BMW 1 Series 2004–2013 car dimensions: 4239 mm long, 1748 mm wide and 1421 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,350 kg. Braked towing is 1,200 kg.
The cabin has heating with microfilter as standard. Manual air conditioning is optional on the 118i and automatic dual-zone climate control is also optional. Cruise control is optional. Park Distance Control sensors are optional for rear or front and rear. Navigation systems with a display are optional but use a controller rather than a touchscreen. No automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning or lane keep systems are offered.
Boot space measures 330 litres with seats up and expands to 1150 litres with the 60:40 split rear seats folded. The large tailgate and low loading height help with everyday loads.
Braked towing capacity is 1200 kg and unbraked is 650 kg. Payload is 500 kg. A towbar with removable ball head is optional. M Sport suspension is available as an option for firmer handling.
The cabin feels compact and driver-oriented with quality materials and a solid, sporty layout. Front seats offer good support and height adjustment as standard, with optional electric multi-way adjustment, lumbar support and bolsters on sports seats for a more tailored fit. Optional heated front seats and heated steering wheel add warmth in cold weather. An optional electric glass sunroof brings in more light. Climate control keeps the interior comfortable on daily drives.
Petrol 2.0-litre engine with combined consumption of 5.9-6.1 l/100 km
53-litre fuel tank
Condition-based service with oil change max every 25,000-30,000 km or 24 months
Euro NCAP 5 stars (2004 test)
Standard six airbags, ABS, DSC with DTC, run-flat tyres and tyre puncture warning
The 118i runs on petrol with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 143 hp. Official combined fuel use sits at 5.9 to 6.1 litres per 100 km depending on exact figures listed, with urban around 7.9 and extra-urban 4.7 to 5.1. The tank holds about 53 litres for decent range on mixed roads.
Servicing follows BMW’s condition-based system. The onboard computer signals when oil and filter need changing, with a maximum interval of 25,000 to 30,000 km or two years. Other checks and fluid services follow the same flexible schedule based on use.
Safety earned five stars in the 2004 Euro NCAP test for the generation. Standard kit includes dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags, ABS with brake assist and cornering brake control, plus DSC stability control with traction control. Run-flat tyres and a puncture warning system come as standard. ISOFIX anchors are fitted at the rear.
Keeping the car straightforward means sticking to the indicated service schedule and using approved oils. The rear-drive layout and solid body structure support long-term ownership when maintained properly.
Length 4239 mm, Width 1748 mm, Height 1421 mm, Wheelbase 2660 mm (1 Series 2004–2013)
Sources: manufacturer data, BMW Media Information, Specifications BMW 1 Series, 116i, 118i, 120i, 130i, five-door, January 2007, in the press kit The new BMW 1 Series, contents relate to the German market), The 118i column.