Is the BMW 1 Series a Good Buy in 2022?

Should You Buy a BMW 1 Series?

Are you looking to buy a BMW 1 Series, but you are unsure whether buying a used one is a good idea? Of course, purchasing a pre-owned vehicle can be stressful and even confusing at times. Luckily, a few simple steps can make the whole process a lot safer. For starters, ask for the car’s detailed service history and have it thoroughly inspected before finalizing the purchase. If some work is required, think about getting your hands on a BMW 1 Series repair manual. This way, you’ll be able to get it back in shape in no time.

However, even when taking all the necessary precautions, a 1 Series is still a significant investment. So is the BMW 1 series a good car to buy?

Let’s find out.

Handling and Performance

The BMW 1 Series spans three generations. The first and second-gen models (E81/E87 and F20/F21) sit on a rear-wheel-drive platform, just like BMW’s bigger cars. These models are regarded as very fun to drive, which is expected considering the position of the driven wheels. So, if the driving experience is on top of your list of criteria, I’d recommend going for the first two generations.

The latest BMW 1 Series, though, sits on a new front-wheel-drive platform, designed for a more spacious interior and better efficiency. While the car is still quite sharp in the corners, there is no getting around the fact that when pushed too hard, it tends to understeer (like most FWD vehicles). As opposed to that, the first two generations are much more balanced and can oversteer on demand.

Still, regardless of which generation you choose to go for, the BMW 1 Series comes with capable engines. The entry-level units might not set your pants on fire, but they still have enough oomph for overtaking maneuvers. If that’s not enough for you, the second-gen model with the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 B58 engine is quite the driver’s car; the 140i model packs 335 HP, and with the rear-wheel-drive combo, can send some decent chills down your spine.

Meanwhile, the most powerful version in the latest model, the 128ti, comes with a 2.0-liter turbo inline-4 producing 261 HP, all going to the front axle.

The BMW 1 Series is competitive in power but outright destroys its rivals in the driving experience. Namely, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3 have always been front-wheel-drive cars, resulting in a somewhat dull driving experience — but of course, that’s also true for their all-wheel-drive versions.

Maintenance Costs

No need to mention that higher repair and maintenance costs are to be expected when buying used. A car with 100,000+ miles on the counter will definitely cost less to buy, but definitely more to maintain. Your best bet here would be to go for a used BMW 1 Series with less than 60,000 miles. Sure, it won’t be cheap, but you’ll save a lot on maintenance and repairs in the long run.

With that being said, the annual maintenance cost of a BMW 1 Series is around $615, which is pretty average in the world of premium compact cars. Comparatively, the Audi A3 would cost about $741, while the much cheaper VW Golf still hits similar numbers at $585.

However, more extensive replacements on your BMW 1 Series will come with a hefty price tag. For instance, a complete brake master cylinder replacement can cost up to $1064, excluding labor charges, and expect to pay even more at authorized dealerships. Even a (somewhat) simple fuel pressure regulator repair can cost upwards of $1000.

Fortunately, you can avoid paying those big bucks by getting a BMW 1 Series manual and using the detailed step-by-step instructions to guide you through any repair. All you need is to get the parts, tools, some basic auto mechanic knowledge and a bit of practice, and you’ll be saving money in no time. And even if you can’t do the more advanced stuff on your own, simply changing your oil, replacing brake pads, and inspecting your car on your own will already cut a large amount from your next trip to the repair shop.

Reliability

The BMW 1 Series has been around since 2004, and interestingly, the car’s reliability index has only gone up with subsequent model years. Still, we would recommend avoiding the older ones, especially from 2004-2008, with lower ratings — they are notorious for rear axle problems and power steering failure. Instead, go for model years higher than 2010, boasting better JD Power ratings.

Notably, the 2013 BMW 1 Series is by far the best of the lot, securing an overall 83 out of 100. JD Power also rates it 89 for quality and reliability and 80 for the driving experience.

However, if you are on a budget, a 2010 model is also a good buy with a 78 overall rating. These numbers are comparable to the latest 2014-2018 Audi A3 but a lot better than the Volkswagen Golf that never crossed the 80 mark on JD Power’s website.

Fuel Consumption and Real-World Mileage

What it lacks in reliability, the BMW 1 Series makes up for in fuel efficiency. Indeed, it’s one of the most efficient cars in its segment — not a small feat. To be precise, the hatchback offers an impressive 35.3-49.6 mpg across the entire petrol engine range while the diesel engines provide up to 62.8 mpg, faring better than the Volkswagen Golf or Mercedes A-Class.

However, don’t expect similar numbers from a pre-owned car; fuel efficiency tends to decline with time. Still, replacing the dirty air filter, worn-out spark plugs, and giving it a good tuneup will usually do the trick. When in doubt, take a look at your BMW 1 Series user manual — it contains plenty of basic service procedures and several tips and tricks to reduce fuel consumption and keep running costs on the lower side. Don’t have one? Head over to eManualOnline — they have pretty much any repair manual you might need and they’ll basically pay for themselves just with what you’ll save at the pump.

Safety Features

BMW never compromises on safety and the 1 Series is a good example of that. Indeed, it received a five-star safety rating from the EuroNCAP, mostly due to its wide range of safety and driver assistance features. Of course, the list ADAS will change depending on the model year you purchase, but in all cases, these sophisticated technologies make the BMW 1 Series the perfect compact car for your family.

Still never forget that, no matter how many safety features a car has, it’s never 100% perfect. Not to mention that all of these systems depend on various sensors that could go faulty at some point. Luckily, that’s once again something you’ll be able to take care of with a good BMW 1 Series workshop manual — you’ll find everything you need to test, identify and replace any faulty ADAS and safety-related component in there.

Last Words

So is the BMW 1 Series a good buy? Well, it depends. If you want a taste of BMW’s driving experience in a more compact package, then yes, it is an outstanding car. It offers excellent fuel efficiency, and its size makes it perfect for urban driving and daily commutes. However, like most German cars, it tends to cost more in maintenance and repairs. That’s nothing to worry about if you know your way around cars and tools but it’s still worth keeping in mind. A used BMW 1 Series is also a great option, as it can offer great value to drivers by being lower in price but still featuring all the tech of a brand-new BMW.