I bought one without the M package last year, the year of manufacture is 2017 and the minimum mileage. For a young family of 3 people, mainly for driving around the city and sometimes in the countryside (about 100 km one way), the car turned out to be almost ideal. For normal driving, the power is enough; overtaking on the highway from 120 km/h to 150 km/h is also no problem. The coolest thing is the winding roads, it handles superbly. Thanks for the review, everything is right!
My wife has a 118i SE that was specked up massively and it’s so nice. It nips around town with ease and when I’ve needed to get my toe down it’s never been a problem at all. People will call it a ‘momentum’ car but even at lower speeds it’s a joy down back roads, but best to be alone as it’s quite bouncy in the back!
@@JordanNichollsRUclips I had the opposite experience. I have a 118i and it feels quite comfortable and refined but the fiat 500 hybrid that I drove in Spain was more fun on backroads. What I dont like about my 1 series is the steering which completely lacks feel
With respect, the BMW 118i is more than most people will ever own. Today, the obsession with power has gone off the scale 500, 600, 800 BHP. If your car doesn't hit 60 in 3 seconds, you're a failure. This is the mentality of idiotic car culture. We are pushed and manipulated to have bigger, better, faster cars.
Great point, I just went from an Hyundai i20 to this and there is not one thing I’m looking at that’s in anyway negative in this car, it’s all positives 😅I guess it’s all perspective, cheers from South Africa 🇿🇦
Last year I drove my 118i Shadow edition ( manual ) to Monaco and I am safe to say i was impressed . I was able to get to my home to the outskirts of Paris ( about 550 miles ) on a tank which shocked me. It could have done more . I would recommend the manual over the auto in these as the lower power engines seem to hate the auto boxes and do feel a lot slower . If you’re young like me and don’t want to deal with the insurance companies robbing you when you try to insure a M140i . Then a 118 or 120i is a good choice 👍 . ( I would like more power now though please ) Edit : secret tip with these 118’s ( not sure if the auto’s can do it ) . Put it in sport and first gear and rev it a few thousand rpm’s and you’ll hear some turbo noises ;)
I had a F21 118i manual. It was very nice and 136 hp is enough and confortable for a normal drive. But then, I sold it to get a 125i in automatic. It’s realy an other world. The car is smooth in confort mode, it’s effortless and more confortable than the 118i. While in sport mode it’s a little bomb :D A very good sleeper !
Dude really compared a m140i to an 118, my guy if someone is after an m140i they definitely wouldn’t be thinking about this guy ever, plenty of cheaper insurance cars with more power than this snail
I went from an E87 120D to an F21 118i and genuinely love it. Sure it’s not as fast fast but it is nippy enough going from 0-30/40 😅. Comfortable to drive and having cruise control on the motorway is a godsend
All BMWs in the UK do not feature cruise control as standard? This is absurd. All BMWs in Australia have cruise control and air conditioning, as there is no way anyone would buy these cars without it.
I've got the B48 125i which I think is the best of both worlds, not bad on fuel and plenty fast enough for UK roads 😅 Didn't realise the paddle shifters were an option, wondered why the gear shift looked different to mine. Great review 👍
Excellent review! Test drove one a few days ago and was very impressed. Many moons ago I swapped out my Clio 172 for a diesel due to long commutes and the crippling fuel costs. Now I’m wfh it’s a diff story and this definitely gave me that enjoyment that comes with a pokey petrol. Lovely
Thanks for the fair and concise review. I've experienced this engine in other models and indeed it felt fine at low & medium speeds and no passengers but as soon when you start to add passengers & luggage the lack of power tells. I believe this gen of 1-series could be had with the 4-cylinder B48 120i and that would be my go-to engine as better power and maybe more robust than the 3-popper and minimal difference in mpg. My main issue with this older 1-series is that i was just _too_ small, not just in the rear but up front too and i'd rather plump for the same-gen 3-series as it has just a bit more space and still relatively small-car compared to modern cars and is still RWD. The interiors feel a touch dated but the analogue dials and older iDrive have the *best* usability & readability. Most of the smaller BMW, last gen _and_ new gen, seem to have weak dampers yet harsh springs (and sometimes run-flat tyres) so a harsh ride _and_ bouncy - i think BMW don't suit UK roads and are more set-up more for smoother European highways, yes you can change the suspension with aftermarket parts but insurance declarations are getting more of a headache than ever. I currently drive a newer 1-series 128ti - perfect power output for me, but indeed, FWD _is_ spoiling the experience and i pine for RWD again! The new M135i x-drive may help but from experience with an X2 X-drive you can still feel the FWD set-up. And you _do_ feel like sitting-up higher but better rear space.
