Any experience with e87 1 series ? Like e39 vs younger but smaller e87

[14W]

Hi.

So my e39 is getting kind of old ( 97 ,220.000miles/350.000 km) and I am contemplating on what to do with it . Either I throw a grand or so into engine tune up and some suspension repairs to make it drive in it's new like glory. And then keep it for years. Or to change it for younger and smaller e81 which would be, objectively speaking , more suitable car for me. That is bcs I am 26 and me and my girl won't have kids so there is no need for me having such a big car like e39 is.

But on the other hand I really really like this classic (I have a 100% stock black pre-facelift sedan ) e39 look and the way the car drives. Especially I like how silent and comfy the car is. The handling on e39 is also nice but I would imagine that 3 door e81 handles even better. Anyway I am not into racing the comfort is what floats my boat .

So did anyone on e39 sub forum have any experience with e81 model ? ( I am interested into 3door automatic 118i or 120i ) . How does the car drives compared to e39 ? What is the comfort and luxury level ? I never drove one but it looks nice on the pictures and interior looks on the track with BMW quality . Also are they reliable and DIY suitable like e39 is ?

Thanks for any thoughts on the subject .

[BimmerBreaker]

The 1 series is a great vehicle, I've spent a lot of time behind the wheel of a 128i and really love the thing. As a one-car household daily driver, a 1 series hatch would be pretty hard to beat. They are simple to work on for the most part but also have a lot more tech, so a lot more stuff to go wrong and the engine is a bit more complicated too.

The 1 series does not drive at all like the E39 either. It is more capable yes, but feels more numb and less connected. It is probably just as comfortable to be perfectly honestly (E39's still transmit some road feel after all) but the driving feel is way more "numb" compared to the E39. I wonder if a well-kept E46 coupe would be better for you based on your needs.

The E87 is getting kind of old too, remember... so maintenance costs may be a bit less but you are still gonna have to fix the 1 from time to time. And if you are gonna spend money upgrading to the 1 series... if it costs 5k more, and you are paying 1k/year in maintenance on your e39, thats 5 years worth of maintenance. Food for thought anyway

[14W]

Yes I thought it's a great car. I'll have to research some about e87 electronics and how they work bcs right now I know nothing about this engine and it's ECU . Although I am not too affright of repairing the car as long as repairs are cost effective and DIY possible . I have a lot of tools , a pit and I know a little bit about cars and car computing systems .

I agree that maybe e46 coupe would be maybe even more suitable but the problem with e46 coupe is that it's a sport car and ppl tend to race the shit out of it . So if e46 coupe would be in question I would have to find one in stock condition owned by 40+ old owner . Possibly the green one with hubcaps on lol .