Hi Tim
Got the car back had the windows tinted again not happy with the tint cause they haven't cut it out properly on a couple of windows crap job wasn't happy told BMW they will pick the car up during the week hopefully third time lucky with the tint not sure if this company can tint this car properly I have never heard good reports getting frustrated with this problem hopefully can fix the problem this time.Tyre pressure is fine had no more squeaks in the car so hopefully the problem is fixed we will see in the future.Thank you for the advice.
Rhonda.
I've had my 130i since January 2006. This is the first 'prestige' car I have bought and I am a little disappointed. Yes the car looks and sounds great and has bags of grunt. However... since owning the car I have had the transformer for one of the headlights replaced, have spent $250 so that the dealership could take the seat out and remove a coin that had fallen in to a vent, spent $350 on BMW mats which now curl up and get caught on the pedals after only 12 months of use, had a creaking clutch spring above the clutch pedal for about 2 months (in which time I have had a new clutch pedal assembly fitted, but didn't cure the problem), I then took the car back in to have a new spring fitted. Very happy that the first service after 25,000kms only cost $300 but this morning I can hear that another coin has fallen in to the vent. Only little things, but putting me off BMW more and more each time there are problems.
Hi to the person who wrote a message on the 17th january just a quick note to say don't be turned off BMW there a beautiful car this is my second one there will aways be problems, but little thing so I wouldn't worry about it too much personally I wouldn't buy another 120i sports that's what I have I will go back to a 3 series or hopefully my next car is an X3 diesel turbo as I have driven it before and there an awesome car I will always stick to BMW so good luck.
Rhonda.
Hi This is Tim.
I am the original reviewer.
I want to sum up my experience with 130. Its the worse car I ever had. A big dissapointment in terms of quality and dealership service.
I don't think I will purchase another BMW or Mercedes again. They don't have the magic anymore and they feel just like the cheaper Japanese cars.
The one series is cramp inside. The quality is shocking. The power is bad. The windows rattles. Lights goes out as you see in the other review. Hard to tint as you also see in the other review. Check the guy in New zealand he had heaps of problems.
I have seen many BMW 130 in my city people are selling before reaching the first 10,000km.
BMW and Mercedes cannot make good quality small cars because its their new field.
My fathers 2006 7 series is nothing, but problem, got the same problems with the window seals.
In short.
BMW is expensive the price doesn't match the built quality. A toyota's quality is more consistent.
BMW service is terrible, the dealer knows their car is problematic and is not able to fix it beside for patching
"it" up.
The window rubber screaks because they chose to use cheap rubber instead of a better quality ones.
You can check with online forum people with these problem.
The 1 series doesn't handle that great either. Yes its rear wheel drive, but I think people lose their logic when they see the BMW badge.
Seriously for anyone out there looking for a 1 series for god sake think over it carefully.
I test drove the VW R32 lately.. never own one, but it felt better built than the 130.
Sorry if this review offended BMW lovers.. but I am talking facts here.
THanks
Tim.
Okay, Tim, you need to keep some things in perspective. BMW has never made a reliable large sedan (7 series) so the fact your father had problems was no surprise. Also, the 1 series apparently is another stillborn effort even though it was brilliant in concept.
But the reality is a lot of BMWs are very reliable, especially the 3 series. I've owned numerous BMWs and never had the trouble you describe. My 2000 5 series was the most reliable car I had ever owned, and my ownership experience included cars from Asia, Europe, and America.
I'm not saying BMWs are most reliable cars out there, but it (unfortunately) really depends on what model you're buying. The 1, 7, X3, X5 series are simply awful as far as repair records, but the 3 and 5 series are pretty good.
As with all auto manufacturers, one key is to buy a model that's been out for a few years so that "all the bugs have been worked out".
I agree with what you said. I purchased my 130 too early. : (E46 3 series are the most reliable 3 series and also I agree with you it all depends on the models, but I just wished that the brand would have more consistency on their overall models. They should have make sure that 1 series is as good as five or six or seven series because after all, it's a BMW.
I think little things can hurt a lot especially things like squeeking. I know that E46 and E36 series were rock solid it never squeeks and rattles, but I heard current 3 series have the same problem.
BMW are great cars they are more driver oriented cars than Mercedes, but I really hope that they will bring their quality back up because after all there is no worse feeling than having your friend laughing at your car squeeking which costed 3x more than their toyota.