Thanks for this really helpful and informative review - the Mk2 BMW 1 series is on my shortlist and I'm looking at a 2017 118i shadow edition (auto) and a 2017 120i M Sport (manual); so this video gives me a really good insight, before I go and view the cars.
Thank you for this video, I’ve been going back to your other 1 series videos literally on repeat 🔁 in the past week or so because I’m ready to actually buy one. This video definitely comes as a surprise, I’ve seen plenty of your cars browsing auto trader and I would have definitely picked up this exact car… BUT heated seats are essential for me and I hate white cars. Everything else is the perfect spec
@@BIG2hatshoe is it? Want to buy one 118i but it is white 😅, with automatic transmission 35k Miles. Is it reliable? Do you have Any complaint. I come from a mk7 gti stage 1 . Does this 1series have tuning potential?
@BIG2hats what are your thoughts? I'm considering buying a 118i auto as well, (between 2016-2018). Looking to get sub 40k miles, my main questions are with reliability, repairs and fuel economy
Definitely best car on the road most reliable and bmw are the most smoothest car to drive by far the 100% the best all round car on the road super reliable
@@Headie0ne hate Mercedes so unreliable in my opinion Mercedes only got 2 star reliability rating bmw got 5 star rating so Mercedes are nice but shit reliablely so bye
Is it a reliable engine with automatic gearbox? I want to buy one with 35 Miles 1.5 3 cilinder 136. No sunroof but do have m sport package. Are they tuneable?
I'm a newbie to BMW, in fact I've not actually got one yet, I see and hear alot that they are expensive to repair, could all those that own a bmw help me out and give me some advice on the matter, if and when I get one I probably wouldn't use a main robber..... I mean dealer, but I'd definitely use a specialist. Cheers
A car will be expensive anyway, for me it will be 85€ in insurance and about 8€ in tax per month. Service goes for 200-400 yearly. You also wont be a regular visitor in your local BMW workshop with a relatively low mileage model
I’m so dead!! 😂I was literally doing a whole extensive research on the 2022 118i and how underpowered that car is then I see this pop up my feed posted today 😆
Personally I feel that with the M140i the engine makes the car. Rather than going for a lesser 1 series I would probably choose a Golf or Audi A3 as the ride and handling are more resolved, and they have more space.
@@FragGile The M140i doesn't cost too much to run. It will easily do 30mpg + in normal driving and over 40 on a motorway, tyres are not too bad, tax is £180 per year. The only expensive is the Insurance for some. I say that as the owner of an m140i and mk7 golf GTI, there isn't much to choose in running costs, in fact the Golf tyres are more expensive. The Golf does handle and ride better hence I suggested one instead of going for a lower powered 1 series.
@@BIG2hats The wife has a Mk7 Golf GTI Performance which was mine before I bought my M140i. The Golf feels a lot more sorted and it is easier to drive fast. The BMW is oversprung, underdamped and the steering feel isn't as good. Obviously the BMW has the far superior engine though.
@@simonh870i just sold my g7 gti stage 1 300hp dsg , and want to buy this 1 series with 136 1.5 3cylinder. I know it does not have the Same power but is it a good ride? And is it reliable and do you think it can handle a stage 1?
Really not sure why anyone would buy rwd these days with the state of the roads - do you really want the rear stepping out on every roundabout & tight corner?
Yes I own one and you just need to get used to the dimenions the first few days then it will be the easiest car to drive (automatic). However Im not a fan of the steering for sport driving but as a first car you dont need very sportyy steering
lmao, above 30mpg everywhere because it’s a small engine 😅 I’m barely getting 10 l/100km in the city, more like 11 in winter. On the motorway it’s below 7 though at 110-130 km/h, and even around 5 at 90 km/h.
lol, you’ve obviously never driven a real car if you think a 95hp polo pulls, I’m no petrol head but once you drive a proper car you’ll realise why people are so focused on a good fast engine.
