It's sad how underrated this car is just because it's a FWD BMW. If you want a hatchback that drives well, this is the best there is on the market. The base 120 drives better than a MK8 Golf GTI and has a better chassis. That's not a joke.
Really great review! Have just got this new 1 series and love it so far. Had a 2 series 220i gran coupe before and note you point on the SUV market of which I looked at. Opted for one of these and few days in it’s fun, nippy, mobile and has so much good tech on it. Don’t need much more!
Got one on order that i'm picking up in December. Really excited to get it. Anything you regret not getting option wise? Does it have the Iconic glow grill? Seen a few places where it mentions it and BMW released a video in September showing it but nothing since.
Not in the new X3. It's plastic not-so-fantastic. In fact, I saw a review where they said the new 1 series has a better screwed interior than the X3. Wow
Love this review! Looking at trading in my Audi A3 2013 plate whilst it’s still worth something and using that money as a deposit to a 1 series! I’d go PCP and then trade it in every 4 years. This looks neat, love the dash and impressed they’ve done away with the sat nav updates, that did shock me!
I love your reviews Jim they are much better and balanced than the other car You Tube channels..... BMW the last of the quality German car manufacturers. 😉
Morning Jim, thanks for this review. It comes at a very timely time as I desperately need to get rid of my AudiTT which is an old lady now - a bit like me! It is just that I am not ready for a ‘saloony’ type car. I want something sensible with a bit of a thrill to drive, and comfortable to sit in. My inner self would be happy with another Audi TT but perhaps not the best for a lady who will be an octogenarian next year! Although I love driving mine. I always love your reviews and other videos, so keep them coming. Many thanks.
If u had to choose between this and the mark 8.5 golf 1.5 etsi DSG r line which would u prefer. My r line could be taking another 6 months already waited 3 months. I've been offered one of these within a few weeks and cheaper.????
The wireless charging is part of the tech pack. Standard BMW soundsystem unless you upgrade to the harman and no, tinted rear windows are an extra too.
I always prefer standard suspension and more the more tyre wall the better so smaller wheels for me but I have a bad back and seem to be getting...old...
The BMW's that I have had in the past have generally used the engine size as the model name like a 325 was 2.5 litre so why not 115 as the model designation rather than 118 or 120 also no manual version will reduce sales as I have the manual 118 M sport so would not want to replace with an auto in the future.
Just as an update you can get a middle model. The Msport M123 and it has the 2 litre 4 cylinder (218 BHP with MHT) and Xdrive as well. Its £3000 more but it is very close the older 128Ti in performance at 6.3 0-60 and has the four wheel drive. The WLTP figure of nearly 48 mpg is another plus. My daughter bought new the last of the F21 118i Msport shadows and the B38 engine in brilliant and it fuel consumption is brilliant, even with her lead foot and impatience mid fourties is easy to attain. This is on the dreaded M4 travelling from Heathrow to Bristol and back. This car has had no faults just service and replacement tyres. Really like the one Series and looking at the 135i as the reviews have been excellent.
Detailed review Jim, I've just changed my car and it was a toss up between the 1 series and the latest Mercedes A Class. The cars were I were looking at were very closely spect the M sport had less than the AMG line A200 in the basic price and loved the interior more on the A class so went for a 6 mth old A Class which saved me nearly 10k Living it so far.
I’ve had a portimao blue 120 for the last month, coming from a 2022 X3 20 mild hybrid. Prior to that a 335d touring and and M140i before that. My wife has an 2023 A180 and it’s a great car. I was looking to downsize and reduce bills. I’m really happy with 120. A180 drives great and the interior style is brilliant. 120 feels a bit more spacious inside. Both have equally over complicated tech, certainly compared to the brilliant X3 I had. 120 rides a bit better on the m adaptive dampers. Both have great seats (my wife’s has the amg version of BMW’s msport) albeit the 120s are a bit softer and more comfortable. Boot space in the A180 is better and you can actually use the curry hooks. 120 is also great to drive and Goodyear eagle F1 asymmetric 6 are light years better than the awful Conti eco contact tyres on the A180. 120 adaptive leds are better than the A180 standard leds. Wish I’d put the HK audio in the 120, would still have been below £40k. Only because coming from the very quiet x3 to smaller car, there’s a touch on wind noise from the mirrors where the HK speakers would fit. ( had HK on my m140i but not in the x3 or 335). In summary I’m very pleased with car. It’s a lot better than some of the negative reviews I’ve seen going about and is great to drive which is the main thing.
