Buying a 118i what to look out for?

[Jimbing]

Hi,

I'm considering of getting a 118i, been looking around and have found some that caught my interest.

Test drove one with a low mileage, however the steering felt a bit heavy. Is that normal, or is it a sign of impending trip to the workshop? Any common problem with the power steering in the 1-series?

The second car I test drove, had a completely bald rear tyres. How much would a pair of run flat tyres set me back for? Can I use normal tyres?

Any other common problems, or tell tale signs I should look out for? Please advice.

Jim

 

[seewai]

Hey Jim,

Based on the comments on the first 118i you test drove, it sounds like what the car dealer reverted to me. Did you test drive in Bangsar?

If indeed it is, I own this car since 2011 when BSRI is still active. There's nothing wrong with the steering.

Cheers.
seewai

 

[gendong]

Jim, u can check out seewai's ad in the classifieds too

 

[Jimbing]

Hey Jim,

Based on the comments on the first 118i you test drove, it sounds like what the car dealer reverted to me. Did you test drive in Bangsar?

If indeed it is, I own this car since 2011 when BSRI is still active. There's nothing wrong with the steering.

Cheers.
seewai

Hi Seewai,
Nope, test drove in cheras. Yea, went for another test drive and the steering felt the same. I quite like the heaviness contrary to Honda like handling. Just wondering if its normal.

How's your experience with a 1-series? I'm driving an E46 at the moment, going to pass it on to a family member, thought of getting a more compact Bimmer.

 

[Mavik]

Wait till you try the steering on an E90 320d. That is heavy.

 

[Jimbing]

BMW's way of getting their customer to workout while driving?

 

[seewai]

I love the driving experience of E87. I compare it with F20, E87 has better drive handling, F20 has better comfort.


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[seancorr]

In Eco and Comfort mode the steering should be light. Don't try Sport mode in the parking lot, u'll really regret it lol.

 

[Jimbing]

UPDATE

So I bought a 2006 118i with <80k mileage done, heavily worn out rear tyres and a minor stone cracked windshield. Decided to go ahead with this one because I thought the mileage is pretty low for a car at that age and the drawbacks are cosmetic and can be easily (cheaply) fixed. The roof cloth and pillar upholstery has not sagged so that's good after living with my E46 with a saggy roof cloth for almost 2 years before finally getting it fixed.

The question is now, should I go for Run Flat Tyres or just get a pair of normal tyres? and what to look out for (tell tale signs) of any impending engine or other major problems.

What do you guys think?

 

[Mavik]

Go for normal tyres if you drive majority within the city area or suburbs and get a couple of cans of tyre seal. Standard tyres are way cheaper compared to run flats.

Hard to say about tell tale signs but bring the car to a BMW specialist for a full check and inspection. I know a lot of folks who bought their cars from recon places or second hand dealers who sent their cars to the authorised SC to perform the 100-point check up to sort of get some peace of mind.


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[seewai]

Jim,

Great to know you found your E87!

For tyres, run flat if you travel a lot and quite distant from home; normal tyres + tyre repair kit if mainly used within 10-20km radius from home.

I'm using normal tyres. My ride has only 13k km clocked in the past 3 years.

 

[Jimbing]

Hi All,

Thank you all for your advice, it has been almost a month since I've had my E87.. and I'm really loving it! the handling, the compact body means easy to park especially in KL. Driving it around has been a pleasure.

But.. guess what, yesterday as I went to Midvalley Megamall.. one idiotic valet driver ran into my rear end, while getting into the parking! talk about bad luck. I suspect the driver was on his phone because we were in a slow moving traffic when suddenly BAM!

Luckily the valet parking assistant manager gave all their personal details and told me their company will bear all cost of repair *fingers crossed they honor their words*

Which leaves me with finding a good workshop to send the car for a bumber replacement and paint job. *SIGH* any suggestions will be helpful.

 

[Nazreen]

Hi All,

Been eyeing this car for a long time but afraid of the maintenance cost. Have found a 6 year old 118i with low mileage.

Can anyone share what's the normal maintenance cost like? Is this a good car to buy? Any major part issues that one should take note for a 6 year old car?

Thanks!

 

[tehyw]

Hi All,

Been eyeing this car for a long time but afraid of the maintenance cost. Have found a 6 year old 118i with low mileage.

Can anyone share what's the normal maintenance cost like? Is this a good car to buy? Any major part issues that one should take note for a 6 year old car?

Thanks!

normally its ok one... look out for oil leaks, valvetronic, aircon blower

 

[zidee]

E87 handling is awesome. I love taking it to place like Cameron Highlands. Slight heavy steering feel is what I love most about driving BMW. I just hate to drive light steering car such as Honda or Nissan. However starting E60 etc when Active Steering was introduced, I lost that feel already. That's is why I'm still holding to my E39, E46 and E87 in the family. Entry level E87 is using Valvetronic engine. Earlier model use N42 and later model use N46. I have N46. This engine a bit manja on oil leaking issue. So pay attention to your engine oil disappearance issue. Check all the gasket and seals, including valve seals.

 

[eLLen Lee]

Hi All,

Been eyeing this car for a long time but afraid of the maintenance cost. Have found a 6 year old 118i with low mileage.

Can anyone share what's the normal maintenance cost like? Is this a good car to buy? Any major part issues that one should take note for a 6 year old car?

Thanks!

I've owned a E87120i Sport for 5years now (used car).
My usual routine service, ie: changing engine oil (5litres) and oil filter. Only cost me <RM450 including GST.
No major problem with that car, just look out for oil leaking issue, gasket and seals. These are just normal wear and tear issues, once i changed it, it is good for few years.

Love the handling of this car, nice driving on winding road.

 

[nomadmy]

I've owned a E87120i Sport for 5years now (used car).
My usual routine service, ie: changing engine oil (5litres) and oil filter. Only cost me <RM450 including GST.
No major problem with that car, just look out for oil leaking issue, gasket and seals. These are just normal wear and tear issues, once i changed it, it is good for few years.

Love the handling of this car, nice driving on winding road.

Hi eLLen,

This may not be relevant to this topic, but I hope if you can share any good "outside" service center? Your service of <RM450 caught my attention. My service often close to 1K (in BMW service center).

Thanks.

 

[Jimbing]

yea.. my E87 starting to show signs of engine oil leaks. Just changed the gasket, now i have to top up 1Litre of oil every 3 weeks.. not sure if it is leaking or the engine oil sensor as I can't see any oil on the floor of my garage. Going to take it to optimum auto next week to get it checked.