BMW 1 Series buyer’s guide

What to look for when buying premium hatch second-hand

WHEN BMW launched its original 1 Series in 2004 it wasn’t the most cohesive design, but it became a big seller. Buyers were wooed by the badge, while a wide range of engines and bodystyles meant there was something for everyone.

The second generation, introduced in 2011, still had plenty of engines and trims but just one bodystyle – a hatchback, with the coupé and convertible moved to the new 2 Series range. Now available from as little as £8,000, the 1 Series Mk2 can make a great used buy, depending on your needs.

History

CODENAMED F20/F21 by BMW, the 1 Series Mk2 made its debut in September 2011 in 116i, 118i, 116d, 118d and 120d forms. At first there was only a five-door hatch, but a three-door appeared in May 2012, three months after the arrival of 125i, 125d and 99g/km 116d Efficientdynamics options.

May 2012 saw the launch of 114i and 320bhp M135i options, then six months later xdrive (4WD) versions of the 120d and M135i went on sale. A 95bhp 1.6-litre 114d came in November 2012. A 136bhp three-cylinder was fitted to the 118i from July 2015, just as a facelifted 1 Series went on sale with new diesel engines and overhauled petrol units. A sizzling 335bhp M140i arrived in June 2016.

Which one?

MOST of the 1 Series available have five doors and a diesel engine; the three-door cars look more stylish but rear seat access is poor. The six-speed manual and eightspeed auto are great, but you’re better off avoiding the spartan entry-level ES trim. SE adds Bluetooth, multimedia and a multifunction steering wheel. Sport and Urban specs feature 17-inch alloys and sportier detailing, while Urban gets partleather trim. The 1 Series has an extensive options list, so equipment levels can vary.

Alternatives

THE Audi A3 launched the premium small hatch sector and it’s the BMW’S biggest rival thanks to the wide model choice, smart styling and excellent cabin. It’s just not as good to drive.

You could say similar about the VW Golf, which is closely related to the Audi, but unlike the A3, doesn’t come with a fourwheel-drive option in regular hatchback form. The third-generation Mercedes A-class is more mainstream than its predecessors, has sold in bigger numbers and is better to drive. Volvo’s V40 is also worth a look and don’t ignore the Ford Focus – it may be much cheaper, but it’s still a great car.

Verdict

AS the only rear-wheel-drive model in the segment, the 1 Series is great to drive. It’s also safe, beautifully built and comes with a big choice of efficient engines, so you’re not sacrificing performance in the quest for economy. But it’s not exclusive as there is one around every corner.

Despite its ubiquity, the 1 Series isn’t the greatest bargain around thanks to high prices when new, while steep running costs mean this isn’t a car to buy if you’re on a budget. The 1 Series is a premium product and while it’s not the best for value in this class, there’s still plenty to like about it.