BMW 118i Fuel Consumption: Real-World Figures, Specs and Tips
The BMW 118i is a popular premium hatchback, and for many buyers its fuel consumption is just as important as performance or features. Below is a factual, source-backed overview of BMW 118i fuel consumption across the most recent generations, along with context to help you understand what to expect in real-world driving.
BMW 118i Fuel Consumption by Generation
The “118i” badge has been used on different generations of the BMW 1 Series, with different engines and fuel consumption figures. It’s important to compare like-for-like model years when looking at data.
Current Generation (F40, from 2019 onwards)
The current BMW 118i uses a 1.5‑litre, 3‑cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with front‑wheel drive.
- Official combined fuel consumption (WLTP, BMW UK):
- 5‑door BMW 118i (M Sport example): between 5.9 – 6.7 L/100 km (combined WLTP), depending on exact specification and wheels
- This corresponds to 141 – 131 g/km CO₂
Source: BMW UK model specifications for the 1 Series
https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/all-models/1-series/5-door/2021/bmw-1-series-technical-data.html
- Independent test data (Europe):
- AutoExpress tests of the current BMW 1 Series with the 118i engine report official WLTP combined economy figures of 47.1 – 50.4 mpg (UK), which converts to roughly 5.6 – 6.0 L/100 km
Source: AutoExpress BMW 1 Series review (118i)
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/1-series
- AutoExpress tests of the current BMW 1 Series with the 118i engine report official WLTP combined economy figures of 47.1 – 50.4 mpg (UK), which converts to roughly 5.6 – 6.0 L/100 km
These WLTP figures are more realistic than the older NEDC cycle but are still measured under controlled conditions. Real‑world consumption will vary with driving style and conditions.
Previous Generation (F20/F21, 2011–2019)
Earlier BMW 118i models used different engines, and therefore have different fuel consumption figures.
2015–2019 BMW 118i (1.5‑litre 3‑cylinder, facelift models)
For the later F20/F21 models with the 1.5‑litre 3‑cylinder engine:
- Official combined fuel consumption (NEDC, BMW UK):
- BMW 118i 5‑door manual: around 5.0 – 5.5 L/100 km (combined), depending on wheel/tyre combination and equipment
Source: Historic BMW UK technical data archive and AutoExpress review referencing BMW figures
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/1-series/89441/bmw-1-series-2011-2019-review
- BMW 118i 5‑door manual: around 5.0 – 5.5 L/100 km (combined), depending on wheel/tyre combination and equipment
AutoExpress notes that in mixed driving, owners typically see real‑world consumption higher (worse) than the NEDC figure, often in the mid‑40s mpg (UK), i.e. around 6.0–6.5 L/100 km.
Source: Same AutoExpress review as above
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/1-series/89441/bmw-1-series-2011-2019-review
Early F20/F21 BMW 118i (2011–2015, 1.6‑litre 4‑cylinder)
The first F20 118i models used a 1.6‑litre turbocharged 4‑cylinder engine.
- Official combined fuel consumption (NEDC):
- BMW 118i manual: typically quoted around 5.6 L/100 km (combined) by BMW for European spec
This figure is cited in multiple contemporary road tests, such as Parkers UK, which lists 5.6 L/100 km (50.4 mpg UK) combined for a 2012 118i manual.
Source: Parkers BMW 1 Series Hatchback (2011–2019) review and specs
https://www.parkers.co.uk/bmw/1-series/hatchback-2011/review/mpg-running-costs/
- BMW 118i manual: typically quoted around 5.6 L/100 km (combined) by BMW for European spec
Real‑world numbers reported in tests are usually closer to the low‑ to mid‑40s mpg UK (about 6.5–7.0 L/100 km) in mixed use.
Source: Same Parkers review and road-test impressions
https://www.parkers.co.uk/bmw/1-series/hatchback-2011/review/
First Generation (E87/E81/E82/E88, up to 2011)
In the first‑generation BMW 1 Series, the 118i used naturally aspirated 4‑cylinder petrol engines.
- Example: 2007–2011 BMW 118i (2.0‑litre petrol, manual)
- Parkers lists official combined fuel consumption at around 6.0–6.4 L/100 km (depending on year and spec; about 44–47 mpg UK).
Source: Parkers BMW 1 Series Hatchback (2004–2011) review
https://www.parkers.co.uk/bmw/1-series/hatchback-2004/review/mpg-running-costs/
- Parkers lists official combined fuel consumption at around 6.0–6.4 L/100 km (depending on year and spec; about 44–47 mpg UK).
Older engines generally consume more fuel than the latest turbocharged 3‑cylinder used in the current 118i, particularly in urban driving.
What Influences BMW 118i Fuel Consumption?
Even for the same official figure, real‑world fuel consumption for a BMW 118i can vary significantly based on:
- Driving Cycle (City vs Highway)
- WLTP and NEDC “combined” figures assume a mix of urban and extra‑urban driving.
