BMW’s first generation 1 Series, which debuted in 2004, was a wildly popular but oddly designed vehicle. Although it possessed the rear-wheel-drive configuration of many other BMWs and a variety of sports cars, the inside was shockingly small for a family vehicle, and the driving experience wasn’t very noteworthy either.
These flaws were partially, if not entirely, fixed in this second-generation version, which was released in 2011 and wasn’t changed until 2019. In addition to being notably more comfortable to drive, it has undergone several modifications to its chassis and running gear and is now slightly more spacious.
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What will the price be?
Prices for the 118i, equipped with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that generates 138 horsepower and 162 lb ft of torque (and is capable of 0-62 mph in 8.5 seconds) in SE trim, start beyond the PS26k level. The range-topping M135i xDrive, with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine producing 302 bhp and 258 lb ft, is then reached after moving up via Sport. Before you ask, it is good for 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds. But with a starting price of PS38.5k, it’s difficult to compete with the front-wheel-drive-only, Golf GTI-rivaling 128ti.
From the ground up, the 1 Series is a great automobile. The base 118i or 118d would tempt us, but we’d rather spend the additional money on a better trim package and more comforts. For a complete analysis, visit the buying tab.
On a winding road
Unpopular opinion… Compared to the previous, rear-wheel-drive model, the new BMW 1 Series is more enjoyable to drive. Yes, you don’t feel as if you’re being pushed out of a corner like you did in the previous 1 Series. However, the car feels sporty because you sit rather low in it.
The M135i model is a good choice if you’re looking for pure performance. Due in part to its gripping four-wheel-drive system, this 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol-powered car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds and produces 306 horsepower.
A genuine VW Golf GTI alternative is the 128ti hot-hatch version. It is propelled by a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with 265 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. With the help of an eight-speed automatic transmission, it powers the front wheels. In the rain, we measured it in just 5.8 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
This is a true hot hatch since it handles superbly with crisp steering and lots of traction. It also runs good, sounds amazing, and goes.
One of the best luxury hatchbacks now available, the BMW 1 Series combines performance, efficiency, and driving fun.
An illustration of a Personal Contract Purchase: Cash price PS10,000, deposit PS150, and borrowing PS8,500 for 4 years at a representative 7.4% APR A total of PS4127.50 will be paid after 47 instalments of PS132.04. PS1833.38 is the total cost of credit. Payable in total is PS11,833.38. 8,000 miles per year as a base. If excess miles is used, there are fees. Finance subject to status; only those 18+.
Although the BMW 1 Series now has front (and four) wheel drive, this modification hasn’t lessened its attractiveness; the smallest BMW is still a blast to drive. The 1 Series offers a variety of powerful yet efficient engines, as well as more interior space.
The 1 Series’ interior is now on level with the most recent 3 Series in terms of lay-out, build, and – critically in this class – infotainment. Quality has also improved. Although the Volkswagen Golf is more affordable and useful, especially in terms of rear headroom, the BMW 1 Series is a very alluring combination that’s very difficult to criticize.
1 Series BMW
The same six-cylinder engines used in the 3 and 5 Series, including a powerful 300-hp twin-turbo, provide the power.
The 1 Series is a delight to drive because to its excellent steering and body control as well as its smooth clutch and shifter action.
The 135i we tried was really swift and nimble, and it even provided respectable fuel efficiency.
It was superseded in 2014 by the more upscale 2 Series, which comes in coupe and convertible body styles and features all-wheel drive with a selection of turbocharged four and six cylinder engines. The Gran Coupe 4-door models, 228i xDrive and M235i xDrive, which were built on a different, less performance-oriented architecture, received updates for 2020.
Is the BMW 1 Series a trustworthy vehicle?
BMW finished in joint tenth place (with Mazda) out of 30 manufacturers in the 2021 What Car? Reliability Survey, much ahead of Audi, Mercedes, and Volkswagen. The 1 Series itself was among the more dependable vehicles in the family car class when it was running on gasoline, placing third.
Which BMW 1 Series is the most powerful?
The BMW M140i, which is now the fastest and most potent 1 Series money can buy, is at the top of the compact car food chain. Despite having 335 horsepower, it isn’t quite as hard-core as the BMW M2 or the 1M Coupe from the previous generation.
BMW altered the nomenclature of the vehicle from M135i to M140i in 2016, adding more power, stiffer suspension, and higher efficiency, but otherwise keeping the same vehicle.
The M140i’s beauty is that it provides all the functionality of the standard 1 Series while adding the power of a 3.0-liter straight-six turbocharger. It is one of the best handling hatchbacks on the market because to the fact that all variants are rear-wheel drive.
Although there is only one specification available, purchasers do have the choice of three or five doors and a manual or automatic gearbox. The M240i, which is based on the 2 Series, may appeal to those looking for a sportier-appearing vehicle. It produces precisely the same amount of power but accelerates to 62 mph one tenth of a second faster.
