Click on image to view the full photo gallery
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 3dr (E81) 116i (122 Hp) Steptronic
Overall Rating
BMW 1 Series:
The BMW 1 Series is a range of subcompact executive cars manufactured by BMW since 2004. It is the successor to the BMW 3 Series Compact and is currently in its fourth generation. Positioned as the entry-level model in BMW range of products, the first generation was produced in hatchback, coupé and convertible body styles.
Since 2014, the coupé and convertible models have been marketed separately as the 2 Series, therefore the 1 Series range no longer includes these body styles. A four-door sedan model became available for the Chinese market in 2017, using the front-wheel drive platform that is also used the basis for the third-generation 1 Series hatchback....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Hatchback 3dr (E81) Overview:
BMW 1 Series (Hatchback 3dr (E81)). With 185 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.7 l/100km). Weighing only 1290 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.7 s). The top speed reaches 202 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
116i (122 Hp) Steptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Performance is adequate for city driving, but the automatic gearbox further dulls acceleration compared to the manual.
Fuel Economy
Reasonable fuel economy, but the automatic can slightly increase consumption in certain driving conditions.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging rear-wheel-drive handling dynamics
- • Wide range of powerful and efficient engines (especially diesels)
- • Premium interior feel and build quality
- • Compact size makes it agile and easy to park
- • Excellent steering feedback
Cons:
- • Firm ride quality may not suit all preferences
- • Limited rear passenger and boot space for a hatchback
- • Known reliability issues with N47 diesel timing chains and N43 petrol injectors/coils
- • Can be expensive to maintain and service
- • Interior design can feel a bit dated compared to newer rivals
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Convertible (E88): 2008 - 2011).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 1 Series |
| Generation: | Hatchback 3dr (E81) |
| Modification (Engine): | 116i (122 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production: | 2009 |
| End of production: | 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 122 Hp @ 6000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 61.2 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 185 Nm @ 3000-4250 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | N43B20A [Same engine] More details about the engine N43B20A |
| Engine displacement: | 1995 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.25 l |
| Coolant: | 7.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 12:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 8.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.6 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 202 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.6 kg/Hp, 94.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7 kg/Nm, 143.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1290 |
| Max. weight: | 1780 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 490 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1150 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 330 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1200 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 53 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 650 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 75 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4239 mm mm [121mm less] |
| Width: | 1748 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1421 mm mm [10mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2660 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1484 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1497 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 145 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.7 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | Steptronic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/55 R16 87 H |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5 J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the BMW 1 Series!