2011 BMW 116i Reviews

The smallest vehicle in the BMW car range, the 1 Series uses sporty engines driving the rear wheels. Like everything else produced by the German auto maker it's aimed at those who enjoy driving, rather than people who treat it as a chore. However rear-drive inevitably steals cabin and boot space, something that's more

The 1 Series gave aspiring owners a propeller badge but costs mount with the miles. New The blue-and-white spinner emblem of BMW has been one of the more desired badges on the Australian motoring landscape. With so many aspiring to own a BMW, the company expanded its model range so more could join the club. The 3

Ewan Kennedy reviews the first and second generation BMW 1 Series coupe and hatch from 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 as a used buy.

Graham Smith reviews the first-generation BMW 1 Series as a used buy.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used 2004-2014 BMW 1 Series.

Even in its smallest model, the 1 Series, BMW has stuck to its guns in providing pure driving pleasure. Witness the use of rear-wheel drive to provide the sort of chassis balance that keen drivers just love.The downside of RWD is that there isn’t a lot of room inside a BMW 1 Series because of the long engine bay needed to house straight-six engines, space for a driveshaft under the floor, and a differential under the back floor.  Having said that, the cabin has good legroom in the front seats, though some may find foot-width is restricted.There's not a lot of passenger space in the back unless the front occupants are willing and able to give up a fair bit of their legroom. By the way, BMW does sell a front-wheel-drive car – it’s called the Mini. However, it’s not exactly spacious in the back seat either.When launched in Australia in October 2004, BMW 1 Series came only as a five-door hatch. A smart two-door coupe and a pretty little soft-top convertible were added to the range in May 2008. BMW 1 Series’ styling in hatchback format gives it a tail end treatment that's almost wagon like. So while the boot is relatively shallow due to the aforementioned differential being under it, there reasonable overall volume.Most of these small BMWs are powered by a four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine.The coupe and convertible aren’t as useful in their luggage spaces as the five-door hatch, but that’s hardly unusual in the sporty market. As always, try for yourself to see how the brilliant baby Bimmer meets your individual needs in people / luggage carrying.BMW 1 Series comes with a staggering choice of powerplants. In petrol format, these range from 1.6-litre and four cylinders all the way to 3.0 litres with six cylinders. Some of the sixes have twin turbochargers, others don’t have a blower at all. The twin-turbo engine is a superb unit and takes the 300 horsepower, 224 kilowatt BMW 135i to close to the famed BMW M3 in its performance.The 1 Series M Coupe, with even more power from its twin-turbo six than the standard turbo-petrol models, provides excellent performance and many are saying it could have been called the M1 to join the M3 and M5 in the high-performance lineup. However, the M1 tag was used on a BMW supercar model in the late 1970s and the company chose not to use it for the new hot coupe.Most of these small BMWs are powered by a four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine. Even the so-called 118i has a 2.0-litre capacity, though others actually do displace 2.0 litres. To further add to the confusion, the 125i engine actually has a displacement of 3.0 litres (it's the six-cylinder unit without turbochargers).Transmission choices are generally six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.An impressive 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine became part of the lineup, in BMW 120d format, from May 2006. The grunt of the modern BMW diesels is great, but they miss out on the virtually instantaneous throttle response provided by non-turbo powerplants so many drivers aren’t keen on them.Improbably as it would have seemed a decade back, the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is even used in BMW 1 Series coupes and convertibles. It is tuned for greater power, so has the title of 123d, rather than 120d. Transmission choices are generally six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Some of the smaller-engined, lower cost models were sold with a five-speed manual in their early days.BMW manual gearboxes are a joy to use, with slick changes through the well-chosen ratios. This is another benefit of the use or rear-wheel drive as the gearbox is close to the lever, not way out near one of the front wheels as in a front-drive car. Unless you do a lot of hard commuting we suggest the pleasure of the manual should be yours.BMW is long established in Australia and there are dealers in all metropolitan areas, as well as in major country centres. However, if you do travel into semi-remote areas you may have trouble finding either a dealer or a mechanic experienced on the marque.Ideally a BMW should be serviced and repaired by an authorised dealer as these are complex cars with a lot of electronic components. The car can be connected to a computer to assist in fault diagnosis. There are some mechanics with formal BMW training and who now operate as independent specialists. They generally have a high reputation.A 1 Series with a written service record stretching back to day one will generally fetch a higher price on the used market. Smart buyers of second-hand models will keep up this record ad infinitum. Insurance charges are high for a small car – but not too bad when you consider the complexity and quality of the BMW's body and the fact that you're buying an image machine, not simply a car.WHAT TO LOOK FORCheck the back seat and boot trim in case some large items (such as people!) have been squeezed into a space that wasn’t adequate for them. Many 1 Series live in suburban areas so could have had the odd bump or scratch. Look for signs of crash repairs such as mismatched paint, paint overspray and ripples in the panels.A magnet will tell you if the material under the repaired area is metal – or plastic filler that has been inserted to try and fool the innocent. Engine repairs can be expensive so make sure they start within moments of turning the key. Preferably arrange to do this with the engine stone cold after an overnight stop.During your test drive feel for any hesitation under acceleration and look for oily smoke from the exhaust when the engine is worked hard. Make sure manual gearchanges are quiet and ultra-smooth. Fast changes from third to second gears are usually the first to show problems.CAR BUYING TIPCars designed to be driven hard and fast seldom are. Don’t we live in a strange world? So if you do come across one that’s been driven the way its makers intended it may be best to look elsewhere.