Thanks
Tim.
Hi Iam currently still the owner of the 120i sports and Iam pleased to say that my squeaky windows do not squeak anymore and I have had the car for five months now and Iam happy with it. I have done a lot of kilometres on this car almost 10,000 and Iam not ready to sell. I too also had an E46 3 series was the best car ever, but thought I would change as I like doing every 3 to 4 years. So hopefully my next car will be an X3 diesel turbo as I have already test drove one and it was great. I guess you do get a lemon in some cars there not always perfect, but they should be. So I would always buy a BMW I would never purchase another at all as my dealership that I go to always helps you and looks after you BMW has been around for as long as I can remember. But I will say that the 1 series does not have enough room in the back I think its just made for two.
Hi I am the original reviewer of the 130. This is my final feedback of what I think of BMWs.
I think BMW have lost the plot - they have done everything right in terms of marketing. If you can put your emotion aside and look at the car for what it is, it's nothing special. I like the old ones as the ergonomics are better.
They are cutting so much corners now that new cars are now rattling. The BMW 130 I had claims 0-100 speed of 6.1 sec, it's a big lie. That engine is slow, and the noise is nothing, it's just a good exhaust note. I don't understand the fuss about that straight six 3 ltr. It's a slow car.
The windows rattles like hell, air conditioning systems isn't powerful in summer, dealership service is terrible, they think you are wealthy so the rip you off with one big oil change bill.
The seven series too - my father got one, the idrive is terrible, and who builds a V8 the size of 3.5 or 4 ltr. If you want a V8, make it at least sound like a V8 like a Ford muscle car.
In short, new BMWs are over priced, and in terms performance they are over rated. BOTH Japanese and American cars have catch up the germans, for me BMW remains a true badge buyers dream, it's for people who wants to show who they are, and the BMW company knows that. That's why they are beginning to make low quality cars.
I should have purchased a WRX sti, as it handles better than a BMW. The rear wheel drive of a 130 is overrated. Without the tail of the hatch, the car is tail happy.
I also don't believe 130 would be a safe car in a crash, it's a tiny car, for the same price if you're after safety, go buy a bigger car like Ford or Volvo if you want safety. For speed I am sure it's easy to find cars match to the 130 or faster.
BMW badge buyers dream.. no point..
In terms of what it does.. it's over rated by their glossy broucher. The 1 Series is nothing special, lot of problem, cramped interior, slow, rattles. Give it a miss!
I have to say I disagree with the comments made here. The engine in the 130i is widely respected as the best 3.0 available - infinitely more advanced than that in the R32. It is massively advanced, revs beautifully and has a progressive, but very powerful delivery. It sounds like the squeaking windows have somewhat clouded your opinions. I'm on my third 1 series, and have to say that there is only one fix to this highly irritating fault. GT85, a commonly available Teflon lubricant (from Halfords or other stores) need only be applied once to the seals to rid the squeaking for good. Just spray the seals with the straw attached, leaving a couple of coats, and the problem disappears. I applied six months ago, and wash the car every weekend with no reccurance. In terms of the handling, the 130i is great, compliant, but stiff - much better than the 120d I owned previously. If I was picky I would say the rear was a little two stiff, and the steering rack could be a touch faster, but apart from that I'm very happy. In terms of dealerships, I agree that there has been a marked drop in service over the last two years. I agree when paying at least 40% over other cars, you expect some thing more from your dealer. In terms of oil service cost, mine is £130 in VAT which is significantly cheaper than many less premium brands.
Nick.
I agree Nick I have a 120i sports really the only problem is the squeaky windows they have been fixed Iam pretty happy with the car my next would maybe be an X3 turbo diesel I previously had a 318i and no problems there I always get looked after at the dealership I go to so I wouldn't go anywhere else. Nick do you still have your 1 series and have you always had a BMW hope to hear from you soon.
Rhonda.
I owned my 130 a month or so. So far it's one of the most amusing car I've driven - and it's a prefect compromise. I live in the city and would like a small car, but didn't want a two seater because in case of emergency I need to be able to drive a couple of friends from one party to another. Love driving RWD and stick.
Before I bought it I tried out a couple of other cars like the Audi S3 - which was a very good car, but far from as fun to drive as the rear-wheel drive 130i. I like the way I can press down the DTC to make the car loose control in a sensible way.
