New 218i and BMWs new 1.5 three cylinder engine
Discussion
My BMW dealer had a sales event a couple of weeks ago and I ended up trading in my 18 month old five door 116i (a car I never quite warmed to if I'm being honest) for a new 218i coupe.
Now, my preference is always for something with a bit more power, but a combination of trying to keep my fuel costs down and an aversion to diesel meant that the 218 makes perfect sense at the moment, and the car on offer had a couple of option packs, so I made the change and picked the new car up last Thursday.
I have to say that I'm very impressed so far - the engine is BMWs new 1.5 litre turbo three-pot and I had considerable reservations about such a small engine in a BMW, but it has really surprised me. It's not powerful in a PH sense, of course, and the car isn't PH fast, but the engine is extremely smooth and very quiet at low revs (almost inaudible in the cabin) and has a nice thrummy noise when the revs rise.
As with most modern turbo engines, it's tuned to give maximum torque at low revs, so it's tractable and brisk from standstill to legal speeds and you don't need to thrash the engine to the red line if you're pressing on. Fuel economy seems quite good so far at an average of 41mpg, but it's not run in yet, so that should improve a little.
The engine is very short, which has allowed BMW to fit it right back against the bulkhead and the front of the engine block looks like it's in line with the front axle line. It's also a very light engine, so the handling and steering ( especially turn-in) have a lovely balance and it's far more willing to change direction than other BMWs I've had.
All in all, I'm quite impressed so far, and I'm enjoying the 2 series much more than I enjoyed the 1er.
Couple of crappy pictures from last week:
Now, my preference is always for something with a bit more power, but a combination of trying to keep my fuel costs down and an aversion to diesel meant that the 218 makes perfect sense at the moment, and the car on offer had a couple of option packs, so I made the change and picked the new car up last Thursday.
I have to say that I'm very impressed so far - the engine is BMWs new 1.5 litre turbo three-pot and I had considerable reservations about such a small engine in a BMW, but it has really surprised me. It's not powerful in a PH sense, of course, and the car isn't PH fast, but the engine is extremely smooth and very quiet at low revs (almost inaudible in the cabin) and has a nice thrummy noise when the revs rise.
As with most modern turbo engines, it's tuned to give maximum torque at low revs, so it's tractable and brisk from standstill to legal speeds and you don't need to thrash the engine to the red line if you're pressing on. Fuel economy seems quite good so far at an average of 41mpg, but it's not run in yet, so that should improve a little.
The engine is very short, which has allowed BMW to fit it right back against the bulkhead and the front of the engine block looks like it's in line with the front axle line. It's also a very light engine, so the handling and steering ( especially turn-in) have a lovely balance and it's far more willing to change direction than other BMWs I've had.
All in all, I'm quite impressed so far, and I'm enjoying the 2 series much more than I enjoyed the 1er.
Couple of crappy pictures from last week:
With the unreliability of BMW engines of late, and the even more stress put on a tiny 3 cylinder out of balance engine with a turbo fitted to give it enough oomph to power a car, I dont think you will get me into one anytime soon.
I think its very bad that BMW call it a 218 too. If they were proud of it, then why not call it as it is, a 215? I think they are tricking previous owners into believing they are getting another 1.8 to replace their old 1.8, just like naming the 320 4-pot a 328.
I do hope your 1500cc car does improve on 41mpg, because thats no better than a 320i and a lot worse than a 320D. Thats what happens when you boost a small engine to get driveability, and only worry about the marketing mpg figures, not the real world ones.
I also hope it does not suffer the woeful camchain issues BMW's have had of late, because almost all current 3 cylinder cars of all makes, and particularly the Vauxhalls and VW's that have got a few years on them, suffer terminally from the wide spacing, high pressure shock waves produced with less cylinders and high specific outputs.
Sorry to be such fiull of joy, but I see this all the time and even the brand new 3 cylinder Fords are starting to fall to bits already.
I think its very bad that BMW call it a 218 too. If they were proud of it, then why not call it as it is, a 215? I think they are tricking previous owners into believing they are getting another 1.8 to replace their old 1.8, just like naming the 320 4-pot a 328.
I do hope your 1500cc car does improve on 41mpg, because thats no better than a 320i and a lot worse than a 320D. Thats what happens when you boost a small engine to get driveability, and only worry about the marketing mpg figures, not the real world ones.
I also hope it does not suffer the woeful camchain issues BMW's have had of late, because almost all current 3 cylinder cars of all makes, and particularly the Vauxhalls and VW's that have got a few years on them, suffer terminally from the wide spacing, high pressure shock waves produced with less cylinders and high specific outputs.
Sorry to be such fiull of joy, but I see this all the time and even the brand new 3 cylinder Fords are starting to fall to bits already.
