Over the years, BMWs have proven themselves to be some of the best luxury vehicles, bringing an enjoyable driving experience and a real feel on the road. BMWs are also quite versatile and there are different models for different occasions. The BMW 4 Series is the most suitable choice for longer trips, while the BMW 1 Series is great in city traffic.
The best BMW Series for long voyages
To enjoy a long family road trip to a distant destination you need ample legroom, headroom, comfort, luxury, and speed. In addition, you will need a big trunk to place your luggage. The BMW 4 Series brings all of that to the table and more. It’s a combination of sport, sophistication, and style that can reach from 0 – 60 mph in just 4 seconds, if you choose the M package, that is.
The BMW 4 Series’ steering is unmatched, smooth, and responsive. Many owners share that they feel connected to the machine, yet in full control of the vehicle. The only downside is that the 4 Series is not the most economical luxury sedan, averaging 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
BMW 4 Series: Infotainment and interior
When talking about long trips, comfort does wonders. The 2021 4 Series models come with a standard 8.8-inch screen and an optional purchase replacement of a 10.3-inch screen. The screens are super intuitive and comfortable for the driver to use.
The infotainment software is the newest iDrive 7, with built-in Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Onboard Wi-fi and wireless smartphone charging are also extra features you can pay for to assure the comfort of your ride.
BMW 4 Series: Safety and driving comfort
The BMW 4 Series is a perfect vehicle for long road trips. Regarding safety, the new 2021 models have not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but they offer the latest driver-assistance features and crash prevention systems.
The 4 Series comes with automated emergency braking and pedestrian detection, as well as a standard lane-departure warning system with lane-keep assist features. These features help the driver and passengers stay safe on long rides.
Semi-autonomous driving and adaptive cruise control are also available, which can greatly relieve some of the fatigue drivers experience on long-distance drives.
The best BMW Series for city traffic and commuting
Driving in city traffic is much different than long voyages and road trips with the family. In city traffic, you are most often shopping or commuting and driving alone. The BMW 1 Series has the upper hand here with a better traffic fuel economy and a front-wheel-drive, making it a good all-round car for all seasons, even when it’s snowing.
The BMW 1 Series is a relatively quiet vehicle compared to other BMWs and is rather powerful on the lower spectrum of RPM. And despite the front-wheel-drive, this car feels like a BMW.
It gets you from 0 – 62 mph in 8.5 seconds, which is quite fast for a city car or a family vehicle. It is available in both gasoline and diesel engines.
BMW 1 Series: Interior
The 1 Series has a comfortable standard interior with all features needed for riding in traffic. It provides ample head and legroom and brings in fully electric seats that are adjustable to any needs.
The cushions, on the other hand, are relatively hard which can make it less pleasant for longer rides. You may want to take a test-drive to check them out. Aside from that, the interior of the Series 1 is luxurious, ample, and comfortable. It comes with the standard 10.3-inch infotainment, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto.
BMW 1 Series: parking and comfort
If you are looking for a city car, you need to be sure you have the proper tools to park, even in tighter spots. The BMW 1 Series is equipped with front and rear parking sensors that make up for the restrictive view due to the back pillars of the car.
There are also semi-automatic parking assistants available if you choose to purchase an add-on to the standard option.
All 1 Series engines are quite fuel efficient compared to other BMWs. A 2006 120d averages a mixed mileage of 49.5 mpg which is very good. Depending on the engine, most BMW 1 Series get around 42 – 44 mpg, varying by driving behavior. This is still impressive for a BMW and makes it a perfect commuting car.
The BMW 1 Series feels much better made than rivals of other brands like the A-Class Mercedes-Benz or the Audi A3. The only rival it has in this field regarding design, functionalities, and the driving experience is the best-selling Mazda 3.
BMW Reliability in 2020
Contrary to popular belief, in 2020, the BMW 1 Series proved itself, along with most other models of the brand in What Car?’s reliability ratings. It finished in 9th place out of all 31 manufacturers that were tested.
The BMW 1 Series 1 was even labeled one of the more reliable BMWs of the year and rated higher than competitors like Audi, Mercedes or Volkswagen. It shared 9th place with Mazda.
FAQs about 1 Series and 4 Series
How much does it cost to repair a BMW 4 Series and BMW 1 Series?
BMW parts are costly, as well as repairs and labor. Average repairs for a BMW Series 1 cost around $750 per visit to the mechanic. The average repairs for BMW 4 Series are a bit more at $820 per visit.
How often should you service a BMW 4 Series?
It is recommended that you give your BMW 4 Series a full service every 12,000 miles or per 12 months, whichever passes first. You need to take action and check everything on your vehicle from brakes to fluids and oil. Scheduled full service checks lowers the overall cost of ownership and reduces the chance of breakdowns for your vehicle.
How often do you need to service a BMW 1 Series?
Since BMW 1 Series are more often driven in the city and around traffic, they need to be serviced more often. If you are primarily a city driver, a good estimation would be every 10,000 miles or after every 12 months driven with the vehicle.
