Great review, I'm driving a red 118i M Sport 2019, a beautiful little sporty car with premium feeling. In my opinion much better looking than the new 1 series.
This BMW is a gem. Rear wheel drive and 50:50 weight distribution make it an ultimate driving machine. The Golf does not even come close in terms of driving pleasure.
Swapped my 2013 Mini Cooper for a 2018 118i just recently. Fantastic car. Incredible refinement and a surprisingly punchy engine with incredible fuel economy. Cracking drive.
Need some advice, I currently drive a 2017 seat leon fr petrol. Been looking at a 1 series shadow edition. Similar year/mileage, but 5/6k more with a part exchange. Would it be worth the upgrade, I mainly city drive/shortesh journeys. Finding the leon abit bland now. Interior lacks but engine hasn't missed a beat. Any advice appreciated
hmmm this is random. I drive a 2018 116i and it has a armrest plus air vents in the back. maybe a Australian thing? or its because mine is a high executive.
Great review, I have to agree I love my 118i, it puts a grin on my face every time i drive it. Look after it with an oil change every 6 months, with genuine BMW oil, and don`t wind it up before the engine is warm; and it will look after you. Its a real shame the platform has changed from rear to front wheel drive.
I have a 120d xdrive and I just drove the 118i. I really have to say that the diesel is by far the better engine. It is so much quicker and smoother, it is silent, it has so much more power and torque. I was rather disappointed by the 118i. A few years ago I could drive the Mini of a friend with the same engine. In that car it was a really a fun engine to drive. But in the one series; you don't hear it, and if you step on the the gas pedal it feels like hours until the engine show any response.
Each to their own I guess. I loved pedalling the little three cylinder, and I felt you could hear it quite easily when you’re giving it a good pedalling
Awesome in depth review and analysis Tom - agree with everything you said. I own a manual 2011 116i and it's the perfect daily drive in my opinion. Sad that it's days are numbered. (Also sad that they've taken a step back in the styling - not saying this current gen is beautiful, but that classic long swooping BMW bonnet does have very decent presence for a small car.
The bottom end went on my 2016 118i after 30k miles. Perfect timing really because my BMW factory warranty expired a week before the crankshaft shat itself!
That's terrible Kal. Surely BMW UK must honour warranty. That's crazy low km for fail. In Australia BMW would probably concede that's fair (with cajoling about consumer protection laws). Hope it worked out for you.
Great review, I needed this. I have just bought one of these (UK) and giving up my 125i Coupe for a modest family car (yawn) however it looks like it will still put a smile on my face.
Had a 118i shadow edition for 3 months. Nice car just very underpowered and not very economical as was constantly changing gear to keep car moving. Part exchanged it for an m140i
Really good, thoughtful and enlightened review. Great to hear the detailed thoughts on the steering and engine combo. Totally agree that a simple and not that powerful a car can be sublime. I had an E21 316- so involving. Thanks!!
You weren't kidding that you had a review coming! I feel like we are in very similar minds about this car, if I was to skip the 118i with a few bits of kit is just get the M140i after the price drop since there's not enough between it and the four potters to justify buying one of them (especially since the M140i comes with pretty much every option box ticked AND the amazing engine). I also can't help but feel this is going to become one of the bargain buys as soon as the FWD 1 series launches and this series is dropped. R.I.P RWD hatchbacks
I’m with you Guy. Yes, if I wasn’t buying an M140i (hypothetically, sadly!), I’d be buying a 118i instead. Lovely car. In some ways, even better than the 40i because with the modest outputs comes the rewarding feeling of actually working this car hard on a fast road. The M140i is great but so blisteringly quick that legal speeds are dispatched in the blink of an eye, and on a heavily policed road network like mine you’d have to commit to tracking it pretty often.
Chasing Cars yeah I'm in Melbourne so I know what you mean about the heavy policing. But even while you can't drive it as fast as it can go, the sound it makes and the fact you're driving probably the last straight six RWD hatch ever makes it something of a future classic in my eyes. Do you know if things like the rear vents are included on the Urban trim level?
Having just driven an M2 as well, I can see the point - but for my tastes, I prefer a 'slow' car driven fast (even though, to be fair, the 118i isn't even that slow). The M2 is a superb vehicle, but even that has so much power that you have to drive it very fast to truly exploit its buttery chassis.
Hmm, I probably would if I was buying the most expensive i30, and could find the extra $$. However, you’ve got to remember this 1 Series is in a totally different class to the Hyundai. The new i30 is an excellent car, but it’s an inexpensive runabout.
It really annoys me that the information on the engine and trim is wrong; you refer to this cars equipment level etc yet you’re referring to this as “118i”, that’s actually the engine. When actually you should be referring to the trim, which for this car is the 1 series Sport trim. Also the Sport isn’t the base model, the base model is the SE.
That may be true for your market, but in Australia the 118i is paired to and priced by default as a Sport Line. You can pay more and get an Urban Line or an M Sport, but if you just want an 118i, this is the spec you receive. Thanks!
