2007 BMW 1 Series 120d Sport SE (E87) 2.0 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland


Very sad to see her go


1. Seal at rear of the automatic gearbox split, so gearbox oil leaking. BMW dealer repaired (expensive!)

2. Track rod end nuts seized. BMW recommended drilling them out which would have resulted in the car needing new track rod ends. Work not carried out as I got rid of the car.

3. Numerous trim rattles due to dissimilar matching trim type being used when manufactured. Example; both 'A' pillar airbag covers constantly clicked and creaked; most irritating. BMW forums suggested wedging layers of felt cloth in the gaps to dampen. A known issue on the 1 series.

4. Bonnet catch seized so had difficulty locking the bonnet shut. BMW dealer replaced.

5. Both tailgate struts became 'dry' eventually, resulting in an audible creak when the tailgate was opened. BMW dealer replaced.

6. DTC light came on when starting, despite the fact that I hadn't even touched the engage/disengage button. Stayed on during a short journey. On starting again, the light remained off and never came on again. Probably just a glitch.

7. Discovered the previous owner had affected a small paint touch up on the nearside front door, which after several years, came off. He hadn't done it properly, leaving me facing a £475 bill to have the door resprayed. Rather than throw good money after bad, I got rid of the car.

8. Other general wear and tear items; tyres, wiper blades etc.

General Comments:

From the day I bought the car to until I decided (albeit reluctantly) to get rid of the car, every single issue that arose, every service (major and minor) and every MoT was carried out by my local BMW dealer. They did a fantastic job, I always got a great courtesy car whilst mine was in the shop (4 series, 3 series and at one point a Z4... but I think they were trying to sell me those!).

To be truthful I could never really fault the car. It has always been reliable, but it has gotten to an age where things were starting to go wrong more frequently. I have had some horror stories with 'independent' repairers, so I made a point to always have the car dealt with by BMW as I insisted on genuine BMW parts being used. However, the trade off with that means premium prices.

I bought the car on a four year finance deal, and uncannily the moment I had finished paying for it, the problems started more frequently. These were just due to the car's age, and certainly not neglect as the car was looked after and well cared for.

I finished paying for the car in January 2017 and am now getting rid at the end of May the same year. In that short space, I have paid nearly £2000 fixing issues that have started arising. So rather than throw good money after bad and waiting for 'the big one', the car has had to go. It comes to a point that when a car starts to become a money pit you have to think sensibly.

I'll be sorry to see it go. It's never let me down, and I've always believed that when you own a car then you don't scrimp on caring for it. The 1 series may be the entry model for BMW, but it's still a BMW, which in my opinion sets it apart.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th May, 2017

2007 BMW 1 Series 130i 3.0 I6 from Australia and New Zealand


A solid, fun performer that's also great as a hot-commuter


Rear power window motor needed replacing when purchased - dealer covered.

General Comments:

Economy: for a heavy, torquey, big engine the economy is pretty decent around town. My commute isn't the most economical, but it tends to do around 11l/100km. On a long trip the car is tempting to push around; if doing this the economy is 9l/100km. The best economy I've had is 8.2l/100km. I was expecting a little better on long trips because of it being such a small car with 6 gears.

Comfort: the suspension is firm, but it's not uncomfortable. I've had two m-spec 3 series and they were uncomfortable cars around town. This has a quiet and well appointed cabin, and on non-sporty type drives out of town, the car is comfortable at a whole range of speeds.

Performance: it's very quick for a small car. This was designed to pair alongside the R32, and while it isn't 4WD, it is slightly faster off the mark. Overtaking vehicles is a breeze and the engine just keeps on giving. It's very quick. Does 0-100 typically in 6 seconds.

Handling: the car has the m-spec suspension, with 18 inch alloys, and it also has strut-bars front and rear. The handling is epic in corners and gives great road-feedback. The strut-bars I believe have made a difference to the chassis as the 130i is probably too heavy/powerful on stock. The grip and balance of the vehicle is the best I've felt in a BMW.

Looks: I think the One Series is an interesting and original visual car which is good-looking - it's not as good looking as some other BMWs (such as the e46), but it holds its place. I will be getting the windows tinted to make the car look more aggressive.

Interior: it isn't an amazing interior as it's positioned as an entry level BMW, however as it's the 130i it has heated leather seats, leather steering wheel, dimming rear mirror and full climate control. The rest is a bit plasticky, but this is not a 3 Series.

I've had this car for a year and have not had any indication of issues that may crop up or any current minor niggles. I do anticipate with a little more age on the car that I will be forking out for things.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd February, 2016