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For Good feedback through the steering means the BMW 1 Series Coupe is fun to drive. Diesel versions are frugal and the driving position is spot-on

Against Not the sleekest of coupes and some of the petrol engines need to be worked surprisingly hard. M Sport models have a firm ride and some interior trim isn’t up to usual BMW standards.

BMW 1 Series Coupe
33 5stars

Enjoyable to drive, thanks to communicative steering. Diesel versions are impressively frugal and the larger engines have plenty of power. Residual values for the BMW 1 Series Coupe are solid and the driving position is spot-on

What Car? readers say

4.875

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The full BMW 1 Series review


There are 21 BMW 1 Series versions available

Coupe 118d ES 2dr £22,600
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Coupe 118d Exclusive Edition 2dr £23,100
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Coupe 120i ES 2dr £23,310
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Coupe 120i Exclusive Edition 2dr £23,810
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Coupe 118d SE 2dr £23,915
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Coupe 120d ES 2dr £24,145
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Coupe 120i SE 2dr £24,625
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Coupe 120d Exclusive Edition 2dr £24,645
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Coupe 120d SE 2dr £25,460
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Coupe 118d M Sport 2dr £25,600
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Coupe 118d Sport Plus Edition 2dr £26,100
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Coupe 120i M Sport 2dr £26,310
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Coupe 120i Sport Plus Edition 2dr £26,810
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Coupe 120d M Sport 2dr £27,145
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Coupe 120d Sport Plus Edition 2dr £27,645
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Coupe 125i M Sport 2dr £27,725
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Coupe 125i Sport Plus Edition 2dr £28,225
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Coupe 123d M Sport 2dr £28,830
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Coupe 123d Sport Plus Edition 2dr £29,330
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Coupe 135i M Sport 2dr £32,495
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Coupe 135i Sport Plus Edition 2dr £32,995
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The BMW 1 Series Coupe's engine range is more limited than the convertible’s, but none are short on power. You need to work the 125i’s six-cylinder unit surprisingly hard, however.

For us, the 120d gives the best balance between power and economy, although the appeal of the twin-turbo 123d version is obvious. Entry-level ES trim supplies all the basics, but stepping up to SE adds the kind of luxuries that premium badge coupe buyers expect. M Sport adds a fetching bodykit, but it also features firmer suspension settings that make the ride less forgiving.

Running costs for the diesels are low, thanks partly to BMW’s clever Efficient Dynamics measures, which help towards stunning fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

Petrol versions are cleaner and more frugal than many rivals too, but by any standards the 135i seems unnecessarily pricey.

BMW offers three- or five-year fixed price servicing packages that can be transferred to future owners.

Reader test team says:

BMW 1 Series Coupe 118d Sport 2dr

Bought my 118d coupe brand new from dealer in Aberdeen and managed to get about £1700 off the list price. Had it for 5 months and 6000 miles now so…

Alasdair Davis

4 out of 5 stars

BMW 1 Series Coupe 123d SE 2dr

best car I have owned to date. The engine is amazing it's so smooth and insulated from all noises. Acceleration is so even across the rev range.…

Kiran Naidu

5 out of 5 stars

BMW 1 Series Coupe 120d M Sport 2dr

I have had this car for a week now, and find no complaints whatsoever. Having traded from a Z4 2.0 Conv I was concerned I may find the excitement…

Rob Mitchell

5 out of 5 stars

BMW 1 Series Coupe 123d M Sport 2dr

The 123d is an amazing machine. The steering is accurate and well weighted, whilst the car as a whole has a very nimble and agile feel. The…

Graeme Briggs

5 out of 5 stars
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BMW 1 Series Coupe

Read the definitive BMW 1 Series Coupe review from the expert What Car? team. Check specs, prices and compare with similar cars.

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