2004 BMW 120i 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.

The 3-Series was once the model that opened the bidding for the BMW brand. It was the model you bought if you sought the prestige that comes from driving a well-respected European brand on a budget, but as the 3-Series grew in size, equipment and refinement it became more aspirational and less affordable.NEWBMW thus needed a new entry-level model below the 3-Series and that was the 1-Series the company unveiled in 2004. It was still a prestige model that fitted into the small car class at the top end, but it was a more affordable model for those for whom the 3-Series was now out of reach.Within the 1-Series range was a host of models, from economical hatches and frugal diesels to sexy convertibles and sporty coupes. There was a range of four-cylinder engines ranging from a modest 1.6-litre to a free revving 2.0-litre that was the pick of the bunch for most people.For more zip you could opt for a six-cylinder engine and BMW offered two: a 3.0-litre and a more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre for those who wanted the ultimate in performance. On top of that there was the choice of a couple of diesels for those who wanted to stretch the interval between visits to the service station and who appreciated the strong mid-range performance a diesel offers.Like all BMWs the 1-Series chassis was well balanced, sure-footed and agile on the road, and being rear-wheel drive it had an engagement others struggled to match. The ride was firm, accentuated in some models by the use of run-flat tyres. The appeal of the 1-Series is that it looks like a BMW from all angles, and one of the good things about the brand if you value badge prestige is that their cars are always readily identified as being BMWs.The 1-Series shape is attractive, the lines well developed and there's the familiar kidney shaped grille. It all spells BMW. The cabin was a bit of a squeeze, particularly in the rear and the boot wasn't the biggest going around. But all models were well equipped, as you would expect for a premium model.NOWThe 1-Series is a solid all round performer with good build quality, but that doesn't mean a trouble-free run is guaranteed. BMWs do breakdown, like any car, but when they do you can expect to pay more for the repairs and the parts, particularly when you have the work done by a factory BMW dealer.It's strongly recommended that you have your BMW serviced by an independent mechanic who knows the brand intimately and has a source of more affordable parts. Smart mechanics are now buying parts overseas at prices we can only dream of here, and they're genuine factory parts.Servicing is vital for your car's good health; regular oil changes keep the engine ticking over sweetly. Failing to change the oil will eventually lead to a major rebuild after the oil galleries have become clogged with sludge and no longer allow the oil to get to the parts of the engine it's needed. Check the service record carefully to make sure all has been done according to the book, even when someone other than a BMW dealer has done it.Over time the plastic fittings BMW uses in the engine bay become brittle and break up. Once one goes they might as well all be replaced because they will all go and it's cheaper to do them all at the same time than do them one at a time as they fail. Look for oil leaks, listen and feel for sloppy suspension bushes, and expect faster brake wear, pads and discs, than on other cars.Some owners of cars fitted with run-fat tyres were so appalled at the ride that they swapped the rubber for regular tyres. The cars with run-flats never had spares in the boot, just a repair kit, so if your car was originally fitted with run-flats and now has conventional tyres check for a spare.BMW recalled the 1-Series to fix an electrical connection with a battery cable that could affect the operation of the door locks and prevent the car from starting. In extreme cases the engine may stall and lose power steering.SMITHY SAYSHas the badge, but hard ride, modest performance and tight cabin make it a compromise.BMW 1-Series 2004-2010Price new: $34,900-$62,000Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 85 kW/150 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 95 kW/180 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cyinder, 110 kW/200 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 105 kW/300 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 115 kW/330 Nm; 3.0-litre 6-cylinder, 160 kW/270 Nm; 3.0-litre 6-cylinder, 195 kW/315 Nm; 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbo, 225 kW/400 Nm.Transmission: 6-speed auto, 6-speed manual, RWDEconomy: 7.3 L/100 km (1.8), 7.9 L/100 km (2.0), 9.2 L/100 km (3.0), 6.6 L/100 km (2.0TD), 8.7 L/100 km (3.0), 9.6 L/100 km (3.0TT)Body: 5-door hatch, 2-door coupe, 2-door convertibleSafety: 5-star ANCAP 

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.

