Just a quick shout out to anyone has has/had a 120d. I'm looking at getting one for my girlfriend to commute and the 55 ish plates seem to be on the cheaper side these days. Have people found them to be good cars (reliable, nice to drive etc)? What have people got in terms on real world mpg? The Golf GTD seems nice also, but is at least £1k more expensive (due to them being newer) and so a bit out of our budget.

 

Not had one myself but a friend had a 58 plate (I think..) and was hugely dissapointed at the MPG he got relative to contemporaries. The 118d is the same engine detuned and is MUCH more economical for it..

 

I have a 120d. I just did 370km in 3 hours, averaging just under 50mpg. And that was with some 140mph + sections

On my commute I get about 42mpg, you can get 60mpg at granny speeds on the motorway. Completely reliable, although mine is only 2 years old.

 

Just to add to my post, and to reflect Chilled's findings;

The later engine is a lot more efficient.

and

My friend is a crap driver.

 

do you guys run your bimmers on run flats?

 

Much the same as the other guys but steering rack went in first five months and got replaced under warranty. Our drivers love them.

As far as I know they are all on run flats.

 

Yeah. 17" Goodyear nct5. Ride isn't too bad. Designed for it.

 

If you really must have the older diesel, the 118d is the better choice for economy.

My long term average in the 318d is 59mpg COMBINED.

Not all are on RFTs, I run the ECO tyres in a 16" and they are very comfortable, quiet, long life and frugal.

 

yup, 16" SE model doesn;t have run flats. If you want economy then the 118 is probably the way forward. However I was coming from an M3, and less than half the power was a step too far...

 

IKWYM

I have traded 400+ for 250 which was tough,
(now up to 300) but you can tell on the motorway can't you.

The new 1er is in a different league.
As is the new 3er too.
Quite an improvement in interior build, economy and style, everything in fact except aestetics
After speccing a 125i to about £32k I realised it was quite ridiculous and bought some cheap French tat.