Hi Guys,
Got an E60 and the Mrs drove it around liked the drive but hated the size (problem with parking and going around carparks, too wide for her liking).

I heard from a mate that if you popped into a 3 series or 1 series the feel or steering would feel the same.

We are now looking at getting her a 1 series hatch.

What I would like to know is if the "same feel" is true?

So far we test drove a Golf and it feels pretty alright.

The active steering on the E60 made life so easy especially around tight corners in car parks. one turn for everything!

We test drove a Honda Jazz and it felt like the steering went on forever when I tried to park it.

Would be test driving a 1 series hatch this weekend. Just wanted to hear your opinions.

Since we are buying used cars, Is there anything we should look out for when buying one or is there even a common problem with the 1 series.

Thanks in advance!

Cheers~!

 

I can never tell the difference when I'm driving the 550i or the 1 series hatch (please don't believe me).

 

While the 1-series drives rather well it´s not a 5-series, it has more in common with a 3-series then a 5-series, which is to be expected.
I currently own both a e60 and e87 and there really is not much in common between the two, if you are looking at something in the golf size of cars and you do not need to be able to carry people in the rear seat then the e87 is great.
If you need to be able to carry people in the back and you still want a small car then i would look else where to be honest.

The 1-series is a great little car, just not a 5-series

 

Since 1992, I have only had BMWs...'90 325i for 4 years, '95 525i for 13 years, '08 535i for 3.5 years...and counting. In my experience, most all BMWs have a certain feel that is different from most other cars. The closest cars to have a similiar feel is an Audi or Mercedes. I think it is the suspension and steering...but I'm not sure.

I remember when I was buying my 325i in '92. I looked at a Porsche 944 Turbo...fast, but too harsh/loud for daily driving. I looked at a Mercedes 190E (I think that's what it was)...very nice, but way too mushy and no handling. Then I drove the 325i...just perfect! Kinda like that girl and those three bears....Goldie Locks I think it was...Porsche too hard, Mercedes too soft, BMW...just right! So anyhow...it's been a "problem" since getting my first BMW...once you've owned one...it's hard to be satisfied with anything else.

 

+1000

Especially the 5er.

 

While I think you know you are in a BMW regardless of model, I do not think there is anything similar to my 545 when I drive a 3 Series loaner... I almost bought a 745 long and that, while sharing the same motor and many of the same options as my 545 still felt different as well. Active Steering is totally different than not having it.

 

Short answer is no, they do not all drive the same. Weight is related to size and even BMW cannot overcome the laws of physics. With that said, a BMW is still a BMW and all the cars drive wonderfully especially when compared to similiar cars in the same class. Also, what you remember is the age also effects how the car drives. Not age of parts, but age of design. BMW does not just sit on what they have acheived, they are constantly striving to make it better. So the newer the design (whether it be a 1-series or 5-series) the better it is going to be.

 

For a moment I thought this post was a joke...