BMW 116i Essential Variant

[OTEP]

What's the SRP on these things? Is the sub Php1.6M price quoted on Top Gear Magazine real?

Being the barest model of the 1 series line up, what's the powertrain on the 116i and what are the equipment that were left on the factory floor to cut costs?

Thanks!

[niky]

Less than a MINI? That'd be amazing.

Probably manual tranny, cloth, basic radio package only...

[renzo_d10]

Less than a MINI? That'd be amazing.

Probably manual tranny, cloth, basic radio package only...

Don't forget the hubcaps. :lol:

[OTEP]

The magazine says AT on that variant, but not the 8 speeder I think.

My cousin has the classic basic BMW, an e36 316i and its a pretty good car. Just curious on this new base model. Probably a reasonably priced way to get into the BMW brand.

[niky]

Hmmm... according to wiki, there is no 6-speed.

With the 8-speed, good for 9.1 seconds to 100 km/h... in reality, that might be closer to 10... but that's pretty good for such a small motor.

I'd want my 116 to be a manual transmission variant, though...

[Walter]

I'd get a well maintained 2003 E39 525i for about 1M instead of a 1-series.

[OTEP]

Id rather have a land cruiser, hehe. But these poverty pack version of luxury brand vehicles gets my attention. Or maybe i just like base cars in general.

[foresterx]

i'd rather have a fully loaded japanese/korean/american car than a stripped european car just so you can say you own a bmw/mb/audi.

[Walter]

Otep, you still have your Volvo 850? Thinking of getting a T5 or 850R but concerned about parts availability and maintenance.

[OTEP]

I like base models including Land Cruisers. Hehe.

And theres something different about the structural rigidity of some euro brands vs more ordinary models loaded with borloloys.

My uncle bought the volvo. Ok pa naman parts availability for maintenance up to now.

[zeepey]

What's wrong with a bare variant? there are options on higher variants that we don't really need or even know how to use. what if the buyer really prefers a bimmer over a korean car na bidang-bida sa tsikot na lahat claiming to be a stock holder or some sort.

[niky]

What's wrong with a bare variant? there are options on higher variants that we don't really need or even know how to use. what if the buyer really prefers a bimmer over a korean car na bidang-bida sa tsikot na lahat claiming to be a stock holder or some sort.

The connotation is that you're buying it simply because it's a BMW.

Not because it's very powerful... because it's not.

Not because it's very luxurious... because it's not.

Not because it's economical to own... let's face it... PMS pa lang... ubos na savings mo from the 1.6 liter engine... because it's not.

I've seen old people who've shelled out good money for a base 320i... driven around by chauffeurs while squeezing themselves into the back seat. If all they wanted was something to ride in the back of, I can name twenty different cars that make more sense and have more "presence"...

BUT: if you're buying it to drive it... and if you get the manual transmission model, and you enjoy it... why not?

Except there's no manual tranny 116i. If you really want something basic, super-fun and a step above the usual, then go for the MINI One. Same 1.6 liter engine as the Cooper (but detuned), basic wheels, manual transmission, lighter than the 1-series, and just 1.4m. Indent order, though... because they don't stock them... the Cooper and Countryman are the bigger sellers.

Absolutely fantastic car to drive. Feels solid. And looks a hundred times better than the 1-series.

If you want a BMW, the 320i is a better entry point. Just don't buy it to ride in the back seat.

[OTEP]

Puso mo sir. Hehe.