BMW 1 Series 118d

We purchased a new 118d 3dr Sport in 2013 as my wife's mile muncher as she covers around 15k pa. The 1st car stayed with us for 23 months and 32k, and we were offered a superb deal on the LCI (facelift) model before it was even launched. We took it and haven't regretted it since!

Both cars were identical apart from the minor nips and tucks to the LCI car, and the evolution from the N47 to B47 engine. The new engine is by far the superior lump, and they have 'tidied up' the clutch action and improved the brakes over the earlier version. However, both cars have been nothing short of brilliant. Averaging 54mpg on both cars, no failures or recalls whatsoever and excellent value for money. Plus a rear wheel drive chassis that is just so...BMW... in the way it handles. And the newer B47 engine has zero turbo lag and just pulls.........

Annoying that rear parking sensors are an optional extra, although as part of a package that includes cruise control at £500, it isn't expensive to add to the car.

In short: an excellent car, especially in post March 2015 LCI guise.

My initial thoughts are very positive. What a beautifully engineered vehicle! It has a fabulous engine - smooth, powerful and refined. It's easy to drive and a joy to get behind the wheel.

Yes - it isn't very roomy in the back and it does have a hard ride but the advantages of driving a quality cat far outweigh any negatives of that nature. If you want a people carrier, buy a larger car. It is a driver's car, but ours often has only 1-2 people in it so it suits our needs. It oozes quality and is well built, solid and quiet on the move. Visibility is good and it's easy to park. Throw in the low tax and high miles per gallon of this diesel 118 and it's a winner.

I needed an economical car to commute (110 mile round trip), comfortable, good looking and fun to drive were also considerations. I bought a 3-Door 118D SE Efficient Dynamic (refresh) model in March 08 and covered 20k miles in that time. Everyone who drives it or is driven in it is so impressed. Everything is built well, nicely designed and the features include cruise, auto lights/wipers, aircon & sport pack.Best economy on a tank of fuel is 61mpg, the worst (when having fun) is 49mpg. Road Tax is £35, service was at 18.5k miles ( £270).Great fun to drive, nippy, smooth motorway journeys, quiet and the most brilliant 'start/stop'. I can also plug in my iPod :-)Finally depreciation, its the lowest in the UK (better than a mini) and won green car of 2008. Fantastic. My 13yr old likes it too! The BMW 1 Series 118d is such a good car, firm on the road so don't spec too large wheels! Otherwise a very confident mile muncher.

BMW 1 Series 118d is a nice little car shame about the fuel consumption. Full of improvements i.e steering, autostart and stop in traffic holdups. Fuel consumption is very poor on overall consumption giving just 46.5 mpg, manufacturers figures 60mpg.