THE Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps sped to the top of the drivers' bucket list a few years ago after Britain's Top Gear crew judged it the best road in the world. Based on the bits shown on TV, Clarkson and co must have been inhaling exhaust fumes at the time.Carsguide retraced the route in what is probably the best four-seater yet built to tackle the lust-worthy drive, BMW's new 1 Series M.The stop-start shots between hairpins that Top Gear showed on TV look good in pictures but they aren't the reason the Stelvio draws car and bike enthusiasts from across Europe. To the north, the pass opens up into a phenomenal flowing road with humblingly stunning scenery.This is the best bang-for-your-buck car ever to wear an M badge and the Bavarian maker's refusal to call it an M1 in deference to the 1970s mid-engined supercar won't matter a damn to anyone who drives it. A rose by any other name.About $100,000 buys a two-door coupe that outperforms the $55,000-dearer BMW M3 in roll-on acceleration and is easier to toss through turns than any coupe this side of a Lotus Exige. It is about $25,000 dearer than the 135i and worth every heavily taxed cent of that.The differential lock proved its worth in the tight, slippery corners. In standard mode exits were marked by a frustrating pause as the traction control lit up to show it was struggling to keep rubber from slipping.Push the button to let the rear axle redirect torque and that hesitation drops back to a heartbeat before it hooks up. In theory, disabling the traction software altogether would help, too, but a strong sense of self-preservation intruded on that thought.The twin-turbo six-cylinder engine has won a swag of awards and in this guise is good for 250kW/450Nm. The alloy suspension components and 19-inch alloys from the M3 catalogue minimise weight and the interior features run from leather dash and seats to internet connectivity. This may be the first BMW made without an options list. The three paint choices are no-cost.This car has the best proportions in the M range. It is fundamentally a wickedly reworked 135i coupe, with 55mm added to the track to keep it planted on the road when the going gets silly. The flared guards needed to accommodate the extra track and meatier rubber give the baby M a distinct family resemblance to the M3 coupe.The quad exhausts and vented gills on the sides are trademark M design features. Changing gears quickly, the driver can hit an arm on tall bottles in the single cupholder on the centre console. The interior is straight out of the 135i but it's all been leather-wrapped with contrasting stitching. Even the gearbox gate cover is suede.The basic BMW 1 Series package is five-star rated and the extra attention that's gone into the 1 Series M should improve on that. The brakes would slow down a supertanker and repeated hammerings do no more harm than covering the front wheels in brake dust.Negotiating the 48 torturous switchbacks that mark the Stelvio's ascent to 2757m, the driver realises the difference between what rates as great TV and what rate as great roads. The M car outhustled and outhandled Subarus, Audis and Porsches alike as it carved a line through the rain and snow-topped bitumen.But the switchbacks themselves just aren't that much fun. It's a second or two of full acceleration, then hard on the brakes as speed bleeds back to single figures.But on either side of the hairpins the road opens out enough for the vehicle to flow from curve to curve and car and driver each work hard to maintain a decent pace. The coupe hits 100km/h in 4.9 seconds, fuel consumption is 9.6L/100km, and CO2 emissions are 224g/km.Me, I want 1. If I had $100K to part with, this would be the car. The only comparable car in terms of cornering dynamics is the Porsche Cayman and its lack of rear seats makes it less practical as a day-to-day driver. There are quicker cars and there are better handling cars but this is the best compromise I've driven.'There are quicker cars and there are better handling cars but this is the best compromise I've driven'

