After introducing you to thetest of the BMW 1 Series in 118i manual gearboxhere it is in a DKG automatic gearbox, and with the famous M Sport finish, the most popular in the range!
Design: M Sport otherwise nothing
Well designed, the BMW 1 Series is unanimous on its style. It is even more assertive here with this M Sport finish with an exacerbated dynamic character. It receives the M body package as standard, which includes many specific body elements.
At the front, the Series 1 M Sport receives a completely redesigned shield with side scoops, and an enlarged lower grille. The LED fog lamps are repositioned in relation to a conventional shield.
At the rear, the shield is also specific with side scoops, and a lower diffuser-style part. The side sills are also concerned, nothing is left to chance!
The grille here is entirely shiny black and not chrome: it is the Black Shadow pack, a very attractive option in price and which also comes with a black-rimmed exhaust pipe. The other chrome elements around the glazing are in all cases glossy black.
Note that on a 118i, the double output is not appropriate. You have to go to power levels from 150 hp to be entitled to it, like on the 118d or the 120i….
Note the presence of alloy wheels with M logo: every detail counts. All of these elements bring a modestly motorized 1 Series closer to an M135i… The differences can only be counted on the fingers of one hand: the blue calipers, the specific rear spoiler, the grille with star motifs… Knowing that the the first two are also offered as an option on a classic M Sport.
Inside the BMW 1 Series M Sport
As we saw in our previous test of the BMW 118i manual gearbox, the interior of the 1 Series is not lacking in assets. While waiting for its restyling, the Series 1 is quite sober for the integration of screens in comparison with a Mercedes Class A. The central screen is offered in two different sizes. As standard, the high-resolution 8.8″ touchscreen control screen is complemented by a small instrumentation screen between the digital meters. With the “BMW Live Cockpit Navigation Pro”, the central screen goes to a diagonal of 10.25″ and is completed with an instrumentation screen of the same size (not present on the test model photographed here). Ergonomics is easy and adapts to all, since it is possible to control the many functions by the iDrive wheel, by the touch screen, or by voice command. And if that wasn’t enough, gesture controls can top it all off with a dedicated option.
The radio part and the air conditioning have their own classic controls, which facilitate day-to-day use. Things that should change with the restyling to come in the coming months (see the Restyled BMW 3 Series )
This M Sport finish is not content with a specific presentation on the outside, it is also adorned with a sporty atmosphere on the inside. This begins as soon as the front door of the aluminum sills in the colors of M. is opened (for the front sills only).
As standard, the sports seats are covered with a mixed leather and fabric upholstery with blue stitching. These are also found on the dashboard and the door panels. The lateral support of the seats is pleasant, and the seat can be lengthened: real differences compared to the seats of the classic versions.
If the backrest width adjustments are electric and standard for the driver, the other electric functions are optional, including for the lumbar adjustment. Another feature of this M Sport finish: a steering wheel with thick rims and a specific design, with the M logo, a black roof liner, and a stainless steel pedals. All of these elements bring a real atmosphere to the interior, which clearly stands out from the more standard finishes. Besides, an M135i has the same cabin! Only the 128 ti is differentiated by red stitching and ti logos.
Special mention for the handling of the steering wheel, and the leather-covered central hub, worthy of the most luxurious BMWs.
BMW also offers Alcantara upholstery, which must be accompanied by M front seats with integrated head restraints.
In France, the equipment of this M Sport version also includes the navigation system, digital instrumentation, reversing camera…
Another distinction offered on this finish: the “Illuminated Boston” decorative inserts. They include LED lighting whose color you can choose, which is a real plus for the night presentation…
On the other hand, it will be necessary to go through the list of options to activate the dual-zone automatic air conditioning with air conditioning outlets at the rear present on this test vehicle.
The habitability is decent, but the rear passengers can quickly become cramped if a car seat is installed on one of the side seats. Comfort will be required for 4 people, rarely for five.
On the side of the trunk, it is in the middle with 380 liters and is compartmentalized with a floor which can make it possible to isolate certain objects.
To drive: an even better 118i with the DKG7 gearbox
BMW’s reputation could have suffered from the switch from this generation of 1 Series to front-wheel drive. But as we will see, this is not the case.
If the chassis of this “F40” had already convinced us, it is even more efficient with the DirectDrive suspensions and the sport steering. What make you want an even higher power. But the mechanical approval is not unpleasant either, as we will see.
The 1.5 L 3-cylinder engine first appeared on the Mini Cooper, before being installed on BMW models such as the old 3 Series F30, the 1 Series, the 2 Series Active Tourer or the X1. This same block is also now part of the all-new rechargeable hybrid engine present on the 2022 X1 and Series 2 Active Tourer. It is therefore a perfectly up-to-date engine, and even more pleasant when coupled with the DKG dual-clutch gearbox.
If this 3-cylinder 136 hp obviously does not make the 118i a sports car, the presence of the DKG gearbox brings real dynamism during times. However, we regret not being able to have paddles at the wheel, which could be useful from time to time. The gearbox control has a sequential lack, which will allow you to downshift by hand on a mountain road to recover from the engine brake…
Several driving modes are available. To save fuel, the famous ECO PRO mode will play on the response to the accelerator, the speed of gear changes, or even the power of the air conditioning. The driver will see the time spent in Start & Stop displayed in the odometer, which can quickly exceed 2 hours on a full tank for those who do a lot of city driving. The mileage gained by fuel economy may also prompt activation of this mode, which unfortunately deactivates each time the engine is switched off.
Sport mode activates a display on a red background, to immerse you in a completely different atmosphere. This mode plays on the response of the engine, the shifting speed of the 7 gears of the gearbox, and the firmness of the power steering. A nice mode, but which can also make it easier to taste the limits of the engine block. If this 3-cylinder knows how to be discreet on its architecture most of the time, its sound is however less noble when you climb the towers.
To gain autonomy, the larger capacity tank (option at 55 euros) adds 8 liters. Enough to increase the range to 630 km when full!
Budget: the prices and options to choose from on a Series 1 M Sport
Prices for the BMW 1 Series currently start at 28,350 euros for a 109 hp 116i, a price that rises to 32,350 euros for a 118i DKG. Activating the M Sport finish raises the bill to 38,250 euros, without options. If the equipment is already relatively complete, it will be impossible and a shame not to activate some additional options that are sometimes essential. Like the 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench seat, heat-insulating glazing, active cruise control, dual-zone automatic air conditioning… The panoramic sunroof and Hifi system will also bring a real plus to everyday life.
Packs are available, such as the comfort pack at 1850 euros with motorized tailgate, heated seats, comfort access and electric lumbar support. The innovation pack at 1800 euros includes Drive Assist, anti-dazzle high beams, the advanced full LED pack, and anti-dazzle folding and interior and exterior left mirrors.
For comparison, an Audi A3 Sportback TFSI 150 S-Tronic is billed at 40,350 euros, a slightly higher price.
This BMW 1 Series is therefore well placed in terms of price, and maintains its used rating very well. It also manages to contain its consumption, with an average that can turn to less than 7 L in mixed use. Even in town, provided you drive calmly, consumption will not exceed 8 L. A figure that is already sufficient given the prices at the pump!