This car is loaded with options so a lot of things are not standard including the Live Cockpit Professional that would be lovely but you can only get as part of a £2750 option pack. I'd possibly get the cheaper technology pack plus the auto air conditioning(why is that extra?) and Harmon Kardon speakers.
Nice review jim, love the tech they have packed into the car, but that front is very ugly, I don't like the headlights or the grill where the bars go in 2 different directions. I wonder if people will grow to like it, like the 2020+ 4 series
Great review. As the 1 series has evolved (i.e. changing to FWD) to me, it's just gotten better looking. Given that most BMWs are pug ugly, the baby Beemer is now one of their best looking models, especially in M-Sport trim.
Our current one series 116d was £26k new, it does 60mpg. No diesel not great, we will not be buying another one series. When watching the autofugl channel there are two diesel models, I cannot understand why they are not bringing them to UK? Diesels make more sense…
Great review as always Jim- many thanks 👍. Can't believe the 1-series is now 20 years old and all the furore when it was first launched that it wasn't a pure BMW because it was fwd - oh my, how those purists were proved wrong, yet again😂
Had a few 1 series and may look again. They were always great cars but was disappointed when they reduced the BHP and made them front wheel drive although I must confess I have never driven a FWD. plus I like lots of spec so a new one would be a fortune.
What the heck is sustainable leather? We grow another cow every time a steering wheel is made? Also, reversing assist and the powered tailgate aren't standard.
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru Oh.... you mean faux leather. I don't think it is faux on the M-Sport and the M135. Only fake leather on the steering wheel is on the Sport model.
This drives and feels about 8x better than the Civic, not sure what you were looking at that didn't impress you about it lol. Better interior quality, better sound proofing, comfort, etc. And drives much better.
Great review as always Jim. BMW since to have nailed it on the interior design, but for me, the exterior is bland and forgettable. Perhaps its better in the flesh?
✅ 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗼 : leaselo.co/notaguru-bmw-1-series
✅𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 : tinyurl.com/dnagjim
It's sad how underrated this car is just because it's a FWD BMW. If you want a hatchback that drives well, this is the best there is on the market. The base 120 drives better than a MK8 Golf GTI and has a better chassis. That's not a joke.
👍👍
Thoughts compared to its mini (cooper s or jcw) cousin?
who told you that is drives better than MK8 GTI ? :) how did you measure that?))
Really great review! Have just got this new 1 series and love it so far. Had a 2 series 220i gran coupe before and note you point on the SUV market of which I looked at.
Opted for one of these and few days in it’s fun, nippy, mobile and has so much good tech on it.
Don’t need much more!
Nice!
Got one on order that i'm picking up in December. Really excited to get it. Anything you regret not getting option wise? Does it have the Iconic glow grill? Seen a few places where it mentions it and BMW released a video in September showing it but nothing since.
BMW interiors are always pretty strong, this looks really nice in my opinion.
Me too!
Not in the new X3. It's plastic not-so-fantastic. In fact, I saw a review where they said the new 1 series has a better screwed interior than the X3. Wow
The sat nav is cool. Great review, thanks
No problem 👍
Great review Jim 👏🏻
Thank you!
thanks like it ! its color is Skyscraper ?
I’m not sure to be honest
Love this review! Looking at trading in my Audi A3 2013 plate whilst it’s still worth something and using that money as a deposit to a 1 series! I’d go PCP and then trade it in every 4 years. This looks neat, love the dash and impressed they’ve done away with the sat nav updates, that did shock me!
If you’re thinking of doing that please explore a PCH first as you might just save a lot of money. Great car.
