Less is more? 2020 BMW 118i 1st Drive | My New YouTube Channel | 

Great video! Loved to see you review a lesser model, would love to see more of these.

Joe your honesty really goes a long way to your followers & probably why we like watching your vlogs, some are buttering up this new 1 Series like it's better.. I think the 118 looks & drives great for what it is, it's quite steep for 27k but a really great package.. 👍🏻 I think there will be a big market for this car, also great to hear you have another channel mate 👍🏻😉

Thank you for the review, I'm considering the 118i M as my daily commute car. Informative, laid back and helpful.

15:00 Reverse Park Assist. 😮😮 Brilliant 👍👍 Thank you for demo’ing this. 👍

Excellent video, really informative! I’ve just bought the 118i with nothing like that amount of extras! I got the auto gear box, privacy windows, heated Steering wheel and Strorm Bay Grey! Getting excited now! First BMW I’ve ever owned and several post suggest this car had been ruined now that it’s front Wheel Drive???? I found it to be a great drive for my requirements!!

Brother you show yourself more in video then the car...is this your review or car´s review? please show us more car too...we came to see the car...

Finally a review that shows the sunroof. Ordered one of these but nobody could show me a car with a sunroof (which i ordered) but now i have seen it, it looks ok. Great review!

Another awesome vid Joe, we feel this one has a lot of tuning potential as well as the M135i!!

The 118i feels better and makes sense because this is the spec the new 1-series was designed for.. The 135i has no real right to exist anymore now the biggest fun factors (6-cylinder and RWD) are removed for that enthousiasts version.. Now It's just a hot hatch that offers nothing special anymore over it's competitors..

Joe - "Hey BMW, Play Coldplay." BMW - "Fuck off."

The cars looks grow on you. Just have to spec it right. Good luck with the new channel joe.

I bought a 2018 1 series 125i Msport because i wanted a rear wheel drive car. Previously had a 1990 Celica 2.0i which lasted 25 years, followed by a Seat Ibiza black. The beamer is the best car i have ever had... I intend to keep it for some time.

Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Remember to order the windscreen wipers. I’m always loosing my breath configuring these cars. Thanks

That limo was so, so classy 👍😂

Thanks man comprehensive vid right here I know what to expect if I ever manage to buy one lol

Love your videos. Keep them coming

Just ordered the 118i m sport only option I ticked was the storm bay metallic paint delivery September

Great content, informative and honest....can't understand why people are jumping up and down about list price, it's makes perfect sense on a PCP.... smaller monthly payments than a Vauxhall Astra...what's not to like!!

Thank you for this awesome review, would it be possible for you to do the same review but on the facelift version?

Just picked up the 118i M sport with M Sport Pro Pack for my work daily and I’m in love with it 😅

Excellent choice in music Joe. I’m a big fan of Coldplay👌🏽

Enjoyed this. Paddles also aren't available on the MINI with the B38 engine and 7 speed dual clutch box. In fact, they're not available on all specs of the Cooper S with the B48 engine either. Only Sport and Exclusive trims.

I know you don't really like the Bridgestone runflats Joe but if they are the S001's they really are very good for a runflat. So much better than the Pirelli PZero runflats which feel as though the suspension has been removed and live up to their name under 7 or 8 degrees (and in damp conditions) by having Zero grip. I agree that the Michelin PS4's would be much better but for the average punter buying this kind of car the Bridgestone S001's do a really good job in all conditions.

Adaptives are only option on the four cyl. models AFAIK. And yes, I also noted the delay when going full throttle in comfort mode, it was quite a disappointment bc I thought BMWs automatics were always amazing. The old 8 spd steptronic in the F20 118 certainly didnt respond so lazy. However, I found that when you put either the car in sport mode or the gearbox in S (or both) things improve a lot and its workable. Still definitely not a strongpoint tho, and I suprised me none of the reviewers noted it. The 7 DCT seems to have been developed to cut cost over the 8 speed full auto and NOT as a real improvement, and this is where it shows.. Maybe it can be fixed with new software from tuning companies??

Congrats on the new channel… A good laugh… By the way, quick question; what are the origins of the your family name Achilles?

There appears to be alot of miserable, negative and jealous people on here. Thanks for the well thought out, insightful video. i own one of these 118i m class. I made sure it had the blue calipers, upgraded sound system and you forgot to discuss the rear back centre fresh air vent. This is not included which I made sure I got.

This car has grown on me! Dayummnn

Here in Australia the price of a fully optioned 2020 118i estimated to cost as much as an A250 or A3 hatch. Not too sure on this one BMW.

I actually love those wheels!

great video buddy 👌

I've just driven both of these and to my mind the 118i Msport was way better on small technical (fun) roads, I'm sure this is down to the weight of the 118i - it's about 200Kg less!! The M135i only made cense to me as a small luxury car with a very powerful engine.

