Model not specified
Mileage unknown
BMW 1 Series E81-E87: A Solid Choice
I've owned the E87 116i for three years and I can honestly recommend it. I've never been stranded and unable to continue driving. The driving comfort and finish are at BMW's usual high standard. The driver-oriented cockpit is very convenient. The only drawback is the high cost of replacing parts, mainly due to a lack of aftermarket alternatives. In my case, timing chain replacement cost 3000 PLN, and dual-mass flywheel (yes, even this petrol model has one) with clutch replacement cost 2500 PLN. Of course, these are parts that typically need replacement around 200,000 km.
Pros:
Excellent driving comfort and finish quality, Driver-focused cockpit for great ergonomics, Reliable, never left me stranded
Cons:
High cost of part replacement, especially timing chain and dual-mass flywheel, Limited availability of affordable aftermarket parts
Model not specified
Mileage unknown
BMW 1 Series E81-E87 Review
Okay for a first car or for a woman commuting to school or work. A nice and agile car that you can park anywhere. I bought it as my first car (190,000 km). The chassis is excellent, it handles like a go-kart, and it's quiet inside (after rear differential rebuild - cost about 2000 PLN). Paint and bodywork are good, no rust, undercarriage in good condition. That's all the advantages... The engine burns oil - I have to add oil about once every 2 months. Fuel consumption is around 10.5 l/100km in the city and at least 7.5 l/100km on the highway. Always something...
Pros:
Good for first-time drivers or daily commutes, Attractive and agile design, Easy to park, Excellent handling, like a go-kart, Quiet interior after differential repair, Good paint and body condition, no rust
Cons:
Engine consumes oil, requires regular top-ups, High fuel consumption in city, Ongoing mechanical issues
Model not specified
Mileage unknown
BMW 1 Series E81/E87 Review
A very good car for city driving and short trips. It handles incredibly well, sticking to the road like glue in corners. The steering system clearly communicates what's happening with the car and politely obeys steering wheel movements. The engine is sufficient for this body, but nothing more – I managed to reach 100 km/h in 9.7s according to GPS. However, overtaking requires downshifting and some space to accelerate. Power is delivered linearly; for spirited driving, you need to rev it high.
Pros:
Excellent handling in corners, Precise and communicative steering
Cons:
Engine performance is adequate, not powerful, Overtaking requires effort and space
BMW 5 Series E60 520i (170 Hp) Sedan
183,000 km
Problem: Clutch
The car has aged well, the leather is of very good quality, and its design is still modern. However, there are issues with steering noise, front door panel noise, and problems with the clutch, flywheel, and steering column noise.
Pros:
Comfortable, Aged well, Very good quality leather, Design still current
Cons:
Steering noise, Front door panel noise, Clutch and flywheel noise, Steering column noise
BMW 5 Series E60 520i (170 Hp) Sedan
90,000 km
Correct - 5 Series E60
Qualities: robust | Defects: heavy | Problems: fire risk
Pros:
Robust
Cons:
Heavy, Fire risk
BMW 5 Series E60 520i (170 Hp) Sedan
193,000 km
Problem: Clutch
Qualities: 6 cylinders, comfort, still modern design, reliability, robustness | Flaws: Weight, some plastics | Problems: Clutch + flywheel, Air mass meter
Pros:
6 cylinders, Comfort, Timeless modern design, Reliability, Robustness
Cons:
Weight, some plastics, Clutch + flywheel, Air mass meter
BMW 5 Series E60 520i (170 Hp) Sedan
191,000 km
Issue: Interior Noise
Reliable and robust with a great inline-six sound, comfortable and spacious. Chassis and engine are well-designed and easy to maintain. Economical maintenance. However, had steering squeaks resolved by replacing the steering rack. Experienced water ingress during heavy rain due to aging windshield cowl. CCC is sensitive to high temperatures, sometimes showing false error messages that clear on their own.
Pros:
Extremely reliable and robust, Sound of the inline-six engine, Comfort and storage onboard, Extremely well-designed chassis and engine, very simple to maintain yourself, Economical engine maintenance
Cons:
Squeaking from the steering, resolved after replacing the steering rack, Squeaking from the steering, Water infiltration during a heavy storm due to aging windshield cowl, CCC sensitive to high temperatures (displays faults that disappear on their own)
BMW 5 Series E60 520i (170 Hp) Sedan
162,000 km
Issue: Bearings
When you go to BMW, it feels like you're on another planet. The service department is closed on Saturdays, and you need an appointment for a simple diagnosis. Upon entering the garage, they charge 250 to 300 euros for a diagnosis. The PNP box is located under the spare wheel. If a bottle breaks in the trunk, it creates a pool and damages the electronics, leading to the loss of the onboard computer and very costly repairs.
Pros:
Excellent highway cruiser
Cons:
BMW service feels alien; Saturday closure, appointment needed for diagnosis., 250-300 euro diagnostic fee upon arrival., PNP box under spare wheel susceptible to trunk leaks, causing electronic failure and costly repairs.
