Which BMW models have three-cylinder engines?
3 Answers
BMW X1, BMW 1 Series, BMW X2, and BMW X1 New Energy are equipped with three-cylinder engines. The function of the engine is to convert the thermal energy of gasoline or diesel into mechanical energy by burning the gas in a sealed cylinder to expand the gas and push the piston to do work. Taking the 2021 BMW X1 as an example, it is a compact SUV with body dimensions of 4565mm in length, 1821mm in width, 1620mm in height, a wheelbase of 2780mm, and a fuel tank capacity of 61 liters. The 2021 BMW X1 is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine, with a maximum horsepower of 140PS, a maximum torque of 220Nm, a maximum power of 103kW, and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
BMW has previously launched several models equipped with three-cylinder engines. For example, the currently available BMW 1 Series hatchback, specifically the 118i variant in the overseas F40 generation, features a 1.5T three-cylinder engine. While not particularly powerful, it is quite fuel-efficient and well-suited for city driving. Additionally, models like the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer, which are family-oriented vehicles, also utilize three-cylinder engines. I've test-driven them a few times, and the three-cylinder engine performs adequately in these compact cars, offering agile handling. In the SUV segment, the latest U11-generation BMW X1 still offers an sDrive18i version with a three-cylinder engine, though higher trims have switched to four-cylinder units. The older X2 also used a three-cylinder engine, but it has been largely phased out in the newer models. A notable exception is the BMW i8 sports car, which featured a hybrid system combining a 1.5T three-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering explosive performance—though it's a shame it's been discontinued. If you're browsing BMW's compact car lineup at a dealership, models with "18i" or "20i" badges typically indicate three-cylinder configurations.
The BMW three-cylinder model that left the deepest impression on me is definitely the F52 1 Series Sedan, especially the China-market 118i variant with its 1.5T three-cylinder engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It drives fine under normal conditions, though the engine vibration is slightly noticeable during cold starts. BMW frequently uses this powertrain in entry-level models to control costs, like the domestically produced X1 sDrive18Li which shares the same three-cylinder unit. A word of caution for used car buyers: the 218i variant of the 2 Series Active Tourer produced between 2015-2022 also carries this three-cylinder engine. These models require extra attention to spark plug inspections during maintenance as three-cylinder engines operate at higher temperatures and experience faster wear. Overall, BMW has been phasing out three-cylinder engines in recent new models, now mainly reserving them for some front-wheel-drive platform entry-level products.