Subacribed mate , good luck with the new channel

Useful video. Looking at the trade-in value of 'late' previous models - they are now being hit due to this launch, (or it may be the economic climate!). I agree this looks a better proposition to the new M135i.

Crackin vid Joe 👍

That’s an awful lot of money. Even speccing half the options (which many are needed). Mid £32/33k is mad.

I still think it’s ugly as hell, but I definately agree that this model makes more sense than the M135i, which is underpowered and overpriced!

In Portugal, the 118i comes as standard with the 7 speed auto with paddles

Next video: I am getting 2020 M135I :D The prices got out of reach. Loaded m-sports diesel is near 45k in Slovenia, that is just sick! And it seems like they are budget cutting big time with those gearboxes! Other than interior the F20 is still better.

We have just bought a 2021 BMW 1 Series 118i M-Sport in Storm Bay metallic, with 14,000 miles. It has a list of 18 optional extras added as it used to belong to a BMW UK employee. It’s a really nice car, both inside & out😍 Well done BMW!❤️

Interstingly read that the Chassis Head Designer for the new 1 said it works best in this model..........thanks for another Vid Joe,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,another thought your in a £38k car (options) once the M340i 20-25% discounts kick in there wont be too much in it money wise.................also your a big lad looking at that steering wheel imagine a petite ladys hands???

Joe! What are your feelings on this after a year? I am really considering on buying one. Thanks mate.

Hi Joe, happened that I own a F20 118i and a Mini Cooper, both with the same engine, here mi thoughts. Transmission, the mini cooper has the same tranny as the F40 118i, 7 speed DCT from GETRAG and the F20 118i has the ZF8 and I can feel how different they are, the kick down in the DCT is slower and the ZF feels punchier and smooth. Drive, recently took the entry level F20 118i with same B38 engine and ZF-8 in a hill climb road trip, and let me say that driving fast a slow car is very fun, with all nannies off and sport mode engaged I can feel how the rear moves and “dance” trough the corners, the car turns beautifully and flow in the winding roads as natural as it can be. Same drive with the mini cooper same engine but 7 speed DCT, also feel fun but different, the mini cooper “hug” trough the corners and grips very tight, no dance no flow just grip and grab the tarmac, fun, yes but different from the RWD 118i with the same engine. So even the entry level F20 118i with RWD and ZF-8 brings a great driving experience from my perspective.

I think the awnser we are all looking for is revise the interior on the old m140i and allow uk buyers an xdrive version if they want it like they already do in other country’s? Problem solved?....

Joe and all, how much room behind you when you are in the drivers seat? I am 6ft 5.

The reverse assist is genius. I have a decent length driveway which bends at the end and reversing out in the cold dark mornings is a real pain - but no longer. Will never grow old!

M sport trim car and you don’t get paddles? What’s the point paying for the many “M” packages.. I like the car but that’s so odd.

What package do the big brakes come in? Im looking for one here in Sweden and I cant find any 118i what so ever with the bigger brakes.

I got the 118i all I can say what nice car 🙌

What's the reasoning behind using a different auto gearbox than the M135i? I think I'm right in saying all of the F20 autos had a ZF gearbox. It's pretty confusing to be honest.

Finally up to 2013 A3 levels of quality & luxury

This configuration in this car I totally get!, but the 135i.... well... I won’t say it as it’s been said a million times now

The GtiR, Civic R and A45 is 2l 4cylinder, what’s the problem??

What is better folks, 2 wheels drive with winter tyres or xDrive with summer?

Thks,nice to hear your comments.

This new generation of 1 series I think is a much better car, if you are just looking at it in terms of being a car, not as a BMW etc. Still I think if it was my money I think would buy the equivalent Mercedes A-Class

The 118i makes sense.... but having had a e87 118d with a stage 1 map previous to my mk5 GTI... I can confirm that without doubt the 118i had more thrill and fun factor to it other than the engine... it was fun, had good steering, excellent driving position and the rear wheel feel... that can’t be beaten... my mk5 GTI doesn’t give me the same thrill. Yes it’s faster, yes it sounds better and yes it grips way more but it doesn’t have the thrill a 118d with a power hike gave me... perosnally

Sat in the very same model in a showroom on saturday. The interior is very nice. The exterior not so.The 1.5 three banger is a cracking engine.

3:12 Glad you raised this issue. I got the automatic with manual shift but no steering wheel paddles. Bad UX design.

£38k for an 140bhp 3cyl generic hatchback, that makes the £70k Renault Megane RS Trophy R the bargain of the century!

Engine and drivetrain aside it’s definitely a forward step in technology, I have an LCI2 140i and my New Vauxhall Van has more tech, not that I see driving aids as a good thing, try changing lanes and the van tries to correct you, maybe because I’m not using the indicators while doing so but indicators on a motorway are useless and I’m not in the habit of using them in the BMW.