I really like the 2 series and I like yours too, BMW car magazine reviewed the 318i last month with the same engine and it was a positive review, on paper to me it seems quite a little engine for a relatively big car and I would like a go to see for myself.
We live in a world of down sizing now so I can really see the appeal of this engine whereas in the past I wouldn't have ever considered it at all but I can see the pluses.
We live in a world of down sizing now so I can really see the appeal of this engine whereas in the past I wouldn't have ever considered it at all but I can see the pluses.
Funnily enough I had a 64 plate Mini Cooper as a courtesy car yesterday that went back this morning.
It had the 3 cylinder 1.5 litre engine, and when I first started it I thought it was a diesel based on how it sounded!
Pretty gutless up to 2,000 rpm when the turbo started to boost and then it flew - also sounded quite good at higher revs. Would agree with "thrummy".
OBC on that showed an average of 43.5 mpg (over 13,000 miles), but then it is a courtesy car!
Overall I have to be honest I wouldn't want one. I know the stats look good, but I doubt owners will get anywhere near the economy figures quoted.
If I wanted a 2 Series I would go for a 220i, unless a 235i was in budget!
It had the 3 cylinder 1.5 litre engine, and when I first started it I thought it was a diesel based on how it sounded!
Pretty gutless up to 2,000 rpm when the turbo started to boost and then it flew - also sounded quite good at higher revs. Would agree with "thrummy".
OBC on that showed an average of 43.5 mpg (over 13,000 miles), but then it is a courtesy car!
Overall I have to be honest I wouldn't want one. I know the stats look good, but I doubt owners will get anywhere near the economy figures quoted.
If I wanted a 2 Series I would go for a 220i, unless a 235i was in budget!
I think it is a cracking little engine. The first car I drove with that engine was a MINI Cooper and it was great in there. It works well in all the BMW models it finds itself in.
2 Series is a lovely car as well. They drive so well and it is nicely proportioned.
The rather negative response isn't what you want to see when you have just bought it! Must have been having a bad day or is anti-BMW!
2 Series is a lovely car as well. They drive so well and it is nicely proportioned.
The rather negative response isn't what you want to see when you have just bought it! Must have been having a bad day or is anti-BMW!
8Tech said:
With the unreliability of BMW engines of late, and the even more stress put on a tiny 3 cylinder out of balance engine with a turbo fitted to give it enough oomph to power a car, I dont think you will get me into one anytime soon.
I think its very bad that BMW call it a 218 too. If they were proud of it, then why not call it as it is, a 215? I think they are tricking previous owners into believing they are getting another 1.8 to replace their old 1.8, just like naming the 320 4-pot a 328.
I do hope your 1500cc car does improve on 41mpg, because thats no better than a 320i and a lot worse than a 320D. Thats what happens when you boost a small engine to get driveability, and only worry about the marketing mpg figures, not the real world ones.
I also hope it does not suffer the woeful camchain issues BMW's have had of late, because almost all current 3 cylinder cars of all makes, and particularly the Vauxhalls and VW's that have got a few years on them, suffer terminally from the wide spacing, high pressure shock waves produced with less cylinders and high specific outputs.
Sorry to be such fiull of joy, but I see this all the time and even the brand new 3 cylinder Fords are starting to fall to bits already.
FFS... You must of been back of the queue when tact was dished out.I think its very bad that BMW call it a 218 too. If they were proud of it, then why not call it as it is, a 215? I think they are tricking previous owners into believing they are getting another 1.8 to replace their old 1.8, just like naming the 320 4-pot a 328.
I do hope your 1500cc car does improve on 41mpg, because thats no better than a 320i and a lot worse than a 320D. Thats what happens when you boost a small engine to get driveability, and only worry about the marketing mpg figures, not the real world ones.
I also hope it does not suffer the woeful camchain issues BMW's have had of late, because almost all current 3 cylinder cars of all makes, and particularly the Vauxhalls and VW's that have got a few years on them, suffer terminally from the wide spacing, high pressure shock waves produced with less cylinders and high specific outputs.
Sorry to be such fiull of joy, but I see this all the time and even the brand new 3 cylinder Fords are starting to fall to bits already.
and, you must be the only one STILL moaning about BMW's badging strategy, that's not been right - for ever!
Nice car OP
You may get a bit more mpg but my wife has a new Clio with the 0.9 3 cyl Turbo and that's only averaging about 43mpg (calculated) although, it's only 5 speed, 6 would really improve it and I do borrow it at times and drive it foot to the floor. It goes ok, sounds decent, and it's got that effortlessness low down that turbos give on any application.
It replaced a 1.6 tdi Ibiza and it's 10x better. Not just engine, the whole car is better.
