I've been driving a 116i for the last week and definitely think it definitely shares some traits with the e30 318iS parked beside it.

Both are small by modern standards, relatively light, handling is pretty good for real world use (not planning to enter either in the WRC or lap the ring).

The 1er has some nice modern features like seat warmers which make it a more pleasant place to be on a rainy day.

The only thing letting down the 116 is in fact the engine, it's just not powerful enough, almost dangerously so if you're trying to overtake on the motorway.

That said with a bigger engine I think it'd be a good daily. It may not be the most beautiful car but in sport spec, with a roof spoiler and a light tint on the back windows I think there are worse looking cars out there.

With a 2.5 petrol or a 2.0d I'd say it's a good daily choice. Finding a good one is the tougher bit.

For comparison here's a pic of the e30 beside a 1 series Coupe I took a while back