600bhp 1 Series
Discussion
Good morning PH'ers.
For the past few years I've been running an increasingly leggy E66 BMW 730Ld. It's been delightful to drive, and horrifically expensive to maintain. At the start of this year, having spent more of the previous year driving a Ford Ka Collection 2 whilst said 7 series was being continually repaired, I decided it was time to part ways with it. But what to replace it with? I've never owned a new car and tend to buy older money pits, sinking vast quantities of cash into maintenance and proclaiming it to be far cheaper than depreciation whilst sobbing softly. I enjoy driving, I love my cars, but I also need a decent car for work, and cover around 20-25k miles a year. I stuck my sensible hat on and tootled off to look at new or nearly new 320d's.
The world of new vs nearly new car's was an eye opener, and sadly it makes very little sense to buy a slightly used car over a new one currently. I also couldn't bring myself to pay fortunes for a 320d, and back in February I placed an order for an M140i.
On the face of it this seems a bit daft, however it'll either turn out to be an utterly brilliant idea, or we can all point and laugh as it goes tragically wrong. I'm basing this decision on the fact that I've been able to spec the car up so it should be comfy and nice to drive for long distances, and with the auto box I'm hoping I'll be able to average above 26mpg, which was what I got from my 7 series. If that's the case I'm laughing, as I have a new warrantied car with no random maintenance costs to worry about for the forseeable future. If it averages 17mpg I'll be pennliess and it'll have been a terrible idea, but I'll probably have enjoyed it.
So, having spent months hassling salesmen and the BMW Genius team for information on my order, it's now in the country and on it's way to my dealer, and I'm hoping to collect it next week. I've handily chucked a weeks holiday in for the week after and I'm intending to drive it to the Nurburgring to get the 1200 mile run-in period over with promptly.
There's not masses online about these, so if anyone's interested I'll keep this updated with what it's like to live with, whether or not it's terrible, what's less terrible about it, and generally how I get on with it. It's basically a 1 series with a 3.0 turbocharged inline-six dropped in the front, mated to ZF's rather lovely 8-speed auto box. It's supposedly making around 340bhp and 500nm. BMW claim it will average 38mpg which seems hilarious, I'll be overjoyed with late 20's.
My car should look vaguely similar to this:
Spec-wise it's all a bit random, I want the car to be a good daily driver and as 7 series-esque and wafty as I can manage for dull commuting life, but it'll be great to have a bit of a pocket rocket for weekend hoons and driving trips away. With this in mind I've not really gone for the common driver focused options like adaptive suspension, and I've plied it with comfort bits and the better stereo etc, as 90% of the time these will be more useful to me.
In case you're not already bored to tears, the full spec is:
Mineral Grey Metallic over Oyster Leather with black dash, carpets and headlining
High Gloss Black interior trim with a silver finisher
Pro Media Package
Sun Protection Glass
Steering Wheel Heating
Electric Front Seats & Driver Memory
Extended Storage
Seat Heating Front
Adaptive LED Headlights
Sport Auto Transmission
Apple Carplay Prep
Reverse Assist Camera
I'm hoping all things being equal to collect it next Monday, so I'll get some photo's of it then. I've got a few small cosmetic mods planned initially, then I'll just get the hang of it and see how I get on with it before I do anything else.
Cheers!
For the past few years I've been running an increasingly leggy E66 BMW 730Ld. It's been delightful to drive, and horrifically expensive to maintain. At the start of this year, having spent more of the previous year driving a Ford Ka Collection 2 whilst said 7 series was being continually repaired, I decided it was time to part ways with it. But what to replace it with? I've never owned a new car and tend to buy older money pits, sinking vast quantities of cash into maintenance and proclaiming it to be far cheaper than depreciation whilst sobbing softly. I enjoy driving, I love my cars, but I also need a decent car for work, and cover around 20-25k miles a year. I stuck my sensible hat on and tootled off to look at new or nearly new 320d's.
The world of new vs nearly new car's was an eye opener, and sadly it makes very little sense to buy a slightly used car over a new one currently. I also couldn't bring myself to pay fortunes for a 320d, and back in February I placed an order for an M140i.
