Likes
- All the Euro image for not too much money
- 6-cylinder models offer great performance ad driving dynamics
- Interiors are shoeing good wear and tear
The BMW 1 Series, produced from 2004 to 2013, is a compact luxury car that was designed to provide a smaller and more affordable entry point into BMW’s lineup. It served as the successor to the BMW 3 Series Compact and offered a range of body styles including a three-door hatchback (E81/E82), a five-door hatchback (E87), and a two-door convertible (E88).
The 1 Series featured a sleek and sporty design, incorporating BMW’s signature kidney grille, distinctive headlights, and a low, aggressive stance. It offered a premium interior with high-quality materials and a driver-focused layout, ensuring a comfortable and engaging driving experience.
Three years after its launch, the 1 Series received several improvements. The 5-door hatchback underwent a facelift including revised headlights, redesigned front and rear bumpers, and a restyled interior. The hydraulic power steering was also replaced by electric power steering.
Under the bonnet, the 1 Series offered a variety of engine options, including petrol and diesel variants (see below for full details). The engine lineup ranged from small four-cylinder engines to powerful six-cylinder options. BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology was also incorporated to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
The 1 Series showcased BMW’s commitment to delivering a thrilling driving experience. It featured rear-wheel drive, which provided excellent handling dynamics and balanced weight distribution. Additionally, it offered precise steering and a well-tuned suspension, ensuring agile and responsive driving characteristics.
In terms of technology and features, the 1 Series offered a range of options, including advanced safety systems, infotainment systems, and connectivity features. Depending on the trim level and optional packages, buyers could enjoy amenities such as leather upholstery, navigation systems, premium sound systems, and automatic climate control.
Overall, the BMW 1 Series from 2004 to 2013 served as an entry point into BMW’s luxury and performance-oriented lineup, providing a compact and sporty driving experience combined with the brand’s distinctive design and high-quality craftsmanship.
Exterior:
Interior:
Mechanically:
Exterior:
Interior:
Mechanically:
Exterior:
Interior:
Mechanically:
Ok, it depends on your intentions and needs. If you’re on a really tight budget and want a BMW 1 series because for less than 10 or 15 thousand dollars you can have a “BMW”, no, you should not buy one of these.
The potential mechanical issues are extensive, especially on cheaper and lower-spec 4-cylinder 1 series and the cost to repair these issues can verge on the ridiculous.
For 10 or 15,000 dollars, there are so many more financially intelligent alternatives, like say a Mazda 3, ok it hasn’t got that European image but they still look great, they’re arguably more fun to drive than lower spec 1 series and when you’re on a budget, they’re just a smarter decision.
But, what about when it comes to any of the 6-cylinder 1 series. Well, that’s a different story.
As long as you’re aware that even the 6-cylinder variants aren’t without their gremlins, and if you’re genuinely financially, mentally, and emotionally prepared for what may be some very expensive repair bills, the 6 cylinders 1 series, especially the 135i, offers a hell of a driving experience. Plus with a few intelligent modifications, these things can be genuine giant killers.
So it’s a tentative yes. If you’re in the market, try to find the lowest mileage, most fastidiously cared for example, and it’s absolutely critical that it has a full and thorough service history, and make sure you have it inspected by a mechanic before you hand over your cash.
Ok, it depends on your intentions and needs. If you’re on a really tight budget and want a BMW 1 series because for less than 10 or 15 thousand dollars you can have a “BMW”, no, you should not buy one of these.
The potential mechanical issues are extensive, especially on cheaper and lower-spec 4-cylinder 1 series and the cost to repair these issues can verge on the ridiculous.
For 10 or 15,000 dollars, there are so many more financially intelligent alternatives, like say a Mazda 3, ok it hasn’t got that European image but they still look great, they’re arguably more fun to drive than lower spec 1 series and when you’re on a budget, they’re just a smarter decision.
But, what about when it comes to any of the 6-cylinder 1 series. Well, that’s a different story.
As long as you’re aware that even the 6-cylinder variants aren’t without their gremlins, and if you’re genuinely financially, mentally, and emotionally prepared for what may be some very expensive repair bills, the 6 cylinders 1 series, especially the 135i, offers a hell of a driving experience. Plus with a few intelligent modifications, these things can be genuine giant killers.