A new 1 Series gives BMW a club to take to the Volkswagen Golf - and anyone else looking to muscle in on the bottom end of the prestige market. The base BMW 116i is a $36,900 buy before on-road costs, or $7500 more than the Golf 118 Comfortline - and a bunch of Asian rivals. Question is, is the extra cash worth the cache, or is the VW a better buy?This is the cheapest BMW to hit the market - and it's perfectly priced to bait buyers into at least considering the propeller badge. BMW says the base price has been cut by 5 per cent and the car now has many more features. They include a 6.5-inch display, Bluetooth, MP3-compatible stereo, cruise-control with auto brake function, stop-start fuel saving and keyless start.The Beemer comes with a six-speed manual; the eight-speed auto - a first for this segment - is a $2700 option on the base model. The Golf 118 Comfortline packs eight speakers to the 1 Series' six but misses out on the 6.5-inch display and hi-tech cruise control. Step up to the $42,800 BMW 118i (125kW/240Nm) or $43,500 118d (105kW/320Nm) and rear parking sensors, dual zone climate-control airconditioning, 17-inch alloys, rain-sensing headlights and fog lights are standard.The BMW wins this fight. The new car has been wired up with a bunch of clever gear, from the auto-braking cruise control to the eight-speed auto overhauled twin-scroll turbocharged engine. The base engine's outputs are 100kW and 220Nm but the peak torque comes in from 1350-4400 revs. That gives the 116i reasonably steady acceleration - its 0-100km/h time of 8.5 seconds beats the Audi by a second but is half a second off the Golf. There's also a new switch on the centre console. The "Driving Experience Control" system lets drivers choose between four modes - Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport +. Eco Pro, as the name suggests, optimises fuel use by adjusting the engine fuel mapping and also tries to minimise the time accessories such as the airconditioner are in use.This is the pug dog of the BMW family: the 1 Series looks like it's been kicked in the nose. The kidney grille/headlamp combo just doesn't match the proportions of the rest of the family and has the new 1 looking like a Chinese knock-off at a motor show. The side profile is much better, with the shoulder line extending into the rear lights. But those lights aren't the traditional red BMW bands and that's a bad thing. The 1 Series should be an aspirational car that reinforces the brand; not a vehicle that doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the line-up. Interior quality is a marked improvement on the last 1 Series and BMW has managed to give a prestige feel at a discount price. It has grown in width and length over the old model to give rear seat passengers marginally more leg and shoulder room.Engineers at BMW would throw themselves in front of the car to ensure it had a five-star rating. It's a point of pride for the Europeans and the usual gadgets -- six airbags and electronic stability and traction control -- should give the BMW a five-star rating at match the outgoing model. There's also an electronic diff lock on the rear to tame things if you turn the stability control off. The 1 Series is also the only car in its class with rear-wheel drive and that gives an extra element to play with while you're fighting physics to keep the car on the road.The BMW is the best handling car in the class outside of a Golf GTI or similar sports model. It was already good but the widened track gives it a better balance through turns. The 118i is the pick - the extra 25kW and 30Nm over the 116i makes it a more responsive car across the rev range. But 1 Series target buyers - young, upwardly mobile professionals - want to be seen to be helping the planet.It is here the "ultimate driving machine" earns an electronic hobble. BMW calls it the Eco Pro program; I call it a software virus. It basically neuters the car's extraordinary eight-speed auto and dulls the engine and throttle response. This environmentally friendly setting is one of the reasons the 118i uses just 5.9 litres/100km of fuel in official testing. In the real world it is tolerable - until you try any of the other settings. The Comfort, Sport and Sport + modes progressively return the Beemer to battle action.Road noise on rough surfaces is louder than expected in a BMW but is about right in terms of the rest of the class. The electric steering is precise without quite having the feedback or weight of the 3 Series models. The stop-start system is smooth but not best in class - Mazda3's i-stop system is quicker to refire. Rear room has grown and a couple of adults could now spend an hour or so in the back.This is serious competition in the small car class. BMW has set the price to tempt top-end Asian buyers and thrown down the gauntlet to its Euro rivals as it chases a bigger slice of the biggest pie in town.

