy this car?

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Tue 19 Mar 2013 08:10
bmw 1 series 118i - Should i buy this car? - ky1
Hi guys,

Just on the brink of purchasing my 1st bMW.. And this is what i think i will be going for.. Do you think its a good deal, or at least fair? Any advice appreciated.

Used BMW 118i 2.0 M sport 5 door hatch
49K on the clock
2006 S (private plate included)
Manual 6 speed
Petrol
Full leather interior, sport steering wheel and handling
Idrive and satnav included
Exterior and interior in mint condition

But!! It has already had 4 owers!!!!! Thats what is scaring me... How do i make up my mind? Is there anything i need to ask? What in particular should i look out for when test driving? Is it even worth it?

Thanks for all input in advance!
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 19 Mar 2013 08:11
bmw 1 series 118i - Should i buy this car? - ky1
Going price is £7,699 by the way, thought that might be helpful!
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 19 Mar 2013 08:17
bmw 1 series 118i - Should i buy this car? - elekie&a/c doctor

4 owners in 6 years! Walk away.These early 1 series (and 3 series )with the same engine are commonly troublesome ,especially worn timing chains.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 19 Mar 2013 08:24
bmw 1 series 118i - Should i buy this car? - ky1
Thats what i thought too.. It does have full service history too.. Any difference?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 19 Mar 2013 08:32
bmw 1 series 118i - Should i buy this car? - Sulphur Man

No, I wouldnt advise this this one either. Noy just because of the owner history, but that the E87 1-series was vastly improved from 07-reg onwards, ironing out alot of issues with the original car (I know, I had one, a 55-reg 120D)

Look for an 07/57 Reg SE spec, with the followng options,

Bi-xenon lights, Comfort Pack, 'Professional' CD/Radio, Boston/Dakota Leather

Those are the only worthwhile options on this particular car, which will help it's resale value too. BMW Bi-xenon lights are excellent, as good as the standard halogens are rubbish, as many a 1, 3, and 5 series owner will agree.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 19 Mar 2013 08:47
bmw 1 series 118i - Should i buy this car? - ky1
Hi sulphur, thanks for your input. You mention add ons which do not bother me too much.. It does have the pro radio i believe, it does have the leather and it does have xenon lights. regarding selling it on, i intend to keep it for a long while so the depreciation wouldnt bother me at all. I am very interested in purchasing this car so really my only real concerns at this moment are - are the 4 owners a huge No No? and are there any MAJOR flaws with this model / type that are recurring? Taking my stance into consideration, would you change your view?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 19 Mar 2013 09:03
bmw 1 series 118i - Should i buy this car? - Auristocrat

Have a look at Whats Bad from the Honest John review - http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/bmw/1-series-e81e87-2004/?section=bad

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 19 Mar 2013 09:17
bmw 1 series 118i - Should i buy this car? - Collos25

Ask if its had the timing chain and tensioner replaced under a recall if not walk away.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link