Name: BMW 1 Series (2019 - present) Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: BMW 1 Series
Rating: 70.0

Summary

The BMW 1 Series is a medium-sized five-door hatchback. This model is the third-generation 1 Series, which was launched in the second half of 2019.

Unlike previous models, the latest version is front-wheel drive rather than rear-wheel drive. This has been controversial among BMW enthusiasts, but less so among actual 1 Series customers. Additionally, this generation is only available as a five-door hatchback, with the three-door version being dropped.

The BMW 1 Series has received generally good to very good reviews from the UK motoring media. The more performance-oriented titles have lamented the switch to front-wheel drive, claiming that it has made the car less enjoyable to drive. However, more consumer-oriented titles have been more praiseworthy, highlighting the increased practicality and efficiency of a conventional front-wheel drive layout (which is why every other mid-size hatchback is built that way).

As of September 2024, the BMW 1 Series has a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 70%. The used car rating is a B, but the actual score is only 1% less. The 1 Series scores well for CO₂ emissions, safety, running costs and media reviews. The only real downside is that reliability is more problematic than many other cars in its class.

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door hatchbatck
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £27,245 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2019
Last updated: Autumn 2021
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW 1 Series is one of the best premium hatchbacks on sale, offering a combination of performance, efficiency and driver thrills.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 118d Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“The new BMW 1 Series offers strong performance, decent fuel economy  and low emissions. The switch to front-wheel drive has, if anything, enhanced the way it drives, the car behaving much like the larger (rear-wheel-drive) 3 Series  in day-to-day running.”
Read review

Model reviewed: M135i xDrive
Score: 8 / 10
“The boot is 20 litres bigger than before and there’s more leg and elbow room in all four seats, especially those in the rear.”
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“BMW’s fresh take on the 1 Series formula adopts the more conventional front-wheel drive layout of its rivals, with the goal of improved interior space and practicality. Technology has also been expanded, with increased connectivity and expanded infotainment functionality.”
Read review

Autocar+

Model reviewed: 128ti 2021
Score: 8 / 10
“BMW’s first attempt at an authentic ‘sweet-spot’ hot hatch is mostly impressive and will deservedly steal sales from the Golf GTI, especially on the strength of its interior.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“The move to a transverse engine and front drive makes for radically different proportions, which are taller, shorter of bonnet and much more cabin forwards.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 118i M Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“Big improvements in practicality and refinement serve BMW’s bottom-rung model well on UK roads, and the loss of a driven rear axle is nothing to mourn.”
Read review

Model reviewed: M135i
Score: 8 / 10
“As a fast and capable four-wheel-drive hot hatch, the M135i is rather good.”
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It may be a big departure over what’s come before, but the new 2020 BMW 1 Series has come through its rebirth relatively unscathed. It may not be rear-wheel drive, but most customers will barely know. Practicality has also improved, as has the level of tech on offer.”
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Car Keys+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 128ti
Score: 9 / 10
“For BMWs first true attempt at a front-wheel-drive hot hatch, the 128ti is a sterling effort. It’s not just exciting on paper but also when you get it out on the road.
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic M135i
Score: 9 / 10
“BMW might have radically changed the formula of its hot hatch on this latest M135i, but we reckon it’s one that has paid off. The slight lack of driver enjoyment will be easily offset by many drivers thanks to its impressive straight-line performance, superb interior and comfort.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“There was a lot of concern when BMW announced that the new 1 Series will no longer be rear-wheel-drive, but the move makes perfect sense as it increases the car’s interior space and boot room which is crucial with a small family hatchback.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The front-wheel drive BMW 1 Series is great to drive and now has more space, making it a great all-rounder”
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The new BMW 1 Series is more practical than before and gets more tech, but the fact that it’s no longer rear-wheel-drive might upset those who loved the way the old car drove.”
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Company Car Today+

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manual 116d Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“The new BMW 1 Series addresses the weaknesses of the previous car, particularly the packaging, and maintains the driving enjoyment despite changing to front drive.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual 118i M Sport
“The switch to front-drive hasn’t significantly numbed the BMW 1 Series’ position as the driver’s car in the sector, although the ride quality is an issue. The better practicality and tech are welcome.”
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Daily Mirror+

Model reviewed: 118i M Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“You can’t tell that this new small BMW is front-wheel drive. The engineers have done an excellent job of removing any vices such as torque steer and the 1-Series corners accurately. In other words, the enthusiasts will be happy.”
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Evo+

Model reviewed: 128ti 2021
Score: 9 / 10
“BMW’s first front-wheel drive hot hatch, the 128ti, isn’t only good, we think it will have a Golf GTI beat.”
Read review

Model reviewed: M135i xDrive
Score: 7 / 10
“BMW’s latest hot hatch is a good car, but no longer a unique one, and misses the mark for pure fun.”
Read review

Fleetworld+

Model reviewed: 118i M Sport
“There’s virtually nothing to dislike about the new 1 Series. It’s spacious, practical, comfortable, good to drive, and filled with sensible technology that just works. M Sport isn’t my personal cup of tea, but it certainly looks the business, while the 118i engine option is a sound choice.”
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Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It might be the smallest and most affordable BMW you can buy, but the latest 1 Series still has bags of appeal.”
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The 2020 BMW 1 Series shares a platform with the X1, X2 and Mini Countryman – meaning, for the first time ever, standard models are now front-wheel drive. This brings it in line with rivals, and offers more space inside – especially in the rear seats and boot.”
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Motoring Research+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The new BMW 1 Series is more practical than before, with a larger cabin and increased luggage capacity. Interior quality has also gone up a notch.”
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Motors.co.uk+

Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW 1 Series has excellent build quality and good practicality and is fun to drive.”
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.6 / 10
“BMW’s smallest model is a great hatch pick”
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The Sun+

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic 118i M Sport
“BMW’s all-new 1 Series adds style and pace but loses its rear-wheel-drive USP.”
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The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 128ti
Score: 8 / 10
“What the BMW 128ti manages to do is take the Golf’s all-things-to-all-people recipe, retain much of what makes the GTI such a day-to-day favourite, and mix in a chunk more excitement. That makes it a particularly compelling hot hatch and, at this price, one that feels like a bit of a steal.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic 118i M Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“Moving to front-wheel drive has made the BMW 1 Series feel more conventional, which has both benefits and downsides. It still isn’t practical enough, but there is at least more room than you got before, and combined with its blend of upmarket tech, unshakeable handling and peppy, frugal engines, that makes it a solid effort – if not a class-leading one.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 118d
Score: 8 / 10
“BMW’s experience with the Mini and the Active Tourer has paid dividends in the development of the new front-wheel-drive 1 Series. It isn’t the greatest looking thing and the huge grille is awful, but the driving experience of the middle-ranking diesel is first rate; it also rides well and is economical.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“BMW’s switch from RWD to FWD for the new hatch is no bad thing. This new BMW 1 Series is a good car from the bottom up.”
Read review

Model reviewed: M135i xDrive
“It’s a ceaselessly competent all-rounder, which sounds like a brush-off. It’s also fun when you really shake its tree. Which matters. It goes toe-to-toe with its rivals.”
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What Car?+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 128ti
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’re looking for the most thrilling BMW 1 Series you can buy, the 128ti is it. It certainly has the measure of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Cupra Leon when it comes to feel and driver engagement, while being more usable and easier to live with than the Ford Focus ST and Hyundai i30N. The 128ti has those cars beaten for interior quality and infotainment, too. All in all, it’s a great all-rounder.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“In the ultra-competitive arena of the premium family car, the BMW 1 Series is right up there, but it’s not the best (that’s the Audi A3). It delivers a good blend of driver appeal with decent ride comfort and fine practicality, but its main strengths are a top-notch interior and a brilliant infotainment system.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 83%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 76%
Safety assist: 72%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 1.5-litre petrol manual 118i

Overall score: 2.5 stars
Date tested: February 2021
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 4.5 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 5.6 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 4.7 / 10

The BMW 118i 1.5-litre petrol manual received a 2.5 star rating from Green NCAP in February 2021. This rating only applies to the 118i manual and does not imply similar ratings for other engine and gearbox combinations in the range.

Green NCAP said: “The car scores well in the Clean Air Index but is let down by emissions of ammonia, NH₃. This pollutant is not regulated by legislation but in Green NCAP’s tests it limits the car’s scores. Energy efficiency is where the BMW scores best, with a index value of 5.6. Control of greenhouse gases is also good and the index of 4.7 gives an average just below what is needed for three stars.

“As it is, the BMW 118i emerges from Green NCAP’s tests with a very creditable 2½ star rating.”

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

As of January 2024, the BMW 1 Series has a reliability rating of 54%, which is below average. This is based on workshop and warranty claims data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, MotorEasy, and applies to both the current 1 Series and earlier (pre-2019) models.

Based on quite a large number of claims, the average repair cost for a 1 Series to date is just over £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. Gearbox repairs have also been averaging more than £1,000, although thankfully these are rarer.

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.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	45 mpg	C	35 – 50 mpg	B – D
Diesel models	58 mpg	B	50 – 63 mpg	A – B

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	143 g/km	B	129 – 161 g/km	A – C
Diesel models	126 g/km	A	119 – 149 g/km	A – B

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	22	A	16 – 50	A – F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£172	A
Year 2	£447	A
Year 3	£731	A
Year 4	£1,000	A
Year 5	£1,345	A
Overall	£3,695	A

The BMW 1 Series has some of the lowest running costs in BMW’s combustion-powered range, according to numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Petrol models offer a decent average fuel consumption figure of 45mpg, which is fairly standard for the mid-range hatchback sector, but the data shows that the petrol Audi A3 is a little more efficient overall. A diesel 1 Series is considerably more efficient, offering 58 mpg.

Insurance costs are quite affordable, and service and maintenance costs are excellent over the course of five years of ownership.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the BMW 1 Series

Date: December 2021
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2021 only
Number of vehicles affected: 38
Defect: The material quality of seat and seatbelt screws may not be according to specification.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the screws will be replaced in specific locations on the seat belts or rear seats.

Date: July 2020
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2020 only
Number of vehicles affected: 39
Defect: It is possible that the camshaft bearing cap screws could come loose on the affected vehicles.
Remedy: Check and replace camshaft support housing or complete cylinder head as required.

Date: April 2020
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2020 to 03/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 1,121
Defect: The airbag fabric could be damaged by the airbag cover during deployment.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the driver’s airbag will be replaced.

As of September 2024, there have been three DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the BMW 1 Series. The recalls cover seat belts, engine components (camshaft) and airbags on all models – though the number of models affected was often small.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Audi dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used 1 Series, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.