On the face of it this seems a bit daft, however it'll either turn out to be an utterly brilliant idea, or we can all point and laugh as it goes tragically wrong. I'm basing this decision on the fact that I've been able to spec the car up so it should be comfy and nice to drive for long distances, and with the auto box I'm hoping I'll be able to average above 26mpg, which was what I got from my 7 series. If that's the case I'm laughing, as I have a new warrantied car with no random maintenance costs to worry about for the forseeable future. If it averages 17mpg I'll be pennliess and it'll have been a terrible idea, but I'll probably have enjoyed it.
So, having spent months hassling salesmen and the BMW Genius team for information on my order, it's now in the country and on it's way to my dealer, and I'm hoping to collect it next week. I've handily chucked a weeks holiday in for the week after and I'm intending to drive it to the Nurburgring to get the 1200 mile run-in period over with promptly.
There's not masses online about these, so if anyone's interested I'll keep this updated with what it's like to live with, whether or not it's terrible, what's less terrible about it, and generally how I get on with it. It's basically a 1 series with a 3.0 turbocharged inline-six dropped in the front, mated to ZF's rather lovely 8-speed auto box. It's supposedly making around 340bhp and 500nm. BMW claim it will average 38mpg which seems hilarious, I'll be overjoyed with late 20's.
My car should look vaguely similar to this:
Spec-wise it's all a bit random, I want the car to be a good daily driver and as 7 series-esque and wafty as I can manage for dull commuting life, but it'll be great to have a bit of a pocket rocket for weekend hoons and driving trips away. With this in mind I've not really gone for the common driver focused options like adaptive suspension, and I've plied it with comfort bits and the better stereo etc, as 90% of the time these will be more useful to me.
In case you're not already bored to tears, the full spec is:
Mineral Grey Metallic over Oyster Leather with black dash, carpets and headlining
High Gloss Black interior trim with a silver finisher
Pro Media Package
- 8.8" Widescreen Monitor
- Professional Nav
- Online Entertainment
- Concierge Services
- Remote Services
- Black Panel Display - Full
- Cruise Control with Brake Function
- Rear Parking Sensors
Sun Protection Glass
Steering Wheel Heating
Electric Front Seats & Driver Memory
Extended Storage
Seat Heating Front
Adaptive LED Headlights
Sport Auto Transmission
Apple Carplay Prep
Reverse Assist Camera
I'm hoping all things being equal to collect it next Monday, so I'll get some photo's of it then. I've got a few small cosmetic mods planned initially, then I'll just get the hang of it and see how I get on with it before I do anything else.
Cheers!
Looks good and sounds like you've specced it sensibly. I had a similar road friendly spec on my old 123D SE Coupe and loved it. It was easily as comfortable as my old 5 series and far easier to park. I suspect you're right in having an element of cynicism about the 38mpg figure, but like you say, you only need to get 26!
Looking forward to seeing pics of it in the flesh.
Looking forward to seeing pics of it in the flesh.
Cheers Jon. That sounds encouraging.
I like that it isn't really very shouty, and seems comparatively understated compared to other "hot" versions of competitors. The Focus RS / Civic Type-R / A45 AMG etc are all very visibly jacked up as it were, and this sort of just looks like a 1 series with 2 exhausts. I guess that works both ways though and it will be too understated for some folks.
I've bought a 116d badge to lash on the back. Maximum stealths.
I like that it isn't really very shouty, and seems comparatively understated compared to other "hot" versions of competitors. The Focus RS / Civic Type-R / A45 AMG etc are all very visibly jacked up as it were, and this sort of just looks like a 1 series with 2 exhausts. I guess that works both ways though and it will be too understated for some folks.
I've bought a 116d badge to lash on the back. Maximum stealths.
I think it's quite a good call nowadays to lease rather than buy a car tbh.
With service inclusive deals especially, you are limiting your monthly outgoings to a known payment and no unforseen maintenance bills.
Certainly up until this April when the taxing of new cars became a lot more expensive, the amount of cars with pretty serious performance that could be taxed for £30 a year was quite astounding.
Our lease for our main vehicle is slightly different, so how do the new tax costs affect your lease on the 140i? I would assume with the extras you've chosen, you've kept the list price quite a bit under£40k?
Good luck with your car when it arrives!
