116i SE 5dr Hatchback

Average

Had this as a company car for 9 months. Overall, well built and still felt fairly fresh after 55k miles when I 'inherited' it whilst my new company car was ordered and came through.

Over about 5k with the car before it went back, it was reliable however things were starting to go, such as a temperamental starter motor on cold mornings.

Pros:
- Well built and reasonably comfortable
- Handled well, as most BMW's do
- Uncomplicated and reliable (if starting to wear a bit)
- Comfortable over distance

Cons:
- The worst car/engine combination imaginable. At LEAST 50bhp below what would have been considered barely adequate for such a heavy car. Impossible to move quickly, even when thrashing it to bits
- Woeful fuel consumption. 350 miles on a tank at a push
- No space at all, very cramped, particularly in the back
- Heavily worn and peeling steering wheel after only 55k miles
- Awful, notchy manual gearbox
- In 5k miles over a mere 9 months with the car the service light came on THREE extra times outside of the scheduled service for little additional 'scheduled' items (the endless, ongoing nickel and diming)

Not a bad car, but the poor engine and gearbox made it a relief when it finally went back.

Verdict: OK

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