In this section, you can find reviews from BMW 118 owners. If you have experience with BMW 118 models, please share your insights with others by submitting a review through the comment form. Once moderated, it will be published.
BMW cars are the dream of millions of drivers worldwide. The Bavarians have proven the reliability and excellent performance characteristics of their vehicles. However, most models come with a hefty price tag. The 1 series cars are an exception to this rule. The reviews of BMW 118 leave no doubt about the unparalleled quality of this vehicle.
BMW 118 – the swift Bavarian
I am writing a review of the BMW 118 after owning the car for several months. I bought a used car. The previous owners had driven it for 75,000 km before me. So far, I have not encountered any breakdowns, thank God. Of course, there will be operational issues in the future, but for now, I want to share my own impression of the car.
The car is perfect for me at the moment. First and foremost, two points should be noted:
- Acceleration.
- Handling.
The car accelerates quickly, and I almost always take off first from the traffic lights. Moreover, the model grips the road perfectly. I haven't experienced any tilting in turns yet. On the highway, overtaking at high speeds has also been problem-free.
In terms of feel, it's like a racing car. The model responds to the slightest change in the steering wheel position. The seats add to the comfort. The side support is almost sporty. The body manages to stay level and not slide out of the seat.
Of course, in my review of the BMW 118, I cannot fail to mention the drawbacks. The fuel consumption is currently a concern. It is 1.5-2 liters higher than stated in the manual. I do drive fast, but I'm no Schumacher on the track. I think there might be something wrong with the engine, but I can't say for sure. I haven't taken it for diagnostics yet.
There are also issues in the cabin. I am 1.8 m tall, so I have adjusted the seat well. It's uncomfortable for rear passengers. There's barely any legroom left. A tall family would be better off looking for something else.
The trunk space is small. The car is not suitable for long trips or transporting bulky items.
Review of BMW 118 – a worthy choice
I bought the car in 2016 from official dealers. I used to drive only diesels for a long time, but eventually, I switched to gasoline. The car has its pros and cons.
I want to start my review of the BMW 118 with the advantages. I was most impressed by the cabin insulation. The drive is perfect. Besides the engine, I hardly hear anything. I switched from a Skoda to this BMW. I won't say anything bad about the Skoda; I drove an Octavia for 3-4 years. However, in terms of cabin insulation, this manufacturer lags behind the Bavarians.
The 8-speed automatic transmission works quickly. Many say it «lags» and affects performance, but everything is fine for me. Perhaps the car is relatively new, and I don't drive frequently or aggressively.
Now onto the drawbacks. The main ones are:
- Rear brake pads;
- Audio system;
- Trunk space.
Every winter, I have to replace the rear brake pads almost from scratch. I don't know the reason. Even the official service centers only offer replacement without any meaningful solutions.
The sound system is subpar. I had to completely change the factory audio system. I'm a music lover, so I know a thing or two about this matter.
BMW also fell short in the trunk department. I would have liked more cargo space. It's not critical for me at the moment, but life presents various situations.
Reliability of BMW 118 in question
I fulfilled my dream and bought myself a new car. Well, new for me — as the car had already covered 125,000 km. Overall, I am satisfied with the purchase, but I don't plan to drive the car for long in the future. Most likely, I will sell it in a couple of years.
After 20,000 km of driving, problems with the engine started cropping up. The first sign was the appearance of a «diesel» sound. The car was practically roaring. Then the exhaust color changed. A bluish smoke started coming out of the pipe. I went to a service station — they said there was an issue with the hydraulic lifters.
They were replaced. The smoke disappeared, but the knocking remained. I started visiting different service centers, but everywhere the verdict was the same: replace the engine. After reading reviews of other BMW 118 owners, I realized that I was hitting the jackpot with issues at 100-150 thousand. In the end, I opted for a used engine. It saved me some money.
After the replacement, the problems disappeared. Now, I drive calmly and confidently. The expenses are significant for me; I wouldn't be able to handle a higher-class BMW anymore.
Another issue is the spare tire. Maybe I got a specific model, but I just couldn't find a place for the fifth wheel. I had to use run-flat tires. These tires are 20-30% more expensive than regular ones. Another hit on the budget.
The car is fine, but it's better to think in advance whether you'll be able to maintain it in the future or not. It won't leave you broke, but improper maintenance could lead to a breakdown.
Also: Reviews of BMW 7 series models
Review of BMW 118 – no competition
I have owned the car for 2 years. I bought it used, and I drive a lot. The total mileage is now 130,000 km. So far, I haven't faced any engine issues. It accelerates briskly, and the fuel consumption is within the values stated in the manual. I haven't encountered any oil consumption either.
The cabin is appealing. I have the basic trim, so there's no luxury to speak of. However, even in this case, the company did an excellent job. The plastic elements fit perfectly, and there are no squeaks or rattles anywhere. The seat upholstery is top-notch. It's made of fabric but stitched quite well and reliably.
The ergonomics are unmatched. Everything is simple and clear. I operate various buttons and options with ease. Initially, the steering wheel seemed a bit small, but I got used to this feature. Now, I don't even want to switch to another variant.
The only drawback is off-road capability. This car is strictly for urban use. Forget about fishing/hunting with it. There are two reasons:
- Ground clearance.
- Rear-wheel drive.
The ground clearance is frankly insufficient, so it's better to drive carefully even in the city. The undercarriage can easily take a hit. The rear-wheel drive doesn't help with off-road capabilities either. City and highway driving are fine. In other cases, it's better to think ten times. Overall, my review of the BMW 118 is extremely positive. The car outperforms all competitors in its class.