With service inclusive deals especially, you are limiting your monthly outgoings to a known payment and no unforseen maintenance bills.
Certainly up until this April when the taxing of new cars became a lot more expensive, the amount of cars with pretty serious performance that could be taxed for £30 a year was quite astounding.
Our lease for our main vehicle is slightly different, so how do the new tax costs affect your lease on the 140i? I would assume with the extras you've chosen, you've kept the list price quite a bit under£40k?
Good luck with your car when it arrives!
1Toomanycars said:
I think it's quite a good call nowadays to lease rather than buy a car tbh.
With service inclusive deals especially, you are limiting your monthly outgoings to a known payment and no unforseen maintenance bills.
Certainly up until this April when the taxing of new cars became a lot more expensive, the amount of cars with pretty serious performance that could be taxed for £30 a year was quite astounding.
Our lease for our main vehicle is slightly different, so how do the new tax costs affect your lease on the 140i? I would assume with the extras you've chosen, you've kept the list price quite a bit under£40k?
Good luck with your car when it arrives!
It's come in just under £40k which was handy. I think I've sort of struck lucky with the timing, as I ordered in late February on the proviso that they would tax the car for me for the first year. Since my car will be registered this week, the initial years tax will be around £800 which BMW are paying, however the year after it's cheaper than it would have been had the car been registered before April, down to £140 a year from £155 I think?With service inclusive deals especially, you are limiting your monthly outgoings to a known payment and no unforseen maintenance bills.
Certainly up until this April when the taxing of new cars became a lot more expensive, the amount of cars with pretty serious performance that could be taxed for £30 a year was quite astounding.
Our lease for our main vehicle is slightly different, so how do the new tax costs affect your lease on the 140i? I would assume with the extras you've chosen, you've kept the list price quite a bit under£40k?
Good luck with your car when it arrives!
Something like that anyway.
That's basically my logic regarding the monthly outgoing. At least I know what it is and can account for it. The warranty is 3 years unlimited mileage and I've got a 3 year servicing pack with the car.
D4MJT said:
It's come in just under £40k which was handy. I think I've sort of struck lucky with the timing, as I ordered in late February on the proviso that they would tax the car for me for the first year. Since my car will be registered this week, the initial years tax will be around £800 which BMW are paying, however the year after it's cheaper than it would have been had the car been registered before April, down to £140 a year from £155 I think?
Something like that anyway.
That's basically my logic regarding the monthly outgoing. At least I know what it is and can account for it. The warranty is 3 years unlimited mileage and I've got a 3 year servicing pack with the car.
For the performance, even £155 for a years tax is cheap though.Something like that anyway.
That's basically my logic regarding the monthly outgoing. At least I know what it is and can account for it. The warranty is 3 years unlimited mileage and I've got a 3 year servicing pack with the car.
I suspect most dealers will find a way to swallow that first years tax rather than pass it on to the customer, although if that's also spread out over the 3 year lease, it's not much more a month!
D4MJT said:
It's come in just under £40k which was handy. I think I've sort of struck lucky with the timing, as I ordered in late February on the proviso that they would tax the car for me for the first year. Since my car will be registered this week, the initial years tax will be around £800 which BMW are paying, however the year after it's cheaper than it would have been had the car been registered before April, down to £140 a year from £155 I think?
Something like that anyway.
That's basically my logic regarding the monthly outgoing. At least I know what it is and can account for it. The warranty is 3 years unlimited mileage and I've got a 3 year servicing pack with the car.
Did you take a look at the TRL offers on baby bmw before ordering? It's a lovely high sec but still seems an awful lot of money for the M140i, I think a basic 3door manual can be had for something like 27k using his deals.Something like that anyway.
That's basically my logic regarding the monthly outgoing. At least I know what it is and can account for it. The warranty is 3 years unlimited mileage and I've got a 3 year servicing pack with the car.
HJMS123 said:
Did you take a look at the TRL offers on baby bmw before ordering? It's a lovely high sec but still seems an awful lot of money for the M140i, I think a basic 3door manual can be had for something like 27k using his deals.
I did indeed, I'm not paying anything like £40k, however as that's the list price before discounts etc, that's the relevant price for the VED sadly!Good solid advice though, you can indeed get brilliant deals on these cars. I ended up buying from my local dealer as they got very close to where I wanted to be, and I didn't have to drive to London to pick it up.
