Item: Used BMW 1 Series Coupe 2008 - 2013
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

Coupe

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

1 SERIES

The BMW 1 Series coupe is good, but the 3 Series Coupe offers better value.

Used BMW 1 Series Coupe 2008 - 2013

Like other models in <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMW</a>'s range, the 1 Series uses engine stop-start technology to boost fuel economy. The 118d delivers an impressive average of 62.8mpg, and even the 120d does 60.1mpg. The 123d comes in at 55.4mpg.

The petrol engines aren't that thirsty, either. The 120i does an average of 42.8mpg, while the 125i does 34.4mpg and the 135i 33.1mpg.

Road tax costs are kept down, thanks to low CO2 emissions. The 118d is the cheapest producing just 119g/km of CO2, while the 120d comes in at 125g/km.

The 1 Series Coupe's sporty nature means it is more expensive to insure than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/1-series/hatchback/review/n26">1 Series hatchback</a>. The petrol models sit between insurance groups 26 and 34, but the diesels are slightly lower, between groups 23 and 32.

Servicing costs are significantly higher than those of 1 Series hatchback, and more akin to those of the 3 Series Coupe ('05-).

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

The BMW 1 Series coupe is good, but the 3 Series Coupe offers better value.

The 1 Series Coupe's range of engines pretty much follows that of the 1 Series hatchback. The emphasis is on performance, but that doesn't mean big fuel bills.

The majority of 1 Series Coupes are diesel powered, with the 174bhp 120d the most popular. It's fast, but efficient, and our overall favourite. If you want more mpg, the 141bhp 118d should fit the bill. The range-topping 123d is the closest thing to a hot diesel, with its twin-turbo 2.0-litre producing 201bhp. Petrol models start with the 168bhp 120i, while the 125i comes with 215bhp and the 135i 302bhp.

Every car gets six airbags, stability control, electric windows, air-conditioning and alloys. Sport trim adds 17-inch alloys, sports seats and front foglamps, while the SE versions get climate control and rear parking sensors. M Sport models have a bodykit, larger alloys and lowered suspension.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Strong performance</li> <li>Good balance between ride and handling</li> <li>Excellent build quality</li> <li>Decent practicality</li> <li>Sophisticated interior</li></ul>

Coupés are all about style, but while practicality undoubtedly takes a back seat to aesthetics, these cars still need to be easy to live with on a daily basis. It’s this that distinguishes a coupé from an out-and-out sports car.

Fortunately, there’s a wide range of style-focused models available, and you don’t even need to spend silly money to buy or run one.

For a blend of&nbsp;rock-solid resale values, punchy engines and an interior to die for,&nbsp;the Audi TT is a brilliant option. But the Mercedes CLA offers plenty of style and substance to match, while the Aston Martin DB11 will give you serious performance.

The BMW 1 Series Coupe is proving durable, with few complaints from owners.

However, cabin trim problems and rattles can be an issue, with dealers sometimes struggling to fix them. A high rate of tyre wear can also frustrate, with rear tyres sometimes lasting for fewer than 15,000 miles.

The Bluetooth system can also fail, and MP3 integration can play up, too.

When looking at ex-fleet and lease vehicles, make sure the service history is present and that any work has been carried out on time.

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

The problem with many coupes is that they're expensive and impractical. However, the BMW 1 Series Coupe manages to be both sensible and stylish.

Unlike some rivals, its rear-wheel drive, delivering taut handling and good body control. Despite its sporty nature, the ride remains comfortable on all but the roughest of roads. The engines are refined, but the cabin isn't the quietest, with road- and wind noise both issues at higher speeds.

Inside, you get clearly marked instruments and a quality feel. There's plenty of room in the front and the driving position is excellent. It's a different story in the back, though, where the rear two seats are cramped, even for children. But the boot is big for a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/coupe">coupe</a>'s.

The 1 Series Coupe's biggest problem is that the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/coupe/used-review/n256">BMW 3 Series Coupe</a>, which does everything better and needn't cost much more to buy.

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

Used BMW 1 Series Coupe 2008 - 2013 review

Every 2021 Electric and Hybrid Car Awards winner

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used BMW 1 Series coupe?