Start with the number most buyers check first: 122,410 miles. Admittedly, that reads high to American eyes. In Germany, however, it is unremarkable — after all, these engines were built for Autobahn distance, and in practice cars here routinely cover far more before anything of consequence wears out. What matters, then, is condition rather than odometer. Accordingly, this one has passed a full German TÜV safety inspection to prove it.
With that settled, consider the layout. Whereas nearly everything else in this class drives the front wheels, the 1 Series kept rear-wheel drive. As a result, you notice it the moment the road stops going straight. Specifically, the steering loads up honestly, and rather than pushing, the car rotates. In other words, the balance is precisely what BMW charges considerably more for further up the range.
Beyond the chassis, there is the engine. Because the 2.0L turbo diesel delivers its torque low and early, pulling onto the Autobahn takes one downshift from the 6-speed Steptronic rather than three. Even so, it returns up to 48 mpg combined — meaning a weekend to Garmisch costs less in fuel than most people spend getting to work. Better still, the DPF, tires and brakes are all new, so the usual wear items are already behind you.
Taken together, therefore, this is an unusually sensible car for an overseas tour. Not only is it compact enough for German town centers, but it is also cheap enough to justify the long way home. Above all, it is enjoyable enough that you will take it on long road trips.
Finally, every vehicle we sell is backed by our 12-month in-house warranty, and free delivery to your servicing USAREUR registration office is included. So reserve yours today with a secure $300 deposit.