D4MJT said:
True!
Top lurking by the way!
Ha, just seen what you mean, 10 years+ and you took my cherry!!Top lurking by the way!
How was it for you?
Only just really found the Readers Cars forum tbh, rubbish with computers, but I'm currently in Spain and am for the next 3 months, so found it while relaxing.
Nice to read other people's motoring adventures......and misery, and see how they compare to mine!
1Toomanycars said:
Ha, just seen what you mean, 10 years+ and you took my cherry!!
How was it for you?
Only just really found the Readers Cars forum tbh, rubbish with computers, but I'm currently in Spain and am for the next 3 months, so found it while relaxing.
Nice to read other people's motoring adventures......and misery, and see how they compare to mine!
HahaHow was it for you?
Only just really found the Readers Cars forum tbh, rubbish with computers, but I'm currently in Spain and am for the next 3 months, so found it while relaxing.
Nice to read other people's motoring adventures......and misery, and see how they compare to mine!
There are some brilliant threads to tide you over for the next few months. MWStewart's various threads make for brilliant reading, as does one about a Mercedes SEL.
D4MJT said:
Haha
There are some brilliant threads to tide you over for the next few months. MWStewart's various threads make for brilliant reading, as does one about a Mercedes SEL.
Thanks, will have a look.There are some brilliant threads to tide you over for the next few months. MWStewart's various threads make for brilliant reading, as does one about a Mercedes SEL.
Used to be a big BMW fan, but after a couple of disappointing big purchase versions I became a bigger Merc fan, although as I became more interested in older vehicle's, I do currently own an E39 528i that I stumbled into 2 years ago that I just cannot part with, despite everything else that's come and gone in the same period.
Congrats on your purchase I am sure you will love it.
I have been daily driving a BMW M235i Auto for nearly 3 years now (it's on 44,000 miles currently)
On my commute to work (B roads and 2 village / town centres) I get between 30mpg to 37mpg on a 25 mile drive.
Motorways etc my record is 42mpg average.
And from what I have heard the new version of my engine is slightly better to the gallon etc.
From my experience it is very much a do it all daily, I do a combo of B road blasting, a track day and motorway driving and so far it's not missed a beat.
I have been daily driving a BMW M235i Auto for nearly 3 years now (it's on 44,000 miles currently)
On my commute to work (B roads and 2 village / town centres) I get between 30mpg to 37mpg on a 25 mile drive.
Motorways etc my record is 42mpg average.
And from what I have heard the new version of my engine is slightly better to the gallon etc.
From my experience it is very much a do it all daily, I do a combo of B road blasting, a track day and motorway driving and so far it's not missed a beat.
Edited by Tomy90 on Thursday 4th May 12:14
Tomy90 said:
Congrats on your purchase I am sure you will love it.
I have been daily driving a BMW M235i Auto for nearly 3 years now (it's on 44,000 miles currently)
On my commute to work (B roads and 2 village / town centres) I get between 30mpg to 37mpg on a 25 mile drive.
Motorways etc my record is 42mpg average.
And from what I have heard the new version of my engine is slightly better to the gallon etc.
From my experience it is very much a do it all daily, I do a combo of B road blasting, a track day and motorway driving and so far it's not missed a beat.
This is exactly what I wanted to hear, thanks!I have been daily driving a BMW M235i Auto for nearly 3 years now (it's on 44,000 miles currently)
On my commute to work (B roads and 2 village / town centres) I get between 30mpg to 37mpg on a 25 mile drive.
Motorways etc my record is 42mpg average.
And from what I have heard the new version of my engine is slightly better to the gallon etc.
From my experience it is very much a do it all daily, I do a combo of B road blasting, a track day and motorway driving and so far it's not missed a beat.
Edited by Tomy90 on Thursday 4th May 12:14
No problem at all.
BMW do offer some dealer fit accessories that do not effect the warranty and should not effect resale that can make the car more sporty if you wish.
But in my opinion the two bits I would only consider is the exhaust upgrades and possibly the brakes (not sure if they improve the brake feel)
You can also look at suspension upgrades from BMW if you do not have adaptive ride (which I have on my car)
BMW do offer some dealer fit accessories that do not effect the warranty and should not effect resale that can make the car more sporty if you wish.
