Is the BMW 1 Series a good first car?

Passing your driving test is a big milestone, and for a new driver, it usually means one thing: it’s time to pick that all-important first car. A good car should be safe, practical, and easy to handle. It also needs to be affordable to run once you factor in fuel, servicing, insurance, and road tax.

The BMW 1 Series is a car that gets a lot of attention. It carries the appeal of a well-known brand and feels more premium than many small hatchbacks. But the real question is whether it makes sense as a first car.

Why first-time drivers choose the BMW 1 Series

There are plenty of practical and personal reasons why the BMW 1 Series finds its way onto the shortlist for new drivers:

• Manageable size – As a compact hatch, the 1 Series is easier to park and manoeuvre in city traffic than larger models.
• Driving dynamics – Many first-time drivers want a car that feels stable on the road, and the 1 Series is genuinely fun to drive without being overwhelming.
• Strong build quality – Safety is a significant factor for beginners, and the BMW 1 Series scores well thanks to its reliable engineering and robust crash protection.
• Comfort and tech – Inside, it feels a bit fancy for a first car, with high-quality materials and user-friendly features.
• Affordable way into the brand – As BMW’s entry-level model, it offers a way to own a premium car without the high costs that come with luxury models.

New vs used: What to look out for

The choice between a new car and a used BMW 1 Series depends on budget and priorities. You can get a new model for the latest features, a warranty, and no wear, but the price point is high compared to the used market.

A well-kept used 1 Series in good condition can be a smart choice. You avoid the steepest part of the depreciation, and many models are still solid even after years of use. Still, you should weigh up mileage. Cars with high mileage can be reliable if serviced properly, but they may need more attention. Some 1 Series even reach 200k miles, which shows how durable the model can be, though buyers should always check maintenance records.

If you're exploring options across different conditions and price ranges, Carplus can help you access a wide range of used BMW 1 Series models through our lending partners, and guide you through the finance side, whichever route you choose.

BMW 1 Series overview: Features that matter

As an entry point into the world of German cars, the BMW 1 Series has plenty to offer:

Size and handling: Is it easy for new drivers?

The 1 Series is compact and easy to handle. The steering wheel is light and responsive, which makes it easy for new drivers to manage. Cornering is stable with low body lean, but grip is slightly lower than, for example, the Audi A3 or Mercedes A-Class.

Standard brakes can feel a bit uneven at low speeds, but the bigger ones in the M Sport Pro pack improve stopping.

Interior space and boot size: Is it practical?

The BMW 1 Series offers a well-thought-out cabin for a small premium hatch. Front passengers have plenty of space, and the rear seats in newer models offer more footroom than those in older ones, thanks to the smaller central tunnel. Headroom is rather tight for taller adults, and fitting three across the rear seat is cramped. But two adults or children will be comfortable.

Boot space varies by model: standard petrol mild hybrids offer 300 litres while the M135i has 380 litres. Fold the rear seats 40:20:40, and space grows to 1,135 litres in most models and 1,200 litres in the M135i.

Engine options and transmissions: What’s best for you?

In petrol models, the entry-level 1.5-litre three-cylinder delivers 138-170 bhp and returns around 47 mpg. The 2.0‑litre petrol offers 218 bhp, and the M135i tops the range with 302 bhp. Older diesel options included the 1.5‑litre 116d, 2.0‑litre 118d, and 120d.

Most models are front-wheel drive with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The M135i and 120d have eight-speed automatics and are all-wheel drive.

Safety rating and driver aids: How safe is it?

The BMW 1 Series has a strong safety record. The pre-facelift model scored a full five stars in Euro NCAP testing in 2019, and the 2024 facelift keeps the same basic structure.

Standard safety features on newer models include autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, and seatbelt reminders. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, parking assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Tech features

Every model comes with a 10.7-inch touchscreen and a 10.3-inch digital driver display. You can add extras like a wireless charging pad, keyless entry, and adaptive LED headlights. The M Sport model also adds 18-inch alloys, sports seats, and adaptive suspension.

Voice commands work well, and USB-C ports keep devices charged. The 2024 facelift removed the physical climate controls, so you now have to adjust temperature through the touchscreen, which takes a bit of getting used to.

Visibility

The windows are well-placed, so it’s easy to judge the edges of the car, and the steering wheel feels light and responsive when turning.

Rear visibility isn’t perfect because the tall pillars and the roofline block part of the view. However, the standard reversing camera helps a lot when parking. If you go for the 360-degree camera option, you get a full view around the car.

Total cost of ownership explained

A BMW 1 Series can fit a tighter budget if you know what to plan for.

