Summary

The BMW 1 Series is a medium-sized three- or five-door hatchback. This model is the second generation of 1 Series. It was launched in 2011, with a major update in 2015. It ended production in 2019 and was replaced with an all-new model.

Unlike the original 1 Series, there were no coupé or convertible versions of this model. Those cars were re-named the 2 Series and were positioned above the 1 Series in both price and specification.

The BMW 1 Series received mostly good to very good scores from the UK media, especially for the high-performance M140i model. Reviewers generally praised the car’s driving dynamics, but criticised the lack of interior and boot space.

In its 2020 owners’ survey, What Car? rated the diesel-engined 1 Series in first place on its list of the most reliable family cars. The petrol-engined versions ranked tenth. The 1 Series maintained its top raking in the 2021 edition of the reliability survey, although the petrol versions were reported to be more reliable than the diesels.

Key specifications

Body style: Three- and five-door hatch
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new : From £23,055

Launched: Summer 2011
Last update: Spring 2015
Replaced: Summer 2019

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Score: 8 / 10
“High specs and a great drive make the BMW 1 Series a winner in spite of roomier rivals.”
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Autocar+

Model reviewed: 116d
Score: 7 / 10
“The 116d is neither as rounded nor as refined as its most polished rivals, nor is it the dynamic junior BMW that the company deserves.”
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Car+

Model reviewed: M140i
Score: 10 / 10
“While a VW Golf R is for those looking for a fast all-rounder, this is for the sort of person who says ‘screw the kids’ and blasts off for a drive for absolutely no reason. The M140i is a bit of a selfish, indulgent treat.”
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Model reviewed: 116d Efficient Dynamics Plus
Score: 8 / 10
“The 1-series facelift has been a stylistic smash hit – removing one of the barriers to entry for the previously dumpy premium hatchback. It’s a riot to drive for a family hatchback, and in 116 ED Plus spec it boasts some outstanding fuel and tax figures. Just watch out for the ageing interior and a cramped cabin.”
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Carbuyer+

Score: 7.6 / 10
“The BMW 1 Series isn’t cheap, but superb engines and handling help justify its price, as does its premium interior.”
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Evo+

Score: 8 / 10
“A wonderfully rear-drive premium compact hatchback.”
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Honest John+

Score: 6 / 10
“Overall, the BMW 1 Series does have some areas that need improvement, namely the standard equipment list and its middling practicality, yet it offers an undeniably appealing blend of precise handling lustre and executive-schmooze.”
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The Sunday Times+

Score: 8 / 10
“If the mild stylistic update doesn’t attract customers, the new diesel engines will.”
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Top Gear+

Score: 7 / 10
“A brilliant premium hatch that appeals to both keen drivers and the economically minded.”
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What Car?+

Score: 8 / 10
“Comfy and cheap to run, but it could do with more space.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: February 2012
Date expired: January 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 91%
Child protection: 83%
Vulnerable road users: 63%
Safety assist: 86%

Notes on safety rating

The BMW 1 Series was awarded a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP back when this model was launched in 2012. However, this rating expired in January 2019 as the 1 Series no longer met the requirements for a five-star car. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used BMW 1 Series to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The BMW 1 Series was never lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 941
Average repair cost: £709.85
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

Despite positive owner reports in magazine surveys, warramty data on the BMW 1 Series doesn’t paint a very flattering picture. As of April 2024, it has a reliability rating of 54%, which is well below average. This is based on warranty claims data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, Motorway, and applies to both this generation 1 Series as well as both newer (2019 onwards) and older (pre-2011) models.

Based on quite a large number of claims, the average repair cost for a 1 Series to date is more than £700 – which is obviously a lot more than the cost of a used car warranty so that’s certainly worth considering.

A particular concern is the high number of engine problems, which are also the most expensive kind of problems with an average repair bill of more than £1,400. Costs for the various other categories are also reasonably expensive compared to similar cars, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re looking at a used BMW 1 Series.