Especificaciones y análisis del BMW Serie 1
Power
163HP
Torque
340Nm
Consumption
6.6l/100
Emissions
176g/km
0-100 km/h
8.2s
Top Speed
217km/h
Weight
1425kg
Price
31,381€
Technical summary
Gasóleo
Automático 6v
RWD
5 / 5 doors
330 L
50 L
120 kW
Current
Technical specifications
Engine
Capacities
Detailed analysis of the BMW 120d Aut. · 163 CV (2004-2007)
General description
The 2004 BMW 1 Series, in its 120d Automatic version, burst onto the market as a bold proposition from the Bavarian brand. With its 5-door body, this model sought to democratize the BMW experience, offering a premium compact with rear-wheel drive and a powerful diesel engine. Its price of €31,381 in 2006 positioned it in a competitive segment, but its sporty DNA and build quality clearly differentiated it.
Driving experience
Driving the BMW 120d Automatic is an experience that evokes emotions. The 163 hp and 340 Nm of torque diesel engine, combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission, offers an energetic and smooth response. Rear-wheel drive, a rarity in the compact segment, provides agility and steering feel that invite you to enjoy every curve. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 217 km/h demonstrate its performance capability. The suspension, McPherson type at the front and deformable parallelogram at the rear, along with anti-roll bars, ensure dynamic behavior and a good compromise between comfort and sportiness. Ventilated front disc brakes and rear disc brakes guarantee effective and safe stopping. It is a car that feels glued to the asphalt, transmitting confidence and fun behind the wheel.
Design and aesthetics
The design of the 2004 BMW 1 Series is unmistakably BMW, albeit with its own personality that distinguished it from its larger siblings. Its compact and muscular lines, with a length of 4227 mm, a width of 1751 mm, and a height of 1430 mm, give it an athletic presence. The characteristic double kidney grille and angular headlights give it a determined look. Despite being a 5-door, its silhouette maintains a sporty elegance, with a wheelbase of 2660 mm that contributes to its stability. The interior, although sober, is designed with quality materials and ergonomics designed for the driver, offering a 330-liter trunk, sufficient for everyday use.
Technology and features
At the technological heart of the 2004 BMW 120d Automatic, we find a 1995 cc diesel engine with common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbo, and intercooler, an advanced configuration for its time that optimized performance and efficiency. Its 4 cylinders and 4 valves per cylinder, along with a compression ratio of 17, demonstrate robust engineering. The 6-speed automatic transmission was a strong point, offering smooth and precise shifts. Although it lacked some modern driving aids, its rack-and-pinion steering and well-calibrated suspension offered a direct connection to the road. The combined consumption of 6.6 l/100km and CO2 emissions of 176 g/km placed it in a good position in terms of efficiency for a car of its power and year.
Competition
The BMW 1 Series 120d Automatic faced tough competitors in the premium compact segment. Its main rivals were the Audi A3, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sportcoupé (although the latter was more of a coupé), and the Volkswagen Golf GTI, although the latter had a more gasoline-oriented proposition. The 1 Series differentiated itself by its rear-wheel drive and its sportier approach, offering a unique alternative for those looking for purer driving sensations in a compact format.
Conclusion
The 2004 BMW 1 Series 120d Automatic was a car that marked a before and after for BMW in the compact segment. It offered the essence of the brand, with its dynamism and quality, in a more accessible format. Its powerful and efficient diesel engine, combined with rear-wheel drive and a refined automatic transmission, made it a very attractive option for those looking for a premium compact with a sporty touch. Despite its age, it is still a car that can offer a lot of satisfaction behind the wheel, a true BMW in every detail.