Despite recent price increases by BMW, the M140i is still less expensive than its main competitors, the Mercedes A45 AMG and Audi RS3. Although it isn’t nearly as quick, it makes up for its lack of straight-line speed in the turns.
What variants of the BMW 1 Series are there?
The SE, Sport, M Sport, and M Sport Shadow Edition trim levels are offered for the BMW 1 Series. Another high-end M140i hot hatchback is available. After a redesign in 2015, the standard kit is in fact fairly affordable.
The Sport version is the next step up, and it comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting, sports seats, different inside trim, and high gloss black exterior trim accents.
The M Sport is the level above that. By selecting this package, you may get 18-inch alloy wheels, M Sport suspension, LED headlights with LED foglights, leather upholstery, and a black interior headlining in addition to M Aerodynamic body style.
The M Sport Shadow Edition, which was introduced toward the end of the model’s life, improves upon the standard M Sport by adding 18-inch alloy wheels with a darker finish, cruise control, darkened front and rear lighting units, a Harman Kardon sound system, rear parking sensors, and a M Sport braking system upgrade.
Which BMW 1 Series is the slowest?
The 1 Series line received a number of new petrol engines for the 2017 model year to improve both performance and economy. The M140i, which tops the heap with more power and torque than the M135i and thus a faster sprinting ability, dethrones the likeable M135i. With the manual transmission, the previous 5.1-second 0-62 mph dash is now accomplished in 4.8 seconds, and with the automatic transmission, the time decreases from 4.9 to 4.6 seconds. The maximum speed is still only 155 mph.
The 116d SE model, which is still the slowest model in the 1 Series lineup, can accelerate from zero to sixty miles per hour in just 10.3 seconds and can reach a top speed of 124 mph. However, even this model is not very slow.
However, no model ever brings themselves into disrepute. The new gasoline-powered cars are hot-hatch quick; the 120i has a time of 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 143 mph, while the 125i achieves 6.1 and 151 mph. The 125d is the model to choose among the diesels in terms of performance, reaching 62 mph in only two tenths the time it takes the 125i and traveling only 2 mph slower on the longest stretches of autobahn.
The long travel of the accelerator pedal emphasizes how smoothly the 1 Series, regardless of flavor, delivers its power. The 116d is adequate, the 118d is fine for the majority of drivers, but the 120d is probably the greatest all-arounder, even though the engine noise is a touch too noticeable from the interior for comfort. Petrols are quiet and smooth.
What issues are there with BMW Series 1?
Several recalls have been issued for the 1 Series, including ones for a rear axle issue, a problem with the power-assisted brakes, a potential issue with the side airbags and seat belt tensioners, and a possibility that some diesel engines could catch fire.
Is buying a pre-owned BMW 1 Series worth it?
Comparing the 1-Series hatchback to its closest rivals, the Golf and Audi A3, there is something about its appearance that doesn’t quite work. However, while seated behind the wheel, it feels much like a 3-Series, which justifies the firm’s used rates.
People ignore the 1-Series’ small boot, which is also difficult to fill, because it drives like a 3-Series but is less expensive. Although it isn’t much better than in any other hatchback of this size or the 3-Series, the rear legroom is also somewhat limited.
The least expensive model is the 1.6 petrol. Versions older than three years cost about PS2,000 less than 2.0 diesels. Since depreciation is modest for the first three years, they don’t become a fair deal until the fourth or fifth year.
The MPG of the 2.0 petrol engine is similar to that of the 1.6 petrol, which is about 38. So it’s difficult to understand why you wouldn’t choose the more sophisticated engine if you can pay the insurance. But if gas mileage is the most important consideration, the 2.0 diesel achieves about 15 MPG greater.
Aim for less than PS17,000 for the 2.0P and less than PS16,000 for the 1.6P when purchasing anything relatively new. The 2.0D is closer to PS 18,000 in price. After the first MOT, you may purchase a 1.6P for less than PS12,000 due to the fact that depreciation stays low for the first three years.
The 1.6P’s average mileage is almost identical to that of the 2.0D, indicating that they have both been used as commuter or business vehicles. The result is that regardless of the gasoline they use, the 5 and 6 year old cars all have mileages between 40 and 50,000 and are between PS7,500 and PS9,500.
Here is one of the frequent issues with this car that Used Car Expert has identified, along with how to spot it and what to do about it:
When driving the automobile, especially over difficult terrain and speed bumps, listen for any rear suspension cracking. The rear suspension’s ball joints may be to blame for this creaking. Try to negotiate a PS100.00 price reduction if you discover this defect.
Visit www.UsedCarExpert.co.uk for a comprehensive list of the BMW 1 SERIES’s usual problems.