BMW 1 Series
2024 · 1.5 118i SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)
52,241 miPetrolAutomatic
£15,800from £196/mo
View Car
A BMW 1 SERIES used for the daily drive can be an appealing buy, but its value depends on more than the price in the advert. If you travel from Hornchurch to Upminster station, head into Romford for shopping or join the A127 from Brentwood, the right 1 Series needs to suit your route and your running-cost budget. Here is how to judge one against the other used cars on your shortlist.
The 1 Series offers a compact footprint with a premium-feeling cabin, making it worth considering if you want something easy to live with around Elm Park or Gidea Park without moving up to a larger BMW 3 Series. Buying used also gives you a choice of ages, engines and equipment levels, rather than tying you to the specification of a new car you may not need.
That choice is where the value lies. A car with useful equipment and a documented service history may be a better purchase than a cheaper example that needs tyres, servicing and other work soon after collection. At London Motor Company, we suggest comparing the total cost of cars that fit your routine, not simply picking the lowest monthly payment.
A key difference is the change in layout: 1 Series models introduced in 2019 switched from the previous generation’s rear-wheel-drive layout to front-wheel drive. If you have heard enthusiasts praise the way an older 1 Series drives, bear in mind that it may feel quite different from a newer one. Try the car you intend to buy rather than relying on a review of another generation.
For a household in Cranham or Hutton, the practical test may matter more than the layout. Check rear-seat access, fit your usual shopping bags in the boot and see whether the driving position works for everyone who will use the car. If you regularly collect passengers from Shenfield or Upminster station, test the rear seats with adults aboard.
Think about where the miles happen. If most trips are short journeys through Hornchurch and Romford, compare petrol versions first and ask whether a diesel suits your mileage and driving pattern. If you frequently travel along the A12 or A127, an efficient motorway cruiser may deserve a place on the shortlist. Fuel economy figures are useful for comparison, but your traffic, journey length and driving style will affect the result.
Transmission matters too. On a test drive, check that a manual gearbox feels comfortable in stop-start traffic, or that an automatic responds smoothly at the speeds you actually use. The best-value specification is the one you will enjoy driving on an ordinary Tuesday, not only during a brief run on an open road.
Havering is within London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, so ULEZ compliance is a practical question for buyers in Upminster, Rainham and Harold Wood. Do not assume every petrol or diesel BMW 1 Series is compliant because of its age or badge. Check the exact registration using Transport for London’s vehicle checker before committing. A compliant car can spare you the daily ULEZ charge, but it does not remove other motoring costs.
Get insurance quotes for the specific registration as well. Quotes can vary substantially with the driver, address, engine and trim; the model that looks like a bargain in an advert may not be the cheapest to own. Check the vehicle’s current tax rate with DVLA, too. Vehicle Excise Duty rules vary by registration date and vehicle details, so use the car’s record rather than a general estimate.
Finally, check the MOT history on GOV.UK. Most cars need an MOT each year once they are three years old. Look at advisories as well as pass results, and ask whether noted items have since been addressed. An MOT pass is not a substitute for examining the car’s condition today.
The 1 Series makes most sense when you compare it with cars serving the same purpose. If you value a premium cabin, an Audi A3 or Mercedes-Benz A-Class may be natural alternatives. If space, equipment or a lower overall budget matters more, compare examples of the Volkswagen Golf, Hyundai i30 or Kia Ceed where available. LMC Cars carries a broad selection of used BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai and Kia vehicles, though individual models and prices change with stock.
Use the same checklist for each car:
If you use finance, compare the total amount payable as well as the deposit and monthly instalment. Finance rates and terms differ, and a longer agreement can make a payment look more manageable while increasing the overall cost. Leave room in your budget for maintenance and insurance rather than spending every available pound on the purchase.
A test drive should answer questions your usual route raises. Would the car be comfortable joining the M25 at junction 29? Is it easy to place on narrower residential streets in Emerson Park? Can you park it confidently for a trip to Lakeside? You need not recreate every journey, but try low-speed manoeuvres and a faster road where practical, and listen for anything you want explained.
Before deciding, ask to see the service history and confirm what is included in the sale. Check that the controls, lights, air conditioning and any advertised features work. If two cars seem equally appealing, the one with clearer records and fewer immediate expenses may offer better value, even if its sticker price is higher.
A used BMW 1 Series can be great value when its generation, condition and running costs fit your life in Havering or the Brentwood area. Browse the current selection at London Motor Company, White Post Farm, Ockendon Road, Upminster, then arrange a viewing. Bring your shortlist, check ULEZ and insurance for each registration, and take the time to choose the car that works beyond the forecourt.
Browse our full range of quality used cars, or talk to our friendly team.