LOL, i recall having much fun in my MK2 1.1 fiesta with ~48hp, eventually i got a MK3 Astra 2.0L 136hp much better, but the torque of a MK4 Golf 150hp was immense even though it felt heavy! The 184hp 220i Active Tourer surprisingly feel racy. Now my with my 128ti i don't feel i want anymore HP (especially in a FWD) - but i _absolutely_ miss the power & drive of the 310hp 600nm 335d i had...
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I bought one without the M package last year, the year of manufacture is 2017 and the minimum mileage. For a young family of 3 people, mainly for driving around the city and sometimes in the countryside (about 100 km one way), the car turned out to be almost ideal. For normal driving, the power is enough; overtaking on the highway from 120 km/h to 150 km/h is also no problem. The coolest thing is the winding roads, it handles superbly. Thanks for the review, everything is right!
My wife has a 118i SE that was specked up massively and it’s so nice. It nips around town with ease and when I’ve needed to get my toe down it’s never been a problem at all. People will call it a ‘momentum’ car but even at lower speeds it’s a joy down back roads, but best to be alone as it’s quite bouncy in the back!
@@JordanNichollsRUclips I had the opposite experience. I have a 118i and it feels quite comfortable and refined but the fiat 500 hybrid that I drove in Spain was more fun on backroads. What I dont like about my 1 series is the steering which completely lacks feel
1:17 I absolutely love this dashboard, its a great mix between digital and analogue
With respect, the BMW 118i is more than most people will ever own. Today, the obsession with power has gone off the scale 500, 600, 800 BHP. If your car doesn't hit 60 in 3 seconds, you're a failure. This is the mentality of idiotic car culture. We are pushed and manipulated to have bigger, better, faster cars.
Great point, I just went from an Hyundai i20 to this and there is not one thing I’m looking at that’s in anyway negative in this car, it’s all positives 😅I guess it’s all perspective, cheers from South Africa 🇿🇦
A car like this is a luxury for people like me. Idk why people shit on it all the time
@@Hassanhadi2607 exactly bra
So what it’s not a bad thing.
@@Hassanhadi2607it’s slow
Last year I drove my 118i Shadow edition ( manual ) to Monaco and I am safe to say i was impressed . I was able to get to my home to the outskirts of Paris ( about 550 miles ) on a tank which shocked me. It could have done more . I would recommend the manual over the auto in these as the lower power engines seem to hate the auto boxes and do feel a lot slower . If you’re young like me and don’t want to deal with the insurance companies robbing you when you try to insure a M140i . Then a 118 or 120i is a good choice 👍 . ( I would like more power now though please )
Edit : secret tip with these 118’s ( not sure if the auto’s can do it ) . Put it in sport and first gear and rev it a few thousand rpm’s and you’ll hear some turbo noises ;)
I had a F21 118i manual. It was very nice and 136 hp is enough and confortable for a normal drive. But then, I sold it to get a 125i in automatic. It’s realy an other world. The car is smooth in confort mode, it’s effortless and more confortable than the 118i. While in sport mode it’s a little bomb :D
A very good sleeper !
Dude really compared a m140i to an 118, my guy if someone is after an m140i they definitely wouldn’t be thinking about this guy ever, plenty of cheaper insurance cars with more power than this snail
@@Headie0neI got one and it’s fast I had a swift sport he had to give up I won
For those who think the zf is slow with shifting, get a stage 3 xhp gear box tune, it will make a massive difference. As quick as vw’s dsg!
It’s definitely not slow shifting at all
@@BIG2hats I am OK with my gbox but I don't like the steering
I went from an E87 120D to an F21 118i and genuinely love it. Sure it’s not as fast fast but it is nippy enough going from 0-30/40 😅. Comfortable to drive and having cruise control on the motorway is a godsend
🤝🤝
All BMWs in the UK do not feature cruise control as standard? This is absurd. All BMWs in Australia have cruise control and air conditioning, as there is no way anyone would buy these cars without it.
