When it comes to premium hatchbacks, potential customers are spoilt for choice in the current new vehicle and used car markets. One of the more popular options within this segment is the BMW 1 Series and as it stands, customers can choose between eight derivatives when considering a new model. But what if you are in the market for a used BMW 1 Series, will it be a good car?
The current BMW 1 Series was launched locally in the middle of 2019 and not only made waves in terms of its bold styling but also because the German automaker decided to change the drivetrain in most of the derivatives to a front-wheel-drive configuration as opposed to a rear-wheel-drive setup in models of the past. The flagship offering, however, retains an all-wheel-drive system namely xDrive.
Related: Find new and used BMW 1 Series models on AutoTrader here.
About the BMW 1 Series
Although customers have a choice between eight new derivatives, at the time of writing this article, only four powertrain configurations exist within the range. The entry-point to the model range, the 118i, is motivated by a 1.5-litre, turbocharged, 3-cylinder petrol engine capable of 103 kW and 220 Nm. Its diesel sibling, the 118d, comes fitted with a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder motor producing 110 kW and 350 Nm.
If you are looking for even more performance the 128ti offers a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine capable of 180 kW and 380 Nm of torque while the flagship, M135i xDrive, produces 225 kW and 450 Nm from its 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol engine. Regardless of the derivative, customers will get ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Assist, traction control, stability control and hill-start assist systems as standard specifications. All derivatives are also fitted with no less than six airbags to keep occupants safe.
Buying a used BMW 1 Series
If you are in the market for the most recent 1 Series range (F40), then you might find some of the earlier models originally bought in 2019 being outside of their 2-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty period. However, some examples might still retain the difference of the standard 5-year / 100 000km maintenance plan sold with the vehicle. Regardless, it will be important for you to check the maintenance history of the vehicle to ensure all is in order from a mechanical point of view and that the maintenance is up to date.
If you are considering the slightly older F20 BMW 1 Series for your next hatchback, be sure to once again confirm the maintenance history of the vehicle to avoid surprises in the near future. Also, if the used BMW 1 Series models on AutoTrader you are considering were built between 2016 and 2017, confirm whether or not it was part of an airbag recall that took place in 2021. To do so, enter the last eight digits of the vehicle's VIN number on the official page here, and you will find out if your vehicle was part of the recall or any other campaigns.
Is a used BMW 1 Series a good car?
Considering the number of standard safety features as well performance one gets with the BMW 1 Series, it already makes a good case for itself. As mentioned above, it is important for the buyer to ensure that the specific example in question had the necessary maintenance completed according to the schedule regardless of whether they are looking at an early E series model or a more recent F series offering.
If the maintenance history is good and any recalls have been rectified on the car, there is no reason not to conclude that the BMW 1 Series is a good car. For its compact design, the 1 Series offer good amounts of space inside the cabin as well as the boot. Furthermore, the stylish German hatchback offers premium materials as well as a variety of safety features as standard specifications.