So it’s a tentative yes. If you’re in the market, try to find the lowest mileage, most fastidiously cared for example, and it’s absolutely critical that it has a full and thorough service history, and make sure you have it inspected by a mechanic before you hand over your cash.
Ok, it depends on your intentions and needs. If you’re on a really tight budget and want a BMW 1 series because for less than 10 or 15 thousand dollars you can have a “BMW”, no, you should not buy one of these.
The potential mechanical issues are extensive, especially on cheaper and lower-spec 4-cylinder 1 series and the cost to repair these issues can verge on the ridiculous.
For 10 or 15,000 dollars, there are so many more financially intelligent alternatives, like say a Mazda 3, ok it hasn’t got that European image but they still look great, they’re arguably more fun to drive than lower spec 1 series and when you’re on a budget, they’re just a smarter decision.
But, what about when it comes to any of the 6-cylinder 1 series. Well, that’s a different story.
As long as you’re aware that even the 6-cylinder variants aren’t without their gremlins, and if you’re genuinely financially, mentally, and emotionally prepared for what may be some very expensive repair bills, the 6 cylinders 1 series, especially the 135i, offers a hell of a driving experience. Plus with a few intelligent modifications, these things can be genuine giant killers.
So it’s a tentative yes. If you’re in the market, try to find the lowest mileage, most fastidiously cared for example, and it’s absolutely critical that it has a full and thorough service history, and make sure you have it inspected by a mechanic before you hand over your cash.
Body Styles
5 door Hatchback
2 door Coupe
2 door Convertible
Engines
2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (118i, 120i)
1.6 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (116i)
3.0 litre 6-cylinder aspirated petrol (130i Sport, 125i)
2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel (120d, 118d)
3.0 litre 6-cylinder twin turbo intercooled petrol (135i Sport, 135i)
2.0 litre 4-cylinder twin turbo intercooled diesel (123d)
3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo intercooled petrol (135i Sport, 135i, 135i M Sport)
Power
95kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (118i)
110kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (120i)
85kW – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (116i)
195kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder aspirated petrol (130i Sport)
115kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel (120d)
100kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (118i)
125kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel (120d)
115kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (120i)
160kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder aspirated petrol (125i)
225kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder twin turbo intercooled petrol (135i Sport, 135i)
105kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel (118d)
150kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder twin turbo intercooled diesel (123d)
225kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo intercooled petrol (135i Sport, 135i, 135i M Sport)
Torque
180Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (118i)
200Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (120i)
150Nm – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (116i)
315Nm – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder aspirated petrol (130i Sport)
330Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel (120d)
340Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel (120d)
270Nm – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder aspirated
Body Styles
5 door Hatchback
2 door Coupe
2 door Convertible
Engines
2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (118i, 120i)
1.6 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (116i)
3.0 litre 6-cylinder aspirated petrol (130i Sport, 125i)
2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel (120d, 118d)
3.0 litre 6-cylinder twin turbo intercooled petrol (135i Sport, 135i)
2.0 litre 4-cylinder twin turbo intercooled diesel (123d)
3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo intercooled petrol (135i Sport, 135i, 135i M Sport)
Power
95kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (118i)
110kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (120i)
85kW – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (116i)
195kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder aspirated petrol (130i Sport)
115kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel (120d)
100kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (118i)
125kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel (120d)
115kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (120i)
160kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder aspirated petrol (125i)
225kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder twin turbo intercooled petrol (135i Sport, 135i)
105kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel (118d)
150kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder twin turbo intercooled diesel (123d)
225kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo intercooled petrol (135i Sport, 135i, 135i M Sport)
Torque
180Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (118i)
200Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (120i)
150Nm – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (116i)
