Everyone loves to dream about owning a BMW M3, M5 or Z4 but the truth is, not everyone has that sort of budget to play with.
This 2012 BMW 116i is located in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne 25 kms from the CBD.
While we consider reasonable offers be aware we have priced this car as competitively as possible so our price is fixed.
THE DREAM
The good news is you can get into a 'real' BMW in distilled form - the 116i hatch entry level car from as little as $36,900. Far from being a bog-stock, boned-out, budget model, the rear drive 116i actually delivers the requisite sporty BMW drive feel in spades and is a desirable car in its own right especially if you are single or a couple and have space constraints where you live. Or if you simply like the car - as we did.
The test model had extra stuff like 18-inch alloys and some tricky lighting and luxury goodies but it didn't escalate the price that much. Standard kit includes Bluetooth phone, 6.5-inch colour screen, keyless start and LED lights.
THE DESIGN
The Series 1 and is pretty from all angles. The five door hatch body is longish offering decent interior room and an acceptable (expandable) boot. Four adults can travel in the 116i in comfort..
THE TECH
Motive power comes from a 1.6-litre twin scroll turbo, four-cylinder petrol engine good for 100kW/220Nm output.
BMW optimises the engine with variable valve timing called Valvetronic and variable valve lift called Double Vanos. It also runs high tech injection and other tricky stuff to get the most from its 1.6-litres.
The eight-speed auto is our choice for predominantly city driving especially when the auto stop/start is operating.
But the car itself is a real fuel miser thanks to a range of simple, effective technology such as disconnecting aircon compressor, low rolling resistance tyres, brake energy regeneration and electromechanical power steering. Called the BMW EfficientDynamics, it helps this particular car sip as little as 5.7-litres/100km.
Three drive experience modes are available; Comfort, Sport and Eco-Pro. We tried all three and all have relevance but Sport is better if you like the car to respond a tad quicker.
THE SAFETY
Safety rates five stars with all that brings. One feature we particularly liked was the cruise control with brake function. It slows the car from a set speed if other traffic impedes directly in front.
THE DRIVE
The drive experience is all good thanks to sporty responses, rear wheel drive and the strong engine. There's plenty of zip from the willing engine and it delivers maximum torque from a low 1350rpm - just off idle.
THE VERDICT
Buy it every day against Audi A3, Lexus CT200 and Volvo C30.
THE NUTS & BOLTS
BMW 116i
• Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl petrol, 100kW/220Nm
• Transmission: 6-speed manual, RWD
• Economy: 5.7/100km, 132g/km Co2
Our technicians have inspected and serviced this vehicle. It comes with a service history, RWC and a spare key.
YOUR PRICE INCLUDES:
* Current VicRoads Roadworthy Certification (RWC)
* Balance of Registration
* Stamp Duty & Tfr Fees
* 36 Mth Wty
(ONE, THREE & FIVE YEAR WARRANTY, ROADSIDE ASSIST & FINANCE ALSO AVAILABLE TO APPROVED CUSTOMERS)
********* GREAT CARS, GREAT VALUE **********
People choose pre-owned cars for all manner of reasons. But one thing we all want is to ensure our purchase is as problem free as possible. This is why *** carefully chooses and prepares the vehicles so they are roadworthy before presenting them for sale.
In fact we are so confident with the quality of our vehicles we are happy to provide you with an Australia wide warranty at a reasonable cost.
So, whether you need to get finance, arrange a trade-in, or just get a good deal, we do our best to make the experience simple and as pleasant as possible.
Priced to sell so please to book an inspection and test drive.
* Above example based 84 months with 10% deposit at an interest rate of 7.98% p.a. These payments are intended as a guide only. Different amounts, terms and your credit profile may result in different comparison rates and payments. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in this example but may influence the cost of the loan. An exact quote must be obtained at the time of application. Please see a staff member for further terms and conditions and your financial adviser for any further information. This information is correct as of 27/04/2024 Comparison rate 9.90% p.a based on a $30,000 loan amount on a 60-month term.
