BMW 116i 2011 3 Door Advice

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ChaseVsGodzilla

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I'm looking to buy a new car and I managed to find a 2011 BMW 116i 3 DR Manual for R139k with only 85000km's on the clock. IT's from SMG (An approved BMW dealer) and is really in immaculate condition. However, I'm hesitant to even touch a second hand BMW and rather go for a used Ford Focus or maybe a VW TSI. This is especially because I know that German cars can be expensive for major repairs. It comes with a 2 year warranty on the other hand. I'm sure we all understand the allure of a nice German car. My question to you all is, are my concerns warranted and am I just better off going with a "newer" car or if my trusted mechanics can find no fault should I just go for it.
 
If you use the dealer for repairs there is really no difference, Toyota wouldn't miss an opportunity to scam you just as much as BMW or any other manufacturer.

Coming back to the car, it's a normally aspirated 1.6l so there's not much that can go wrong, even if something does, it's just a straightforward NA car, parts are everywhere so there's really nothing concerning.

Having said all that there's no fireworks when it comes to performance as you can see so make sure you are getting your money's worth when it comes to features otherwise it will just be a BMW with nothing that set it apart from a regular Golf of the time.
 
ChaseVsGodzilla said:
I'm looking to buy a new car and I managed to find a 2011 BMW 116i 3 DR Manual for R139k with only 85000km's on the clock. IT's from SMG (An approved BMW dealer) and is really in immaculate condition. However, I'm hesitant to even touch a second hand BMW and rather go for a used Ford Focus or maybe a VW TSI. This is especially because I know that German cars can be expensive for major repairs. It comes with a 2 year warranty on the other hand. I'm sure we all understand the allure of a nice German car. My question to you all is, are my concerns warranted and am I just better off going with a "newer" car or if my trusted mechanics can find no fault should I just go for it.
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Hey man. It’s the one in Tygervalley right?

Good mileage for the year, naturally aspirated as mentioned so less problems potentially and a manual gearbox.

My one issue with this E87/88/81 generation of the one series is it’s lack of features. My guess, this car has AUX only. No Bluetooth or USB port. No Xenon Lights or parking sensors as well I’m guessing
Beside that, the interior is a bit bland as well. But if this isn’t an issue then all good.

That engine is a bit pap though. 0-100 is about 10 seconds or so. You won’t be beating anyone off the line. But it’s more than enough to keep up with traffic and overtaking.

With the warranty you’re probably looking at an additional 20K or so? So you’ll have to weigh up the costs. Go for it if you like it.
 
If it's the F20 model, then this engine is quite reliable. It has certain issues you can be aware of. Like random oil leaks on the oil feed pipes to the turbo (R6000 repair) and possibly a faulty VANOS solenoid (around R2000). The inlet pipe to the turbo also cracks regularly due to it being crap plastic (R1600) and then there is the major possible issue of the chain guides breaking around 100 000km and costing R26000 to repair. You will hear rattling before failure.

So budget for these costs and then you are golden. It's a good car and peppy engine combo.
 
ChaseVsGodzilla said:
I'm looking to buy a new car and I managed to find a 2011 BMW 116i 3 DR Manual for R139k with only 85000km's on the clock. IT's from SMG (An approved BMW dealer) and is really in immaculate condition. However, I'm hesitant to even touch a second hand BMW and rather go for a used Ford Focus or maybe a VW TSI. This is especially because I know that German cars can be expensive for major repairs. It comes with a 2 year warranty on the other hand. I'm sure we all understand the allure of a nice German car. My question to you all is, are my concerns warranted and am I just better off going with a "newer" car or if my trusted mechanics can find no fault should I just go for it.
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In my experience, BMW is not more expensive than others when it comes to general maintenance, depending on the model of course.
Repairs can be expensive, but you should be able to get better deals at independents.

I say go for it.
 
I also say go for it.
Chances are it will be way more reliable and cheaper to fix than a TSI.
 
Gaz{M} said:
If it's the F20 model, then this engine is quite reliable. It has certain issues you can be aware of. Like random oil leaks on the oil feed pipes to the turbo (R6000 repair) and possibly a faulty VANOS solenoid (around R2000). The inlet pipe to the turbo also cracks regularly due to it being crap plastic (R1600) and then there is the major possible issue of the chain guides breaking around 100 000km and costing R26000 to repair. You will hear rattling before failure.

So budget for these costs and then you are golden. It's a good car and peppy engine combo.
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It'll be the same Prince/N13 engine as I have in the Peugeot. It's not that fragile.
 
ChaseVsGodzilla said:
I'm looking to buy a new car and I managed to find a 2011 BMW 116i 3 DR Manual for R139k with only 85000km's on the clock. IT's from SMG (An approved BMW dealer) and is really in immaculate condition. However, I'm hesitant to even touch a second hand BMW and rather go for a used Ford Focus or maybe a VW TSI. This is especially because I know that German cars can be expensive for major repairs. It comes with a 2 year warranty on the other hand. I'm sure we all understand the allure of a nice German car. My question to you all is, are my concerns warranted and am I just better off going with a "newer" car or if my trusted mechanics can find no fault should I just go for it.
Click to expand...
Buying from a BMW is generally lower risk due to them performing all in-house checks (as apposed to a 3rd party dealer that can try to disguise certain issues).

Request the motorplan printout from BMW to review what items were replaced under motorplan. Ask them if the vehicle has any comments
 
6spdmanual said:
Hey man. It’s the one in Tygervalley right?

Good mileage for the year, naturally aspirated as mentioned so less problems potentially and a manual gearbox.

My one issue with this E87/88/81 generation of the one series is it’s lack of features. My guess, this car has AUX only. No Bluetooth or USB port. No Xenon Lights or parking sensors as well I’m guessing
Beside that, the interior is a bit bland as well. But if this isn’t an issue then all good.

That engine is a bit pap though. 0-100 is about 10 seconds or so. You won’t be beating anyone off the line. But it’s more than enough to keep up with traffic and overtaking.

With the warranty you’re probably looking at an additional 20K or so? So you’ll have to weigh up the costs. Go for it if you like it.
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Haha you nailed it. Yeah I'm not too fussed about the features honestly I'm coming from an i10 and this has everything I need and drives like a dream. Thank you for the advice.
 
ChaseVsGodzilla said:
Haha you nailed it. Yeah I'm not too fussed about the features honestly I'm coming from an i10 and this has everything I need and drives like a dream. Thank you for the advice.
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why not look at an i20 or something

bmw you only buying for the little looks and that 1 series isnt even that good looking
 
FiestaST said:
2011 is *not* F20.

2011 = facelift 1st Gen.
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Then hell no for a naturally aspirated old car. You can get F20's for a bit more money. The F20 launched end of 2011 so it might be?
 
Gaz{M} said:
Then hell no for a naturally aspirated old car. You can get F20's for a bit more money. The F20 launched end of 2011 so it might be?
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I recall it hitting SA late 2012. I'm pretty sure his referring to the Gen 1 facelift.

At that price I would say pass. Wait & shop around & get an early F20 for very similar money.

@OP post or link the ad.
 
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