Inside the…BMW 1 Series

BMW 1 Series Review

The BMW 1 series has been around since 2004 and comes in four different body styles; 3 and 5 door hatchback, coupe and convertible. In this article we will be concentrating on the hatchback version.

The BMW 1 Series was shares many elements with its big brother the larger 3 Series and the model was originally conceived to provide a lower entry point into the BMW range as the 3 Series moved gradually up-market

BMW’s are always perceived as “driver’s cars” and the 1 series is no exception, with superb performance and great handling.

Of course a great “driver’s car” may not necessarily allow for a great passenger experience with the cramped rear and hard ride proving problematic on long journeys. The practicalities of a small boot space may also be a problem for some.

With the 1 series hatchback BMW offer 34 variations ranging from the 3 door 116i ES / Sport petrol at 122bhp and £17,610 to the 5 door 123d diesel at 204bhp and £26,535. The range breaks down as follows;

	Model	Doors	Engine	Output	BMW OTR Price
	116i ES	3	petrol	122	£17,610
	116i Sport	3	petrol	122	£17,610
	116i Sport	5	petrol	122	£18,145
	116i ES	5	petrol	122	£18,145
	116d ES	3	diesel	116	£18,790
	116d Sport	3	diesel	116	£18,790
	116i SE	3	petrol	122	£18,850
	16d Sport	5	diesel	116	£19,335
	116d ES	5	diesel	116	£19,335
	116i SE	5	petrol	122	£19,385
	118d ES	3	diesel	143	£19,940
	118d Sport	3	diesel	143	£19,940
	116d SE	3	diesel	116	£20,030
	116i M Sport	3	petrol	122	£20,405
	118d Sport	5	diesel	143	£20,485
	118d ES	5	diesel	143	£20,485
	116d SE	5	diesel	116	£20,575
	118i SE	3	petrol	143	£20,790
	116i M Sport	5	petrol	122	£20,940
	118d SE	3	diesel	143	£21,180
	118i SE	5	petrol	143	£21,335
	116d M Sport	3	diesel	116	£21,585
	118d SE	5	diesel	143	£21,725
	116d M Sport	5	diesel	116	£22,130
	118i M Sport	3	petrol	143	£22,345
	120d SE	3	diesel	177	£22,670
	118d M Sport	3	diesel	143	£22,735
	118i M Sport	5	petrol	143	£22,890
	120d SE	5	diesel	177	£23,215
	118d M Sport	5	diesel	143	£23,280
	120d M Sport	3	diesel	177	£24,160
	120d M Sport	5	diesel	177	£24,705
	123 d M Sport	3	diesel	204	£25,985
	123 d M Sport	5	diesel	204	£26,535

BMW 1 Series Review

So what does the trade think?
Diesel derivatives the best, they are good value holders though will be a high price at a year old. The appeal is colour sensitive and must have the comfort pack to maximize profit.

Versions with leather seats are the best sellers (£990 optional extra) .

Automatic transmission (not available on the 116d ES, SE and M-sport and as an optional extra on all other models for £1,460 and £1,545 (mounted gearshift paddles) on 123d) are highly sought after in the trade.

Good model line up and destined to be a vital car in the BMW line up as a multipurpose medium sized hatchback, although the rather basic lower end models will struggle for a market unless priced realistically.