I've got the B48 125i which I think is the best of both worlds, not bad on fuel and plenty fast enough for UK roads 😅 Didn't realise the paddle shifters were an option, wondered why the gear shift looked different to mine. Great review 👍
Get a stage 1 tune on it and you can take it up to 275ps-ish 👍. Done the same with my 120i. Will do 50mpg on a nice run (probably more in summer).
@@FhrivneoaufI got bmw m140i stage 2+ (485) bhp does around 37mpg in comfort town driving
Excellent review! Test drove one a few days ago and was very impressed. Many moons ago I swapped out my Clio 172 for a diesel due to long commutes and the crippling fuel costs. Now I’m wfh it’s a diff story and this definitely gave me that enjoyment that comes with a pokey petrol. Lovely
Thanks for the fair and concise review. I've experienced this engine in other models and indeed it felt fine at low & medium speeds and no passengers but as soon when you start to add passengers & luggage the lack of power tells. I believe this gen of 1-series could be had with the 4-cylinder B48 120i and that would be my go-to engine as better power and maybe more robust than the 3-popper and minimal difference in mpg. My main issue with this older 1-series is that i was just _too_ small, not just in the rear but up front too and i'd rather plump for the same-gen 3-series as it has just a bit more space and still relatively small-car compared to modern cars and is still RWD. The interiors feel a touch dated but the analogue dials and older iDrive have the *best* usability & readability. Most of the smaller BMW, last gen _and_ new gen, seem to have weak dampers yet harsh springs (and sometimes run-flat tyres) so a harsh ride _and_ bouncy - i think BMW don't suit UK roads and are more set-up more for smoother European highways, yes you can change the suspension with aftermarket parts but insurance declarations are getting more of a headache than ever.
I currently drive a newer 1-series 128ti - perfect power output for me, but indeed, FWD _is_ spoiling the experience and i pine for RWD again! The new M135i x-drive may help but from experience with an X2 X-drive you can still feel the FWD set-up. And you _do_ feel like sitting-up higher but better rear space.
i confirm an exhaust makes it sound like half of a B58 engine because it is basically that, sounds good.
Stock or with backbox removed?
@@NorvinSmith-iv7zl double res delete and sports backbox. I think a double res delete alone would be fine too but it would sound a bit quieter.
Half of a b58 🤦♂️
Thanks for this really helpful and informative review - the Mk2 BMW 1 series is on my shortlist and I'm looking at a 2017 118i shadow edition (auto) and a 2017 120i M Sport (manual); so this video gives me a really good insight, before I go and view the cars.
i have had 1 of these for the past 2 years, great all round car 👍🏽
I own an 118i auto with the 170 hp and I really enjoy it, exactly as you said!!💪💪👍
I bought the same car 2 weeks ago with nearly the same specs but as 2-door and i love it😃
🧢
@@44yamx70 ?
@@44yamx70 ?😂
How many miles on it and is it reliable after a month of using it? i m thinking to buy one for myself
@@_aless4ndro_ I bought it on the 7 june with 79k Kilometers and I have now 83k and Never had any Problem I just love the car
you can instantly feel the difference in wheel if you put sport mode on, its more precise
Thank you for this video, I’ve been going back to your other 1 series videos literally on repeat 🔁 in the past week or so because I’m ready to actually buy one.
This video definitely comes as a surprise, I’ve seen plenty of your cars browsing auto trader and I would have definitely picked up this exact car… BUT heated seats are essential for me and I hate white cars. Everything else is the perfect spec
Update: I bought it
@@BIG2hatshoe is it? Want to buy one 118i but it is white 😅, with automatic transmission 35k Miles. Is it reliable? Do you have Any complaint. I come from a mk7 gti stage 1 . Does this 1series have tuning potential?
@BIG2hats what are your thoughts? I'm considering buying a 118i auto as well, (between 2016-2018). Looking to get sub 40k miles, my main questions are with reliability, repairs and fuel economy
would like to see your thoughts on a manual m2c/3/4 vs dct equivalent if you have the opportunity
Would be great to see you verdict on the mk8 fiesta ST and the F56 cooper s, if you ever get your hands on them
Can you do a video where you review the mk2 1.3 yaris?
