It gets universal praise for being really the only rwd hatchback but gets minus points for rear seat and boot space and price compared to the likes of the golf and focus.

I too am baffled that it's not best in class

 

Personally i think its all in the size, mines bigger than yours and all that!

Also i think they appear more "grown up" and business men and egos love all that, i looked at 3 series and wasnt much in it really to go for one of them but i personally like little hot hatches etc.

I'm not old enough for the 3 series to appeal yet

 

I own both 120d and 320d both M-Sport models and have to say I think the 3 is a much better car than the 1
Now your all going to ask why ...... And thinking about it I cant really tell you why, apart from the better steering feel. So I cant really back up my comment, all I can say is i think the 3 is a much better car.

 

I don't think the press (and lots of other people) really understand the 1er, they have been bought up on golfs and focuseseseses (foci?) so don't know how to review a car that doesn't fit that layout.

There's also a problem for the press if they review it the way you have (i.e. honestly) they would be endowing a small hatch with executive kudos and that might upset the other marques.

As it stands, I like to think that I'm one of a select few that knows the truth - it's a small hatch (or coupe) that punches well above its weight and represents great value for money. Sure, there's loads of cars that cost the same and are faster/bigger/higher spec/with longer warrantee but none of them offer that unique mix of big car presence and small car handling.

I think I've just convinced myself to get another when the lease on the Leon is up...

 

And thinking about it I cant really tell you why, apart from the better steering feel.

That's interesting - the 1 series steering is often noted as a point of criticism, but I'd have to say my Coupe on standard suspension and 17" wheels feels pretty good. And I have a Mk1 Focus to compare it with...

Obviously I'm comparing a 120d I have now with a 320d I drove a few months back. Perhaps back to back I'd be able to tell the difference with the steering, or maybe the difference is less pronounced on the non-M Sport variants.

 

It gets universal praise for being really the only rwd hatchback but gets minus points for rear seat and boot space and price compared to the likes of the golf and focus.

I too am baffled that it's not best in class

Mind you, sometimes I notice cars get pigeonholed at launch and then get stuck with a certain verdict which might no longer apply later in the model cycle. At launch it was expensive, but look a the price of a Golf or Focus now. Also some of the plastics were a bit cheap looking on the initial run - again that's been sorted.

The coupe especially is an odd case. Kind of ignored, but in terms of practicality its pretty much exactly the same as an E30 3 series. How many of those did they sell?

As expected it's proved perfect for what I need - room for 2 + 2 small children and reasonable luggage space. What other cheapish coupe on the market can do that. The Scirocco can't - tiny boot.

 

I've just swapped from a 3 series (2006 320d SE Touring) to a 123d M Sport. In terms of noise and refinement and general "feel" there's very little in it. The differences I've noticed are probably more due to different suspension (M Sport vs standard), tyres (Goodyear vs Bridgestone) and steering (electric vs hydraulic - but 3 series are now electric as well). In my opinion, if you don't need the space, go for the 1 series.

I've just posted a detailed comparison.

 

Sadly I think the rantings of someone like Clarkson can have a big influence on the perceprion of a particular car.

He slated the 130i and then later has gone on to say the 135i is the best BM available - People hear an opinion, that can then turn out to be 'gospel'

 

The 3 series has had more revisions and target audience tailorings that the 1er hasn't yet had the chance to go through. Give the 1er another couple of revisions and it'll be the star of the range.

 

The 1er has always been targeted due to it looks and the interior space and poor ride due to RFT tyres. The FL versions have had better reviews but the issues of ride still comes up. The longer wheelbase of the 3er like the 5er seems to help iron out the less complaint ride.

The 1er never gets knocked for handling or steering though and the engines also recive praise. I drive a 59 plate Focus Estate regualy and that is a competant if somewhat dull car. Iyt handles well with good stering feel but the 1er as the edge on the limit never mind the feel good factor.

The interior space and boot spacer is still it biggest folly with two children and buggy ect to go in the boot we did the 1er a little too tight on space Coupe gave the bigger boot but 5 doors makes life so much easier. Hence going down the Golf and to a Leon FR route that has exactly the right amount of boot space and rear legroom. Does feel much more spacious and get's about 95% of the handling ability. EPS does lack ultimate feel though.

If next 1er has better space it will b e back on our list come change time without a doubt the new range of 3 cylinder engines should really help economy as well. Also ditch the RFT's stick them on the option list across the range for those that don't mind paying £150 a tyre. I have the same non RFT tyres (Bridgestone REO50) on the Leon as I did on the FL 118d and they do have better grip in the wet and much more compliant and will, be interested to see what the wear difference is as well???????

 

I looked at the 3 series when I got my 118d and could have had a 318d M Sport for the same price (but with no options.) In the end I decided the 1er suited me better. I think it looks better and more sporty (the 1er is definitely a younger persons car) and I don't need the space in the back, although I do like the practicality of 5 doors hence my choice.

 

I guess I can answer some of the reasons: ....