I took both for a test drive. Mercedes felt like a hollow and cheap 80s economy car. This little gem felt like a real BMW. I've had it for 2 months now and it's been nothing but joy to drive. I'd like a bit more power though. I was caught off guard on the test drive with how eager it was to push me back into the seat but now I'm used to that feeling. The same engine is in Bmw i8 and it has around 230 hp there. I'd be happy with 180 hp. People say it's a piece of cake to "unlock" it to that power. It's very down-tuned, it seems.
I like this review because you brought up all relevant information and with a serious attitude.
Great review, I'm driving a red 118i M Sport 2019, a beautiful little sporty car with premium feeling. In my opinion much better looking than the new 1 series.
I've got an alpine white 118i Msport & 100% agree. The new model is ugly. Can't quite believe it has evolved to be an inferior car. 😪
Derek Dalton yes I can't believe it either 🧐
Can u advise me I want to buy one but I’m confused between 118i and 118d 2.0L ??
Curious - does the car have auto hold for stop start traffic? I ask because of the manual handbrake
I have had my 1 series 6 months love it
Glad to hear that, Robert!
This BMW is a gem. Rear wheel drive and 50:50 weight distribution make it an ultimate driving machine. The Golf does not even come close in terms of driving pleasure.
Swapped my 2013 Mini Cooper for a 2018 118i just recently. Fantastic car. Incredible refinement and a surprisingly punchy engine with incredible fuel economy. Cracking drive.
Need some advice, I currently drive a 2017 seat leon fr petrol. Been looking at a 1 series shadow edition. Similar year/mileage, but 5/6k more with a part exchange. Would it be worth the upgrade, I mainly city drive/shortesh journeys. Finding the leon abit bland now. Interior lacks but engine hasn't missed a beat. Any advice appreciated
hmmm this is random. I drive a 2018 116i and it has a armrest plus air vents in the back. maybe a Australian thing? or its because mine is a high executive.
Great review, I have to agree I love my 118i, it puts a grin on my face every time i drive it. Look after it with an oil change every 6 months, with genuine BMW oil, and don`t wind it up before the engine is warm; and it will look after you. Its a real shame the platform has changed from rear to front wheel drive.
Great review Tom, nice to hear how the 3 cylinder engine performs as it's very common in Northern Ireland.
The 118i is not such a common sight here. The 125i and M140i are certainly more common in Sydney.
I have a 120d xdrive and I just drove the 118i. I really have to say that the diesel is by far the better engine. It is so much quicker and smoother, it is silent, it has so much more power and torque. I was rather disappointed by the 118i. A few years ago I could drive the Mini of a friend with the same engine. In that car it was a really a fun engine to drive. But in the one series; you don't hear it, and if you step on the the gas pedal it feels like hours until the engine show any response.
Each to their own I guess. I loved pedalling the little three cylinder, and I felt you could hear it quite easily when you’re giving it a good pedalling
maybe something wrong with it, I have the 118i and its really nice to drive.
I'm on my SECOND 3 cylinder 1 series (swap out at 3 years) and LOVE the power and the throttle sound👍
Did you just say, "if you got friends you don't pretty like.."😅
Informative review. Just what I wanted. Thanks for your time and efforts. 👍
No problem, thanks for watching mate.
Awesome in depth review and analysis Tom - agree with everything you said. I own a manual 2011 116i and it's the perfect daily drive in my opinion. Sad that it's days are numbered. (Also sad that they've taken a step back in the styling - not saying this current gen is beautiful, but that classic long swooping BMW bonnet does have very decent presence for a small car.
The bottom end went on my 2016 118i after 30k miles. Perfect timing really because my BMW factory warranty expired a week before the crankshaft shat itself!
That's terrible Kal. Surely BMW UK must honour warranty. That's crazy low km for fail. In Australia BMW would probably concede that's fair (with cajoling about consumer protection laws). Hope it worked out for you.
Thanks Tommy, another great review
Thank you!
Great review, I needed this. I have just bought one of these (UK) and giving up my 125i Coupe for a modest family car (yawn) however it looks like it will still put a smile on my face.
My 118i is on order and I should have it at the end of june👍
Congrats on choosing a great car.
No rear air vents means less for your children to kick or break😅
I remember those days :)
Had a 118i shadow edition for 3 months. Nice car just very underpowered and not very economical as was constantly changing gear to keep car moving. Part exchanged it for an m140i
Whats the MPG like?
Actually a good video. Thanks. Calm. Like talking with well manered friend.
Very curious your opinion how this models compares with mercedes class b and Audi A3?
Just bought one today :)
Salve ne sto per acquistare una anchio.. potresti descrivermi un po di pregi e difetti ?
Grazie
What an interesting car.
Indeed!
Really good, thoughtful and enlightened review. Great to hear the detailed thoughts on the steering and engine combo. Totally agree that a simple and not that powerful a car can be sublime. I had an E21 316- so involving. Thanks!!