How does the 530e you filmed with before compare to a gti?
Definitely best car on the road most reliable and bmw are the most smoothest car to drive by far the 100% the best all round car on the road super reliable
I was looking at the 116d any thoughts?
@@Fragaddictx56 I got a 118i and just put a deposit on a 116d for my brother I drive it yesterday lovely car yes I would recommend grate car
@@blakejohnson2862 thanks will be my second car tbh
Mercedes is smoother
@@Headie0ne hate Mercedes so unreliable in my opinion Mercedes only got 2 star reliability rating bmw got 5 star rating so Mercedes are nice but shit reliablely so bye
BMW 120d 2016-2019 with M Package or BMW 320d 2020 without M? Both about 20k with same miles
Bought this a few weeks ago and its the perfect car unless you want a big family car! Goes 210kmh without a problem too on the autobahn (130mph) 😅
I’m about to pick up mine next week! With sun roof and electric seats
Is it a reliable engine with automatic gearbox? I want to buy one with 35 Miles 1.5 3 cilinder 136. No sunroof but do have m sport package. Are they tuneable?
Crazy thing I got quoted 15k on a 118i😂😭😭 these insurance company’s should be investigated good video tho
It’s nuts, I pay 2.6k a year for mine. At 20
@@smxly-Even 2.6k is nuts for a 1 series. Buy stocks at 20, don’t waste it on cars!
@@BIG2hats dw bro I got stocks as well
Could you do a review on a seat leon 1.2 tsi 2015 or 16 model if you get a chance.
I'm a newbie to BMW, in fact I've not actually got one yet, I see and hear alot that they are expensive to repair, could all those that own a bmw help me out and give me some advice on the matter, if and when I get one I probably wouldn't use a main robber..... I mean dealer, but I'd definitely use a specialist. Cheers
Depend on which BMW really and how well it’s been taken care of
It is pretty expensive compared to japs, but you can’t have even this limited fun on fwd. Compared to other German cars - not so much.
does it struggle going up steep hills? the manual one
I’d love to see this cars counterpart 118d m sport
120d stage 1 map in auto is punchy and cheap to run worth a shout
People im thinking to buy an 118i but doubting as some people say it’s expensive to look after it ??😢😢 I really wanna get it.. let me know please 🙏
A car will be expensive anyway, for me it will be 85€ in insurance and about 8€ in tax per month. Service goes for 200-400 yearly. You also wont be a regular visitor in your local BMW workshop with a relatively low mileage model
118i m sport is Great.
I’m so dead!! 😂I was literally doing a whole extensive research on the 2022 118i and how underpowered that car is then I see this pop up my feed posted today 😆
It’s the same power as this and definitely not underpowered at all.
Personally I feel that with the M140i the engine makes the car. Rather than going for a lesser 1 series I would probably choose a Golf or Audi A3 as the ride and handling are more resolved, and they have more space.
It easy to say that but it costs a fortune to run
@@FragGile The M140i doesn't cost too much to run. It will easily do 30mpg + in normal driving and over 40 on a motorway, tyres are not too bad, tax is £180 per year. The only expensive is the Insurance for some. I say that as the owner of an m140i and mk7 golf GTI, there isn't much to choose in running costs, in fact the Golf tyres are more expensive. The Golf does handle and ride better hence I suggested one instead of going for a lower powered 1 series.
@@simonh870 This 1 series easily handles better than the equivalent golf or Audi by far… have you given them to compare? I have!
@@BIG2hats The wife has a Mk7 Golf GTI Performance which was mine before I bought my M140i. The Golf feels a lot more sorted and it is easier to drive fast. The BMW is oversprung, underdamped and the steering feel isn't as good. Obviously the BMW has the far superior engine though.
@@simonh870i just sold my g7 gti stage 1 300hp dsg , and want to buy this 1 series with 136 1.5 3cylinder. I know it does not have the Same power but is it a good ride? And is it reliable and do you think it can handle a stage 1?
good first car?
Yes but insurance cost is a blocker for most, don’t pay thousands and thousands in insurance for a 1 series
The 120i would be the best choice. You can feel the difference
You are of course correct, the 120i is the sweet spot. The only downside is that the 3 cylinder B38 engine sounds better than the 4 cylinder B48
@@simonh870I’m glad someone else said this as I agree. Is the 120i better than a 125i?