But in my opinion the two bits I would only consider is the exhaust upgrades and possibly the brakes (not sure if they improve the brake feel)
You can also look at suspension upgrades from BMW if you do not have adaptive ride (which I have on my car)
Sounds like a great spec and hopefully you'll love every minute of it!
I've had my M135i for just over 2 years now and it's been awesome, in terms of MPG I normally see high 20's day to day and then high 30's on a Motorway drive so hopefully you'll be pleasantly surprised!
The difficulty will be when you come to replace it as I'm really struggling to know what to go with at the moment, my dream is an M2 but they're still far too expensive so it may be an M240i instead.
Completely agree that some of the other offerings are a little too 'brash', I happened to see a Civic Type R the other day and I just couldn't imagine being seen in it!
I've had my M135i for just over 2 years now and it's been awesome, in terms of MPG I normally see high 20's day to day and then high 30's on a Motorway drive so hopefully you'll be pleasantly surprised!
The difficulty will be when you come to replace it as I'm really struggling to know what to go with at the moment, my dream is an M2 but they're still far too expensive so it may be an M240i instead.
Completely agree that some of the other offerings are a little too 'brash', I happened to see a Civic Type R the other day and I just couldn't imagine being seen in it!
malucnojes said:
The difficulty will be when you come to replace it as I'm really struggling to know what to go with at the moment, my dream is an M2 but they're still far too expensive so it may be an M240i instead.
Yeah I'm having that difficulty also right now, I was considering the M2 but I think it's too similar to the M135i / M235i in terms of driving position.Not driven one though, which may change my mind.
I have the same issue with most of the hot hatches being way too in your face especially the Focus RS & Civic Type R.
The Audi RS3 can be either subtle or really in your face from what I've seen of them.
Also the Mercedes A45 AMG seems way too expensive to me.
Edited by Tomy90 on Thursday 4th May 13:39
I got my M140i about 2 months ago. I've done 4000 miles now and the car keeps on getting better.
On a run, I've managed 43mpg, day to day I'm seeing 32mpg with a mix of town and fast country road driving. I consider it exceptional considering my RS4 struggled to get 20 and was noticeably slower in a straight line.
I still find electric power steering odd, but I'm slowly getting used to it.
Mines in next week for an exhaust rattle (valve in back box - common problem) which I'm using as an excuse to get the M performance exhaust, but apart from that, I'm very happy with it and don't feel short changed moving from an RS4.
(When did you sell the P38 Matt? My FiL still bangs on about how much that engine cost him)
On a run, I've managed 43mpg, day to day I'm seeing 32mpg with a mix of town and fast country road driving. I consider it exceptional considering my RS4 struggled to get 20 and was noticeably slower in a straight line.
I still find electric power steering odd, but I'm slowly getting used to it.
Mines in next week for an exhaust rattle (valve in back box - common problem) which I'm using as an excuse to get the M performance exhaust, but apart from that, I'm very happy with it and don't feel short changed moving from an RS4.
(When did you sell the P38 Matt? My FiL still bangs on about how much that engine cost him)
Edited by Spoof on Thursday 4th May 14:15
Tomy90 said:
Yeah I'm having that difficulty also right now, I was considering the M2 but I think it's too similar to the M135i / M235i in terms of driving position.
Not driven one though, which may change my mind.
I have the same issue with most of the hot hatches being way too in your face especially the Focus RS & Civic Type R.
The Audi RS3 can be either subtle or really in your face from what I've seen of them.
Also the Mercedes A45 AMG seems way too expensive to me.
I had a look at the CLA45 and I just couldn't get on with the looks of it, the proportions seem all wrong and it appears further away than it really is! Not driven one though, which may change my mind.
I have the same issue with most of the hot hatches being way too in your face especially the Focus RS & Civic Type R.
The Audi RS3 can be either subtle or really in your face from what I've seen of them.
Also the Mercedes A45 AMG seems way too expensive to me.
Edited by Tomy90 on Thursday 4th May 13:39
I also think it's going to be difficult going back to a 4pot turbo which really does limit my options.
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