The 1 Series is BMW's compact car, and two very different generations share the used market. The F20 (2011-2019, plus the three-door F21) is rear-wheel drive: rare in this class and loved by people who enjoy driving, at the cost of a tight rear seat and boot. The F40 (since 2019) switches to front-wheel drive: roomier inside and a better fit for a small family.
The 116i and 118i petrol engines are enough for mixed use, while the 116d, 118d and 120d diesels are aimed at high-mileage drivers. Since the 2015 facelift, the 118i uses a three-cylinder engine. Manual and automatic cars are both easy to find.
What to check before buying
- A Car-Pass less than two months old, verified by QR code: mileage that adds up year after year.
- The Euro standard on the Car-Pass: a Euro 5 diesel is banned from the Brussels LEZ, which mainly affects early F20s.
- The cold engine: start it yourself and listen for unusual noises in the first few seconds.
- A documented service history with invoices, rather than an empty service book.
On the test drive, drive for at least 20 minutes, in town and on a fast road. If the seller refuses, walk away.