@@Adamlllllllllllljjjljljjjjj125i is obviously more powerful and the stronger engine should you want to remap it.
@@Adamlllllllllllljjjljljjjjj125i is the better car but for the money your not far from an m140i so the 120 is better that way
Stage tune a 120i and an m140i doesn’t make much more sense. 275ps / 400nm of torque, with Bootmod.
My friend had this engine in a mini. Not fast obviously but fine for normal driving. I would get it remapped
How is the comfort and wind/tire noise?
10:38 Apparently wind noise/tire noise is very low according the the reviewer.
Really not sure why anyone would buy rwd these days with the state of the roads - do you really want the rear stepping out on every roundabout & tight corner?
Yes, bro, I do. And I’m driving pretty shitty roads. Can’t figure out why anyone would like to drive FWD.
Is it a good first car?
Yes I own one and you just need to get used to the dimenions the first few days then it will be the easiest car to drive (automatic). However Im not a fan of the steering for sport driving but as a first car you dont need very sportyy steering
lmao, above 30mpg everywhere because it’s a small engine 😅 I’m barely getting 10 l/100km in the city, more like 11 in winter. On the motorway it’s below 7 though at 110-130 km/h, and even around 5 at 90 km/h.
What is the economy like in this vs the 120i?
This is with 99ron^
The economy is quite poor. My parents had one and got 37 mpg with sensible driving
@@youraveragejoe1 I barely got less in my old '19 S3
Is this type of bmw good as a city car for my wife?
Hi, I own one its good in the city. But the turning circle isnt the tightest
@ thanks for the reply. What do you really mean by that? I m not a very good english speaker
@@BB97z its not that easy to turn around in a small space
Which is better tho, this or a Mk3 Seat Leon FR?
Funnily enough I just sold me 1.8 fr and bought one of these. I miss the fr. Stage 1 224 bhp
@@joelwoolley7063was the Seat better then this?
@@joelwoolley7063and is it reliable for stage 1 the 3 cilinder engine?
@@damma5343 I have no idea. I remapped the Leon not this.
people have become so desensitised to hp ive got 95 in my polo and it pulls lol anything 95+ in a htch and your good
lol, you’ve obviously never driven a real car if you think a 95hp polo pulls, I’m no petrol head but once you drive a proper car you’ll realise why people are so focused on a good fast engine.
You’ll be in for a shock once you push a 2L mate, I can tell you that for a fact
@@rfumozAgreed, my first 2.0L was a ep3🤣🤣
LOL, i recall having much fun in my MK2 1.1 fiesta with ~48hp, eventually i got a MK3 Astra 2.0L 136hp much better, but the torque of a MK4 Golf 150hp was immense even though it felt heavy! The 184hp 220i Active Tourer surprisingly feel racy. Now my with my 128ti i don't feel i want anymore HP (especially in a FWD) - but i _absolutely_ miss the power & drive of the 310hp 600nm 335d i had...
@@rimmerblues1586 bet that 335d was a monster😆
They map to about 220
Is this reliable for a stage 1. From 136 to 170
@@damma5343seems a little low
Yes@@damma5343
Got a 2019 f20 118i for sale if anyone is interested :)
Turn it back to stock before you sell it or people will think you’re a boy racer and you’ve treated it badly
@@BIG2hats thing is it will cost me more money making it stock then I would get selling it. Selling it with 16 months warranty as well
Is it reliable for a stage 1 tuning?
@@damma5343 the engines are known to be bad for tuning so no
FIRST
🥇
118i 🤣 136bhp 🤣 you may as well ride the bus instead, because that's not a real BMW. 😂
🤡
@@colinpsaila6776 😂 I take it you have this car. If you think that is a real BMW then you clearly don't know about Beemas. Junk engine.
@@MCorrigan I don't have one and you?
I read the expert and owner's reviews,not laughing!😉
@@colinpsaila6776 I have an M5 Comp. A proper engine, not this 118i junk.
@@MCorrigan Enjoy it the M5 but this engine is good for what it is not junk!