The end of the world...

[Clivey]

The problem is that with the BMW Select the diesel was cheaper because it has stronger residuials.

So it's cheaper to run and to buy as well...

I'm assuming that "BMW Select" is some sort of finance or leasing plan?

[Ferrer]

I'm assuming that "BMW Select" is some sort of finance or leasing plan?

Yes. And IIRC the 118i and 118d had the same list price, at least then.

[Clivey]

Yes. And IIRC the 118i and 118d had the same list price, at least then.

Ah...there's a £500 difference here (petrol is cheaper)...but you lose some of that whenever you have to pay annual road tax in the UK (it's based on CO2 emissions).

Anything post 2001 emitting over 225g/km of CO2 is taxed at £405 this year and £425 in 2010 - it'll go up every year!

[Ferrer]

Ah...there's a £500 difference here (petrol is cheaper)...but you lose some of that whenever you have to pay annual road tax in the UK (it's based on CO2 emissions).

Anything post 2001 emitting over 225g/km of CO2 is taxed at £405 this year and £425 in 2010 - it'll go up every year!

Right now there's a 200€ difference between them. If we are really comparing running costs there's no contest, it's the diesel which wins...

And as promised pictures of the interior.

[f6fhellcat13]

Wow, that is pretty damn spartan. No wonder it's not the one BMW puts in the press releases. Cloth is better than leather imo, so props to you for getting that.
Do you like having a start button? They always seem a little gratuitous and a much too "Look at me. I have racecar roots." when installed in cars like these.

[Ferrer]

Wow, that is pretty damn spartan. No wonder it's not the one BMW puts in the press releases. Cloth is better than leather imo, so props to you for getting that.
Do you like having a start button? They always seem a little gratuitous and a much too "Look at me. I have racecar roots." when installed in cars like these.

I told you it was basic!

It's got everything you'll ever need though. And no, I don't like the starter button, tis another unnecesary gizmo. I don't know what's wrong with the good ol' key.

[cargirl1990]

Right now there's a 200€ difference between them. If we are really comparing running costs there's no contest, it's the diesel which wins...

And as promised pictures of the interior.

my mom would love that as its basic. but she like powerless anything for a car. i need power everything. great pics! great car!
one kazillion points for having a stick dude.

[wwgkd]

Is the 35mpg average across a manufacturer's range of cars, or does every car have to do 35mpg?

I heard, haven't read the law for myself, that they want both. Gas guzzler taxes on anything that doesn't do 35mpg, and penalties for companies that don't manage the average across their range. But the only thing I'd be sure about from that source was that there will be some sort of 35 mpg involved. So far not a lot of people are saying anything other than "bush opposed it and obama supported it so one or the other is the antichrist." Plus accusations from his enemies that the previous head of the epa was incompetent and or bribed into not pushing for the law sooner. Newspapers suck at real details on cars.

[Waugh-terfall]

Every review of the 116i that I've seen states that the 1.6 is a bit of a letdown, though.

That would be because it is a 2.0 pushing just 122bhp

[jediali]

I'm driving a diesel.

It's a brand new BMW 118d 3 door which we collected yesterday.

Sorry silly question which niggled me. Is this a family car? Your dad is a driving instructor right? was this a replacement for the mini in that line of use - i.e. instructors car?

Just curious. Sorry if this was pointed out already.

[Clivey]

Sorry silly question which niggled me. Is this a family car? Your dad is a driving instructor right? was this a replacement for the mini in that line of use - i.e. instructors car?

Just curious. Sorry if this was pointed out already.

Hi Craig,

It's my Dad that's the driving instructor (still drives a Mini). Albert has the 118d and a Lancia Delta...and I have a funny feeling that he wishes he could swap the engines (to have the petrol in the BMW and the diesel in the Lancia)!

[henk4]

Hi Craig,

It's my Dad that's the driving instructor (still drives a Mini). Albert has the 118d and a Lancia Delta...and I have a funny feeling that he wishes he could swap the engines (to have the petrol in the BMW and the diesel in the Lancia)!

he wants to get rid of any diesel engine full stop, no swaps.....

[Ferrer]

he wants to get rid of any diesel engine full stop, no swaps.....

Not denying its merits but actually I do.

It did came very handy today though, when I almost run out of fuel.

[NSXType-R]

I told you it was basic!

It's got everything you'll ever need though. And no, I don't like the starter button, tis another unnecesary gizmo. I don't know what's wrong with the good ol' key.

I know it's an old post and all, but I hate not having a key. That's the oldest form of "starting the car" other than cranking it over and risk snapping your wrist.

[LeonOfTheDead]

I still have difficulties finding the key of the Fiat Croma after more than two years (I drive it every now and then though), which has it near the gear lever because of its Saab connection, may I say.
The rare times I drive something key-less I feel disorientated, I have the feeling I'm starting a computer and in the nineties and viruses and pop-ups will destroy everything.