You may get a bit more mpg but my wife has a new Clio with the 0.9 3 cyl Turbo and that's only averaging about 43mpg (calculated) although, it's only 5 speed, 6 would really improve it and I do borrow it at times and drive it foot to the floor. It goes ok, sounds decent, and it's got that effortlessness low down that turbos give on any application.
It replaced a 1.6 tdi Ibiza and it's 10x better. Not just engine, the whole car is better.
02joe said:
I think it is a cracking little engine. The first car I drove with that engine was a MINI Cooper and it was great in there. It works well in all the BMW models it finds itself in.
2 Series is a lovely car as well. They drive so well and it is nicely proportioned.
The rather negative response isn't what you want to see when you have just bought it! Must have been having a bad day or is anti-BMW!
Don't worry - I've been around the internets long enough now to avoid being drawn in by the negativity.2 Series is a lovely car as well. They drive so well and it is nicely proportioned.
The rather negative response isn't what you want to see when you have just bought it! Must have been having a bad day or is anti-BMW!
I'm very happy with my new car & thought I'd share my views on the engine. Of course I'd prefer something more powerful, but this serves my needs perfectly well at the moment and is actually a very enjoyable drive.
8Tech said:
With the unreliability of BMW engines of late, and the even more stress put on a tiny 3 cylinder out of balance engine with a turbo fitted to give it enough oomph to power a car, I dont think you will get me into one anytime soon.
I think its very bad that BMW call it a 218 too. If they were proud of it, then why not call it as it is, a 215? I think they are tricking previous owners into believing they are getting another 1.8 to replace their old 1.8, just like naming the 320 4-pot a 328.
I do hope your 1500cc car does improve on 41mpg, because thats no better than a 320i and a lot worse than a 320D. Thats what happens when you boost a small engine to get driveability, and only worry about the marketing mpg figures, not the real world ones.
I also hope it does not suffer the woeful camchain issues BMW's have had of late, because almost all current 3 cylinder cars of all makes, and particularly the Vauxhalls and VW's that have got a few years on them, suffer terminally from the wide spacing, high pressure shock waves produced with less cylinders and high specific outputs.
Sorry to be such fiull of joy, but I see this all the time and even the brand new 3 cylinder Fords are starting to fall to bits already.
Tit. I think its very bad that BMW call it a 218 too. If they were proud of it, then why not call it as it is, a 215? I think they are tricking previous owners into believing they are getting another 1.8 to replace their old 1.8, just like naming the 320 4-pot a 328.
I do hope your 1500cc car does improve on 41mpg, because thats no better than a 320i and a lot worse than a 320D. Thats what happens when you boost a small engine to get driveability, and only worry about the marketing mpg figures, not the real world ones.
I also hope it does not suffer the woeful camchain issues BMW's have had of late, because almost all current 3 cylinder cars of all makes, and particularly the Vauxhalls and VW's that have got a few years on them, suffer terminally from the wide spacing, high pressure shock waves produced with less cylinders and high specific outputs.
Sorry to be such fiull of joy, but I see this all the time and even the brand new 3 cylinder Fords are starting to fall to bits already.
For what it is worth I think it is a cracker, feels almost like BMWs of old, it reminded me of the old E30 318i, you have to work it a bit but light and lots of fun.
Also, a 320d will get around 20% more mpg wise in the real world, I know, have had enough of them, hopefully engines like this will see the demise of s
tty diesels. I for one appreciated the review 
- scoff if you like, but this was definitely the engine I was wanting to hear about. After all, we've seen pretty much every other cylinder count option before. (See also: see also http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... )
Interested to hear that you can feel the reduced weight. The bonnet-full-of-lead sensation was rather noticeable when I went from a 320d to a 330d so I did wonder whether the 3-cylinder engine would help.
(I'm aware I might regret wondering what the 3-cylinder diesel is like... but I do wonder anyway. Reviews of the 3-cylinder MPVs don't seem to be positive, but maybe in a more traditional format it would be OK? It might at least sound keener than the 4-cylinder equivalent...)
- scoff if you like, but this was definitely the engine I was wanting to hear about. After all, we've seen pretty much every other cylinder count option before. (See also: see also http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... )Interested to hear that you can feel the reduced weight. The bonnet-full-of-lead sensation was rather noticeable when I went from a 320d to a 330d so I did wonder whether the 3-cylinder engine would help.
(I'm aware I might regret wondering what the 3-cylinder diesel is like... but I do wonder anyway. Reviews of the 3-cylinder MPVs don't seem to be positive, but maybe in a more traditional format it would be OK? It might at least sound keener than the 4-cylinder equivalent...)
Edited by to3m on Thursday 10th December 00:17
8Tech said:
With the unreliability of BMW engines of late, and the even more stress put on a tiny 3 cylinder out of balance engine with a turbo fitted to give it enough oomph to power a car, I dont think you will get me into one anytime soon.