It was only a matter of time before BMW introduced a new small car below its long serving and super successful 3-Series. The 3-Series was no longer the same relatively cheap and cheerful entry model that it was way back when it first hit the road, and as BMW's top selling model it made a huge contribution to the bottom line.When, over time the 3 Series grew larger and better equipped and consequently less affordable for those wanting to buy into the brand it left a gaping hole at the lower end of BMW's model range, one that just had to be filled by a smaller car like the 1 Series that arrived here in 2004.MODEL WATCHWhen it became known that BMW was going to introduce a new small car it was feared it would be a makeover of the Mini, but the German carmaker stuck true to its roots and the new 1 Series was rear-wheel drive. It also stuck to its own out-there styling path with sharply carved lines and chunky curves rather than follow the Mini's more loveable shape.The result was that the 1 Series polarized opinion, some thought it looked great, others awful. Opinion at the time of its launch tended towards the latter, but that's the same with most cars the Bavarian carmaker has launched in the last few years.BMW's approach with the 1 Series was similar to that it had to the 3 Series before it. With relatively affordable pricing the new small car provided a new entry point for those aspiring to own a Beemer, but it wasn't a cheap and cheerful car. It was well built, came packed with features and buyers had plenty of options to choose from.Later there would be six-cylinder engines, a diesel, coupes and convertibles, but at the launch the range opened with the 118i and the 120i four-cylinder five-door hatches.The engine in both was a double overhead camshaft 2.0-litre unit, in the case of the 118i it put out 95 kW at 5500 revs and 200 Nm at 3600 revs, but in the 120i it put out 110kW at 6200 revs and 175 Nm at 3750 revs. Anyone looking for a spirited drive would have found the 118i wanting, but would have been delighted with the 120i, which was a much more fun drive.The transmission choices were a six-speed auto and five-speed manual in the 118i, and six-speed auto and six-speed manual in the 120i. Fully independent suspension front and rear helped make the 'One' a sporty drive, and with anti-lock braking, traction and stability control it was also a safe one. The ride was firm thanks to the suspension settings and the run-flat tyres it used.Inside, the 1 Series wasn't particularly roomy, but it did have enough room for a couple of adults in the front and space for kids in the rear. Both models boasted a heap of features from air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and CD sound. On top of that the 120i had cruise control.IN THE SHOPCarsguide readers have had little to report on the 1 Series suggesting they're enjoying a happy time with their little BMWs. While that suggests the 1 series doesn't have any serious problems, it would be wrong to suggest BMWs don't break down. Servicing and repairs can be expensive if you use factory dealers, but there are lots of experienced BMW specialists around who can maintain and fix cars at more affordable rates. Check for crash damage and service records to ensure cars have been looked after and well maintained. Expect tyres and brakes to wear faster than on some other makes.IN A CRASHWith an impressive arsenal of electronics, including anti-skid brakes, traction control and stability control the 1 Series had a solid underlying active safety package. There was also an impressive package of airbags to provide protection in a crunch, including dual front airbags, combined with head airbags and side front airbags.AT THE PUMPRoad testers of the time of the launch reported average economy figures of around 8.4 L/100 km on the 120i. BMW claimed an average of 7.8 L/100 km for the 118i and 7.9 L/100 km for the 120i.OWNER SAYSIan Robinson bought his 125i convertible after previously owning two other BMWs. He says it looks good and drives well, and to date there have been no mechanical trouble apart from a hole in the convertible roof, which was replaced under warranty after much argument with his dealer, but he says the leather interior seems to be of an inferior quality than the other BMWs he's owned. His main complaint is about the dealers he's used who in general, he says, haven't delivered good after-sales service and have been reluctant to fix problems under warranty.LOOK FORChunky looksCozy interiorRear-wheel driveEconomical foursResponsive chassisBMW badge cred.THE BOTTOM LINE: Great driving hatch with typical BMW rear-drive dynamics, but with firm ride and tight cabin.

BMW is counting on you to recognise the importance of both of these reasons.Sales of the luxury marque are going through the roof. BMW has admitted it can't get enough supply right across its range. Therefore, they are bringing in everything and anything they can to a BMW-hungry market.And this entry-level vehicle also grabs the attention of aspiring buyers who always wanted a Bavarian in their driveway to impress the neighbours.But the 1 Series is about more than just whacking a blue and white badge on the bonnet.BMW also makes Mini, so it could have just as easily introduced a compact car with front-wheel drive. After all, surely that would be easier to sell to a compact car buyer familiar with their driving characteristics.But BMW wanted something a little different and this certainly is.The advantage of rear drive over front drive was evident in the period I had this two-litre compact – wet weather driving.If you have ever ploughed straight ahead on a wet road or spun the wheels violently when taking off in a front driver, you will know their inherent problems.This doesn't happen in a rear driver.Also, there is a certain passion about driving something that will swing its back wheels wide when you stand on the loud pedal.The little BMW 120i doesn't disappoint. It is nimble and behaves like a good rear-wheel drive should.It goes around corners like it's on rails, even in the wet. But given extra amplitude, it will wag its tail in a controlled arc governed by the weight of your right foot.There is plenty of urge from the two-litre 110kW engine, mainly thanks to the fact that it only has to push 1230kg of body weight.Load up the premium-sized 330-litre flat-floor boot (there is no spare as it has run-flat tyres) and add a couple of adults in the rear or three small children and it then starts to complain, especially on hills and highway passing.A quick-shifting close-ratio six-speed gearbox makes the motivation a little easier and very enjoyable. (A six-speed auto is also available.)It's a slick little shifter that proved foolproof through the most more energetic drives.Outside, the 1 Series looks very much like a Mazda3 with a Z4 nose.The headlights are very attractive and feminine, almost like sleepy eyelids.However, the rear is a bit divisive. Some like it, some don't. I think it's blunt and awkward.Inside, the dashboard is less imposing than in the 3 Series and bigger models, even though it continues that ugly corporate black vinyl look. Maybe it's just that it's smaller. There also is good relief from the black with splashes of dimpled aluminium around the shifter and the glove box.It shares a lot of the technology with its big brothers, including iDrive, satellite navigation systems (optional), front and rear park distance controllers, Bluetooth telephone connectivity and xenon headlamps.As a driver, it feels just right. Rally-style pedals, a smallish wheel, steering-mounted audio controls, stubby stalks and a perfectly positioned shifter.However, the leather seats feel a little stiff, stark and lacking lateral support. Vigorous drivers will be bracing their knees against the centre console and door to stop sliding sideways.What I don't understand is the starter button and keycard. They are nothing more than gimmickry.I could understand it if the key fob were remote and you didn't need to insert it to start the car, but you do.One clever device is that the two key fobs can recognise different users and set mirrors, airconditioning, radio and electric seat settings accordingly.A 1.8-litre model arrives in Australia from February, but don't expect such lively performance, especially if you want to carry loads or passengers.The 118i will cost $37,900 for the 5-speed manual and $40,100 for the 5-speed auto.

