The short of it is my girl loves BMW's (not my cup of tea lol) and she really wants a 1 Series. I found a really good deal on a low mileage 2012 128i. I'd like to get some feedback on the car as far as reliability and build quality go.

I have some friends who owns BMW's and had nothing but problems with them. Most covered by the warranty but still a hassle to always have the car in the shop. I know all BMW's aren't **** but from the little experience I have through friends, it's not looking good.

Any honest (non-Lexus fan boy) opinions on the 1 Series would be very much appreciated.

 

I own one. What would you like to know. The weak point is the electric water pump, they are good for 60 to 100 thousand miles. If you have the hid headlights. The back cover is very finicky. If you don't get it on just right water can get in and fry the headlight module. Check the valve cover for cracking. Though happens more on the 135. If it has the I-drive don't let the battery voltage drop below 7 volts or it bricks the I-drive. Other than that very solid. It's my favorite car to drive that we own.

 

Info like that is exactly what I'm looking for! Thank you!

 

Do you have any other questions

 

Any signs that the water pump would be going bad? The one I'm looking at has 37,000 miles on it so it looks like I have some time before that comes up but I'd like to be on the look out.
Next time I see the car I will inspect the valve cover. Does it crack from being poorly made?
I've done some research online and it does seem to have positive reviews from it's owners.

This is the one I'm looking at ... https://www.carmax.com/cars/bmw/128/2012/13253328

 

Really no sign of water pump going to fail. The later years 11-13 model years have the updated pump. Only time will tell if more reliable. If the pump quits the radiator fans turn on at full speed even when cold. The cracking it is assumed that it is from heat cycling. The fact that the 135i does it more. I believe that is probably true. Since you have the extra heat from the turbos. I think coolant changes every two years helps with both of those problems. Also don't follow bmws 15,000 oil change. That just seems crazy to most, including me.i haven't had any problems except the headlight. That was my fault I didn't know then about how much care you needed in making sure that cover was on perfect. Even the battery has lasted 8 years and still going.

 

I like that one, no I-drive. I don't care for the i-drive so mine doesn't have it either. If you do buy it I can give you info on things that your told you need to go to the dealer for, but you can easily do you self. Like resetting service reminders.

 

THANKS!!! Great info and I will for sure keep you in mind if I get it. I'll know in the next few days if that's the one.

 

Had a 135is as a loaner for a day and my mind was just blown by how fantastic that little car was. I have an E90 328 w/ sport package which is already brilliant to drive but low on power. Now imagine 330 hp in that little 1-series with tight steering that feels every groove in the road. Even a 128 will be great to drive considering how good my heavier and larger 328 is.

My 3er has around 55,000 miles and hasn't had any major issues thus far. Just regular maintenance, a replaced headlight here, new performance run flats there (3 new sets of tires thus far..., but i do drive it hard in corners). This thing is expensive to maintain especially after the 4-year warranty ended. That's why I keep it to enjoy a couple days of the week but got a CPO IS250 as my daily driver.