315Nm – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder aspirated petrol (130i Sport)
330Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel (120d)
340Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel (120d)
270Nm – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder aspirated petrol (125i)
400Nm – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder twin turbo intercooled petrol (135i Sport, 135i)
300Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel (118d)
340Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder twin turbo intercooled diesel (123d)
400Nm – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo intercooled petrol (135i Sport, 135i, 135i M Sport)
400Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder twin turbo intercooled diesel (123d)
Transmissions
5-speed Manual (118i, 116i)
6-speed Automatic (118i, 120i, 130i Sport, 125i, 135i, 120d)
6-speed Manual
6-speed Sports Automatic (120d, 135i Sport, 135i, 118d, 123d, 120i, 125i)
7-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (135i Sport, 135i, 135i M Sport)
Fuel Consumption
4.5 – 9.8L / 100km
Length
4227 – 4360mm (5 door Hatchback)
4360mm (2 door Coupe)
4360mm (2 door Convertible)
Width
1748 – 1751mm (5 door Hatchback)
1748mm (2 door Coupe)
1748mm (2 door Convertible)
Height
1421 – 1430mm (5 door Hatchback)
1408 – 1423mm (2 door Coupe)
1392 – 1411mm (2 door Convertible)
Wheelbase
2660mm (5 door Hatchback)
2660mm (2 door Coupe)
2660mm (2 door Convertible)
Kerb Weight
1215 – 1420kg (5 door Hatchback)
1405 – 1420kg (2 door Coupe)
1430 – 1610kg (2 door Convertible)
Towing
635kg – 740kg (unbraked), 1200kg (braked) – depending on variant
ANCAP Ratings
Not available
Body Styles
5 door Hatchback
2 door Coupe
2 door Convertible
Engines
2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (118i, 120i)
1.6 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (116i)
3.0 litre 6-cylinder aspirated petrol (130i Sport, 125i)
2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel (120d, 118d)
3.0 litre 6-cylinder twin turbo intercooled petrol (135i Sport, 135i)
2.0 litre 4-cylinder twin turbo intercooled diesel (123d)
3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo intercooled petrol (135i Sport, 135i, 135i M Sport)
Power
95kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (118i)
110kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (120i)
85kW – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (116i)
195kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder aspirated petrol (130i Sport)
115kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel (120d)
100kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (118i)
125kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel (120d)
115kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (120i)
160kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder aspirated petrol (125i)
225kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder twin turbo intercooled petrol (135i Sport, 135i)
105kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel (118d)
150kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder twin turbo intercooled diesel (123d)
225kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo intercooled petrol (135i Sport, 135i, 135i M Sport)
Torque
180Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (118i)
200Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (120i)
150Nm – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder aspirated petrol (116i)
315Nm – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder aspirated petrol (130i Sport)
330Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel (120d)
340Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel (120d)
270Nm – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder aspirated petrol (125i)
400Nm – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder twin turbo intercooled petrol (135i Sport, 135i)
300Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo intercooled diesel (118d)
340Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder twin turbo intercooled diesel (123d)
400Nm – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo intercooled petrol (135i Sport, 135i, 135i M Sport)
400Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder twin turbo intercooled diesel (123d)
Transmissions
5-speed Manual (118i, 116i)
6-speed Automatic (118i, 120i, 130i Sport, 125i, 135i, 120d)
6-speed Manual
6-speed Sports Automatic (120d, 135i Sport, 135i, 118d, 123d, 120i, 125i)
7-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (135i Sport, 135i, 135i M Sport)
Fuel Consumption
4.5 – 9.8L / 100km
Length
4227 – 4360mm (5 door Hatchback)
4360mm (2 door Coupe)
4360mm (2 door Convertible)
Width
1748 – 1751mm (5 door Hatchback)
1748mm (2 door Coupe)
1748mm (2 door Convertible)
Height
1421 – 1430mm (5 door Hatchback)
1408 – 1423mm (2 door Coupe)
1392 – 1411mm (2 door Convertible)
Wheelbase
2660mm (5 door Hatchback)
2660mm (2 door Coupe)
2660mm (2 door Convertible)
Kerb Weight
1215 – 1420kg (5 door Hatchback)
1405 – 1420kg (2 door Coupe)
1430 – 1610kg (2 door Convertible)
Towing
635kg – 740kg (unbraked), 1200kg (braked) – depending on variant
ANCAP Ratings
Not available
Warranty
2 or years / unlimited km – depending on variant
They’re all out of warranty anyway…
Have ultimate peace of mind when buying a used car by purchasing an official PPSR report.
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of October 29, 2021.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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