BMW 1 Series 2011–2015 car dimensions: 4324 mm long, 1765 mm wide and 1421 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,365 kg. Braked towing is 1,200 kg.
Manual air conditioning is standard. Automatic climate control is available on higher grades or as an option. The cabin has a 6.5-inch Control Display run by iDrive controller on SE and above, with BMW Professional radio. Cruise control with braking function, rear or front-and-rear parking sensors, reversing camera, lane departure warning with collision warning, and parking assistant are all optional. No standard advanced driver aids beyond DSC and basic safety kit.
Boot holds 360 litres with seats up. Fold the 60:40 rear seats and it expands to 1,200 litres. Practical for a compact hatch with a flat load floor and lashing eyes.
Braked towing capacity is 1,200 kg and unbraked is 650 kg. Payload is 530 kg. Suitable for light trailer work or weekend loads but not heavy commercial use. No published heavy-duty cooling or reinforced suspension packages specific to this model.
The cabin feels sporty and driver-focused with a low seating position and supportive seats that hold you well in corners. Standard manual front seats and green-tinted heat-protection glass keep things simple and practical. Optional sport seats add adjustable side bolsters for better hold, while electric multi-way seats and a glass sunroof bring extra ease on longer trips. Materials feel solid with good build quality, and the iDrive setup is straightforward to use day to day.
Combined fuel use 5.5 l/100 km with 129 g/km CO2
52-litre fuel tank
Euro NCAP 5-star rating
Standard front, side and curtain airbags plus DSC and ABS
Condition Based Service system for maintenance alerts
ISOFIX child seat points on outer rear seats
The 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine returns combined fuel consumption of 5.5 to 5.7 litres per 100 km and CO2 figures of 129 to 132 g/km on the EU cycle. It runs on minimum RON 91 fuel and uses EfficientDynamics features such as Auto Start-Stop and brake energy regeneration to help keep running costs down.
Servicing follows BMW Condition Based Service, which monitors oil condition and driving style. Oil and filter changes are indicated up to a maximum of 30 000 km or 24 months. Brake fluid needs attention every two years.
Safety kit is strong for the class. The car scored five stars in the Euro NCAP test with 91 percent adult occupant protection, 83 percent child protection, 63 percent pedestrian and 86 percent safety assist. Standard items include front airbags, seat-integrated side airbags, curtain head airbags for front and rear, three-point belts with front pretensioners and force limiters, DSC with ABS, brake assist and ISOFIX anchors.
Living with the car means watching the CBS indicators and using approved long-life oil. Run-flat tyres are available and help with puncture situations. The rear seats fold 60/40 to give flexible load space from 360 litres.
Length 4324 mm, Width 1765 mm, Height 1421 mm, Wheelbase 2690 mm (1 Series 2011–2015)
Sources: manufacturer data, BMW Media Information, “Specifications, The new BMW 1 Series, 116i, 118i,” July 2011, valid from September 2011.