Hi, I am after buying a BMW 1 series for my partner. Got to be diesel as will use for work covering around 15k a year. Got to match the following spec.

White

M Sport

3 or 5 door hatch

Sub 60000 miles

Now thats the easy part, But what engine, 118d, 120d or 123d?

Really want to limit the price to £11000. I no thats a bit tight but they do come up now and then.

Pros and cons please lads?

Cheers

Widdo

Firstly welcome to BMWOC

All the versions of 1er you mentioned all home the exact 1995cc N47D20 engine.

118d - 147bhp 220lb-ft

120d - 170bhp 260lb-ft

123d - 204bhp 300lb-ft

The only differences are technical re-maps, inlets and I think turbos.

The road tax on the 118d is £30 a year if I remember right, but still quite cheap on the other 2, less than £100 I think.

£11000 is a bit excessive for say a 2010 model, I'd be looking at spending 9-9.5k max

Also, you say sub 60k miles...honestly mate, this engine is bullet proof...save yourself a few K and find a nice M-sport with 100k and buy some real nice wheels.

Hope this helps you decision dude.

The 118 is the most economical of the lot and as Gav says, £30 for road tax, the 120 is £100 for the year, and the 123 about £120 iirc.

The 118 and 120 are single variable vain turbos but the 123 is a bi-turbo setup.

I bought the wife a 118d se and it's been by far the best car we've ever had. Having to sell due to a house move but will be very very sad to see it go. I would highly recommend the 118d se as it has amazing poke for a diesel but very fuel efficient