BMW 1 SERIES (2004-07) 118I 5DR HATCHBACK 2.0 129 SE
The BMW 1 Series (2004-07) 118I 5DR Hatchback 2.0 129 SE is a compact, practical hatchback that offers an excellent balance of style, performance, and affordability. As part of BMW’s popular 1 Series range, this model is well-suited for city driving, daily commuters, and first-time drivers looking for a premium feel without a hefty price tag. Its five-door design makes it versatile and easy to access, while its reputation for sporty handling and a comfortable ride makes it stand out among rivals in the compact hatchback class.
Notable features of the BMW 118I include its distinctive design and refined driving experience, hallmarks of BMW’s engineering. The 2.0-litre engine delivers a lively performance coupled with decent fuel economy—ideal for those who want a stylish yet practical car. This model is often chosen by individuals and small families, and its reliability and build quality are frequently appreciated by owners. With an average valuation of around £1,465 in private sales, and a typical mileage of roughly 126,500 miles, the BMW 1 Series (2004-07) 118I 5DR Hatchback continues to be a standout choice in the used car market, offering a compelling option for those seeking a premium hatchback experience on a budget.
average use
The data indicates that the majority of BMW 1 Series (2004-07) 118I vehicles have recorded mileages predominantly between 80,000 and 110,000 miles, accounting for significant proportions in the 80,000–90,000 (9.7%), 100,000–110,000 (14.3%), and 90,000–100,000 (15.8%) mile brackets. Notably, there are smaller percentages of vehicles with high mileages exceeding 150,000 miles, and only a minimal fraction—around 0.5%—have recorded extremely low mileages below 10,000 miles or exceptionally high mileages over 800,000 miles. This distribution suggests that most owners tend to keep these vehicles within the range of 80,000 to 110,000 miles, with relatively few reaching very high mileage levels.
vehicle values
The data indicates that the majority of private sale prices for the BMW 1 Series (2004-07) 118I 5DR Hatchback 2.0 129 SE fall within the £1,000 to £2,000 range, accounting for 75% of transactions. Meanwhile, approximately 22% of vehicles are sold for less than £1,000, and a small 3.1% are sold in the £2,000 to £3,000 bracket. This suggests that the typical private sale value for this model predominantly hovers around the £1,000 to £2,000 range, with most vehicles available at budget-friendly prices.
production years
The data indicates that the majority of BMW 1 Series (2004-07) 118i 5-door hatchbacks are manufactured in 2006, accounting for 55.6% of the sample. Vehicles from 2005 make up a significant portion as well, at 36.7%. Only a small fraction, 7.7%, were manufactured in 2007. This distribution suggests that most of these vehicles on the road are from the 2006 model year, with a notable presence of the 2005 models, and relatively few from 2007, possibly due to their limited years of production or availability.
colour popularity
The data indicates that among the BMW 1 Series (2004-07) 118I 5DR Hatchback 2.0 129 SE models, blue is the most popular main paint colour, accounting for approximately 33.2% of vehicles. Silver and grey are also common, representing 19.9% and 24.5% respectively. In comparison, black is slightly less frequent at 18.4%, while red, gold, and brown are less prevalent, with red at just 2.6% and gold and brown making up around 0.5% and 1% respectively. This suggests that blue, grey, and silver are the preferred colours among this vehicle group, with more vibrant colours like red, gold, and brown being quite rare.
ownership cycle
The data shows that most vehicles of this BMW 1 Series model have been registered with relatively few keepers, predominantly between 3 and 7. Specifically, the highest percentages are with 5 (21.4%), 6 and 7 (both 16.3%), and 4 (14.3%) registered keepers, indicating that these vehicles typically change hands a few times before being retained longer-term. Notably, a small fraction of vehicles have had many keepers—around 21 vehicles have had 21 registered keepers, representing 0.5%. This suggests that while most vehicles are owned by a handful of individuals over their lifespan, there are some that have changed ownership multiple times, which could be worth considering for potential quality or usage patterns.
engine choices
The data indicates that all BMW 1 Series (2004-07) 118I 5-door hatchbacks with the 2.0L engine are equipped with petrol engines, with no variants running on other fuel types. Additionally, the engine capacity is consistently 2.0 liters across the sample, suggesting a uniform engine specification for this model during that period.
