Used BMW 1 Series For Sale

The BMW 1 Series of 2004-2019 stands alone in recent history - no other carmaker has built anything quite like it this century. There’s a lot to like about this baby BMW, which can be found on the used market in hatchback, coupe and convertible forms.

Every used BMW 1 Series for sale here at JJ Premium Cars is a fine example of the breed, having been carefully hand-picked by our knowledgeable team.

Plus, our BMW 1 Series used cars are inspected thoroughly by an experienced mechanic prior to going on sale - and have three-month warranties as standard for your peace of mind.

Additionally, all of our used cars in Peterborough are HPI and Experian checked, have a minimum of six months MOT and even come with a pair of smart new metal number plates.

To make the purchasing experience as straightforward and hassle-free as possible, we offer a selection of finance packages to suit your needs perfectly.

Contact us today to arrange a viewing and book a test drive at our Peterborough dealership. You can also view our range of other used BMW cars for sale. About BMW 1 Series Used Cars

As its name suggests, the 1 Series was the smallest car in the BMW lineup when it first emerged in 2004 - and it remains so to this day. Bookending the Munich-based car makers range along with the all-singing, all-dancing 7 Series, the 1 Series certainly had the weight of the world on its shoulders when it was first unveiled.

But in the years that followed it soon proved its worth, and has remained a permanent fixture in BMW’s now sprawling collection of models. It plays a pretty crucial role for the company, acting as a more affordable way into BMW ownership and going toe to toe with the almighty Volkswagen Golf and its sister car, the Audi A3.

Instead of producing a car which snugly fit into the hatchback mould like its rivals, BMW decided to reinvent it entirely with the first-gen 1 Series. Available initially just as a 5- door, it was (and remained) the only car in its class to put power to the rear wheels as opposed to the fronts. It looked very different to its contemporaries too, though it still had a distinctly BMW visage thanks to famed designer Chris Bangle.

Why was it so different to its rivals? BMW’s long-running slogan, ‘The Ultimate Driving Machine,’ provides the answer: the company has long been known for engineering rear-wheel-drive cars which are fun and engaging to drive, and stuck to what it knew best with the 1 Series. Front-wheel-drive is a more compact and space-efficient option, but rear-wheel-drive is pretty much always king when it comes to driving pleasure - and that was one of BMW’s top priorities with this car.

It certainly paid off: the 1 Series was a strong seller from the get-go, and its popularity soared to new heights in 2007 with the arrival of a three-door hatch, coupe and convertible variants. The first-generation car soldiered on until 2011 when it was replaced by a new model. Shortly afterwards, the coupe and convertible versions received the 2 Series model designation instead, simplifying the 1 Series range.

This version of the car bowed out in 2019, and was the final rear-wheel-drive model: the third-generation 1 Series has a much more conventional (but less entertaining) front-wheel-drive layout.

Why buy a used BMW 1 Series?

The 1 Series was a leap into the unknown for BMW - so why was it so successful?

• Great range of engines sizes

From fuel-sipping diesels to potent six-cylinder petrols, the 1 Series has a broad repertoire.

• Predictable and fun handling

With a finely-honed rear wheel-drive chassis and excellent weight distribution, the 1 Series is a joy to drive.

• Distinctive looks and upmarket image

It looks like no other hatchback but distinctly BMW - a good combination. It even comes as a convertible.

• Four body styles to choose from

With 3-door, 5-door, coupe and convertible models out there, you’re spoilt for choice as a second-hand buyer.

Different models of used BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series offers plenty of variety. Models like the 116i and 116d are smaller-capacity four-cylinder variants which prioritise fuel economy over outright pace.

Turning up the heat a little are sportier models like the 125i and 128i, which boost performance significantly but aren’t extortionate to run. Offering the most impressive performance are the 1 Series M Coupe, M135i and M140i variants - each of which boast over 320 twin-turbocharged horsepower.

In reality though, most buyers will be looking for something which offers a blend of both extremes, a happy medium. That’s why most of the 1 Series we stock are 120 or 118 variants, each of which delivers adequate performance and sensible running costs.

M Sport models aren’t any faster than the likes of SE or Sport trims, but they do look the part. Larger, more impressive alloy wheels and more aggressive bumpers give them an imposing appearance - but don’t impact fuel economy or running costs.

As mentioned above, the first-generation 1 Series is available in four body styles: 3- door, 5-door, coupe and convertible. There’s no right or wrong choice here - which is best will depend entirely on how you intend to use the car. If you have a family to ferry around, the 5-door will be your best bet without a doubt. But if you love the thrill of open-air motoring, the convertible will be the natural choice.

This car’s successor only came in 3-door or 5-door forms, though; if you want a 1 Series Coupe or Convertible that’s any newer than 2013, you’ll have to look at a 2 Series instead. If it’s a hatchback you’re interested in though, the second iteration of the 1 Series was much improved over its predecessor. Plenty more gadgetry found its way into the cabin, which itself was entirely redesigned and improved.

What should you look for when buying a used BMW 1 Series?

The 1 Series in all its many guises is a much-admired car with a generally favourable reputation when it comes to reliability and durability. Nevertheless, any used car needs to be carefully inspected to make sure it’s firing on all cylinders.

We take care of that all-important step for you here at JJ Premium Cars, subjecting each of our BMW 1 Series used cars to a 114-point mechanical inspection. Find out why BMWs are a good choice when buying a used car.

Buying With JJ Premium

Our Admin Fee covers the following, a 114 point mechanical check, a minimum 6 months MOT and Service, Full HPI & Experian provenance check, a new set of fitted metal number plates and electronic DVLA registration for your new vehicle. Retail customers pay £199. Retail customers arranging finance using brokers outside of our immediate panel of lenders pay £499.

Methods of payment - Debit and Credit card payments are accepted up to the value of £500. On balances over £500 we only accept bank transfers.

Our Admin Fee covers the following, a 114 point mechanical check, a minimum 6 months MOT and Service, Full HPI & Experian provenance check, a new set of fitted metal number plates and electronic DVLA registration for your new vehicle. Retail customers pay £199. Retail customers arranging finance using brokers outside of our immediate panel of lenders pay £499.

Methods of payment - Debit and Credit card payments are accepted up to the value of £500. On balances over £500 we only accept bank transfers.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the above vehicles information but errors may occur. Please check with a salesperson.

The representative finance examples shown above are for illustrative purposes only. Fees, rates and monthly payments may change subject to underwriting decision.

Representative APR 10.9%

*Fees are already accounted for within the payments displayed and are included within the total amount payable.

Finance is available to UK residents aged 18 years or older, subject to status. Terms & Conditions apply. Indemnities may be required. Other finance offers may be available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. We work with a number of carefully selected credit providers who may be able to offer you finance for your purchase, commission may be received. We are only able to offer finance products from these providers. Postal Address: JJ Premium Cars Ltd, Unit A-B, Wharf Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE2 9PS. Find contact details here.