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 ;)

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!

1:17 I absolutely love this dashboard, its a great mix between digital and analogue

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!

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.

I own an 118i auto with the 170 hp and I really enjoy it, exactly as you said!!💪💪👍

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!

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 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

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

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 👍

i have had 1 of these for the past 2 years, great all round car 👍🏽

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’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 😆

I bought the same car 2 weeks ago with nearly the same specs but as 2-door and i love it😃

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

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 confirm an exhaust makes it sound like half of a B58 engine because it is basically that, sounds good.

Crazy thing I got quoted 15k on a 118i😂😭😭 these insurance company’s should be investigated good video tho

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

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

would like to see your thoughts on a manual m2c/3/4 vs dct equivalent if you have the opportunity

My friend had this engine in a mini. Not fast obviously but fine for normal driving. I would get it remapped

Can you do a video where you review the mk2 1.3 yaris?

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.

I’d love to see this cars counterpart 118d m sport

Could you do a review on a seat leon 1.2 tsi 2015 or 16 model if you get a chance.

How does the 530e you filmed with before compare to a gti?

118i m sport is Great.

does it struggle going up steep hills? the manual one

The 120i would be the best choice. You can feel the difference

good first car?

What is the economy like in this vs the 120i?

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

They map to about 220

Which is better tho, this or a Mk3 Seat Leon FR?

FIRST

Got a 2019 f20 118i for sale if anyone is interested :)

118i 🤣 136bhp 🤣 you may as well ride the bus instead, because that's not a real BMW. 😂