One o the few things I miss is maybe a diff-lock...
I have another two years of free service so I'm not that worried...
So far so good - but we'll see, I'll be back with a report...
// So far happy owner.
I'm a very proud owner of a 2006 120d and have been for the past 10months. After test driving an A3 TDI, an A4 1.8T, an Alfa 147 and Lexus IS250 - I was sold the second I drove the BMW.
I have driven almost 15,000klms and the car as a matter of fact has gone in for its first service this morning.
I can relate to the annoying window/door creaking rattle that most of you have experienced, however upon alerting the dealership of this issue it was resolved very quickly and 'touch wood' has not returned. I have however had issues with squealing brakes - which hopefully should be rectified during today's visit.
My previous car was a 2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible Aero - which I absolutely loved - and still often wonder why I sold. But, I needed to update and the 1-Series was the choice. I have driven several makes over the last 12years, from Toyota to Ford, Honda to Holden, Peugeot to Saab and now BMW. I have not regretted for a single moment the decision to buy this car. The colour choice perhaps wasn't the best - black!
My only concern now, is an issue with steering. The dealership gave me a brand new 120i to use while mine is in being serviced, however I noticed on the drive back to my office, that the steering is much different to mine. I have to fight the steering wheel when the road gets a little rough. It feels like the wheels are caught in tram tracks and they have a life of their own. I put it down to the 'car' as the test model did the same. The 120i did not steer like this. Should I be concerned? Can anyone offer any advice?
Thanks.
Peter.
Hi Peter
I just traded my 120i sports 3 weeks ago it was like the steering wheel was on train tracks and had a mind of its own, but I got use to it mine was a sports steering wheel, but I still enjoyed the car only had the car for 7 months the reason why I traded mine in was it was too small inside its really only made for one person its really not that comfortable at back for passengers and not roomy enough, I did put 12,000 kms on it its the most amusing cute car I have driven. Now I have puchased an X3 2.5L 6 speed manual and would never change it, it has a lot more room in it and I would always buy a BMW as I always get looked after at my dealership, so my advice to you is if your happy with the car stick with it its only little minor things squeaky windows I had mine fixed and they never squeaked again so enjoy your 120i diesel until you get your next car cause I'm going to keep my X3 until the new one comes out or just keep it for 4 years nice chatting to you peter hope to hear from you soon.
Rhonda.
Hi Rhonda.
After I posted my last message, I had a call from the dealership. The service manager explained that the 'train lining' as he put it was a common problem with run-flat tyres and was due to incorrect tyre pressure. He also explained that the 'loan car' was brand new and the tyres were at the correct pressure and perfectly flat - that was why there was no problem with the steering.
He then told me that the pressure on my front tyres was down and had caused considerable wear to the outer tread - which after I inspected it - certainly was the case. He told me I also needed a wheel alignment. So after the first service, the tyre pressure adjusted and a wheel alignment later I drove home in what felt like a brand new car. I almost called the service manager back to remark on what a difference it had made.
So if there's anyone else out there experiencing the same problem - make sure your tyre pressure is correct. It was also explained that when dealerships take delivery of the 1-series (not sure if this is across all BMW models) the pressure is around 28 - which is ideal for the perfect ride - however it dramatically reduces the life of the tyre. He suggested keeping all 4 tyres between 34 - 36. The ride is firmer, but steering is improved and the life of the tyre is extended! Fine by me if the drive home was anything to go by.
I agree with you Rhonda - I think I've found a 'lifer' with BMW. My partner's now seriously considering an X3 3.0 Diesel and when the time comes, say 18months time, I'll update 'Black Betty' (as I've named her) to a new 325i Coupe.
I may be mistaken, but I think I read here, or perhaps it was on another site - a comment made which was directed at all of the unhappy 1-series owners and I think he hit the nail on the head. "They had simply just bought the wrong car for them."
Cheers.
Peter.
Hi Peter
I agree with your last comment good call I just don't think it was the right car for a lot of people who had a 1 series. I would recommend the X3 diesel turbo as I have driven it before and its the best that have driven in a while, I was going to get that one they only had a demo and I know that it has been thrashed by a lot of customers, but then I had to wait for one also they don't come in manual so opted for a petrol instead and love it to. I really think diesel is the way to go these days especially with fuel prices now a days, but you need fuel anyway nice chatting enjoy your one series.
Rhonda.