118d vs 120d

[1st_petrolhead]

I am want a replacement for my SEAT 2.0 TDi (140bhp)

Looking at getting ether a 118d or 120d M Sport 08 on model

Has anyone driven both?

Is the 118d and lot more frugal than a 120d?

Any back to back comparisons?

[northandy]

1st_petrolhead said:

I am want a replacement for my SEAT 2.0 TDi (140bhp)

Looking at getting ether a 118d or 120d M Sport 08 on model

Has anyone driven both?

Is the 118d and lot more frugal than a 120d?

Any back to back comparisons?

We have one of each in the household, the 118 averages about 49mpg on a 100mile daily commute with little stop start, my 120d averages 44mpg on a 30 mile daily commute.

Both cracking cars, I'd happily recommend them.

[martin mrt]

Got a 2008 118d MSport and its a cracking car, the other half loves it, it NEVER drops below 41mpg and we do 95% town driving, on a run 55mpg is easily achievable, ours has the 18" wheels and the £30 annual road tax swung the deal over similar priced 120d's wearing the 17" wheels

Ours is for sale if your interested as we have a little one on the way.

[BountyHunter]

drove my friends '10 plate 118D all last weekend.
i was expecting it to be a bit gutless, but honestly i found it a great car.

[Welshbeef]

martin mrt said:

Got a 2008 118d MSport and its a cracking car, the other half loves it, it NEVER drops below 41mpg and we do 95% town driving, on a run 55mpg is easily achievable, ours has the 18" wheels and the £30 annual road tax swung the deal over similar priced 120d's wearing the 17" wheels

Ours is for sale if your interested as we have a little one on the way.

I average 40-43 out of my 231bhp 330d auto with climate on constantly. On a run I have got into the 52-54mpg territory, it has never been below 37mpg and I drive it not granny it either.

Commute 50mile round trip mix of heavy congestion a/b roads & heavy congestion M way.

Really goes to show the big units are not much different on the economy side + they are leagues faster.

[martin mrt]

Granted Welshbeef the bigger units are great and leagues ahead in terms of performance (I had a 335d touring previously) but there is no 6cylinder diesel unit available in the 1 series which is a missed opportunity IMO as I find the 1 series a far more involving and rewarding drive than the 3 series, albeit nowhere near as quick as my previous car

For refrence our 335d managed 29.1 mpg in exactly the same commute as the 118d is doing well into the 40s so it's not a huge difference but a noticeable one nonetheless.

[GT03ROB]

martin mrt said:

Granted Welshbeef the bigger units are great and leagues ahead in terms of performance (I had a 335d touring previously) but there is no 6cylinder diesel unit available in the 1 series which is a missed opportunity IMO as I find the 1 series a far more involving and rewarding drive than the 3 series, albeit nowhere near as quick as my previous car

For refrence our 335d managed 29.1 mpg in exactly the same commute as the 118d is doing well into the 40s so it's not a huge difference but a noticeable one nonetheless.

I'm looking at these options right now. But looking at a 120mile round trip daily the difference between is 29mpg & mid 40's would be quite significant, like £1600 per year!

[briers]

Must say my 335d coupe has never gone below 40mpg over a tank. Mostly 70% a/b and 30% town and usually get 42mpg with about 550-620 miles range.

It's up to 47mpg on m-way.

Even on a blast it does about 36.


I reckon you would get horrible under steer with a 6cylinder diesel lump up front in a 1 series.

[1st_petrolhead]

Ok guys, getting back on topic

Which ever car I get it MUST have cruise

I suppose I need to have a drive of both. But its interested to see the real work difference although, please do take this thr wrong way, I suspect your wife my be a more econimical driver

[wobert]

I've done my commute to work in both a 118d (loan car) and my 120d.

For the same journey, (170 miles) in similar traffic conditions I got 53 mpg from the 118d and 48 mpg from my 120d.

Edited by wobert on Monday 9th August 12:57

[bodhi]

I have driven both and would recommend going for the 120d if at all possible. The 5mpg penalty is well worth the added grunt.

Of course the correct answer to this question is neither. Buy the 130i and stop being a wuss

[rich_vw]

Get a 118d and a remap...retains the economy but has the additional 'go' when you need it.

[1st_petrolhead]

bodhi said:

Of course the correct answer to this question is neither. Buy the 130i and stop being a wuss

Or even a Caterham or maybe a Boxster

[1st_petrolhead]

wobert said:

I've done my commute to work in both a 118d (loan car) and my 120d.

For the same journey, (170 miles) in similar traffic conditions I got 53 mpg from the 118d and 48 mpg from my 120d.

Edited by wobert on Monday 9th August 12:57

Very helpfull, thanks

[Welshbeef]

Op and other posters how can you be happy with the highly limited diff between a 118d and a 330d auto.
When I had a golf gt tdi 115pd that was always into the high 50's on mpg commuting.

Too many people on ph cannot Eco drive which is the aim during commuting. Although I drive my current steed nit like that and get the big mpg numbers

Kisses

[northandy]

Welshbeef said:

Op and other posters how can you be happy with the highly limited diff between a 118d and a 330d auto.
When I had a golf gt tdi 115pd that was always into the high 50's on mpg commuting.

Too many people on ph cannot Eco drive which is the aim during commuting. Although I drive my current steed nit like that and get the big mpg numbers

Kisses

What ?

[Urban Sports]

Welshbeef said:

Op and other posters how can you be happy with the highly limited diff between a 118d and a 330d auto.
When I had a golf gt tdi 115pd that was always into the high 50's on mpg commuting.

Too many people on ph cannot Eco drive which is the aim during commuting. Although I drive my current steed nit like that and get the big mpg numbers

Kisses

Do you not understand the question posed by the OP?

He wasn't asking about a 6 cylinder diesel 3 series, he was asking about 4 cylinder 1 series BMW's.

Your response is about as helpful as me responding with how much fuel my BMW uses!!

[Sticks.]

FWIW I had a 120d and what was precise steering on B roads felt nervous imo on M Ways and I found it hard to relax. Not the original question, but something to think about if you're commuting. I never got more than 42mpg (auto).

[Mach]

rich_vw said:

Get a 118d and a remap...retains the economy but has the additional 'go' when you need it.

+1

That's what I did. High 40's mpg with 120d performance and cheap tax. Actually, in a not very scientific experiment (4th gear side by side) with a friend's 120d Coupe mine was slightly stronger over 3,000 rpm.

[rich_vw]

Mach said:

rich_vw said:

Get a 118d and a remap...retains the economy but has the additional 'go' when you need it.

+1

That's what I did. High 40's mpg with 120d performance and cheap tax. Actually, in a not very scientific experiment (4th gear side by side) with a friend's 120d Coupe mine was slightly stronger over 3,000 rpm.

I have to say, the 120d will still have it as the gearing is a little different but I'm still getting between 55 & 58mpg (actual and not OBC) on my eco commute and 47mpg while towing at speed, don't think you can do better with 170bhp still on command.