BMW

Nope, its not another E90 M3 thread… Phew!

It’s about BMW in general. Inn part, this is Cheeky Girls fault! Lol

Having inspired me to talk about the current BMW range and I would like to know what everyone thinks about it. In general terms I mean, so handling, looks, engines, interiors and quality etc.

We’ll start with the baby of the range and something that’s been in a recent debate.

BMW 1-Series

Made to replace the BMW 3-Series compact, and combat the threat of the mainstream hatchbacks such as the upmarket VW Golf and the outstanding Ford Focus. Personally I think that BMW targeted the Golf for image and the Focus for Handling, neither of which it as hit between the eyes in my opinion. Being the only rear-wheel drive hatchback on sale gives the 1-Series a very good handling balance, plus its near 50/50 weight distribution gives a nice nimble on limit nature. However, this is a car that has to move a small family around and the 1-Series is err, not good in this area. That drive shaft has to go somewhere you know! And that effects its practicality drastically. Now, looks.

This is like marmite. You either like it or you don’t. I personally don’t mind it, it looks sharp and modern and aimed at the young single career minded person, would do well. There’s no doubting it stands out! With the optional M-Sport body styling kit, its looks are improved somewhat.

Inside? Well, this is where BMW has started to fall flat on its face in my opinion. It looks cheap, modern, but cheap. Compared to the E46 3-Series interior, new BMW’s seem over styled and under developed. Ok, its got all the latest gizmo’s and can make you a coffee and feed your cat, but its just not driver focused like past BMW’s. Personally, if you have it with fake wood or that Aluminium effect that looks like the tin fool off your Easter egg, it looks drab. Piano black Gloss? Nicer… Leather Nappa sports seats? Better still, but not a patch on a Audi.

However, there’s no doubting quality. BMW is on par and ahead of many with this. But, you pay through the nose for it. For a basic 1-Series you can have a medium spec Ford Focus. Humm…

Well, over to you guys! Give us your opinions. We’ll be doing the BMW 3-Series next week…

is that even in the states? well, it seems the most overpriced from what i have heard, but i cant form a solid opinion on it seeing as how i care less about it than any other bmw. as for styling, i guess its ok...

The 1-Series seemed like a cool car to me. Big power from a small diesel engine, excellent fuel economy, a smooth 6 speed box, room for 4, rear wheel drive, good weight distribution....the only flaw is that it's a bit overpriced but overall I think it nicely combines practicality and sport.

I can say that there's really nothing to complain about BMWs....then again, there's also nothing much you can say about them...especially the modern ones...

i love them! I dont know, there designs are sexy! There Interiors are awesome! I dont know why you guys dont like them, but your opinion!

The only 1 I would buy would be the M Sport. But then it's so expensive I would have to sell my soul. It's just so goddamn pricey, and not that involving as some other cars. I'd just go for a Golf GTi and laugh at the M Sport drivers because I won't look like such a bellend. It's too blunt, and there are too many creases on it, but to hell does it perform.

Current BMW range: looks like crap, only reason they are selling is the badge on front. Their interiors are more disgusting than the exteriors and the quality has gotten even more questionable. But BMWs still handle well thats the only good thing. But really, just because a fat woman is good in bed does it mean you still want to date her? Even is she does everything else terribly wrong, no.

BMW died for me in 2003/4 with the introduction of the newer models, its just not the same, they aren't appealing anymore. Other than the Z4 and slightly the 7 series everything sucks. Go back to simple lines like on the E39 that car is the benchmark for the perfect German sports sedan, it had everything current BMWs don't have all together, looks, power, and handling.

The 1 Series, I can only comment from what I've heard/seen.
I havne't been impressed with BMW efforts at building the Compact's replacement. It's the ugliest of the BMW's in my opinion, it's characteristics aren't quite as noticeable, and it just doesn't really fit into the range.
The 1 Series hasn't really fulfilled it's role, you don't see that many about. I wonder if it has doen what BMW wanted? I mean, I persoanlly don't think it's anything special. It just doesn't fit anywhere.

Personally, I think that the 1 Series is a useless pile of dribble. The quaility by BMW standards is poor, the price is too expensive and it loses out for practicality.

overpriced, ugly and pointless. who'd pay 17k for a 120bhp 116i when a Focus ST could be yours for under £1000 more...?! seriously...

also, who'd pay 22.2k for a 160bhp diesel 120d (yes, you read right) when you could get a Golf R32 for £24k! damn, whats wrong with BMW do they expect to sell with prices like that?! never mind the fact its only suitable for children in the back, that it has very poor standard kit and that it looks like a piece of crap drew by a little kid himself...

^^ The thing is they do sell them, it's 'cos people see the badge, it has 'status'. People like having high status, therefore having an expensive car is the first step to that goal.

^^ The thing is they do sell them, it's 'cos people see the badge, it has 'status'. People like having high status, therefore having an expensive car is the first step to that goal.

but it's so ugly... wouldn't you just get a 3-Series, C-Class, A4, X-Type, 9-3 or something instead? same price...

^^ The thing is they do sell them, it's 'cos people see the badge, it has 'status'. People like having high status, therefore having an expensive car is the first step to that goal.

Yep, well said. Its exactly what happens, they get a new job, new expensive *crap* 1-series and a new house, thats it, they've made it then! Lol

if i was going for a nice hatch and had a bulging wallet i would go for a s3 audi, which is much better looking and has a better interior.

if i was going for a nice hatch and had a bulging wallet i would go for a s3 audi, which is much better looking and has a better interior.

very, very true. the A3 is a nice car, one which i'd actually buy, because not only is it better value than the 1-Series by far, it has more room, a better kit list, is cheaper, looks better and overall is worth payin ghte money for. £24k for the 247bhp V6 S-Line? can't go wrong. £21k for the 2.0 T-FSI isn't bad at all, either. you're saving £1k on a 120d... BMW must be mad. but yeah, as cheeky girl said, they do sell, which really contridicts the truth. they should shift 100 a year maxiumum, IMO...

Same here, but its not just about the 1-series though is it? I mean, I personally feel BMW don't make any cars that have 'soul'. I can't explain exactly what they are missing. Because the driving quality is probably better, the interior made from better materials etc, its just theres something not quite the same. Its been missing in all the cars since the new 5-series imo. The new M3 might have something to say though... its got something.