You weren't kidding that you had a review coming! I feel like we are in very similar minds about this car, if I was to skip the 118i with a few bits of kit is just get the M140i after the price drop since there's not enough between it and the four potters to justify buying one of them (especially since the M140i comes with pretty much every option box ticked AND the amazing engine). I also can't help but feel this is going to become one of the bargain buys as soon as the FWD 1 series launches and this series is dropped. R.I.P RWD hatchbacks
I’m with you Guy. Yes, if I wasn’t buying an M140i (hypothetically, sadly!), I’d be buying a 118i instead. Lovely car. In some ways, even better than the 40i because with the modest outputs comes the rewarding feeling of actually working this car hard on a fast road. The M140i is great but so blisteringly quick that legal speeds are dispatched in the blink of an eye, and on a heavily policed road network like mine you’d have to commit to tracking it pretty often.
Chasing Cars yeah I'm in Melbourne so I know what you mean about the heavy policing. But even while you can't drive it as fast as it can go, the sound it makes and the fact you're driving probably the last straight six RWD hatch ever makes it something of a future classic in my eyes. Do you know if things like the rear vents are included on the Urban trim level?
Yes, it is pretty hard to resist an inline six, RWD and small dimensions! No, I've checked and Urban Line does not add rear air vents at this point.
well, with electric cars coming out, they aren't really dead, for example VW ID3, but I know it's a different breed
I like it
Same
Great review. You make a compelling case. The lack of even a space saver spare puts long distance travel in Australia at risk. How does the manual go?
Trademark bmw sound. Irreplaceable.
What common problems of overheating
Sir i have a quetion what common problems on overheating
Do they have emergency breaks in case people are walking in front?
No, I don’t think this generation of 1 Series ever got pedestrian detection AEB.
Brakes even
Is it worth buying for finance or just lease it for 3 years ?
steal it
Not bad... 118i poverty pack in China offers much smaller screen...
Even smaller??
Yes. It's the same width as low spec Australian car but with weird plastic side bits. Hard to believe they did that!
God damn you Aussies! You get so many cars we can here in trumps America!
Can't believe you guys don't get the 1 Series!
Chasing Cars only the coupe or convertible aka the secretary edition. No three cylinder with a manual option
The 1 series is a good car in my opinion but i would argue the M2 is the best BMW car at the moment second only to the 1 series M.
Having just driven an M2 as well, I can see the point - but for my tastes, I prefer a 'slow' car driven fast (even though, to be fair, the 118i isn't even that slow). The M2 is a superb vehicle, but even that has so much power that you have to drive it very fast to truly exploit its buttery chassis.
Chasing Cars good points
Would you choose this over a the new Hyundai i30?
Hmm, I probably would if I was buying the most expensive i30, and could find the extra $$. However, you’ve got to remember this 1 Series is in a totally different class to the Hyundai. The new i30 is an excellent car, but it’s an inexpensive runabout.
Abs Hassan how can you even compare the two? No competition really.
best channel
Thanks!
I've always laughed at people buying prestige vehicle poverty packs....I guess that I;ll have to stop laughing at BMW 118i owners!
Yes! This is one poverty pack that actually makes sense! That is rare, though.
Love the review & love your coat 😂♥
Thanks! It’s been unseasonably windy and cold in Sydney the last week ...
Chasing Cars Yup same where I am (Plymouth UK), we have Amber wind warnings
You sound like a robot with my earpods
Well shit
what do you think of the 116i is it good for a first car ??
I’d go the 118i if you can stretch to it
It really annoys me that the information on the engine and trim is wrong; you refer to this cars equipment level etc yet you’re referring to this as “118i”, that’s actually the engine. When actually you should be referring to the trim, which for this car is the 1 series Sport trim. Also the Sport isn’t the base model, the base model is the SE.
That may be true for your market, but in Australia the 118i is paired to and priced by default as a Sport Line. You can pay more and get an Urban Line or an M Sport, but if you just want an 118i, this is the spec you receive. Thanks!
Very misleading
Incredibly ugly, very dated exterior design for 40K there.
I guess design is subjective hey. I like the way this car looks, but yes, it is pretty understated.
Mercedes A class is way better
How come?
Mercedes A Class is an epic shitbox.
I took both for a test drive. Mercedes felt like a hollow and cheap 80s economy car. This little gem felt like a real BMW. I've had it for 2 months now and it's been nothing but joy to drive. I'd like a bit more power though. I was caught off guard on the test drive with how eager it was to push me back into the seat but now I'm used to that feeling. The same engine is in Bmw i8 and it has around 230 hp there. I'd be happy with 180 hp. People say it's a piece of cake to "unlock" it to that power. It's very down-tuned, it seems.
Mercedes A Class uses cheap front wheel drive and uses Renault engines. Maybe you can state your case with some facts ?
it is same block, different engine though