- Stop‑start city driving tends to push actual consumption higher than the quoted combined figure.
The European Environment Agency notes that real‑world fuel use often exceeds test‑cycle results due to differences in speed, acceleration and congestion.
Source: European Environment Agency – “Monitoring CO₂ emissions from passenger cars and vans”
https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/co2-emissions-from-cars-and-vans
- Driving Style
- Frequent hard acceleration, high speeds and late braking increase fuel use.
- Smoother driving, using higher gears earlier and anticipating traffic can improve consumption.
The UK Department for Transport highlights eco‑driving techniques as an effective way to reduce consumption by up to 15%.
Source: UK Department for Transport – “Eco-driving: advice for drivers”
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eco-driving-advice-for-drivers
- Vehicle Load and Aerodynamics
- Roof racks, boxes and heavy loads increase drag and weight, worsening fuel economy.
The US Department of Energy notes that roof‑top cargo can reduce fuel economy by 2–25%, depending on speed and size of the cargo box.
Source: US Department of Energy – FuelEconomy.gov “Driving more efficiently”
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.jsp
- Roof racks, boxes and heavy loads increase drag and weight, worsening fuel economy.
- Tyres and Maintenance
- Under‑inflated tyres, misalignment and overdue servicing all increase fuel consumption.
- The European Commission reports that properly inflated tyres can reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
Source: European Commission – “Tyre Labelling”
https://road-safety.transport.ec.europa.eu/vehicle-safety/tyres/tyre-labelling_en
How the BMW 118i Compares to Rivals
In the premium compact hatchback class, the BMW 118i’s fuel consumption is competitive:
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI (130–150 hp)
- WLTP combined for current models is typically around 5.2 – 5.8 L/100 km, depending on configuration.
Source: Volkswagen UK Golf technical data
https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/en/new/golf/engines.html
- WLTP combined for current models is typically around 5.2 – 5.8 L/100 km, depending on configuration.
- Audi A3 30 TFSI (1.0–1.5 TFSI, depending on year)
- WLTP combined ranges around 5.2 – 5.9 L/100 km for current petrol versions.
Source: Audi UK A3 Sportback technical data
https://www.audi.co.uk/models/a3/a3-sportback.html
- WLTP combined ranges around 5.2 – 5.9 L/100 km for current petrol versions.
The BMW 118i’s WLTP combined of roughly 5.6–6.0 L/100 km puts it broadly in line with other premium petrol hatchbacks in its class, with small variations depending on exact trim and wheels.
Getting the Best Fuel Consumption from Your BMW 118i
To get closer to the official BMW 118i fuel consumption figures in everyday driving:
- Use Eco or Comfort Mode When Possible
- Drive modes that soften throttle response and optimise gear changes help reduce consumption (as widely noted in manufacturer guidance and road tests, including AutoExpress and Parkers).
Source (general guidance via test impressions):
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/1-series
https://www.parkers.co.uk/bmw/1-series/hatchback-2011/review/
- Drive modes that soften throttle response and optimise gear changes help reduce consumption (as widely noted in manufacturer guidance and road tests, including AutoExpress and Parkers).
- Keep Tyres Correctly Inflated
- Check pressures regularly, especially before long trips.
Source: European Commission – tyre efficiency and safety
https://road-safety.transport.ec.europa.eu/vehicle-safety/tyres/tyre-labelling_en
- Check pressures regularly, especially before long trips.
- Avoid Unnecessary Weight and Roof Accessories
- Remove roof racks when not in use and clear the boot of heavy, unnecessary items.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov – “Driving more efficiently”
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.jsp
- Remove roof racks when not in use and clear the boot of heavy, unnecessary items.
- Plan Routes and Drive Smoothly
- Use navigation to avoid heavy congestion when possible, and anticipate traffic to minimise harsh braking and acceleration.
- Eco‑driving guidance from government and transport agencies consistently stresses smooth, anticipatory driving as one of the easiest ways to cut fuel use.
Source: UK Department for Transport – Eco-driving advice
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eco-driving-advice-for-drivers
Summary: What to Expect from BMW 118i Fuel Consumption
- Modern BMW 118i (F40, from 2019):
- Official WLTP combined: typically 5.6–6.7 L/100 km, depending on exact specification
- Real‑world mixed driving: usually a little higher, often around 6.0–7.0 L/100 km, depending on use
- Previous‑generation 118i (F20/F21):
- Official NEDC combined: roughly 5.0–5.6 L/100 km
- Real‑world: frequently closer to 6.0–7.0 L/100 km in everyday use
- First‑generation 118i (E87 and related):
- Official combined: typically around 6.0–6.4 L/100 km, with higher real‑world figures, especially in city driving
If you’re comparing BMW 118i fuel consumption with other cars, always check the model year, engine and test standard (NEDC vs WLTP), and remember that real‑world driving conditions almost always lead to higher fuel use than laboratory test cycles reported by manufacturers and reviewers such as BMW UK, AutoExpress and Parkers.