You can now have your hatch with radical iPod-white wheels, mirrors and trim. At the same time, BMW has been conservative by reducing the endless clutter of options and introducing trim levels like most other manufacturers.When the German-made hatch arrives in October it will come in base trim (to which can be added an M Sport trim and aero package), Urban Line or Sport Line.Fittingly the hatch was launched in Berlin this week (July 28) as the city approaches the 50th anniversary of the Berlin Wall (August 13) because, as dramatically as the wall tumbled in 1990, BMW has suddenly changed its attitude to endless variants.The 1 Series hatch is the first to benefit from streamlined trim levels with the 3 Series launched in November possibly next cab off the rank.VALUEThe streamlined trim levels should have economic advantages for BMW that should be passed down as savings to the customer.BMW Group Australia corporate communications chief Piers Scott says pricing will be “very sharp”.At launch there will be a 118i petrol and 118d diesel model, quickly followed by a “price-leading” 116i.We won’t get the 116d or 120d but there could be a six-cylinder model “a long way down the track”. However it’s unlikely to be an M model, says Scott.We also won’t be getting the three-door hatch which would conflict with the coupe. Scott says the 116i will compete on price with the Audi A3 and VW Golf.DESIGNThe 1 Series hatch was launched in 2004 and the coupe/convertible in 2007 and the two body shapes will remain out of kilter for some time.This second-generation hatch has little to do with the first-generation coupe, its underpinnings more closely aligned to the forthcoming 3 Series.It is 85mm longer and 17mm wider with 21mm more rear legroom and 30-litres expanded cargo capacity.With its wider track the hatch’s stance is more hunkered down and purposeful, its lines dramatically altered with a bulbous bonnet leading to a pointed shark nose like the recent 6 Series coupe.At the rear the wider taillights and lateral design lines give it a broader look and the hatch door is lower and wider for better access. This will be appreciated by women who will buy more of this model than any other BMW says Scott.The Urban is distinguished by its white and silver kidney grille and accents, while the Sport retains conventional alloy wheels and dark grille.TECHNOLOGYIronically it will arrive with more powerful twin-scroll turbo-charged petrol engines than the naturally aspirated and supposedly sporty coupe and convertible 1 Series. The 116i has the same amount of power as the current 118i hatch, but 40Nm more torque, much better fuel economy (5.5L/100km compared with 7.5L) and much lower emissions (129g/km versus 174g/km).The 118i is 25kW more powerful, with 70Nm more torque, better economy (5.9L/100km) and lower emissions (137g/km).This is despite the petrol models being slightly heavier because of the bigger body dimensions and stiffer and safer chassis.Power and efficiency gains are much lower with the new diesel 118d (same power, 20Nm more torque, 0.1L/100km better economy and 4g/km lower emissions). The manual transmission retains six speeds, but the six-speed auto has been replaced by the new eight-cog job.The cabin gets standard height-adjustable front seats, a BMW Business CD radio with six speakers and aux connection, and a “driving experience” switch on the central console that adjusts the car’s set-up to the driver’s preferences by modifying the engine programming, stability settings and shift characteristics of the auto.Even though the trim levels have been trimmed down, there is still a range of options available including two-zone airconditioning, electrically adjustable and heated seats, a multifunction steering wheel, rear-view and exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function, fog lights, an electric glass sunroof.BMW ConnectedDrive options include adaptive headlights, rain sensor, auto driving lights, high-beam assistance, parking sensors, rear-view camera, parking assistance, cruise control with braking, and lane departure and collision warning. There are also iPhone connectivity and internet capability options.SAFETYThe new chassis has high-strength load-bearing elements and large crumple zones. The hatch comes standard with six airbags, a tyre defect indicator and dynamic brake lights that flash to warn following drivers if you hit the brakes hard or the ABS system intervenes.DRIVINGThe old East Berlin and East Germany served as the backdrop to the road test for the new 118i and 120d hatch. There was no 116i or 118d available for test. The old Soviet territory provided a mix of high-speed modern autobahn driving, heavily trafficked city roads and bumpy old rural lanes.The engineers have tweaked the suspension to suit the new stiffer chassis and defied physics to produce a plush ride from the runflat tyres.On a particularly nasty stretch of road, the car rode better in “sport plus” setting on the models with optional adaptive M suspension than in “comfort” setting with the dampers screwing it down and preventing bounce.More importantly they have tuned out the sharp hits of the first generation 1 Series. Steering has also sharpened up and can be further tuned to a razor-like finish with adaptive drive that also attenuates the throttle and quickens the transmission response.On a few laps of the Linthe proving ground, the adaptive M suspension was put through its paces with stunning results.It changes direction with a minimum of fuss and keeps the rear-wheel power down while providing plenty of feedback through the seat of the driver’s trousers or skirt. It’s a car you can drive with gusto and reap the rewards with safety.The cabin feels airy and fresh with a less domineering dashboard and a large, high-mounted, freestanding info/satnav screen.VERDICTBMW have been adventurous with the 1 Series hatch design and those dazzling but hard-to-keep-clean white wheels, while being conservative with the rational trim levels.The former will attract younger drivers and the latter will simplify the buying process, get cars to owners quicker and alleviate dealer overstocking. It’s a win for all concerned.BMW 1 Series hatchOn sale: OctoberPrices: about $40,000-$45,000Engines: 100kW/220Nm (116i), 125kW/250Nm (118i) 1.6-litre twin-turbo 4-cylinder petrol; 105kW/320Nm 2.0-litre twin-turbo dieselTransmissions: 6-speed manual and autoEconomy: 5.5/5.6L/100km (118i man/auto), 5.9/5.8L/100km (118i), 4.4L/100km (118d) CO2: 129g/km (116i), 137g/km (118i), 115g/km (118d)Dimensions: 4324mm (L), 1765 (W), 1421mm (H), 2690 (WB)Weight: 1290/1365kg (116i manual/auto), 129/1370kg (118i), 1320/1395kg (118d)

