Used BMW 1 Series for sale: everything you need to know
BMW has spent most of its modern history extolling the virtues of rear-wheel drive, so when the company launched its third-generation 1 Series in 2019 with front-wheel drive, it raised a few eyebrows. For most customers though, which end of the car is being driven doesn’t matter as much as space and value, and the latest model definitely scores on those fronts - especially if you’re buying used.
The 1 Series still handles well too in all its forms, and a range of petrol and diesel options gives you a choice of just how much performance and economy you need. It makes for an appealing alternative to the likes of the Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class.
Should you buy a BMW 1 Series?
The BMW 1 Series is a car that ticks all the sporty, high-quality premium hatchback boxes. It has the right image, it drives well, it’s well-built, and has a range of engines with good performance and economy. If you’ve got a little extra money to spend on your next family hatchback, it’s well worth a look.
One of the main benefits of the 2019-on 1 Series moving to front-wheel drive from BMW’s more traditional rear-wheel drive layout is extra cabin space. While it’s still not the largest hatch in this class, it’s less cramped than its predecessor, especially in the rear seats, and the boot is bigger too, albeit by only a small margin.
Quality is very good - this is definitely one of the better screwed-together hatches in the class, and BMW’s in-car tech is among the best too, not being too complex to understand or too distracting on the move. The driving position is great and the 1 Series is also comfortable and refined, though ride quality can be firm in the sportier models. All models are frugal though, even the hot 128ti and M135i, given their performance.
The 1 Series’ closest competitors are the Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, each of which offers a similar lineup of engines, power outputs, and economy to the BMW, but their own unique designs and interior layouts. The BMW’s probably still the best of the trio to drive, though when you get to the hot hatches, there are definitely even more entertaining options from elsewhere, such as the Golf GTI and Golf R from Volkswagen, or the Hyundai i30N and Honda Civic Type-R.
What’s the best used BMW 1 Series model to buy?
Your best option with a 1 Series is to follow in the footsteps of the customers who bought them new, and that means you’ll most likely be looking at the popular 118i, with its three-cylinder, 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It performs well and its claimed economy isn’t too far short of 50mpg, so it covers a lot of bases, and it’s among the cheapest to insure too. The diesels will really help you maximise economy, while the two hot hatchbacks are fun - the 128ti and the M135i - but not quite as entertaining as several of their rivals from other brands.
Used BMW 1 Series fuel economy and performance
- BMW 1 Series 118i: With a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine and front wheel drive, the 118i gets from 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds and has claimed economy of 47.9mpg.
- BMW 1 Series 128i: The next 1 Series gets a larger 2-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder, making 265PS, with front wheel drive and an eight–speed auto gearbox. The 0-62mph time drops to 6.1 seconds, and economy is up to 40.9mpg combined.
- BMW 1 Series M135i: As close as the 1 Series gets to a proper M model, the all-wheel drive, automatic-only M135i makes 306PS from a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. 0-62mph arrives in 4.8 seconds, and economy is 38.2mpg combined.
- BMW 1 Series 116d: The first of three diesels uses a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, and makes 116PS. Gearbox options are six-speed manual or eight-speed auto, with 0-62mph in 10.3 seconds and up to 61.4mpg.
- BMW 1 Series 118d: The 118d upgrades to a 2-litre turbodiesel, with 150PS. It has the same gearbox options as the 116d, with a quickest 0-62mph of 8.4 seconds, and economy of 57.6mpg.
- BMW 1 Series 120d: 120d versions get a 190PS power output from the same 2-litre engine. It’s auto only, but comes in either front-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive forms, with 7-second and 7.3-second 0-62mph times respectively. Economy ranges from 53.3mpg to 55.4mpg.
What used BMW 1 Series trim levels are available?
The pre-facelift 1 Series range comprises five models, with a walk up from SE to Sport and M Sport, plus two hot hatchbacks, the front-wheel drive 128ti and the all-wheel drive M135i.
- The BMW 1 Series SE is where the 1 Series range starts and has fewer pretensions of sportiness than other 1 Series. Equipment levels are still good, while engine choice includes the 118i petrol, and the 116d and 118d units.
- The BMW 1 Series Sport has a slightly sportier look than the SE, as well as extra equipment. The engine range matches the SE, plus the option of the 120d in both front- and all-wheel drive forms.
- The BMW 1 Series M Sport gets BMW M-inspired styling cues, and is available with all the engines mentioned above.
- The BMW 128ti is a standalone hot hatch model designed to square up to cars like the Golf GTI. It has the 265PS petrol engine, front-wheel drive, and a few unique styling cues.
- The BMW M135i currently tops the range, with the most powerful engine and the highest equipment levels.
Used BMW 1 Series dimensions and boot size
The BMW 1 Series exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4319mm
- Width: 1799mm
- Height: 1434mm
- Ground clearance: 153mm (140mm M Sport)
The BMW 1 Series boot size is:
- 380 litres on every model
Used BMW 1 Series road tax
All third-generation 1 Series are taxed under the flat rate that has been in place since April 2017, which currently means a bill of £190 per year for petrol and diesel engines, regardless of their CO2 output or performance. The exception is any model that costs more than £40,000 when new, which may mean some particularly well-specified M135i versions. These are subject to a surcharge, lifting tax to £600 per year in the second to sixth years of registration - so check carefully to ensure the car you’re buying won’t cost a large amount to tax.
How much is it to insure a BMW 1 Series?
A basic BMW 116d in SE trim starts in group 16, while the range-topping M135i goes up to group 36 out of 50. This is fairly consistent with rivals - a Volkswagen Golf spans groups 14-27 in the conventional range, while the M135i equivalent Golf R slots into insurance groups 31-35.
