Hi, i'm after some advice/experience from seasoned members. I'm looking at buying a 2013 1 series, N13 engine 116/118 model but it's a manual. I've heard they aren't the best (complete opposite to auto), feel spongey and hard to engage some gears but can anyone with any experience comment please? 

Morning Richard

Welcome to the Forum

First as with buying any used car check everything very carefully make sure all documentation is correct and check it. If you are not mechanically minded get someone who is to come with you or get an RAC/AA check done.

Assuming everything is OK test drive always make it a good test drive make sure everything works all bells and whistles are working. Obviously if the gear change is faulty it would show on the test if there were an issue either tell them fix it or no sale or just walk away.

I have read about sticky changes between 1st and 2nd but have never had one to play with so can't help with what the cause is. Auto boxes have a manual setting so you can change gear if you really want to. I got my first Auto in the early 1980's and have only driven manuals when we have used a hire car since then (and not very often) Modern automatic boxes are just as economical as manuals and in some cases better so don't discount them

Dave