It is the right idea at the right time. Hopefully, at least for fans, the baby 1-Series will have the right price, the right deal, and the right drive.Based on our first drive, it will be a winner.The One is a sporty drive, is built tight, is good value – at least for a BMW – and has styling that will help it stand out on the road.The action has just begun with the 120i and BMW promises to spread the love with a sub-$40,000 starter car next year.BMW has ruled out an M1, but we can expect a 130i, a two-door coupe and perhaps even a Z2 based on the mechanical package of the new One.Looking at its role and competition, the One faces up to everything from the Audi A3-Alfa 147-VW Golf group of Euro cars to the rear-drive Lexus IS and even some of the higher-priced Japanese compacts.But it's biggest rival is the Mini Cooper that sits across the showroom at most dealers.The Mini and One are aimed at the same sort of people, with the same sort of budgets and the same need for a standout car.Three doors plays five, front-wheel drive plays rear are some of the big differences, but the Mini and the One are the ones for a lot of trendy young shoppers.The plan for the One: BMW will use it to lure newcomers to the brand and prevent the leakage of potential defectors. So its job is the same as the original 318i of the 1980s.We're not fans of the 1-Series body, because it is a bit chunky and stumpy, but it does the job of fitting four doors and a hatchback tail into a compact-class contender.The first of the Ones to reach Australia is the 120i – from $41,900 as a six-speed manual. The 118i will be available from $37,900 – or $40,100 as an auto – next year.The package for the 120i start with a 110kW engine, matched to a six-speed manual gearbox, which BMW says can sprint to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.The suspension is fully independent, there are anti-skid, four-wheel disc brakes, electronics for stability and traction control, six airbags, airconditioning, CD sound and more.But BMW Australia has gone further, fitting early-arrival 120is with what it calls the First One package. It puts $2500 on the bottom line, but it says it is worth $5540 with metallic paint, leather seats and Bluetooth phone package.The real bottom line on a One is $45,400 before you worry about on-road costs. Just so you know.ON THE ROADOur first run with the One, in Germany earlier this year, wasn't promising. It was nicely designed and finished, but didn't seem that lively.But, that was a 118i, and all the European emphasis was on the turbodiesel BMW was touting as the performance model.Now, after following the NGK Rally of Melbourne last weekend in a 120i, we are keener about the car. Even if our 120i was loaded with extra gear to ensure we got a nice, positive, first impression.How much gear? Well, apart from the First One package, it had sports suspension, a glass sunroof, electric lumbar supports on the seats and a lights package that included blue lamps in the door handles.It was nice, but coloured our view and made it tougher to get to the basics of the One.Still, the 120i is lively, unless you strike an XR8 Falcon at the lights, and light on fuel.Our time with the car averaged only 8.4 litres/100km and it often showed better than 7.0 on the highway, so it is a frugal car if you don't hammer it all the time.The gearbox is light and easy, the brakes are powerful and you know you have plenty of airbag protection.The cabin isn't all that big, but has more space than a Mini. There is room for two adults in the front and space for youngsters in the tail.We liked the sound system and found the leather sports seats with adjustable side wings among the best buckets we have tried recently.But the best thing about the One is the way it responds. It is a driver's car that turns crisply into corners, holds a nice line and uses all its limited power to make driving fun.It's not the biggest car in the class and some people won't like the styling, but it is one of our favourites and we're already planning a longer-term test.It's not just a badge car. It's a BMW that is enjoyable to drive, and won't – unless you load it with frills – cost a fortune.THE BOTTOM LINEThe One is better than we expected and has more to recommend it than just a BMW badge.