About the BMW 1 Series
James W purchased this BMW 1 Series used for $21,750 (including all on-road costs) in 2018. James W would buy this car again because: “It’s a fantastic entry-level performance car. It’s a well balanced drive with smooth power delivery, great handling and enough creature comforts to function as a daily drive or fun weekend car. It’s a driver’s car set up for people who love driving. “
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
Buying a used BMW (10 years old when I purchased) comes with expectations of high servicing costs, especially the N54 engine with which most people I’ve met have a love-hate relationship. Love the performance, hate the cost of upkeep.
Since purchasing in early 2018 I replaced the water pump, brakes, head gasket, spark plugs and coil packs, suspension, and had the VANOS solenoids cleaned and re-fitted plus a few other seals and fluids replaced. In all of that, only one breakdown instance and the rest came up through regular 10,000km services or 12 months so fairly reliable if you keep on top of the maintenance, dangerous if you don’t.
Thankfully many of these are common errors and you can almost predict when they will occur. I checked the high pressure fuel pump was replaced under warranty before purchasing as that was the most common fault reported.
I reckon that’s a decent list by most standards. I’m grateful for a thorough (independent) mechanic who knows his way around European cars and a mate who picked up a lot of these errors before it got too nasty. Still, it’s been expensive to maintain.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
For my first three and a half years owning this car it was my daily drive, now it’s mostly the weekend car. I honestly can’t recall a time where anything seriously bugged me. It’s solid with no rattles or shakes while driving (rattling compartments drive me insane) which reflects the European build quality.
I rarely have more than one passenger so the rear seats being tight or access into them hasn’t been an issue. The 135 shows its age by having no good spot to put your phone or wallet. In fact, other than the two small coffee cup holders the interior storage is abysmal.
The surprise packet was fitting my XL size mountain bike with the front wheel off in the back with the seats down! I’m very fond of the memory of driving into the MTB carpark full of LandCruisers, Prados, utes and all kinds of SUVs in my two-door, low-slung beamer.
I was met with some bemused looks of those who probably thought I was out for a drive in the hills and turned into the wrong car park. These soon turned into incredulous looks as I unloaded my bike with a cheeky grin on my face and set off on my ride. I enjoyed the drive and the ride.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
I probably over paid by a grand or so when I purchased but am overall satisfied with the value for money.
The only option ticked by the original buyer was the heated seats (my wife LOVES these), otherwise it’s stock. I still get the electric adjustment of seats with two memory slots for my wife and I. I’m just over six foot one so the adjustable lumbar support is a blessing.
The little touches are satisfying in this car. Like the door handle lights coming on when you unlock the car at night, or the left mirror dipping when you put the car in reverse so you can see exactly where your rear right wheel is to avoid scraping that kerb.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
This is why I bought the car. The performance and driving dynamics never disappoint. From the heft and feedback through the steering wheel you feel connected to the car in every way. The twin-scroll turbo on the 3.0L inline six gives awesome torque from low in the rev range.
When you get to the 3500rpm point you wonder if the car will keep pulling, then you feel the bigger turbo kick in and you keep going all the way to redline. The BMW engineers did well in making this feel very close to a naturally-aspirated engine.
Many have tuned the N54 engine but thus far I haven’t tuned it and don’t run the JB4 plug-in due to occasional engine misfires and awkward power delivery that ruins the balance of the car. It really is so well balanced. Perfectly set up for heel-toe braking with a crisp gearbox (yes, I found a manual and I love it) this car is a pleasure to drive!
I trust a few mates to drive my car. One has a 135 of his own, another a ute that I borrow to move stuff… None of them were ever disappointed by their time behind the wheel of my car.
Regarding fuel economy, I didn’t buy this car for economy but feel that 10L/100km is okay.
What do you think of the technology in your car?
Bluetooth phone connection is a must for me and it syncs up well with good call quality. There is one USB point but no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. A magnetic mount on the dash and voice command to the phone work but the age of the car is evident in its lack of connectivity.
While I didn’t buy the car for the tech I was pleasantly surprised to find the sound system is a goodie! The biggest frustration now is the ageing audio system with the buttons becoming a little stiff and the display fading out once it gets above 20⁰C (which is all the time in Australia).
I bought a replacement off eBay only to discover it didn’t quite have the same connection points so couldn’t connect the microphone chip for Bluetooth calls.
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
The car handled brilliantly before I replaced the suspension, it’s sublime now. It’s comfortable for the daily drive too. I used to think I was a good driver until I got this car.
I soon learnt after guidance from a good mate and some experience that this little Beemer wants you to go faster and faster around the corners. The RWD architecture lends itself to fun handling although I haven’t gone beyond some spirited drives through winding roads in the hills and I daren’t turn traction control off.
Suffice to say, the heel-toe brake and downshift into a turn is one of the most satisfying and rewarding driving experiences in my life. I love it and it’s addictive. This car is made for twisty roads.
Do you have any additional comments about your car?
I bought this car as a single man. I’m married now and my wife loves driving the car too. I’ll keep it as long as I can but suspect that once kids come onto the scene I’ll need to find something with a more accessible second row. I’m thinking maybe a hot hatch?
Let me know what you think and if you own a 135i your experience with it and/or any preventative maintenance I need to know about!