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BMW 118td First Impressions

November 3, 2007 on 4:00 pm | In Recent Posts |

I prearranged a rental for the weekend with Europcar and was pleasantly suprised to be given a BMW 1 Series 118td.  

 

This was my first drive behind the 1 series and overall I enjoyed it but what I was most impressed with was the engine.  The turbo diesel engine is quit, economical and drives so nice and smooth that if this was available in the states I would buy one in a heart beat.   The 118td moves well for a 143hp but think the 120td with 177hp would make for a great daily driver.

Surprisingly the rental car had the Auto Stop/Start system that turns off the engine upon coming to a complete stop and disengaging the gear.   I thought I had stalled the car but soon realized the feature.  At first it was a bit annoying whilst I sat in traffic but over the two days it is rather practical when coming to a stop light and sitting idle for a period of time.  What I found amazing was how quickly the car started.  Upon beginning to engage the clutch the car starts before I could even engage the gear.   I hope the new MINI’s system works as well.

This 1 Series was barebones with fabric interior and 16″ wheels with hub caps but hey this is better then 98% of the rentals I get in the states.  It did have the nav system (though no DVD provided).  The seats weren’t all that comfortable as I was not able to find an optimal position and really did not care for the color and find that the 3 door hatch looks better in the lighter colors like this white one which was on display at Schipol and offered by Sixt rental. 

I think the new 1 series coupe will do well in the states and although it doesn’t provide the character and charm of a MINI I might consider one and finally take advantage of the European Delivery program and spend a month zipping around Europe.  One day perhaps but not running out to get on any waiting lists.