In norway the base price of the 118i is 35000 euro and the M135i is 65000 euro 😅 Think i would buy a 118i manual and put downpipe and a tune on it👌

38,000 pound car with 138bhp 😮😮

As a driver's car - the 1 series is dead ... But when the old M135i came out - we never had the 2 series .... Drivers now have the 2 series, and families have a proper 1 series

What sort of MPG does this give?

If it was a 135i with £11k worth of options coming to £37k then yeah but on a 118i it’s a big no.

Hey Joe, I'm looking for this car long time ago, and here in Spain, we get paddles as standard with the 118i so I just think that there in the UK is not even possible to get it for some kind of reason that BMW want not to telling us. Maybe because there are some option differences.

I guess BMW will finally find out what percentage of 1-series buyers bought them because they were good to drive, and what percentage bought them because of the BMW badge ;) The first car I bought with my own money was a 2004 BMW 120i - it was the best new-ish rear wheel drive car I could afford, and it got me hooked on the BMW brand. I don't think these new cars will have the same pull on young buyers who actually enjoy driving... assuming such people still exist?

Hello ,what is this car's colour name?

the all new fod focus 2020

2:28 The new 118i has a 1.5 3 cylinder engine. So did the old 118i. Not sure why people treat this as something new. Coming soon - the 330i isn't a 6 cylinder any more? Ummm the old one wasn't either.

Wow that's silly money a brand new decent spec m240i cost me only 31k

I drove both 118i and M135i yesterday. I was kinda disappointed with M135i. Not the fun driving experience I was looking for.

Only things is when you pay 27k for a car like this you expect some of these “ good “ options as standard ! It mean most people will have to spend like 4K on options if not more 😳

Good video Joe. But price is becoming a real problem. I paid nearly the same price for... a M140i. Are they kidding? Oops, I forgot, big screen, electric boot, reversing system, etc...Now it's all about stupid options...

that's what we want from a you tube presenter "I'm not going to make much effort"

I might have guessed you were a fan of Coldplay.

These Kia's are getting mad expensive now

Wait.... a dual clutch gearbox?! I thought dual clutch gearboxes where not long for this world. So confused 😂 and the new 135 has a slush box.. seems backwards

£38,000... I'd rather stick £25k into an M140i and spend the rest on running costs!

BMW should recall all the new M135i immediately and re launch a new version M140i with optional xdrive so its faster than RS3 and A45 ..

You have totally true with everything, if i had had a M135, i wound take off the grill from it and put one form normal 1 series. :D

Ridculously expensive for a 118, although I guess people will buy it... that reversing assist is impressive but completely pointless, I can't work out what I'd use it for :D

I must be sick or something, I love it 😍

I kid you not, I'm about to buy this exact BMW from my local dealership. Just saw this video a day before I purchase it. What are the chances??

Who in thier right mind would spend 11k of options on a 3 cylinder car... Also base price should be 22 not 27 imo

How can you compair this to the 135i i dont get

Ps what is "enhanced bluetooth"? as opposed to just "Bluetooth"? Anyone know exactly what that means?

Subscribed mate, waiting for my feature 😬

Have to agree re: alloys. They look so much better than the m135i’s. Wonder how they’d look on the pre lci

£27K with £11K options 😑 So £38K (read £40K) for an underpowered 3cyl 1.5? For comparison the 1.5 ltr 3cyl Ford EcoBoost is 210ps with 300nm. Why did you give the New A1 such a hard time? At least it has a 150hp 4-pot for £21-25K - This just feels biased again. Because it’s a BMW you seem so sympathetic... 💁🏻‍♂️

The original first ever M135i cost just £29,995... how has a 118i become £27k??!!

You can still see the exhaust, why don't they put a little defuser looking plastic over it, can't cost to much.

This version makes sense as everyday hum drum transport. I’m a BMW fan but I’d take the new A Class over this because to me this inside and out looks like every other small hatch. At least the merc has a wow factor interior and a more distinct exterior. I think I might go and take my manual m135 for a spin!

Hm, I think I'd go for the 120i 4-cylinder. Maybe even with the base analog gauges, I've seen them at my dealer (in a 118i) and I like them more than the LCD.

Why does the uk always get those bloody awful dakota leather seats.

First i thought it was a Focus !!

Style over substance - they'll sell plenty in Brighton. I drove this car for a few hours. Vibration fed back through the seat. Cornering was floaty. You get the harder ride of M Sport but surprisingly without the benefit of agile handling. In 2013 I bought a new 120d M Sport 8 speed sports auto. It was far better than this car. Agile, nippy enough (7 secs), frugal if I wanted it to be (65-70mpg on motorways). It was a great little car. The only car in the new range that may make sense is the 120d xDrive M Sport.

Who would spend 37k on a fully loaded 118 or 27k on the basic level trim. You may aswell but a Mini Cooper

Good car but not a PROPER BMW in terms of drivetrain and gearbox

it doesn't look like a 1 series honestly