Interesting post. I can't say I've picked up on a lot of these issues yet, although it's early days. I have noticed the standard suspension is a little bouncy and underdamped on really bumpy roads. But its minor really and doesn't spoil it... Seems fine on the motorway. Perhaps I just like the slightly more small-car feel.

The only point here I'd really disagree with is the interior quality one. I really can't tell the difference.

Conversely, the point I would agree on is looks - purely because I think the current 4dr 3 series in SE spec is the best looking car BMW make today. That facelift worked wonders.

 

I've got another couple of years with my 1-series, but am seriously thinking about the 135i (or equivalent) next time around. I looked at the 3-series before the 1er, but simply didn't need the space. That said, the 3er coupé is a lovely-looking thing and I may well be swayed by that next time.

I like unusual cars - ie. not the sort of thing most people go for. The 3-series is somewhat ubiquitous, whereas the 1er seems to have a little more character about it. I never look at the 3 and wish I'd gone for that instead. I'll choose based on my requirements in a couple of years' time.

 

I bought the 1'er 'cos I wanted a small hatch with a bit of grunt - RWD stood it apart from the opposition.

If I wanted a mid-sized boring-as-bat-**** conservative car that gives you membership to some half-arsed psuedo yuppie clique, I probably would have thrown a 3 series into the mix.

 

...gives you membership to some half-arsed psuedo yuppie clique,

Nah - they all drive Audi A4s these days...

 

^ so true

 

My wife has a 120d Mnonsense and today whilst my E89 Z4 was in for a paint issue, my dealer has given me a 320d Msport coupe in the mean time.

I drive a lot of excellent rural roads and the 3 was a much less tiring drive (when the clutch didn't judder) than the 1er and much of this was down to the superior refinement.

Still love the wifes 1er its more fun than the 3, but on a real long journey it would be the 3 for me. Then again I have a new Z4 and that's another story

 

...gives you membership to some half-arsed psuedo yuppie clique,

Nah - they all drive Audi A4s these days...

Yeah those and Lexus.

A Lexus? FFS.

 

Simple really.

1) 3 series is better looking
2) 3 series has more usable space i.e. an adult can fit fairly comfortably in the rear of either the coupe or saloon

I love the looks of my 135i Convertible, but in all honesty would prefer a 335i Convertible fully loaded or a Z4 SDrive 35is B&QICIDFS....

 

Simple really.

1) 3 series is better looking
2) 3 series has more usable space i.e. an adult can fit fairly comfortably in the rear of either the coupe or saloon

I love the looks of my 135i Convertible, but in all honesty would prefer a 335i Convertible fully loaded or a Z4 SDrive 35is B&QICIDFS....

I personally prefer the looks of the 1 series convertible to the 3 series. The 3 is a bit bloated looking in 2 door form... The 1 series convertible is a very pretty car.

 

Depends what you want it for.

The 1er (130 especially) is brilliant fun but oh so discrete, not even on most people's radar.
Good for gobbling miles on a motorway? Nah. You can't beat a 5er for that.

For people that live in the real world and need a bit of each they make the 3er...

 

Depends what you want it for.

The 1er (130 especially) is brilliant fun but oh so discrete, not even on most people's radar.
Good for gobbling miles on a motorway? Nah. You can't beat a 5er for that.

For people that live in the real world and need a bit of each they make the 3er...

Quite true possibly, im a fantasist so stick with the 130i lol, and true i love its discreteness! I have surprised a good few with it, most dont realise they come in anything bigger than a 2 litre.

 

I went for the 1 series coupe because it reminded me of what the 3 series was and should still be. Like the Golfs of this generation too it seems the 3 series has got fat like those that drove both the Golf GTI and 3 series coupes in the late 70s/early 80s. When I was a kid I loved the E21 & E30 and though people say the 1 series coupe reminds them more of the 2002, I don't really see that. Maybe the upright rear styling but though some people consider the 1 series coupe if they can't afford the 3er, that was never my case and I do think more and more people are like that.

I certainly feel the target market for each is somewhat different; it's like the petrol/diesel argument and is a persoanl choice.

 

I'm not old enough for the 3 series to appeal yet

for me this summed it up, when you look at 3 series drivers they are either

a: Old
b: in suits with a jacket hanging in the rear.

i actually found the boot space not very good in the 3, yes its big (like the 1 series coupe) but access is pants (just like the 1 series coupe).

the only 3 series i would go for is the coupe but then you don't get the 5 doors.

its horses for courses, what do you want from a car. when cars get reviewed like a 1/3 series a3/a4/golf it has to tick all the boxes and be a jack of all trades, very few cars actually do this.

 

I'm not old enough for the 3 series to appeal yet

for me this summed it up, when you look at 3 series drivers they are either

a: Old
b: in suits with a jacket hanging in the rear.

i actually found the boot space not very good in the 3, yes its big (like the 1 series coupe) but access is pants (just like the 1 series coupe).

the only 3 series i would go for is the coupe but then you don't get the 5 doors.

its horses for courses, what do you want from a car. when cars get reviewed like a 1/3 series a3/a4/golf it has to tick all the boxes and be a jack of all trades, very few cars actually do this.

Im not old! =(