What Does 118i Mean on BMW? An In-Depth Look at the 1 Series Base Model

As an avid BMW fan and 1 Series owner, I‘m excited to share an in-depth look at the 118i – the base petrol model in BMW‘s small but mighty 1 Series line. If you‘ve been curious about what 118i means and how this little BMW variant stacks up, read on!

Demystifying BMW‘s Model Numbers

BMW follows a standard naming convention across all models. The first number indicates the model series (1 Series, 2 Series, etc.). The next two digits represent the engine displacement in deciliters. And the last letter identifies the engine type: i for petrol, d for diesel.

So in our case, 118i breaks down as:

• 1 – We‘re looking at a 1 Series
• 18 – Stands for 1.8L engine displacement (rounded up from 1.5L)
• i – Denotes this is a petrol engine

This naming scheme makes it easy to decode any BMW at a glance. Now let‘s look under the 118i‘s hood…

Engine Specs – A Turbocharged Triple

The 118i packs a 1.5L 3-cylinder twinpower turbo petrol engine that generates 140hp and 220Nm of torque. This turbo 3-pot provides ample power for daily driving, while maintaining good fuel efficiency.

I took my 118i from 0-100km/h in a brisk 8.7 seconds – not far off BMW‘s claim of 8.5! Top speed is electronically limited to 215km/h. In my experience, the 118i has plenty of poke for merging onto highways and confident overtaking.

Of course, it doesn‘t have the insane thrust of a full-blown M car. Flooring the throttle reveals some low-end turbo lag, and the engine note gets buzzy above 4000 rpm. But for a small three-cylinder, it punches above its weight!

How Does the 118i Compare to Other 1 Series Variants?

Model	Engine	Power	0-100km/h	Drivetrain
116i	1.5L 3-cyl petrol	109hp	10.3sec	FWD
118i	1.5L 3-cyl petrol	140hp	8.5sec	FWD
120i	2.0L 4-cyl petrol	192hp	7.5sec	FWD
118d	2.0L 4-cyl diesel	150hp	8.6sec	FWD
120d	2.0L 4-cyl diesel	190hp	7.5sec	FWD

The 118i slots neatly between the lower-powered 116i and the punchier 120i. It strikes a nice balance of adequate performance and efficiency. Compared to the 118d diesel, the 118i gives up some torque and economy in return for free-revving petrol power.

Later I‘ll share how the 118i compares to my 128i coupe and 135i convertible for true BMW power!

Front-Wheel Drive – A Departure from BMW Tradition

When the 1 Series switched from rear- to front-wheel drive, some enthusiasts were up in arms. But I believe there are merits to the FWD layout in this application:

Pros:

• More interior space in a smaller footprint
• Better traction in slippery conditions
• Eliminates torque steer issues

Cons:

• Loses that iconic BMW RWD handling
• Less engaging for keen drivers
• Open diff lacks limited-slip capabilities

Overall, FWD suits the 1 Series as an entry-level urban runabout. And BMW‘s engineering prowess gives it handling dynamics superior to a typical front-driver. The well-weighted steering retains that characteristic precision and feel.

Real-World Fuel Economy

Official consumption for the 118i is 5.7L/100km – but how does it really stack up in the real world? Based on my fuel logs, my lifetime average is 7.2L/100km over 15,000km. Respectable for a petrol engine with 140 horses under the hood.

I tend to have a heavy right foot though! More moderate driving could easily achieve sub-6L/100km. Not bad considering the performance on tap. The small tank does mean more frequent fills – around 450km between stops.

Maintenance and Ownership Costs

Compared to an equivalent mainstream hatch, the 118i‘s maintenance and parts are understandably pricier. But that‘s par for the course with a premium vehicle. Here‘s a look at sample service costs at my BMW dealer:

Service	Details	Cost
Basic Oil Service	Oil & filter change	$260
Intermediate Service	Additional inspections	$470
Major Service	Full maintenance	$850

I budget around $1200 annually for regular maintenance based on my driving style – a small price to pay for enjoying that BMW engineering!

In terms of repairs, the 1 Series has proven relatively trouble-free thus far. The newer B48 engines have been reliable compared to previous generations. Just be sure to follow the maintenance schedule in the manual.

Leasing vs Buying? Things to Consider

I bought my 118i outright after trading in my 128i coupé. But leasing is also a smart option:

Leasing Pros

• Lower monthly payments
• Easy to swap cars frequently
• Warranty coverage for lease period

Buying Pros

• No mileage limits
• Customize without restrictions
• Build equity in the car

For maximum flexibility and no ownership hassles, leasing is great. But buying is rewarding if you plan to keep the car long-term.

Driving Impressions – Pleasing Performance and Poise

Now for my in-depth driving impressions after 15,000km behind the wheel. In a nutshell, the 118i is a joy to drive! Here are some highlights:

• Linear power delivery and minimal lag with sport mode engaged
• Suspension absorbs bumps without compromising control
• Precise, nicely weighted steering with good feedback
• Agile around corners thanks to perfect 50:50 weight distribution
• Quality interior materials with premium fit and finish
• Supportive front seats keeps you comfortable for hours

The potent brakes inspire confidence during hard stops. And the slick 6-speed manual gearbox is a pleasure to row through.

Could it benefit from more power? Sure – but that urge is satisfied by moving up the M Performance ranks…

Comparison – My 128i vs 118i Experiences

Having previously owned a 2008 128i Coupe, I can appreciate the differences between BMW‘s 1 Series models separated by a decade.

While the 128i‘s silky inline-6 delivered effortless thrust, the 118i‘s scrappy 3-cylinder punches above its weight. The 128i oozed RWD handling, but the 118i‘s FWD layout has grown on me too.

After tuning, my 128i put down over 300hp to the rear wheels! Yet as a daily driver, I don‘t actually miss the overt power as much as expected. Both are satisfying to wring out, just at different ends of the spectrum.

Things I‘ve Upgraded on My 118i

While perfectly capable in stock form, I‘ve added some choice modifications to enhance my 118i‘s aesthetics and dynamics:

• BMC air filter – improves throttle response
• M Performance exhaust – deeper growl
• Eibach lowering springs – tighter handling
• Tinted windows – privacy & style
• LED interior lights – cooler ambiance
• Short shift kit – quicker shifts
• M Performance steering wheel – extra grip

Nothing too flashy, just subtle touches that accentuate the best of the 118i. It‘s the perfect package for me as an everyday sports hatch.

Parting Wisdom for New 118i Owners

For those picking up a new 118i, a few tips to get the most enjoyment from your 1 Series:

• Use Sport mode when you want sharper throttle and steering
• Learn to push the chassis to feel how capable it is
• Stay on top of maintenance – don‘t neglect services
• Consider quality tires for maximum grip
• Personalize with BMW M accessories to make it your own
• Most importantly – drive it like you stole it!

The 118i will happily return smiles for miles when pushed. Enjoy the journey!

Summing Up the Entry-Level 1 Series

In closing, the BMW 118i offers an affordable route into premium hatchback performance. The peppy turbo triple provides pleasing driveability for daily commutes, while sporty handling puts a grin on your face. A genuinely fun car to wring out, it proudly carries BMW‘s Ultimate Driving Machine DNA. For those seeking Munich goodness on a budget, the 118i is a win.