I love your reviews Jim they are much better and balanced than the other car You Tube channels..... BMW the last of the quality German car manufacturers. 😉
Glad you like them! 👍👍
Great review, Jim!
Thank you mate!
Morning Jim, thanks for this review. It comes at a very timely time as I desperately need to get rid of my AudiTT which is an old lady now - a bit like me! It is just that I am not ready for a ‘saloony’ type car. I want something sensible with a bit of a thrill to drive, and comfortable to sit in. My inner self would be happy with another Audi TT but perhaps not the best for a lady who will be an octogenarian next year! Although I love driving mine. I always love your reviews and other videos, so keep them coming. Many thanks.
This could be the one; I’ve also got the new A3 in early next month.
If u had to choose between this and the mark 8.5 golf 1.5 etsi DSG r line which would u prefer. My r line could be taking another 6 months already waited 3 months. I've been offered one of these within a few weeks and cheaper.????
It’s close but I prefer the BMW
This will be my next whip
Nice choice 👍
I own the 120 M Sport model and I’m curious to know if the USB C ports can be used to play music from a memory stick.
I can't help you there, sorry
👍👍👍. Thanks Jim
Thank you
On the standard 120 m sport without extras do u get the wireless charging, what soundsystem comes standard, do u get tinted rear windows...
I had a few hours with it mate, you’d have to check the configurator or brochure for all the equipment and options 👍
The wireless charging is part of the tech pack. Standard BMW soundsystem unless you upgrade to the harman and no, tinted rear windows are an extra too.
Looks nice inside and out vert nice car
👍👍
Hi Jim. What are you thinking about a basic or a standard suspension? With 17/18 inch wheels. Does it deliver more drive comfort?
I always prefer standard suspension and more the more tyre wall the better so smaller wheels for me but I have a bad back and seem to be getting...old...
Great review...how reliable is that engine?
Not sure. I didn’t breakdown in the 6 hours I was with it…
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru isn't it the same engine that's in the mini cooper?
Also a lease will probably work out better than an outright purchase when you take deprecation into account
@@DavidBoreham-kk9dx exactly and it's got the best!
Very reliable, it's basically half of a B58 6 cylinder.
The BMW's that I have had in the past have generally used the engine size as the model name like a 325 was 2.5 litre so why not 115 as the model designation rather than 118 or 120 also no manual version will reduce sales as I have the manual 118 M sport so would not want to replace with an auto in the future.
they changed it a good few years ago, Audi and Mercedes also made similar moves
Just as an update you can get a middle model. The Msport M123 and it has the 2 litre 4 cylinder (218 BHP with MHT) and Xdrive as well. Its £3000 more but it is very close the older 128Ti in performance at 6.3 0-60 and has the four wheel drive. The WLTP figure of nearly 48 mpg is another plus. My daughter bought new the last of the F21 118i Msport shadows and the B38 engine in brilliant and it fuel consumption is brilliant, even with her lead foot and impatience mid fourties is easy to attain. This is on the dreaded M4 travelling from Heathrow to Bristol and back. This car has had no faults just service and replacement tyres. Really like the one Series and looking at the 135i as the reviews have been excellent.
👍
48mpg from the 123? Really? That’s interesting. Thanks
Detailed review Jim, I've just changed my car and it was a toss up between the 1 series and the latest Mercedes A Class. The cars were I were looking at were very closely spect the M sport had less than the AMG line A200 in the basic price and loved the interior more on the A class so went for a 6 mth old A Class which saved me nearly 10k
Living it so far.
Enjoy 👍👍
I’ve had a portimao blue 120 for the last month, coming from a 2022 X3 20 mild hybrid. Prior to that a 335d touring and and M140i before that. My wife has an 2023 A180 and it’s a great car. I was looking to downsize and reduce bills. I’m really happy with 120. A180 drives great and the interior style is brilliant. 120 feels a bit more spacious inside. Both have equally over complicated tech, certainly compared to the brilliant X3 I had. 120 rides a bit better on the m adaptive dampers. Both have great seats (my wife’s has the amg version of BMW’s msport) albeit the 120s are a bit softer and more comfortable. Boot space in the A180 is better and you can actually use the curry hooks. 120 is also great to drive and Goodyear eagle F1 asymmetric 6 are light years better than the awful Conti eco contact tyres on the
A180. 120 adaptive leds are better than the A180 standard leds. Wish I’d put the HK audio in the 120, would still have been below £40k. Only because coming from the very quiet x3 to smaller car, there’s a touch on wind noise from the mirrors where the HK speakers would fit. ( had HK on my m140i but not in the x3 or 335). In summary I’m very pleased with car. It’s a lot better than some of the negative reviews I’ve seen going about and is great to drive which is the main thing.
