BMW 118d Efficient Dynamics

One Series gets green appeal

Sep 17, 2008 Simon McBride

Making cars that are lean, green machines is not an easy task, but even the more luxurious makers are getting in on the act such as BMW.

The latest car on test was the BMW 1-Series 118d EfficientDynamics – the green version of the iconic small BMW.

BMW 118d Exterior

From the exterior there are no noticeable changes unlike some rivals where they have changed alloy wheels to go for steel rims. There’s no special badging on the five-door car to tell the customer that this vehicle is a green crusader. The test car came in SE trim, which means a staring price of £18,880.

Efficient Dynamics - How does this system work?

The EfficientDynamics system brings more performance for fewer emissions thanks to the German maker’s regenerative braking, electric power steering and an automatic start-stop function.

Under the Bonnet

The 2.0-litre diesel has got great pick-up from low speed – this is especially noticeable when driving around town. The gear ratios are quite long but this does not affect the car – it is very responsive right through the gearbox from first to sixth.

The performance figures look good too – the BMW 1-Series118d is very lively as it can get from zero to 62mph sprint in 9.0 seconds and has a top speed of 130mph. For those looking for something different, the 1-Series is still the only rear-wheel drive car in its class.

Run Flat Tyres Give Poor Ride

The stand-out problem of the 1-Series has always been the ride and even on the motorways used on test was poor. The car is fitted with Run Flat Tyres and these allow the driver to feel every bump and pothole in the road. This is a shame but the latest generation of Run Flat Tyres have improved the ride slightly.

However, drive this car enthusiastically and the driver is bound to fall in love with it. The handling is superb, push the car into bends and it feels planted, the steering is brilliant as the feedback from the wheel is probably best in its class. The six-speed gearbox is refined and slots into place very smoothly. The diesel engine is also very quiet which means there are no intrusive noises in the cockpit.

Build Quality

BMW is renowned for its engineering and build quality and its baby – the 1-Series is no different. The doors shut with a commanding thud and all the shut lines are perfect.

Interior of the BMW 1-Series

On the inside BMW has used classy plastics and materials. Standard features on our 118d SE model included Climate control, rear parking sensors, trip computer, electric power-steering, ISOFIX, Auto Stop-Start, auxiliary input, DSC traction control, run-flat tyres, brake energy regeneration system.

Safety wise, the 1-Series is well equipped. If the car is in an accident, it is well equipped to protect its occupants as it has driver and passenger, front and side airbags while it also has Head airbags for the front and rear.

If that’s not enough it has also got the following: a crash sensor activates the central locking release, hazard warning lights, fuel cut-off and interior lighting. While if the car only receives a light knock, it has deformation zones front and rear, door reinforcements and bumpers that regenerate to their original shape in impacts up to 2.5 mph.

1-Series Needs to be more Practical

The 1-Series has never been a car with a lot of practicality and this green variation is the same – interior space is modest. The boot is also not the best as it is the size of a decent supermini, it will struggle to hold a set of golf clubs and a trolley. To fit these in the rear seats will have to be folded. However, once the boot is packed the driving position is one of the best on the market.

Owning the green 1-Series

The BMW is a fantastic car – and this latest offering in its green guise is just the tonic for these times of financial hardship. The car emits 119g/km of CO2 while a driver can still return 55mpg on the combined cycle while have a fun drive. This decreased when the car was pushed but it still delivered a very healthy 48mpg.

One of the best things about this car is that when you come to sell, it will retain much of its value, why? Because it’s a BMW.

The 1-Series is a driver’s car but it can now be fun and green – now that’s a car for the future.

The copyright of the article BMW 118d Efficient Dynamics in Car Care/Ownership is owned by Simon McBride. Permission to republish BMW 118d Efficient Dynamics in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

BMW 1-Series Efficient Dynamics