I think its very bad that BMW call it a 218 too. If they were proud of it, then why not call it as it is, a 215? I think they are tricking previous owners into believing they are getting another 1.8 to replace their old 1.8, just like naming the 320 4-pot a 328.
I do hope your 1500cc car does improve on 41mpg, because thats no better than a 320i and a lot worse than a 320D. Thats what happens when you boost a small engine to get driveability, and only worry about the marketing mpg figures, not the real world ones.
I also hope it does not suffer the woeful camchain issues BMW's have had of late, because almost all current 3 cylinder cars of all makes, and particularly the Vauxhalls and VW's that have got a few years on them, suffer terminally from the wide spacing, high pressure shock waves produced with less cylinders and high specific outputs.
Sorry to be such fiull of joy, but I see this all the time and even the brand new 3 cylinder Fords are starting to fall to bits already.
Utter BS, what a miserable git.I think its very bad that BMW call it a 218 too. If they were proud of it, then why not call it as it is, a 215? I think they are tricking previous owners into believing they are getting another 1.8 to replace their old 1.8, just like naming the 320 4-pot a 328.
I do hope your 1500cc car does improve on 41mpg, because thats no better than a 320i and a lot worse than a 320D. Thats what happens when you boost a small engine to get driveability, and only worry about the marketing mpg figures, not the real world ones.
I also hope it does not suffer the woeful camchain issues BMW's have had of late, because almost all current 3 cylinder cars of all makes, and particularly the Vauxhalls and VW's that have got a few years on them, suffer terminally from the wide spacing, high pressure shock waves produced with less cylinders and high specific outputs.
Sorry to be such fiull of joy, but I see this all the time and even the brand new 3 cylinder Fords are starting to fall to bits already.
Is your anecdotal evidence backed up by any insightful MI or statistical evidence ?
The car is under warranty anyway, what do you care and what does the OP care if he has to have a new engine every 2 months ?
Yes, and the name thing ? Seriously ?
nickfrog said:
The car is under warranty anyway, what do you care and what does the OP care if he has to have a new engine every 2 months ?
Having been through this with a new BMW (back 8 times in 2 years with engine issues), I can assure you it isn't fun to keep driving to the garage, swapping car seats over and taking a basic courtesy car while yours is repaired.philmots said:
8Tech said:
With the unreliability of BMW engines of late, and the even more stress put on a tiny 3 cylinder out of balance engine with a turbo fitted to give it enough oomph to power a car, I dont think you will get me into one anytime soon.
I think its very bad that BMW call it a 218 too. If they were proud of it, then why not call it as it is, a 215? I think they are tricking previous owners into believing they are getting another 1.8 to replace their old 1.8, just like naming the 320 4-pot a 328.
I do hope your 1500cc car does improve on 41mpg, because thats no better than a 320i and a lot worse than a 320D. Thats what happens when you boost a small engine to get driveability, and only worry about the marketing mpg figures, not the real world ones.
I also hope it does not suffer the woeful camchain issues BMW's have had of late, because almost all current 3 cylinder cars of all makes, and particularly the Vauxhalls and VW's that have got a few years on them, suffer terminally from the wide spacing, high pressure shock waves produced with less cylinders and high specific outputs.
Sorry to be such fiull of joy, but I see this all the time and even the brand new 3 cylinder Fords are starting to fall to bits already.
FFS... You must of been back of the queue when tact was dished out.I think its very bad that BMW call it a 218 too. If they were proud of it, then why not call it as it is, a 215? I think they are tricking previous owners into believing they are getting another 1.8 to replace their old 1.8, just like naming the 320 4-pot a 328.
I do hope your 1500cc car does improve on 41mpg, because thats no better than a 320i and a lot worse than a 320D. Thats what happens when you boost a small engine to get driveability, and only worry about the marketing mpg figures, not the real world ones.
I also hope it does not suffer the woeful camchain issues BMW's have had of late, because almost all current 3 cylinder cars of all makes, and particularly the Vauxhalls and VW's that have got a few years on them, suffer terminally from the wide spacing, high pressure shock waves produced with less cylinders and high specific outputs.
Sorry to be such fiull of joy, but I see this all the time and even the brand new 3 cylinder Fords are starting to fall to bits already.
and, you must be the only one STILL moaning about BMW's badging strategy, that's not been right - for ever!
gizlaroc said:
Mr Tidy said:
Maybe, but I think my 325ti would give it a run for it's money - proper cars unlike the PlayStation flappy-paddle sh*te peddled these days - BS on a good day!!!!
He meant the 745i was not a 4.5 litre engine, I think it was a turboed 3.2?S on a good day!!!!Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff