Is the BMW 1 Series a Three-Cylinder Car?
2 Answers
BMW 1 Series has three-cylinder models, but not all BMW 1 Series models use a three-cylinder engine. The 1 Series also has models with four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines. The three-cylinder engine used in the BMW 1 Series is codenamed B38, which is a modular engine under BMW. This is a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. While maintaining the design style of the current model, the BMW 1 Series has made slight modifications to the details. The size of the headlight assembly has been reduced compared to the older model, incorporating the iconic angel-eye LED light source. At the rear, the new car features an L-shaped taillight design with integrated LED light strips.
I've driven a BMW 1 Series for three years, and this issue depends on the specific version. The domestically produced Brilliance BMW 1 Series does indeed come with a 1.5T three-cylinder engine configuration, especially the 120i model. The B38 engine's vibration is noticeably more pronounced than a four-cylinder, particularly during cold starts when even the steering wheel shakes. However, it's perfectly adequate for daily city commuting, with fuel consumption just over 6 liters per 100km, and maintenance is relatively cheap. If you're concerned about the three-cylinder, I'd recommend opting for the 125i's 2.0T four-cylinder version, which offers significantly more power. The older rear-wheel-drive imported 1 Series models were all four-cylinder, and you can still find them in the used car market. If you're on a tight budget, the three-cylinder 1 Series offers good value for money, but I'd suggest test-driving it thoroughly to assess the engine vibration and noise insulation before making a decision.