Fuel economy, road tax, and day-to-day running costs

The 1 Series is fairly economical for a premium hatch, but this depends on the engine. The 1.5-litre petrol 118i does about 47 mpg, the 128ti around 41 mpg, and the M135i drops to 35 mpg. Older diesel models were a bit kinder on fuel: the 116d managed 61 mpg and the 118d did around 60 mpg.

Most models avoid the extra £425 luxury car tax, so the standard road tax is £195 a year.

Maintenance and repairs: Are BMWs expensive to service?

Diesel models may experience more issues, such as DPF warnings and engine faults. Petrol models are generally reliable, aside from occasional infotainment glitches.

Fixed-price servicing keeps maintenance costs predictable, and the three-year unlimited mileage warranty covers most minor repairs. Costs rise as the car gets older, especially on higher-performance engines like the M135i.

Resale value: What happens when you sell it later?

The BMW 1 Series holds its value fairly well. Used 118i models start at around £10,000, with 2020-2021 cars closer to £12,000 and 2022 models around £15,000. The M135i starts at about £19,000 used.

Insurance costs for young drivers

Young drivers can expect higher insurance costs on a 1-Series, especially in the first year. Models from 2019 onwards sit in groups 16 to 28, and older ones from 2011 to 2019 fall in groups 12 to 31. The sporty M Performance versions, like the M135i and M140i, rank much higher in groups 37 to 41.

For newer models, the 116d in group 16 is the cheapest to insure. The 120d xDrive in group 28 costs more but remains reasonable for a luxury hatchback with four-wheel drive. After a year of driving, you can expect to pay less for insurance as well.

Driving experience with a BMW 1 Series

With a BMW car, it’s hard not to enjoy just being behind the wheel.

Performance: Is it too powerful for a first car?

The slowest 118i reaches 0-60 mph in around 8.2 seconds. At the other end, the M135i is the fastest, doing 0-60 mph in about 4.9 seconds. Even so, it stays composed through corners and shows why it’s considered a true sport hatch.

City driving: Parking, visibility, and manoeuvring

The BMW 1 Series is easy to drive around town. The smaller engines, like the 118i, are well-suited to city speeds, and the automatic gearbox makes stop-start traffic effortless to manage.

Motorway driving: Comfort for long journeys

The 1 Series is comfortable on the motorway, too. The cabin stays quiet at higher speeds. Even the firmer sport models settle down nicely, and there’s only a hint of tyre noise. The 118i and 128ti feel relaxed on long trips. The M135i is much faster, but the extra performance doesn’t make it uncomfortable.

Common concerns raised by new owners

With older versions being rear-wheel drive, the 1 Series can handle differently from front-wheel-drive cars, and this takes some getting used to. In winter conditions, RWD is more prone to slipping, so keep your speed down and use winter tyres.

The interior is compact, and back-seat legroom and boot space feel tight, especially for taller passengers or longer trips. Some owners also report minor reliability issues with electronics and certain engine components. So, follow a maintenance schedule and pick a car with a strong service record to avoid trouble.

Finance options for first-time buyers

If you’re a first-time buyer, getting a BMW 1 Series usually means looking at finance rather than paying the full price up front.

• PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) – At the end of the contract, you can either pay a final sum to keep the car, trade it in, or hand it back. This helps with monthly budgeting, but the total cost over time can end up higher.
• HP (Hire Purchase) – With HP, you pay fixed monthly amounts until the car is yours. Payments are usually higher than PCP, but there’s no big final payment to worry about, which makes budgeting straightforward.

If you're not sure which route to take, Carplus can help by showing what each option looks like based on your individual circumstances, giving you a clearer view of what’s affordable and what fits your goals.

Other popular first cars

The BMW 1 Series sits at the premium end of the small car segment, but other vehicles have different strengths:

• VW Golf – Offers more interior space than the 1 Series and strong reliability, but feels less premium.
• Skoda Fabia – More affordable upfront and cheaper to run, though it lacks the sporty feel of the 1 Series.
• Ford Fiesta – Smaller and easier to handle in the city, but the interior and materials don’t feel as high-end.
• Audi A1 – Matches the 1 Series on premium feel but in a more compact package that’s easier to park.
• Fiat 500 – Very small and efficient, perfect for tight city streets, but nowhere near the driving dynamics of the 1 Series.

Final verdict: Should you buy a BMW 1 Series as your first car?

The BMW 1 Series is a good first car if you want something compact that still feels like a proper BMW.

Your best choice is a car like the standard SE, with a choice of petrol or diesel engines, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offers practical features, sensible power, and a manual gearbox option for those who prefer more control. You can expect the BMW experience without jumping straight into anything too extreme. For a first car, it’s more than enough to get you started.