This car is loaded with options so a lot of things are not standard including the Live Cockpit Professional that would be lovely but you can only get as part of a £2750 option pack. I'd possibly get the cheaper technology pack plus the auto air conditioning(why is that extra?) and Harmon Kardon speakers.
👍
Nice review jim, love the tech they have packed into the car, but that front is very ugly, I don't like the headlights or the grill where the bars go in 2 different directions. I wonder if people will grow to like it, like the 2020+ 4 series
Great review. As the 1 series has evolved (i.e. changing to FWD) to me, it's just gotten better looking. Given that most BMWs are pug ugly, the baby Beemer is now one of their best looking models, especially in M-Sport trim.
I think it looks good too, I especially like that little dip in the bonnet behind the badge.
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru And I can't think of many better interiors in a small car.
Our current one series 116d was £26k new, it does 60mpg. No diesel not great, we will not be buying another one series. When watching the autofugl channel there are two diesel models, I cannot understand why they are not bringing them to UK? Diesels make more sense…
Hardly any diesels are getting sold over here now whilst they’re still fairly popular in Germany and a lot of mainland Europe.
Cheers Jim great review very Slick and a new BMW that doesn't look like a rabid beaver that looks like it wants to naw on all the other cars
😂😂😂
Great review as always Jim- many thanks 👍. Can't believe the 1-series is now 20 years old and all the furore when it was first launched that it wasn't a pure BMW because it was fwd - oh my, how those purists were proved wrong, yet again😂
Yes mate, over 3M sales so far so maybe they’re not too bothered about the purists 😂👍
Had a few 1 series and may look again. They were always great cars but was disappointed when they reduced the BHP and made them front wheel drive although I must confess I have never driven a FWD. plus I like lots of spec so a new one would be a fortune.
Nowt wrong with an FWD mate - have a drive 👍
I’m getting Ford focus/puma vibes from the 1st glance
👌I'm not to be honest
@
I think it’s those front headlights
BMW never normally have their headlights coming so far back into the bodywork
Ah ok, yes
I'm thinking more of x1 purely because of boot space and space in general, 1 series is not as much a family car..
👍
What the heck is sustainable leather? We grow another cow every time a steering wheel is made?
Also, reversing assist and the powered tailgate aren't standard.
Mushrooms, bottle caps, and tears.
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru Oh.... you mean faux leather. I don't think it is faux on the M-Sport and the M135. Only fake leather on the steering wheel is on the Sport model.
Had a look at these but wasn't impressed, went for a Honda Civic Sport hybrid instead 👍
Civic is great 👍
This drives and feels about 8x better than the Civic, not sure what you were looking at that didn't impress you about it lol. Better interior quality, better sound proofing, comfort, etc. And drives much better.
you buy this car 42k in uk (max. I think) we buy 62k in our country you are lucky
👌
Great review as always Jim. BMW since to have nailed it on the interior design, but for me, the exterior is bland and forgettable. Perhaps its better in the flesh?
I think it’s a decent looking car but we’re all different eh!
👍👍👍👍
🙏🙏🙏
No doubt the headrests will be made of granite
Vegan leather and foam I think
Seriously why does every motor look like a ford these days. There all at it bmw, audi etc
Meanwhile over at Ford…the Capri 🥲
Cheap quickly knocked up crap
@@derekporter66 Go drive it and then say its cheap quickly knocked up crap.
@@derbigpr500 dont need to. next
@@derekporter66 Of course you don't, you're such a genius you can tell how good a car is by looking at it on a screen.