BMW 1-Series Hatchback (2011 - 2019) 125d M Sport 5d Step Auto Owner Review

The BMW 125d M Sport is like that old saying. “You can have your cake and eat it!” It’s a real understated car that doesn’t draw attention to itself. Just like that quiet guy in the pub who minds his own business only to be picked on by a group of yobs. He then takes them all outside and gives them a good old kicking. Turns out he’s a black belt. This car like that guy doesn’t shout about its ability. There’s no silly spoilers or loutish exhaust. It just gets on with the job of catapulting you towards the horizon in a pant soiling manner. The Performance on offer rivals most petrol hot hatches With 218bhp and 450nm of torque there’s a real deep chested urge that never fails to pin you back in your seat. Mid range shove will embarrass many cars with larger engines. Even if you drive around constantly like you’ve sat on a thistle you’ll still average around 45mpg. This is very good considering the 125d will out drag a petrol Ford Focus ST or VW Golf GTI. In comparison to other diesel hot hatches this car is the daddy when it comes to performance. You really need to compare it to higher powered petrol hatches to give a fair comparison. The little 1 series is practical enough for most with plenty of room in the front. Back seat passengers may find it a little tight but trust me it’s the drivers seat where you want to be sat. The 125d offers a level of refinement that’s hard to match with leather and soft touch materials. Ok it’s no seven series but it distinctly feels more premium over many of its rivals. The eight speed ZF auto gear box is a must and compliments the two litre twin scroll turbo engine. Ride is good even on standard M Sport suspension. Add adaptive dampers if you want an even smoother ride. The Harmon Kardon Hi-Fi system is an enthusiasts dream and drowns out this cars only real bad point. The noise! Whilst you maybe traveling at warp speed the accompanying soundtrack is that of a farm yard vehicle. For a more intoxicating sound there’s the bonkers M140i. However that car drinks more than Oliver Reed on a stag do. The 125d is well worth considering and in relation to the petrol 125i that extra torque makes all the difference in the real world. 0- 62 in 6.3 seconds maybe identical to its petrol powered counterpart but the oil burner is much quicker mid range where you actually need the oomph. Go test drive one and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. I’ve owned one for three years and enjoyed every minute of it.