Should You Buy a BMW 1 SERIES? (Test Drive & Review 118i Sport)

Today I'm in this 2014 BMW 118i. Let's see what it's like...

If you're interested in getting into the used car industry, check out the website below for more information on my online course. It's only £27 per month with biweekly livestreams! There are nearly 100 videos covering a whole range of topics. Plus you can cancel at any time. Click below.

I'd be grateful if you could give the video a thumbs up and don't forget to subscribe if you're new to the channel.

Follow Me:

Thanks for watching

#highpeakautos #bmw #bmw1series #118i

[Andri.Prokopenko]

Got a 2016 120d after 2 years of 2016 Audi A3 sedan ownership. There is just no point of comparing them. A3 is a Golf, spoiled in some places. BMW suspension, driver position, seats, steering - are just on the other level. One series shows an incredible balance between comfort and handling. It is such a good all-rounder. If I had a lot of money to buy other cars, I would still leave my 120d as daily.

[BrunoHsdc]

That’s not a review, that’s a straight up rant.

[RTR]

My wife had a 2013 120d M Sport, and it was amazingly reliable. Serviced properly and it never missed a beat for 8 years. Brakes and tyres were all it ever needed.

[kenw]

Had a 2015 F20 116i Sport for about 5 years, not a single problem, enjoyable to drive, boot space excellent, comfortable, manual gear box nice, quality interior compared to others at the time and Media system a delight. Only down side was rear space which was not a priority for us. Now in the hands of my Grandson who has not had any problems either.

[larrypoulton]

I am just about to pick up a secondhand 2015 116D. both my wife and I loved it, inside and out. It's been looked after and has an almost 100% MOT pass history. We found the 1.5L engine more than enough for us on the sedate Welsh roads. I find it amusing that normally, you would expect loads of negative comments with horror stories but the majority of comments seem to be coming to its defence. Maybe you misjudged us or maybe you misjudged the car.

[smwatson]

Bought an M140i recently, absolutely belting. Love it. No interest in anything more "normal".

[lilturk]

Your honesty is what’s taken you a long way in this game and will take you a lot further, had a 1 series a couple years back on a 62 plate and was nothing but trouble from start to finish dodgy electrics + turbos etc. solid review as always

[Kofi_Mensahs_BurnerAccount]

Cmon mate Kia Proceed, Ford Focus? They’re not in the 1 Series’ league. Some buy it only for the badge yes but some of us buy it because A: we’re on a sensible budget and we know what we’re buying and B: maybe the parking situation at home doesn’t allow for parking a 3 or 5 Series and only a hatchback will fit. They’re great cars if the previous owners have looked after them and that’s the sting in the tail. Most don’t. My one is an E87 and it’s been well looked after. I’ve continued the trend and it’s the only car in my almost 6 years of driving that hasn’t gone bad like my Focus MK2 did in only 9 months.

[lukewokeywoos]

Love the honesty and transparency through and through. I have always looked forward to your videos as honestly takes away my stress and worries I’ve had since the start of the year (me my girlfriend and baby was homeless). I’m definitely not one too look for sympathy but genuinely gets me through and takes the edge off even for 10/20mins and motivates me too achieve more and get one of these big boy engines you speak of as i have a 1.6 power 🤣🚙

[onpoint]

Not everybody cares about 6 cylinder speed and power bro. Some people are happy just cruising in a premium brand car. Alot of people have powerful cars and never push them anyway. They just have them for the sake of having a fast powerful car.

[adeelhussain]

Iv got a 2012 f20 1 series and have owned it for the past 6 years and have never had any issues. It's been so reliable and still going strong at 130k miles.

[amato]

Ah Matt I think that's a harsh one. I've had my 13 plate 118d M Sport for over a year. Picked it up for £7k before the prices went nuts, 68k, with full history, 2 new tyres and new discs and pads all round. In 15 months it's only needed a window regulator.

I've had a same age Focus ST, my folks have an A3 and my in laws have the ceed. It's been miles more reliable than the ST, maybe a little bit down in the Audi interior but it was miles cheaper. The ceed felt so cheap in comparison.

The complaint about getting into reverse is the same on the 3 series.

usually find myself on the same level as you, but I really like my 1 series.

[paulweikert]

I bought a pre-owned 2017 118i Sport 5 years ago. I've not had a single issue with it (perhaps luckily for me after watching this video 😉). Still drives as it did on day 1. No annoying creaks or squeaks! Feels solid. It is an auto which I think may be preferable in this car. I've driven a number of BMs and there are similarities in the drive so I think they did a decent job of it. I did test drive the equivalent 2017 A-class at the time and I thought it was awful. I also thought that A3, whilst refined, was a bit boring and forgettable (albeit nicer interior).

[AutoAbsolute]

Great video as always. I had a 64 plate 116i M-Sport F20 in white, was one of my first cars and it was great, 0 issues during 4 years of ownership and got a nice trade in value 5 years ago for it.

[Mike-brzt]

I had one for a few years. It was an auto and fully loaded (Australian version). We had no issues with it. Great car to drive around Sydney (North shore). Did not work as a family car so we sold it.

[vviiper]

I picked up an 55 plate 130i in good spec a month ago, with 174k miles on it, good service history and it's a fantastic car

[tomaspiscicelli]

I agree, it’s a car people buy for the badge. My grandma has a 118i LCI 2 (2018). Personally I don’t like the B38 turbo 3 cyl, BUT it’s more reliable than the 1.6 THP the earlier models had. I’d recommend the newer engines (B38, B48 petrol, B37 and B47 diesel) with the auto transmission, it’s a ZF 8 speed, bulletproof. The earlier models were as unreliable as an L322 V8 Range Rover no matter the engine nor the transmission you may choose. Almost forgot, don’t ever go X drive.

[jackdove]

See I love the simplicity of the 1 series. I especially like the 1st generation. I think it’s the nicest looking hatchback of that generation. I have a 118D and other than it not being quick it’s the best car I’ve owned. Better than my old mk5 golf. Better than my mk2 and mk3 Seat Leon. I would say in the price brackets it the best bang for your buck

[Gizmoht]

Love how Mat is brutally honest in his reviews. I had a 118d se on a 2014 with no issues whatsoever, so I guess I was lucky. Decent little cars, but again, listen to Mat guys, he knows his stuff

[garethprytherch]

My son has a 2016 120d m sport auto and tbh it’s pretty quick and auto box is superb. Looks better as a 3dr although as you say not as practical as the 5dr. Facelift version with led lights makes a huge improvement too 👍