WE turn the spotlight on automotive's newest and brightest stars, as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. Ultimately, however, there is one question that really needs answering would you buy one?WHAT IS IT?This is the current range topper in the BMW 1-Series lineup, to be supplanted in a few months by the awesome M1. The 135i cabrio offers pretty much everything you need to get a tan, go fast, look good and be safe.HOW MUCH?We reckon the upspec' test car came in at around $86,000 with the optional but highly desirable seven-speed manumatic auto.WHAT ARE THE COMPETITORS?Not too many really; the Audi A3 cabrio, possibly high-end Mini Cooper S cabrio, Lexus IS250 cabrio, base model E-Class Benz cabrio at a stretch.WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?Scores potent twin-scroll turbo, 3.0-litre, petrol six with variable valve timing and lift on inlet and exhaust sides. Absolute gem of an engine. Sounds unreal. Maximum torque — 400Nm, available from a low 1200rpm. Peak power is 225kW.HOW DOES IT GO?Like stink, capable of clocking mid 5.0 second 0-100kmh sprint, has great roll-on and is smooth as silk. Well matched to seven-speed twin clutch "auto" with launch control a possibility soon. Keeps pesky WRXs and Evos at bay and it's a rear wheel drive.IS IT ECONOMICAL?Can be if you can keep off the right pedal. We saw better than 8.5-litres/100km on the highway but averaged in the mid 9.0s combined.IS IT `GREEN'?'Greenish, passes Euro 5 so that's a big plus, probably mostly recyclable — another plus, CO2 emissions not too bad given performance potential. Uses elements of EfficientDynamics to lighten the load on the planet.IS IT SAFE?Five star safe. Has rollover protection, four air bags, sports stability control.IS IT COMFORTABLE?Extremely thanks to stylish and well appointed interior, expertly calibrated suspension and comfy seats with multiple adjustments. Soft top roof comes off electrically at speeds up to around 30kmh, back on at same speedsWHAT'S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?Impressive — dynamite on tight roads thanks to broad spread of engine power and tidy dynamics. Great brakes despite extra weight of cabrio. Definitely falls into the sports category - would show a clean pair of tyres to plenty of highly regarded contenders.IS IT VALUE FOR MONEY?At $82,500 kick off price, you are giving the government a fair old wad of cash upfront in tax. Makes us choke too. The seven- speed auto adds $3500 — definitely worth the extra dosh as it offers the best of both worlds. Plenty of kit — leather, premium audio, Bluetooth, electrically adjustable driver's seat. M package for go fast looks, bixenon lights, Multiple interior trim choices at no cost. Paddle gear change.WOULD WE BUY ONE?Yep, but would put bigger (19-inch) wheels on it, portable satnav as GPS is not standard.